Oh well let me think... :)
I have way too many stamp sets (between 15-20), but I make cards instead of buying them and it is my favorite creative outlet so it is worth it to me to have them. Depending on what you are planning to use the stamps for (scrapbooking vs. cards) will determine what stamps to start out with. For a long time I didn't have "word" stamps so it was a little frustrating making birthday cards without a stamp that said "Happy Birthday", KWIM? If you are going to be doing a lot of scrapbooking I would probably recommend getting at least one set of Alphabet letters and numbers.
As far as colors go, I have a few basics in ink pads--black, red, green, white, gold and brown (I think). Then I have a set of markers in the Bold Brights, a set of Stampin' Spots (the little tiny ink pads that come in set of 12) in Rich Regals, and I have the Stampin' Pastels (the chalks). To blend the pastels I have the blending brushes, and these can also be used directly on the pastels to do a sort of watercolor effect.
I also have the airbrush to use with the markers and while it isn't a *must have* when getting started, it adds a nice touch to some things and I really enjoy having it.
I have the Stampin' Wheel and 3 or 4 wheels and black, red, green, and blue cartridges (I used these for x-mas so that explains the colors). These are great for making custom tissue paper for gifts.
One thing I thought was absolutely ridiculous, until I tried them, were the scissors they sell. I am now a convert and would HIGHLY recommend them. They make cutting out the stamps soooo much easier. I always cut my moms for her too because she can't see the small things very well so I just do them all and these scissors have saved my hands and time.
My mom has the envelope template which is great--I just use regular white card stock to make the envelopes and it saves me money and I can always find an envelope the right size for my cards.
The card stock they sell is thicker than what I can find in the craft stores, but I only have 3 colors because it is a little bit more expensive. However, I plan to get more since they match the ink and marker colors.
I also have the Stampin' Scrub for cleaning the stamps, as well as the cleaning solution. I don't think the solution is absolutely necessary--my demonstator actually just uses water, but for those stubborn stamps I think it is worth having.
My absolute favorite product is called Versamark. It looks clear, but it leaves a watermark or tone-on-tone stamp. So if you are stamping an apple on red paper, it will be a little bit darker red than the paper. It is so great for backgrounds or subtle designs.
If you want to see some of the cards I have made (I'm sure yours will blow mine away) I would be happy to email some pictures. I use the catalog to get ideas of what to do if I am stumped or not feeling the creative love.
See, I told you I should have been a demonstrator. :)
Angela
EDD 10/15/04
A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on. ~Carl Sandburg