Nice To Have: Stamping

The following list is the tools that are not essential, but sure do make stamping that much simpler.  Once again these are my personal opinions, and I agree that there are other ways or items you can use, but these are the ones that I found work best for me. (I do not get paid, or associated with any of the manufactures, or stores listed.)  

The M.I.S.T.I   (Most Incredible Stamping Tool Invented)

I debated putting this on my essential list because I use this whenever I am making cards.  I discovered this tool a few years ago and I will not go back to not having it.  Fare warning it is a little bit pricey, this is an investment tool, I know why people are hesitant but the time and mistakes it prevents are worth every penny.  It's perfect for sentiments (can we say straight), background stamps are a breeze (no more internal mantra "please work, please work, please work"), and multiple cards of the same or similar type are no longer a chore (what you want 50 no problem). Once you see this tool at work, and you use it to fix a stamping that was not complete you will say "they were so right".  For card makers I really do recommend the original.  There is a mini but unless you are never going to do anything except for 4 1/4 by 5 1/2 cards ... 

 My Sweet Petunia, Amazon, Your Local Stamp Store  

The great thing about this tool is that you can place a stamp once, and as long as you remember where the paper goes you will always stamp in the same position.

Now there are other stamp position tools out there, and I have tried many of them, but this is the one that I never have issues with.  I have even watched several videos on how to make your own.  The one thing that none of the others that I have seen have been able to manage is to put the metal in the base so you can use the magnets. Now I will admit I have made the DVD case one and I like that when I'm going someplace where I have to wait to get some stamping done, but it is not big enough for me to use over the MISTI.  

(Okay I will get off my soap box now. I can't help that I love it. I even have a padded case for it, use only the recommended cleaner, and have all the templates.) 

Stamp Inventory

I am planning to have a whole post on organizing, but one thing that I love is having an inventory binder of all my stamped images. This helps to eliminate buying duplicates, is great to page through when you need some inspiration, and helps when planning your cards.  Nothing like cutting a bunch of pieces and finding out that your sentiment does fit (not that I have done that more than a few times).  Some people like to have this on paper, some like this electronic, some just like lists, some like images. There are lots of videos discussing the different ways to make these.  It is all personal preference. I suggest watching and seeing what you think might work best for you. 

For me I like to have the images, electronically, and accessible via my computer and an app on my phone.  

Crafty Ramblings: The paper crafting community

Hello Everyone! 

So it’s been a few weeks since my last post; that was because I went to the local stamp/scrapbook show.  So of course I then had to play with all my new goodies, I think/hope most of you will understand.  That show is the inspiration for this post.

If you read my about me post you know that paper crafting was not my first crafting hobby.  I think the one reason why I got deeper into it, and have stuck with it so long is the community. When I first started I was pretty much on my own, and so my growth was limited, but then with the discovery of my local store, classes and the wealth of knowledge on the internet my love and knowledge grew.

The community is one I have not seen before, we are willing to share ideas, tips, knowledge, inspiration and our love.  It’s funny I walk into a show now and I am rarely in the front door when someone I know is flagging me down to say Hi, and give me a hug. This could be a vendor, one of the many teachers, a fellow classmate at some time, or just someone I have run into at the show time and time again and had conversations with at some stall.  This community is one that shares, I don’t know how many classes I have been in and shared my supplies or someone else has shared theirs.  There is even the concept of C.A.S.E’ng a card or project.  C.A.S.E stands for copy and steal everything, it’s where you see a card you just love of someone else’s and recreate it. It is quite an honor to have that done.  How many communities are willing to let you do that? 

Yes, there are copyright, patent’s and angel policy’s you need to follow. For any stamp or items, you acquire you should look up the policy the vendor has, and follow it.  For the most part it is simple, give them credit for the products that you use, don’t claim their art work or designs as your own, and don’t mass produce with machines and turn around and sell the products. Check out your vendors for their exact policy especially if you are thinking of selling your works.

I go the shows not only for the classes if available, and the products but for the tips and ideas I get from the people there.  The vendors typically have make and takes where you can try out some of their products, or are demoing a product of theirs. In addition, there is the knowledge of our fellow paper crafters. I don’t know how many times I have picked up a product and someone may lean over and provide an example of how else I can use it, or where else I can get it.   

A friend of mine calls card making her therapy. She is so true. I know that I am happier and feel more in balance if I am able to be creative. My vacations for shows or classes are not a nice to have anymore, but mandatory for me to recharge my batteries.  There are studies that show people that do some sort of creative hobby are better workers. The study looked at work performance results of people that have a creative hobby and those that do not.  There is up to 30% better work performance for the people that have a creative hobby.

So to my fellow paper crafters out there Thank you and Hugs!  Please keep sharing and so will I. 

The Essentials: Stamping

Hello Everyone.  I’m back with another essentials article.  Today we will focus on the tools or items that I think you cannot stamp without.  Again these are just my personal opinion.  If you read my Essentials: Card Making post you know I included some inks and stamp blocks there, but this will go more in depth and focus on just stamping.

First lets’ set the scene for you to stamp…

Good Table

A good sturdy table makes all the difference when your stamping, especially if using larger stamps like background stamps.  You want one that does not give when you press down on it.  Now if that is all you have available to you (yes this does happen) try to always do your stamping over the table legs. This is where the table is the strongest. 

Foam Pad

Yes, I know I just said you want a table with no give. However, stamps do need a little bit of cushion sometimes, but not much.  If I am having trouble stamping an image, I pull out a piece of 2mm fun foam to do my stamping on.  This usually does the trick. The foam is dense enough that it doesn’t squish unevenly, but gives just that little bit of give to allow the stamp to squish into paper. Check your local kids craft supply area for the sheets. 

 

Car Chamois

Before you decide to quite reading hear me out.  A chamois is the best stamp cleaning cloth out there.  It does not leave fibers behind on your stamp and holds just the right amount of water to not make a pooled mess.  I discovered this on Jennifer McGuire’s blog (a great resource by the way).  After I saw her use it on one of her video’s I went to my local discount store and bought one designed for cars, and cut it up into about 14 pieces. I use a little seal able plastic container to keep 2 or 3 moist at once, and when it is all black (as that is what I tend to stamp in most) I take it to the sink and wash it out.  It does stain, but once washed I have had no transfer to stamps. So get with your friends and share. In this case a little goes a long way.

 

Micro Fiber Cloths

To dry my stamps or just clean up my work space I love microfiber cloths.  They pick up ink, sprays, glitter, and pretty much anything else I through at them.  When it’s laundry day I just throw them in the washer with my other towels, and I good for my next adventure. These can be bought at a grocery store or your local discount store.  

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Now on to the fun…

Scrap Paper

Use paper from your computer that you only printed on one side of, go to your favorite store and buy a ream of cheap copy paper. Practice first, especially if it is a new stamp. You need to see if there is spot that doesn’t stamp well without more pressure, you might find that there is still some of the manufacturing residue on the stamp, it might be mounted crooked. You might have mounted it on your stamp block upside down (not that I have not done that 1, 2, 100 times before). 

Post it Notes or Post it tape

Ever see those images where it looks like one object is behind or in front of another (think an animal in front of a tree)? You do this by masking off the image you want to have in front.  Post it Notes or Post it tape are great for this, as they are very thin, so you will not impact the stamps, and that removable glue allows you not to ruin your project.   You can also use this technique to put that party hat on your favorite animal.

Stamps of your choice

Every card maker has their own favorite stamps.  Some only use wood mounted, some the Red or Gray rubber, others only the clear acrylic. Some card makers like to stick with one or two brands.  The bottom line is it depends on what you like.  Many stamp companies attract based on the images, others based on quality, and sometimes it’s just so cute you have to have it.

Colored Inks

Here again it’s a personal preference. I will not say there is any you must have.  I admit unless I am stamping flowers or trees, I use black for most of my stamping.  There are occasions where I use colors for my sentiment only about 2% of the time, but 95% of the time it’s black, and 3% white ink as I am putting it on dark color paper. I also like to color images in.  So you really have to understand what type of images you plan to use.  If I am going to stamp with a colored ink I tend to use pigment ink pads. 

Coloring mediums

Once again this all depends on what you like and how you want your image to look.  It’s your choice! You can use markers, colored pencils, watercolor paints or powders, paint, ink pads with a blending stick. The only thing I will say is do your research before you buy. There are so many great artists and paper crafters out there that are willing to share tips, techniques, and in some cases teach. So check out YouTube, do an internet search, check out your local craft store or, if you are lucky, local convention.  The other thing I will say is take a class if you can. I have had the great opportunity over the years to take classes in several different mediums, without have to make a large investment in product. It paid off, let’s just say color pencils and most water coloring is not for me.

To fix the mistakes …

White gel pen

Sometimes that little dot of ink lands someplace you don’t want it to.  Other times, your more solid areas didn’t quite get every spot. A white gel pen comes to the rescue.  If it’s just a small dot of out of place ink a white gel pen can be used to cover (that is assuming your using white paper as your background) If there was that solid section of a stamp that didn’t quite stamp evenly use your white gel pen to draw a design and no one will ever know.

  JoAnn's, Amazon, Simon Says Stamp

Tombow MONO Sand Eraser

This is a special eraser that will actually sand off the fibers in your paper, eliminating the unwanted ink.  Unless your recipient is touching every spot of your card with super sensitive fingers, or looking at it with a magnifying glass they will never know.  Just remember use a light hand, you can always sand a bit more, but you can’t add back on. 

 JoAnn's, Amazon, Simon Says Stamp