Wendy's Corner
"Super Crush on Stamping"
Do you stamp?
Do you think stamps are limited to cards?
Are you scared to stamp on your layouts/projects?
Have you ever tried combining the two?
I find it very hard to create a layout or project without my stamps. Actually, this has become part of my style and brand on my blog,
ScrapNspire.
Stamping is so fun, and it has
endless possibilities. If you have never tried stamping, I surely hope you will after reading this blog post and seeing all the :-)
Even if you believe you haven't an artistic bone in your body, you can
unleash your inner creativity by adding the special touch of stamping to your projects.
So, you're not a millionaire and can't purchase 5,000, 500, or even 50 stamps to start with? Start with a few stamps that will multitask for you. This is actually the mindset I use when purchasing stamps. There are
TONS of stamping brands that are my favs. In having quite a bit of stamping experience, I've learned the brands that stamp better than others.
{I will withhold those brands..shhhh..but I know a great quality stamp just by looking at it.} However,
thankfully, Memory Works carries some of the
best brands out there on the market :-)
Just a few pointers to consider before considering your next stamp purchase...
1) What is your style? Before you spend any money, though, determine what your style is. Will you prefer fine-art stamps, with many lines for detailed coloring? Or would you prefer a simpler graphic line-art style that you can splash a bit of watercolor on? Do some window shopping online and check out perhaps your local scrapbook store --without your wallet -- and ask for a demo with one style of stamp, stamping brand, and then another.
2)
Chat up stamping with your friends - Try to meet people who already have stamps in their stash who will let you work with theirs to see if you like a particular type of stamp over another. How about a Friday night stamp night with your friends to bring your stamps and play with different brands, inks, and techniques.
3)
Jump the fear hurdle - Some people are hesitant to stamp on their layouts because they fear that after working so hard on a layout, they will stamp something and it will be misaligned, they will not like the ink color, or they will not get a clear image, or maybe they have just never stamped before and do not know where to start. One way to remove some of that hesitation is to stamp on scrap paper first. Practice. I do that a lot.
Then, once you have a good idea what style you prefer, aim for these stamps first:
1) Background stamps
Solid background stamps, either plain or shadow stamps, in basic medium to large geometric shapes will stead you well, no matter what your artistic preference. These stamps make excellent background papers or backgrounds for stamps. When you have coordinated sets of stamp images, like leaves, stamping them all with each on its own background stamp can have the same affect as cutting and mounting the stamped images--without all the cutting and taping or gluing.
2)
Floral stamps
Stamps of flowers and leaves may be used in all seasons if the correct design is selected. You only need to change the color and arrangement.
One 3x5 sheet of clear acrylic stamps.
3)
Alphabet or Favorite Phrase stamps
With a plain alphabet set you can spell out virtually anything for your hand-stamped projects, with the added versatility of being able to align the letters in any way. Try a spiral message or border an image with a message. For even quicker projects, the phrases "thank you" and "thinking of you" may prove to be your most frequently used stamps!
Create incredible deep debossed borders, fun patterns, and add texture like never before with the new line of Chip Art Ornamental Stamps. They take the flat out of flattening and add depth to your crafting projects.
Did you know these are not only engravable but also stamps!!?
I can't wait to demo this awesome set in an upcoming video tutorial (see note at bottom of this blog post).
4)
Favorite Theme
Do your creations have a recurring theme? First, buy stamps that work with your recurring theme. If most of your projects are Travel projects, look for some versatile Travel stamps in your preferred art style first. If you use a lot of heart images in your projects, get heart stamps first. Getting sets of themed stamps will help keep the style consistent, but there may be times when you want to mix styles (such as all hearts, but some fine art, some graphic, etc.), so do not limit yourself to buying sets only. If you end up with stamps from sets you won't ever use, you can easily find someone to swap with you. Always keep an eye out for stamps that may work in many projects.
One 5x7 sheet of high quality coordinating acrylic stamps.
One sheet of coordinating high quality clear stamps.
One 4x8 sheet of high quality coordinating acrylic stamps.
One 4x4 sheet of high quality coordinating acrylic stamps.
Must-Haves
Four clear blocks; sizes 1", 2", 3", and 6 1/2 x 2".
Includes grid lines for easy placement.
Pigment Ink stamp pads are stackable, transparent, and provide high-quality ink inside the case lid for easy transfer.
Also, available in Chestnut, Gold, Silver, Copper, White.
5 Pack Stamp Markers include two versatile tip sizes, perfect for covering large areas as well as jobs that require precision detail.
**Note: I will be starting a new video series coming soon {a little birdie has word this month} here on the Memory Works blog that will demo LOTS of new ideas, use of tools & product, cool techniques, etc. including how to use the stamping techniques, brands, and inks ;-) So, stay tuned because I can't waittttt to show you how to use all these cool products!! :)
xo & happy scrapping!
