Stamping Basics

At the beginning of the year I introduced myself to clear stamps; I've been having so much fun with them, that I thought I'd share the basics with any of you who may not have used them.

First things first, you need to have a clear stamping block.

They come in different sizes for different sized stamps.

You also need ink.
These are my favorites right now.
I use the Walnut Stain (brown) the most often.
The smaller ones are only a dollar at Michaels.

Most clear stamps come in a package with several stamps,
and cost about $10.00.
Like this...

There are also rubber stamps made to go with acrylic blocks.
This one is a favorite right now...
You just peel the stamps off the plastic,
and they adhere (and come off) easily.

The clear block makes it very easy to see exactly where you're placing the stamp.
(Unlike rubber stamps with wooden blocks.)

It's also very easy to line letters up.

You have to be careful about pressing too hard though.
On the card on the left, you can tell I pressed too hard.
The one on the right is better, but maybe I didn't press quite hard enough.

Here are some samples of cards I've made recently.

I know other people make much fancier cards, and I do think they're pretty.
However, I like simple; I mostly use paper and stamps,
and I think they're lovely.

Like the teeny tiny star brads? $.50 in Jo-Ann's clearance aisle.

Don't you want to try them? There's so much you can do! If you don't want to commit to a larger pack, or ink pad...you can get small blocks, small stamp packs, and small ink pads for a dollar each at Michael's and Jo-Ann's (and probably Hobby Lobby). You won't regret it.