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.

Gift, and Gift Wrap Ideas

Today I leave for Nashville to meet up with some of my family at my grandma's house. Part of the reason I'm going is to take some basic sewing lessons from my mom and grandma, who are both master seamstresses. Here's my mom and me...she made my wedding dress, and I still absolutely love it (and her). Anyway, since she's sharing one of her hobbies with me, I thought I'd give her a little gift and share one of mine with her. She's pretty crafty too, although she has yet to have fun with clear stamps. Each of these little stamp packs, as well as the ink pad and clear block can be found in the dollar section at Michael's. My mom is a busy woman...elementary teacher, (pastor's) wife, mom, grandma, and friend, so I thought I'd start her off small. They have a large variety of dollar stamps, and inks, and they make a really fun little gift for any girl or woman in your life.

I thought these were cute for her because she bakes a lot.This is my gift wrap. I love creating pretty gift wrap.

Speaking of pretty gift wrap, it's very easy to do. Next up is a little birthday gifty gift for my SIL, who will also be in TN. I'll reveal the present after I give it to her (because unlike my mom-who hates dealing with computers, Laura actually reads my blog).

See? Easy. Especially with a little bit of pretty paper, and stamps!

When I started this blog I decided that I wouldn't be the woman always apologizing for her bad pictures. I mean, I make no claim of great photography talent. But I'm going to take it back. Right now, while I'm waiting for Panasonic to send me a new camera to replace the one that went kaput, I'm using my phone. And on top of that, I decided not to wait until morning when the lighting in our apartment will be better. However, I won't apologize for being too excited to wait to share.

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