26
scrapbook&cardstoday
•
summer 2014
One of the best product additions to come to
the stamping industry has been coordinating
stamp and die sets. If you're not a fan of
fussing cutting, these duos are perfect for
you
!
Simply die cut a shape and stamp itwith
the coordinating image for an exact and easy
match.
Kimber created her title using uppercase letter
stamps and coordinating dies, then positioned
it on an oversized speech bubble. She paired it
with a stamped and die cutmap of theUnited
States, creating awell-suited embellishment for
her travel-themed page.
Are you ready to stamp on your next layout?
Give all of these tips and tricks a try andyou'll
be a pro in no time.
stamp&die
combinations
awaywego
BYKIMBERMCGRAY
supplies
CARDSTOCK,
Bazzill Basics;
PATTERNEDPAPER, DIE
CUTS, SHAPE STICKERS,WOODVENEER, BUTTONS,
Jillibean
Soup;
STAMPS, DIES,
Lawn Fawn;
INK,
Stampin' Up!;
TWINE,
MayArts;
ADHESIVE,
ScrapbookAdhesives by 3L®, Xyron
the 3 t’s
stamping tips
fromkimber
Your ink choicemakes all the difference.
Dye-based inks are all-purpose and
workwell withmost porous surfaces such as paper and fabric. Pigment inks
are glycerin-based and need time to dry. You can speed up that process by
heat setting or powder embossing the image. Embossing ink is also pigment-
based, but it's clear. Chalk ink is likewise pigment-based, but dries fast to a
matte, powder-like finish. For smooth, shiny surfaces, solvent-based ink, such as
Staz-on, is a good choice as it does not pool, dries quickly, and is permanent.
Condition your stamps.
Most new stamps need conditioning, especiallyones
with a large, uninterrupted surface. Rub a smooth eraser over your new stamps
to give the surface some “tooth.” Thiswill help prevent dye-based inks from
pooling andwill give you crisper, clearer stamped images.
Inking up.
For even, quality stamped images, your best option is to use a
brayer to ink your stamps, especially large ones. If you ink your stamps
directlyon an ink pad, hold the stamp level to the pad and tap firmly.
Stamping straight down and straight up.
Seems simple enough, but even the
most seasoned stampers get halos around their images from pressing too hard
or rocking the stamp. Practice on a scrap of paper until you get a good feel
for the straight down/straight upmotion.
Cusion is key
. Before you stamp, place a squishy surface, such as a piece of
craft foamor amouse pad, beneath your paper. The added cushionmakes
for amuch cleaner and complete stamped impression.
Cleaning your stamps.
Your stampswillmake better images and last longer if
you keep them clean. Use a conditioning cleanermade specifically for stamps.
