Stamping Tips & Tricks

Hi stampers!  Here is a list you may find handy if you're a new stamper...or even if you're not!  These are some of my favorite tips and tricks for stamping!

1.  Adhesive - Find the adhesive that works best for YOU!  Personally I prefer the tombow liquid multi glue (in the green and white bottle).  While it CAN be a little messy it's worth it!  It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of it but it's the best adhesive I've found because:

It STICKS!  Once it's down it's down!  You don't have to worry about any of your layers lifting or coming un-done

It gives you some wiggle room....I'm terrible at getting layers straight and with the liquid glue you have a couple of seconds to "adjust" your layers and make sure they are straight.  Once you stick it down it will slide a little bit and you can wiggle it to get perfect placement.

A little goes a LONG way.  It's by far the most cost effective adhesive I've found.  I stamp a LOT and a bottle lasts me a long time!  You just need a little and you're good to go!

I'll be adding more as I have time :-)

2.  Have a stamp that doesn't ink up well?  Has a "bald" spot on it or is a large stamp and have trouble inking it well or evenly?

Try turning your stamp "upside down" with the rubber side UP and take your ink pad to the stamp.  You have more control that way and can see where you may need to add a little more ink.  You can also bring the paper to the stamp and carefully lay it down then cover with a scratch paper if needed and carefully and gently rub your hands or a brayer over the paper.  This helps large stamps stamp better!

Also, as far as inking stamps with our new FIRM FOAM pads a light touch is key!  I couple of light taps with little to no pressure should be all that's needed with these pads.  No smushing!!!!!!! :-)

3.  Have a hard time knowing how big to cut paper for your stamped image?

One of my favorite tips is to measure the block the stamp is on (doesn't work as well if you have a clear mount or clear stamp on a clear block that's way too big so try to match your stamp size to your block size) and cut your paper to that size!