view entry | permalink
by Amy Wells
The popularity of rubber stamps for crafting use has exploded over the last decade. Rubber stamps are versatile, and can be used imaginatively for a variety of projects, including cards, scrap-booking, personalized gifts, and more. If your considering crafting with rubber stamps, here are some ideas and techniques to consider.
Choosing unmounted stamps, will give you much more storage space and flexibility. Unmounted stamps can be temporarily mounted with glue or foam, so you can use several wooden mounts without having to have a separate one for each stamp. Unmounted stamps can be easily stored in a binder with page protectors, or in some other type of flat organizational system. That way, you will find what you are looking for much easier once you start to build up your collection.
If you are first starting out, its best to purchase a few stamps at a time. You can get several quality stamps to multitask with, and then, once you've had more experience, start to add to your collection. You may want to do some window shopping first, and perhaps try out some stamps in a physical craft store to get an idea of how they handle. When you are ready to purchase, you will find the widest selection online, and also have more flexibility with comparison shopping.
What type of stamps are good for building a collection? Large to medium background stamps in geometric shapes are extremely versatile. They can be used as a frame or a background for other stamps or embellishments, and depending on the presentation, can create a completely different look with each project. Another must have is a set of alphabet or letter stamps, which will allow you to create a variety of different messages. Depending on where your interests are, you may also want to get stamps that are related by theme. For example, if most of your projects are birthday cards, you may want to start with a few stamps that have a related theme, such as balloons or birthday hats.
In addition to starting with your stamps, you'll also need some other materials and supplies. You'll want pigment pads with different ink colors. Another fun option is to use speciality pens that can be applied directly to the stamp, so when you stamp, you'll have different colors. In order to properly care for your stamps, stamp cleaner and a clean cloth will keep your stamps in good shape. You should clean your stamps after every use, but do not immerse them in water, as this can weaken the rubber.
The craft of rubber stamping is a fun and creative way to express yourself. Rubber stamps are versatile, and can be combined with a other crafting techniques to create one-of-a-kind expressions.
By starting slowly, you can give rubber stamping a try without breaking the bank.
Amy Wells writes about effective rubber stamping tips and techniques. Looking for stamping supplies? Find discounted, high quality rubber stamps and supplies at: http://www.BuyRubberStamp.com Article Source: Free Articles ArticleSnatch Article Directory
view entry | permalink
by Jake-Saab
Stationary paper makes a great design for any scrapbook. Stationary paper helps you to craft fun pages, basic layouts, extraordinary captions and more. Crafters can purchase stationary paper at any craft shop, stationary store, or scrapbook department. The paper is available in a variety of size, colors, designs, etc.
How to choose stationary paper:
You want paper that matches your scrapbook theme. The paper should harmonize with the colors in your photo, as well as the subject. How to create dividers:
Dividers are crafted to add little amazing features to your scrapbook. Dividers are designed to allow your to separate seasons, events, travel, etc. In short, you can use dividers to create a storybook. Use your pictures and make them come together while crafting your dividers to separate the photos. Again, you want to choose coordinated stationary that matches the theme of your storybook. For instance, if you're creating a Christmas them, choose snowmen, pine trees, lights, Santa Clause, or related patterns. On the other hand if you are creating a fall theme, then choose orange, yellow, green, and brown patterns, such as those with leaves fallen from trees.
Tip: When you prepare to mount photos on stationary paper, you can cut out the interior region, which will not be apparent when showing your photos, to use as extra paper for the next pages. When you use stationary to craft your scrapbook, try learning steps in die cutting, punching, or use stickers to create additional patterns to set off your photos. For instance, if you are creating a theme, and your pictures have off casts, such as sun, sky, trees, etc, buy stickers, or cut to die cuts or punches to set off your theme. Tip: If you are announcing the birth of a child, try using rubber stamps and print your baby's fingerprints, handprints, or footprints on your stationary. Add your baby's date of birth, name, and so on to setoff your card.
Creating scrapbooks is a fun adventure. You can use your creative mind without worrying about being a pro artist to create anything you choose. When you choose patterns and stationary however, always try to make sure that the designs coordinate with your theme to invent a lasting memo.
You will find colors and patterns at craft shops, stationary stores, and so which will match your theme. The paper includes decorative patterns. The patterns include the holiday paper, travel, birth, and more. You will find checkers, stripes, dots, plaids, floral, sports, and other designs online as well. Specialty patterns are designs that offset cardstocks or scrapbooks as well. You will find corrugated or ridged cardstock, handmade paper, vellum, and fabric resembling velvet (Velveteen) at craft stores.
If you are crafty, you may want to make up your own patterns, designs, stationary, etc. You can purchase do-it-yourself kits online or at craft stores. The kits will provide you instructions, guides, etc, that help you to create your own patterns. Keep in mind however, if you are creating your own paper, use the paper approved by P.A.T. or CK OK. Acidy-based paper will cause ruin to your photos, embellishments, etc.
The scrap you have left from your patterns, stationary, etc, you can use to create letterheads for your title page, header, and so on. Otherwise, you can use the scraps to start your next pattern on the following page.
Crafting scrapbooks is a fun adventure that keeps those special moments alive. Once you have purchase your pens, paper, patterns, protectors, stationary, etc, it is time to move on to craft your scrapbook, bringing it alive.
To view monkey pictures and pictures of monkeys, visit the Monkey Facts site.
Article Source: Free Articles ArticleSnatch Article Directory
view entry | permalink
I love those old vintage honeycomb paper turkey table decorations!
Read more: Urban Debris Artlog
view entry | permalink
view entry | permalink
view entry | permalink
Search 
