The ordinary white light to which we are accustomed has been proven to be composed of a series of vibrations of varying wavelengths that affect the retina of the eye. These wavelengths range from red through orange, yellow, green, and blue to purple. The simplest proof of this is seen in the decomposition of a ray of sunlight through a prism, into a colored band called a spectrum in which this scale of colors, seen in nature in the rainbow.
True colors are those that we see in the rainbow which have been approximately described by the terms: Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red. There are, of course, an infinite number of gradations between these principal colors, to which no definite terms or names may be given. The spectral colors are, however, light colors and cannot be used in practice.
Artists use pigment colors produced by chemical processes from a great variety of sources which are used in stains, paints, dyes and other combinations that may be applied to surfaces such as cherry bar rails or bar rail moulding in order to create color effects suitable to different requirements. The true colorist not only has a natural talent for the selection and limitation of color to produce certain results but the language of color must be learned by constant experimenting.
Many attempts have been recently made to reduce color harmony to a formula by means of charts that attempt to select harmonious combinations. These are of little value to the decorator and not only limit the possible number of color schemes that may be used, but also prevent the natural development of the ability to use the eye and reason in color selection. Color charts have been reasonably successful when used to select colors for surfaces of similar texture that are intended to be seen under the same light.
The decorator, however, has a far different problem to meet, inasmuch as the colors in a room are used on frieze boards and pediment that stand at a variety of angles and receive different degrees of light upon them. This may completely alter the effect of the same color combinations when used on different surfaces. Decorators, therefore, must study color harmony from an entirely different standpoint than pictorial or pattern artists.
They must develop an entirely new set of principles that will guide them to create agreeable, harmonious combinations that have a definite message to express. Experience in teaching color selection to students of decoration has shown that color harmony is not as much a matter of selecting particular colors as of selecting the proportions in which colors are to be combined. According to its author, a color chart may indicate that a certain group of three colors will be inharmonious.
The student will suddenly find himself in a room in which these same three colors are used in different superficial areas, with one predominating, and the others subordinated to it. The three colors used are in harmony, but this is what the color chart does not and cannot indicate. All colors are harmonious, provided they are used in proper proportions from the picture frame moulding to the fireplace designs. The same principles of composition and unity may be applied in judging color schemes as in judging composition of forms, lines, and masses.
The warm colors (those toward the red end of the spectrum) affect the human system very differently from the cold colors. Red, being the warmest, is highly stimulating, tending to produce an excited and angry state in very susceptible individuals. Animals, as well as men, are thus affected, showing that this property is fundamental, and not due to any artificial convention. Yellow is cheerful, rather stimulating, but less so than red.
Green is restful, quiet, and soothing. Its good effect on the eyesight is well known. It is the middle color of the spectrum and the predominant color of a great part of nature, being the background of practically all vegetation. It may be either warm or cool depending upon whether yellow or blue predominates. Blue and purple, further along the line, tend to be more depressing than stimulating. Purple is the most dignified of colors. It is the color of royalty and of mourning. Colors also have a different appeal to persons of opposite sex.
Men as a rule prefer colors of dark and strong values while women prefer colors tending toward the pastel shades. As far as general effect is concerned, color creates the atmosphere of a room more than antique picture frames or decorative moulding. As everything in a room must be in some color, from the walls and ceiling to the smallest ornament, it naturally becomes an all-important element in decoration. A room may be cheerful or gloomy, friendly or cold, according to its predominating tones.
Allison Ryan is a marketing writer specializing in home improvement; from the fireplace designs and antique picture frames to the cherry bar rails and frieze boards. For the best in the hardwood moulding industry, please visit http://www.ferche.com/.
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by Susan Luke
Stamping sounds so easy, doesn't it? You buy a stamp, put some ink on it, and rap it on the paper, right? Wrong!
You may find your images smudge, twist or look a bit blobby with this method of stamping. That's not usually what a stamper wants. Well, I am going to tell you about the little secrets for creating stamped images that you may not have seen before. But let's start a couple of steps before you start stamping. Let's look at the quality of the stamp and the type of ink you are going to buy.
Before you buy your stamp, it is important to examine the rubber or acrylic and decide if the image is carefully chiselled out. A good stamp will be made of a firmer, high quality rubber or acrylic and the image will be finely and deeply cut. If you buy a stamp that is softer and less well defined, that is the type of image you will get from it, regardless of your technique.
Now consider the ink you want to use. There are actually five basic types of inks and each one gives you a different effect. There are dye based, pigment based, permanent, fabric and embossing inks. Which one will produce the result you want? Here's some ideas about how to choose between them:
Dye Based inks are water based so they react to water or paint or other moisture by smudging. What they do is stain the paper, so if you want to colour your stamped images somehow, don't choose dye-based inks. If you want a quick drying ink or crisp images that you don't want to colour or alter in any way, choose dye based inks. You will also get a softer colour with dye based inks. You can usually clean this type of ink off your stamps with water, but be careful not to saturate and therefore warp any stamps mounted on wooden blocks.
Pigment inks are also water based but they are made differently to dye based inks. They have little particles of colour in them so they are brighter than dye inks and are less likely to smudge. They are best used on matte paper. When you use them on glossy cardstock, they will smudge if touched. They also take longer to dry so you can put embossing powder on them and heat set that.
Permanent ink is just that - a quick setting, water resistant ink. You can stamp on many surfaces with it - glossy cardstock, glass, acetate, even wood or paint. Once in place and dry the image is there to stay. This type of ink will also stain your stamp unless you use the specially made permanent ink cleaner solution that usually can be found on the shelf at the store next to the permanent inks.
Fabric ink is made for stamping on fabric and you will probably need to 'set' it by ironing over it once you have stamped your image. You can use fabric ink on other surfaces too (such as on chipboard). It is a semi-permanent ink so use a stamp cleaner with it to avoid staining your stamps.
Embossing inks are stickier and take longer to dry so they are perfect for catching and holding on to embossing powders. Just be careful not to touch an embossed image till it has been heat set or it will smudge. If you stamp on coloured cardstock with clear embossing ink, your image will be two tones darker than the colour of the cardstock. You'll need a stamp cleaner for this type of ink, too.
OK. Once you have chosen your ink, you are ready to start stamping. The three secrets for crisp, clear images are:
- Place your stamp face-down on your ink pad, and tap it on the pad. Avoid pushing the stamp into the ink pad as you will wind up with too much ink on the stamp and this in turn will make your images smudged or imperfect. Now turn the stamp over and check to see if all areas of the image have been evenly inked up. If not, turn the stamp face down again and tap it on the ink pad till it is properly inked up.
- Turn your stamp over again and hold it firmly in your two hands by the edges. Lower it onto your paper as straight as you can. Press the stamp in the middle with a finger, then press around the edges of the image to be sure all of the image has had contact with the paper. Be careful not to press so hard that you tilt or buckle the stamp.
- Next, carefully and smoothly lift the stamp straight up from the paper, avoiding tilting or twisting the stamp.
You should have a clean, crisp, complete image!
More stamping tips:
If you have a very large stamp, turn it face up on your table. Tap the ink onto the stamp, checking to be sure it is all properly inked up. You may find you get a better result if you place your paper on the stamp and carefully smooth it over with your hand before lifting the paper straight up and off the stamp. This way you avoid any 'missed' spots caused by imperfections in the surface of a large stamp.
Do try to clean your stamps before the ink dries on them. Using a stamp cleaner will condition the rubber and maintain the quality of the images.
Now you now the three steps to perfect stamping.Perfection can be achieved if you practice these steps. It could take some practice before you consistently get perfect results, but the time you may spend doing that is worth it!
Are you new to paper crafting? Would you like to find out about papercraft tools, tips and techniques? At http://www.PaperCraftCentral.com you will find step-by-step guides for making many beautiful paper craft projects. You can even ask questions about paper crafting and subscribe to Paper Twists, a production that is all about papercrafts!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Luke
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by Marcy Larsen
Adding dimension to your pages is simple. Just add a few little dimensional items and will be amazed at the character that it brings out. Here are just a few of the many different tools that you can use to add to your pages. You can add as many or as few that you need to create the style and look you love.
The difference between an eyelet and a brad are these:
Eyelets have whole in the middle of each one. They come in several different sizes and shapes. You will need an eyelets paper punch, setter, craft hammer and a setting mat.
Brads also come in several different shapes and sizes. These on the other hand are solid and you can not run tread or ribbons though them. They also come in bigger shapes and sizes to add a little character. All you need to set a brad is a piercing tool or a push pin.
Eyelets and Brads
A fun way to hold scrapbook elements and photos in place is by using eyelets and brads. They are not only functional, but they also add design and elements to your pages. Use them to stylishly attach a pocket or a vellum title. Use them as centers of flowers or as a holder to run ribbons through. Your options are unlimited with eyelets or brads; just pick which one fits the mood of your page.
Punches
You would be amazed in the different shapes and styles that punches come in these days. You have your basic square, circle, and stars. Then you have your hearts, snowflakes, umbrellas, spirals, cars and many more. You can use these in several different ways. You can bunch them down the side of your pages as a boarder, you can punch out the shape in a photo or use a different color of paper to add dimension. With bunches, there is also corner punches. These will change the shape of the corners on pictures or mats. There is corner rounders and decorative punches as well. The corner rounders are just that, they will give you a smooth rounded corner on your pictures or mats. The decorative punches are usually a little longer to use as the boarder around your pictures or your whole layout.
With the corner punches and the regular punches, you can add a new look every time you use them. Try using a flower punch and place a different colored paper behind to add color. Use the punched out flowers and add a eyelet or brad to the center of each flower to add a bouquet to your page. Your options are unlimited with all of these tools. Just dig out your scraps and start playing until you find the style and look you like.
Marcy Larsen Close To My Heart Consultant. CTMH offers much more than just scrapbook supplies, including opportunities to make money while scrapbooking. Please visit my website - Marcy Larsen.
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by Christina Taylor
If you are searching for baby presents to make but are fed up with the typical blanket and baby booties, here are five unique, special, and functional presents to make that would be great baby shower presents.
A Time Capsule
Don''t you hope somebody had made you a time capsule of stuff from the year you were born? Gather newspaper and magazine clippings of existing events, trends and style, a little toy from the most existing hot children''s film and finally take shots of their home and their city! Document their area, take photos at the neighboring grocery store, the post office, vehicles on the streets, the local school, and the facade of their house, their parents and their family! Take in remarks from family members and a special memo from you introducing them to the humankind. Assemble it all and place it in a ornamental wooden memento box, leaving some space for the parents to put in a few stuff of their own. Just imagine what a cache this will be when they grow up to be your age!
A Padded Mat
No, it isn''t just one more uninteresting blanket! This time, make an extra thick and padded blanket, a comfortable facade that will be ideal for crawling time, even on hardwood floors. Be artistic with it and put in "activity" toys to it, such as removable soft toys, flaps that conceal brilliant pictures and little ribbon tags. You could yet line the bottom with water-resistant PUL textile which will turn into the perfect outdoor on wet grass park blanket.
A Mix CD
Create baby a mix CD? Yes! Make a mix CD of calming music, classical is an apparent option but get ingenious with music in your compilation or look into iTunes for lullaby ideas. On the other hand, a cool and upbeat mix of baby friendly song might be just the thing! Face it, most baby music is awful and many parents would care for "typical music" CD to listen to that is still baby friendly.
Name Blocks
Pay for adequate blank wooden blocks at a craft shop to spell out the baby''s name. Beautify each block with the letter or an image/s that begins with that letter. You could paint with harmless acrylic paint, decoupage with paper or cloth or wood burn your design. For style ideas, check out the crib bedding set that the parents registered for and make use of the identical theme or color scheme on your blocks.
Handcrafted Books
You can pay for blank board books that are the ideal work of art for your own stories! If the baby will live distant from extended family, make a tale using actual photos of family members so that the child can get to recognize them. Or, make an amusing story about the family pet, your own edition of an alphabet book, a picture book with diverse sorts of vehicles or butterflies, and many others. Sketch it personally or make collages from real photographs or glossy magazine photos.
Have fun making some exceptional handmade baby presents for your subsequent baby shower! These amusing projects will be valued by both the parents and the baby, which is precisely what a handmade baby present should be about.
Want the best outfit for you baby? Check out Amongo, the best baby clothing comparison portal that lets you select baby clothes from a variety of fashion designers and compare them. You may want to read product reviews about Diesel baby clothing for a start.
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by Keshia Fernandez
Most of the handmade card making supplies mentioned here,you probably already have, either on hand or around the house. Don't run out to the store and buy them before looking around...
I'm sure you'll find card making supplies that you can use to create your very own creative cards...
Below are card making supplies I've listed that most people use to create cards...
Paper
Discover card making paper supplies.
Different types of paper you can use to be creative...
You can walk into any craft store and see that they have big varieties of all sorts of paper, from plain to glitter to decorative to extra thin rice paper. It's an endless choice...
I sometimes can't resist the temptation of buying all these different types of paper, but in the end they intend to be costly! You figure they range from 59 cents to 1.99 per single sheet! That's crazy!
I like to be budget minded and get more for what I am spending. It's good to do bargain with different craft stores before making a purchase. But some of us, have to go out of our way to do so!...
Tip: Use what you have and wait for sales and discounts...
Card making paper supplies can be bought in bulk, stocks and kits. Sometimes we see the kits and we only want certain designs or textures. Then we turn to individual paper and you end up spending $20 for 20 sheets when you can spend $20 and get 200 sheets.
I learned that when you buy it by the pack you not only save, you find the use of all the other creative designs for future cards!
Tip: Always keep your scraps. They come in handy for decorative punches, collages and even your envelopes! Use your scraps to decorate your envelopes...So you'll never waste or throw away paper!
After awhile paper can be costly, so try to make every use of it, by recycling them and reusing them for other projects!
Purchasing card making paper supplies...
Card Stocks
They are more ridged than paper. They can be glossy, regular mats or adhesive mats, textured or glittered. You can buy them already cut or as a whole sheet. They offer card stocks by dark colors, pastel or by themes, school, baby and so fort and range from different sizes
Card Kits
Card kits are pre-folded card stocks. Same as basic blank cards. They come with matching envelopes.
Some Craft stores also offer kits with decorative paper and die-cuts for a flat price ranging from 3.99 to 5.99! These are good for gifts, beginners or even kids!
Card making paper supplies are everywhere...Get them at any craft stores near you or here online...
There are many creative projects you can create using different types of paper...
I hope you found this site helpful for your creative card ideas!
Remember, many trees are being cut down to help us create our creations! Please Recycle!
Envelopes
Create homemade envelopes that match your creative cards... Instead of giving standard size envelopes that are plain. Why not use your left over scraps to decorate it... Turn your envelopes into a work of art!
Tip: If you are mailing your creative cards, be sure not to decorate over the places where we would write the address to and from and where the postal stamp goes. Be sure to weigh it before mailing it out as the postage may vary!
One day I had left over scraps from creating a birthday card. I said to myself, I don't want the card to be very nice and the envelope will look very plain. So I decided to take all the scraps I had left over from that one birthday card and created my very own unique envelope!
You can do almost anything with your envelope, by using multiple handmade card making supplies.
Cutting Mat / Craft Knifes / Scissors / Trimmers
When creating cards, good cutting tools are important. Here are some basic card making tools you'll need to get a neat professional look.
Cutting - Mat
Cutting Mats come in various sizes and are available at any craft stores. Choose one that is big enough for cutting big sized paper. I have a 23inches x 23inches blue mat with measurement squares that I have placed on my work table. It's a perfect size!
Tip: You might consider purchasing a smaller one for travel or smaller pieces of paper
Craft Knife / Scissors
Craft knifes and scissors is a must for card cutting tools. Many crafters like myself like to use X-Acto craft knifes. It is great for detailed paper cutting or to cut big sheets of paper
For those who have difficulty handling sharp knifes, I would advise that you use an X-Acto knife that is safer than a surgical scalpel.
Tip: I found out that many crafters go to local medical suppliers and purchase KAI no. 3 surgical knife and blades, that intend to last quite some time
Scissors is another type of cutting tool that vary in fancy designs. It is use for basically all cutting purposes. Use a big pair for cutting big sheets and use a small sharp one for cutting small, detailed pieces of work...
Important: Please keep all sharp objects away from children!
Tip: If you don't have any caps for your knifes use bottle corks. It will prevent any type of incident
Paper Trimmers / paper Cutters
A paper cutter is another one of my daily cutting tools. It is good for cutting photos, precision cutting and different sizes of paper. I use it to pre-cut big sheets of paper to direct sizes for all my card making.
I hope you find the right cutting tools you need to make neat professional cuts for all your creative cards!
Adhesives / Tapes / Glue sticks
Adhesives, tape and glue sticks are basic handmade card making supplies needed for most creative card projects. Whether you do a collage or just a simple creative photo card...More Info
Finding the right card making glue and adhesives is important. You want your creative cards to last as long as possible and with the right glue and adhesives, you will help ensure that!
Here is a guide to help you choose the right card making glue and adhesives that you can find in any craft store.
Understand the differences between types of glues, tapes and spray adhesives...I did not list any particular brand to use as everyone prefer different types.
Use this guide to experiment your own brand of one and use it to your budget needs and one that fits your type of project!
Let's begin...
Double-sided Adhesive Tape
When we here tape most of us think Scotch tape. Double sided adhesive tape is great for photos and sticking paper to paper.
Many scrap bookers and myself like to use this type of tape. It can be costly. I prefer not to use to many double sided tape for card making. Only when creating creative photo cards.
Tip: Scotch tape can be used for all creative card making, if you prefer to use single sided tape!
Glue Sticks
Glue sticks are CHEAP and easy to use. It various in size that range from glue stick pens to wide dispenser type of glue sticks. There are also colored glue sticks that help, especially when working with kids.
I personally don't like to use glues sticks when creating cards because it's not permanent. It does not stick as well, neither does It bond very securely. I prefer, you use other types of card making glues and adhesives. But this is Great for kids!
Hot Glue
Hot glue comes in the form of solid sticks of glue that are put through a glue gun to be heated and used. I use hot glue guns for all my card making crafts. It is great for embellishments ( like buttons & flowers, etc...) and I save money comparing to buying tape...
Glue guns are relatively cheap, you could get a glue gun and glue sticks at most craft stores from $3 - $10. Glue sticks usually comes in packages of 25 -100 for a few more dollars.
The glue will create spider like strings, but don't worry it can be easily rubbed off. They also offer glitter glue sticks that can be used with your hot glue gun, otherwise it's clear...
Rubber Cement
Rubber cement is thick and creamy glue that dries clear. It can form either a permanent or temporary bond depending on how it is applied
It comes in a dark brown jar and a cap with a attached brush applicator. It can be messy and is ideal for all paper crafting. I personally don't use it for any creative cards as I've always been unlucky with it sticking permanently. Also the smell can be overwhelming after an extended period of time
Self Adhesive Foam Mounting Squares or Circles
Self adhesive foam are usually made of thick foam and are sticky on both sides. They come in various sizes. I don't use any of these!
Tip: For budget minded people: I buy regular foamies that are 2mm thick and cost me only .49 cents! For a sheet sized at 9 x 12. I cut them to however size or shape I need it, then I add some glue from my glue gun and it's good to go! I buy 2 sheets of white or black and it lasts me for est. 30 cards
It's great for 3-d effects and to make anything you want to pop! You can stack it on top of each other for additional height. Also great for lettering.
Spray Adhesive
Spray adhesive can be used for paper, photos even fabric. I've never used spray adhesive for any of my creative cards because I feel it is better to use it for larger projects such as posters, large photos, or creative boxes.
I have seen it done by other card lovers! And it turned out just fine. Hopefully I'll get to feature a card using spray adhesive. So check back for that link and I can share all about it with you!
Tacky glue
Tacky glue is one of many card making glue used to create cards. It is durable then regular Elmer's glue. It dries clear and creates a long lasting bond. Make sure to read the label to see what type of materials it is best used with.
Tip: If you are in a rush or hurry to get a card done. Do not use tacky glue. It takes a long process to dry and recommend it dry over night.
I don't like to use it on my cards because when it dries, you can see the creation of the glue right through the paper.
Glue pens
Glue pens are great for precision gluing. It works well with glitter and for more detailed designs.
Glue Dots / Glue Roller
There are many different sizes of glue dots and many varieties of glue rollers. They are really great because they are not messy and are really sticky. I don't like to use them because they become very costly. But it's a great expensive glue for your creative card creations!
UHU Glue
UHU glue comes in both tube and stick. Many prefer to use this as their brand of one because it sticks better than others. All access glue can be rubbed off after it dries, using a clean pencil eraser. I've never tried it, but I've read very great reviews about it!
Ink and Ink pads
Ink and inkpads are mainly used for all rubber stamping and scrap booking purposes.
Now you can create different techniques just by knowing what type of ink and inkpads work best for you!
Use this guide to help you decide what type you should use best with your type of projects...
When I first started I used basic colors. I suggest for beginners, you might just like to use the following colors also:
- Black
- White
- Green
- Red
- And Blue
Below are 6 types of ink I am familiar with using...
Versa Color Ultimate Pigment Ink is a great cheap choice. It works really well and I like to use it for many of my creative cards.
Studio G Acid Free Pigment Ink can always be found on sale. I bought these for a $1 and it works great with little design stamps. When times are hard this is the way to go for the cheapest inkpads
Versa Mark Watermark Stamp pad is a must own. I use this type of inkpad for all of my rubber stamping creations. With it you can create very cool looking watermarks on both cards and envelopes.
Brilliance Pigment Inkpad creates a unique look of stamped images. I hardly use this type of ink. But are often used by many card lovers.
Stazon Inkpads are solvent inkpads and will definitely stain the rubber. It can be used for any surface like stamping on plastic.
Tip: Use baby wipes to clean all your stamps.
You might also like Memories Acid Free Dye Ink pads. This type of ink pad is made especially for Hero Arts Shadow Stamps. I like to use soft vanilla and soft leaf. I don't recommend the use for gold and silver because the finished look, intend to be awful. You can decide!
Decorative Punches
I hardly use any decorative card punches, but I know many creative card lovers that do and they love it!
Some have such intricate designs that many just love to use it to create handmade cards.
When you first begin making homemade cards, you will just have to get a few. I personally have never bought any because they just cost too expensive.
But these decorative designs can last you a lifetime and once you start to use them you'll notice their so easy to use and fun to create designable cards with!
Here are some of the basic patterns you might like:
- Corner punches or corner rounder. There great to use if you like to round off your corners. I like to use them with photos.
- Basic Shape punches. Squares, diamonds, circles, triangles, rectangles, hearts etc... They also vary in size.
- Long reach punches. Allows youto punch deeper into the inside of a card or any craft project.
- Leaves and flowers: If you love floral designs. They have a great selection on leaves and flowers that you can use for any garden or floral card ideas you have in mind
- Punch Aid. This is a great tool especially for those that love to punch a lot. I have a friend who owns one and she loves this tool. It's one of her favorites.
Card Making Embellishments
Use this guide below to see some of the many creative card making embellishments you can use on your creative cards...
There are many things we would like to consider using on our cards. Here are some card making embellishments that you can use to add glamor, and 3-d effects to your card creations.
Many of these embellishments are like stickers, eyelets, tassels, glitter, and many more.
Creative Card Making Embellishments:
- Eyelets: There are many ways you can use eyelets. It is great for attaching clear plastic, vellum, and tags to any homemade card. You can use it for your hole punches in your card and weave wire through it.
- Brads: They are similar to eyelets but brads don't have a hole through them. There also great for attachments and tags. Some come in decorated designs like flowers, buttons and snowflakes. They also come in color coordinate with seasons.
- Buttons: Before throwing out any loose buttons. Keep them. They make great card embellishments for any card. I used them in a creative Christmas card idea, and strung them on the tree as ornaments. So don't throw them out.
- Alphabet Beads: You can string names, words or sayings for example... "L-O-V-E" or "B-A-B-Y", birthday, wedding or even personal names.
More creative card making embellishments...
- Fibers: Look for any fibers you might have laying around or just so happen to come across. They are great for hanging tags, lining envelopes, stringing letters like your alphabet beads and creating bows.
- Metallic Threads: They come in many different colors and are great for creating creative tassels. You can also use them to create embroidery cards.
- Ribbons: I love to use ribbons to line my envelopes with or make bows. You can attach ribbons to any of your creative homemade cards.
- Tip: You can find many card embellishments to use, like in your closets, drawers, storage bins. Remember to look before you throw away everything. Even tell friends and family they might have some things you could recycle and use for your card making embellishments.
Rubber Stamping
All about rubber stamping supplies.
Below are some of the most common creative rubber stamping supplies and tools we've either used or are going to use when creating creative cards.
Rubber stamps comes in many variety ways: Clear stamps, wood stamps, felt stamps and even eraser pads that you can create stamps out of.
I personally don't like to use stamps as much. I feel that stamps can only be used in so many ways and they only have so many designs before many will be using the same stamps.
Although rubber stamping can become addictive when you start creating creative cards. You'll want to own every design out there and every image for every occasion.
Creative rubber stamping supplies come in shapes, images, alphabets and can be worked with for many different creative card ideas.
Here are techniques you can use with all your rubber stamps:
- Embossing
- Wrapping paper
- Water Marking
- Simple stamping
- Decorating envelopes
- Backgrounds
- And many more!
Here are some of the basic creative rubber stamping supplies that will do with any card making.
Remember, you do not need all of them some can even be substitute with items around the house.
Clear Stamps: Clear stamps can in deed be costly. Most of them don't even come with clear blocks for you to put your stamp on and create clear images. So before buying clear stamps think of its costly price.
Wooded Stamps: They are the most common stamps that has been around for many years. Their cheap and some come with out wooded blocks, but that is okay because some don't need them. They have a wide range of variety selections to choose from. This is where you would like to start. Here is a guide on recommended ink and ink pads.
Roller Stamps: I like to call them roller stamps, because they roll out beautiful borders on your cards. They are great for creating borders on tags, cards and envelopes.
Tip: Use baby wipes to clean all your rubber stamps. Rinse them and leave it to dry. Don't buy expensive rubber stamp cleaners as they do not work as good as baby wipes. It gets it clean!
Creative Rubber stamping Tools...
Heat Gun: The Milwaukee heat gun is one of the most favorable heat gun used for embossing. It is inexpensive and it does the job well. I've known of people who actually use hot plates which can be sufficient, but I wouldn't want to take the chance of burning any cards.
Brayer: They brayer is very useful when creating creative cards. It is create for creating background on any card or envelope or any creative project you have in mind. Roll it on any multicolor ink pad, get it evenly on the rubber and roll away! You probably would want to include this tool on your creative rubber stamping supplies list if you do not own one yet.
Embossing Markers: You can apply them directly to your rubber stamps using different colors for the image. Let them dry and then add your embossing powder on them. Then use them and apply them to your cards. I've learned that clear embossing powder works best!
Tip: Be sure to store your markers in a cool place to avoid drying out.
Today there are many rubber stamping companies with their own in house artist that design such images. Check out all the different companies and see which type of rubber stamps will work best for you.
Once you make an investment in stamps there are many enjoyable projects you can do with them and they will last you a very long time.
I hope all these handmade card making tools were helpful to you!. Don't think you have to go out of your way to purchase all of this. Start small and once you get into doing your very own favorite hobby rather it is card making or scrapbooking, slowly you'll start to collect many of these supplies. And before you know it you'll have quite a collection! Have fun and enjoy creating creative crafts.
Aloha,
Come check me out for more Ezine articles, creative card ideas, amazing craft supplies and many more goodies at http://www.808-creative-cards.com
Mahalo,
Keshia Fernandez
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keshia_Fernandez
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