For all you stamping newbies out there--I have heard your pleas for help (or at least clear directions!!!) Scroll on down to learn how to stamp with clear stamps and how to tear paper without it looking like your dog did it. Special thanks to Anna for helping me demonstrate the techniques--it is quite tricky to stamp and take pictures at the same time--hahahahaha.I am hoping to move along from still photos to video clips--as soon as I figure out how to do that!Please post back comments to let me know if this is helpful for you and topics for future posts. Now, let's get stamping!
HOW TO USE A CLEAR STAMP
1) Select your stamp and appropriate size acrylic block. For the best quality stamped image, choose a block that is close to the same size as your stamp.The stamp I selected for this demonstration is the owl from INKADINKADO #97548.
2) Peel stamp off of backing. Use caution and peel slowly with large or intricately cut stamps to avoid tearing. Ripping a stamp, while rare, is a bummer--but fixable--just line the pieces up as close as possible in step 3.
3) Position and press stamp onto block.
4) Ink image by tapping the stamp pad onto the stamp. I like to use Versa-Magic teardrops by Tsukineko because the teardrops make the ink pad easy to control, and the ink has even coverage.
5) Pick up the block and rotate so the inked image is facing the cardstock. Stamp the image onto the cardstock using firm, even pressure. Remember, while rocking is good for babies, it will give you a smudged image if you rock the block while you stamp.
6) Embellish image as desired. In the sample I used small silver brads for eyes and made a tag that slips into the front of a pocket card. Your message can be written on the back of the tag.
HOW TO TEAR PAPER IN A STRAIGHT LINE (AKA THE CONTROLLED TEAR)
1) If you tear your paper using the same technique that you use for your junk mail--grabbing the top of the paper and pulling your arms apart...
2) You will get a messy tear that looks like the dog did it!
3) Slow and steady wins the race with paper tearing. Lightly crease the paper where you want the torn edge to be.
4) Keeping your elbows close to your waist, place your thumbs on each side of the crease and pointing up toward the top the paper. Keep your thumbs close together.. This arm/hand/thumb position gives you maximum control of the tear. It will feel very weird at first--just hang with it!
5) Gently move your thumbs back and forth, tearing the paper in a "see saw" motion.
6) Using the above technique results in controlled torn edges--right where you want them! You can use this method to tear any type of paper into any shape you desire.
7) On the sample I tore both edges of the tan cardstock and then inked the edges for definition.
