Cluster Luster

Have you ever heard the expression “two is better than one”? This is certainly true when it comes to stamped images. A cluster of stamped images adds such a cute and coordinated design to any piece of artwork. I guess you could say that in this way, three is better than two, and even four is better than three! For examples of adorable stamped clusters like the cluster on this trendy card, I recommend watching the latest episode of our My Craft Channel online series “Clearly the Best.”

How to Kiss—with Stamps

Everyone remembers their first kiss because it is such a memorable and monumental experience. I find that the stamp kissing technique is the same way: I’ll never forget the way my first kissed image looked! Stamp kissing is a way to pull ink from one image with another image; the two stamps “kiss” and some ink is pulled in the process. You can learn more about stamp kissing in the latest episode of our My Craft Channel online series “Clearly the Best.”

Pigment or Dye?

When it comes to inks, there is a big difference between pigment and dye. I love to use them both, but in different projects and for separate purposes. I like to think of it like different types of outfits that serve different purposes. You would never wear a formal dress while weeding, and you would never wear your gardening overalls to a nice dinner out. The important thing is that you know the differences between pigment and dye so you can make an educated decision about when to use each. For specific guidelines and examples, check out the latest episode of our My Craft Channel online series, “Clearly the Best” and you’ll understand pigment and dye inks in no time.

Coordinate with Cricut Cuts

What did we ever do before Cricut machines? I don’t know how I lived without one! I love the adorable shapes and boxes I can create with the Cricut machine—especially with the Artiste and Art Philosophy cartridges. The best part is that the Artiste and Art Philosophy collections include coordinating stamp sets and Dimensional Elements shapes so that I can stamp on my cut-out shapes to add more color and dimension. In the latest episode of our My Craft Channel online series, “Clearly the Best”, you’ll love the projects that use Cricut shapes and coordinating stamps, like the elements of this “bravo” card. Check it out!

Dauber Dynamite—Getting Perfect Precision from Your Inks

Whenever I papercraft, I like to think about the purpose of the project. Will it be a documentation of the first day of school? A birthday invitation? A sympathy card? The purpose of a project makes a difference in the colors, papers, and stamp sets I choose. When I want to create a fun, festive look for a birthday card or party favors, I like to use sponge daubers to ink my stamps—it adds the perfect shaded touch in any color scheme. To see how to sponge daub stamp images, like the bold colors on this name card, watch the latest episode of the My Craft Channel online series “Clearly the Best.”

Terrific Two-Tone

Have you ever seen a painting so realistic that it almost looked like a photograph? You can have people wondering “How’d they do that” about your stamped images, too! One of my favorite ways to add life to stamped images is with base and shade stamping. It’s a technique that adds layers in a terrific two-tone look like the flowers on this beautiful card. They almost look like watercolors instead of stamped images! For more tips on base and shade stamping, watch the latest episode of the My Craft Channel online series “Clearly the Best.”

Spanning the Space

I love creating home décor items to hang on my wall or place in a prominent spot in my home. I also love incorporating stamped images into my home décor papercrafting. If you have tried stamping on a three-dimensional object before, you know that it can be tricky, yet, when you get it right, it looks wonderful! I suggest watching the latest episode of our My Craft Channel online series “Clearly the Best” where you’ll learn how to stamp a continuous image over multiple or uneven surfaces, like the edges of this My Creations® Card Box.

The Swipe Hype

Distressing is such a great way to add texture to a project and give it an antique look. One way that I love to distress my projects is by stamp swiping. I just love the movement it gives to the stamped piece! The technique is easy to do: simply load your chosen solid My Acrylix stamp image on our clear blocks, hold the block in one hand, place the Exclusive Inks pad on your work surface, and then swipe the stamp across the ink pad. If you want to see some examples of stamp swiping like the scrapbook page shown here, watch the latest episode of the My Craft Channel online series “Clearly the Best.”

Bend It, Curve It, Stamp It!

If there is anything life has taught me, it is “be flexible!” That’s one of the things I love most about our clear My Acrylix® stamp sets—the flexibility! It’s so easy to bend, curve, and mix and match stamps for a completely unique design that can perfectly coordinate with any page or card I create. For some great ideas for bending and curving stamps, like the two lemons on this card, watch the latest episode of the My Craft Channel online series “Clearly the Best.”