12 Tips for New Stampers

Are you new to stamping and a bit overwhelmed? Read on for my 12 tips for new stampers, and you’ll feel like a pro in no time.

1. When cutting cardstock, use a sharp blade. If the cardstock has a fuzzy edge after cutting,  check the cutting track on your paper trimmer for a buildup of lint, dirt and minute bits of paper. Clean the track with an old toothbrush.
2. If you do end up with a fuzzy edge on your cut, lightly sand the edge with extra fine sandpaper or a nail file until it is smooth.
3. When making folds, score the line where you will be folding and use a bone folder to burnish the crease for an extra-crisp professional looking edge.
4. Use a well inked pad to make certain your stamp has plenty of ink.
5. Stamp several times on scrap paper to check and see if areas are not getting the necessary ink.  If not, ink that area by turning the stamp on its back and tapping the ink on the stamp.
6. Check stamp after inking to make certain there is no excess ink on edges of the stamp.
7. Stamp straight down on the cardstock. Do not rock the stamp. Press firmly and if it is a large stamp, also press in the middle of the stamp. Hold the stamp in place for several seconds. Lift straight up.
8. Keep your stamps cleaned. When cleaning, first stamp off as much ink as possible by repeatedly stamping on scrap paper until there is no ink showing. Then clean the stamp. This will extend the life of the pads in a stamp cleaner.
9. Use a good stamp cleaner such as Stampin’Mist and a stamp cleaner. Stampin’Up has a double-sided stamp cleaner pad that cleans on one side and dries on the other side.
10. Store your markers in a horizonal, flat position. This will keep the ink flowing to both ends of the marker.
11. Remember, cardstock has two sides. When you make a mistake stamping, turn the cardstock over and use the clean side.
12. Stamp the inside of your card first. If you get a greeting crooked, you can turn the card inside-out and cover this with a layer of cardstock for your stamped image.

And remember, there are no mistakes in stamping, just opportunities for embellishment!