Q and A

When using clear stamps are you finding you don't get a crisp clean image or the ink beads on the stamp??

Here is one of my crafty friends secret, Julie told myself and a few of my other crafty friends this secret and we have been quite happy with the outcome of using this secret tool.  The secret is this, to use Versamark Watermark stamp pad first and then ink up your stamp after that using whatever ink you like to use and you should get a crisp, clean, and unbeaded image.  I am sure most of you knew this before, but just thought for some of you who have said " I will never buy another clear stamp set again!" this is for you or perhaps a newbie to the crafty world of cardmaking :).

Inky Hugs,
Catherine

Q and A

Do you use background stamps a lot if at all?? Have you used the small almost rectangular one's that are about 2 " by 2.5" big?? If you have my question to you all how do you make sure that the images are lined up nicely and that it isn't noticeable that they are several stamped images together??

I bought a set of 4 of these backgrounds stamps today at Michael's as they were on sale $5.99 each, they are gorgeous background stamps but here is my catch. I have used background small stamps like this before and have had SERIOUS issues with getting them to line up just so. Or to even have them look like a nice solid pattern...advice would be great :)!


One more thing before I take off here, wanted to let you know that I used Photoshop Elements 5 to create the Sketch that I did the other day. If you would like me to create a tutorial for you to show you how, let me know :)!  I didn't download the Photoshop Elements 5.0 it came with my Bamboo fun tablet, which I am still a newbie when it comes to being creative/crafty with it...


Inky Hugs,
Catherine

Q and A

Are you the kind of person who sits there until you have the picture of your card you are going to make in your head before you go ahead and make it? OR are you the kind of person who just goes ahead to make a card, you see what direction it will take you as you go along with each process of putting the card together?? OR do you just use sketches, Magazines, Splitcoaststampers or Paper Craft Planet pictures for ideas??

For myself, I start to make the card and see what direction it takes me :)! I can't wait to make a card, or wait for an idea to appear to make a card...now don't get me wrong sometimes (rarely) that happens though where I have an idea of a card I want to make.

What do you do???


Inky Hugs,
Catherine

Q and A

Here is a question for you all:


What do you use to clean your stamps???


I personally use something called "Simple Green", you can get it at any Canadian Tire location and it is in the Automotive section (I know, sounds weird). One bottle has lasted me 4 years now, just ran out the other day, so while I was out running errands I stopped in to get more. To my surprise I found out that they now have this lovely product in wipes, and so I picked up a thing of the wipes and a bottle of the cleaner. You are to mix it 2 parts water with one part Simple Green, and I have found a small spray bottle from the Dollar store to  put it into. Then I spray it onto my inked up stamps, and it takes of pretty much all inks off your stamps :)!

Inky Hugs,
Catherine