Card making ideas

March 2, 2008

Card Making Ideas – Rubber Stamps

Filed under: Card making ideas, Tips — blindgale @ 6:24 pm
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If you are new to card making and looking for card making ideas, rubber stamps are a perfect addition to your craft box. Rubber stamps can be used in a variety of ways so they are well worth investing in.

When you begin crafting or card making it is important that you do not rush out and buy everything you see, you will save a huge amount of money if you purchase a few items, some stamps and embossing powders until you discover some card making ideas or find what your special interest is whether it be animal stamps or flowers or what ever interests you.

Never by cheap stamps for your card making ideas, although some stamps are quite expensive they will produce a much better print and have a crisper look if they have been properly made.

Rubber stamps range in price, usually the larger or more detailed the more expensive it will be, I always consider how many times I can use a stamp for my card making ideas before I purchase one. Some of the larger stamps can also be repeatedly stamped and used for decoupage, which will create a completely different type of card.

If you do decide to use a rubber stamp for decoupage never cut into the embossed lines as this may cause the embossing powder to flake off and look unattractive.

I find the stamps that are mounted on a clear block are great for beginners as you can see exactly where you are stamping leaving less room for error.

The biggest tip I can give when using rubber stamps that you will emboss is to lightly brush the area of card you are going to stamp on with talc this will stop the embossing powder sticking to other parts of the card as well as the ink.

Always lay you stamp flat and take the ink pad to it rather than pushing the stamp into the ink pad, this will ensure the entire design on the stamp is evenly covered in the ink.

Remember once you have used the stamp it is important to clean the stamp and remove the entire ink residue. Depending on the type of in you have used for your card making ideas it may not be necessary to use expensive ink removers, I find an acid free baby wipe works just as well as some of the chemical solutions you can buy from craft shops.

Always store your ink pads level and upside down this will prevent uneven ink distribution and keep the ink on the top of the pad ready for its next use.

Rubber-stamping can be used for all your card making ideas and also for scrap booking, however it is important that you use ink that is acid free and fade resistant to keep your project looking bright and effective.

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February 29, 2008

Card making ideas – let’s add some inspiration

Filed under: Card making ideas, Tips — blindgale @ 2:23 pm

Here are some card making ideas, which may add a new look to your greeting cards.

Add a Wired Touch

Add movement to a card using wire to attach the element. Try wrapping one element with wire and attach another one, so it would bounce.H

Make a Quick Card

Use a fancy font on your computer to create an inexpensive card. For a special touch add personalized metal rim tags by printing the icon on plain paper then adhere to the tag.

Sew It

Personalize a thank-you card by hand-stitching ribbon in the shape of a flower. Complete the look with machine-stitched lines.

Use Botanical Prints

Create an elegant look by punching botanical stems in the center of a mod card. Use warm colors to emphasize this botanical look.

Stitch It

Use the pattern of the paper as a guide to create a beautiful hand-stitched look.

Cut the Details

Use precise hand-cutting techniques to create the card. Ink the edges to add definition to the design.

Make a Simple Design

Use stamps to create bold flowers. Punch holes on the bottom half the card to allow the negative space to show through.

Use Fabric

Use fabric to add texture to your card design. Try covering a card with fabric pieces then embellish by machine-stitching other fabric pieces onto the card. For an extra special touch, create a flower out of sewn together pouches.

Use Other Objects

Fashion a cute flower shape out of safety pins. Add beads to the pins for an extra touch. To hide the glue holding the pins together, adhere a button to the center of the design.

Take Advantage of Leftovers

Create layers from your leftover scraps paired with solid card stock. Use a bunch to cut unique shapes, then play on top of coordinating patterned paper. Actually, leftovers even deserve a separate post!

Mimic a Pattern

Find inspiration from bold patterns. Mimic the pattern on a card by cutting a shape of card stock. Then tape some ribbons onto a card. Use different widths and patterns to create a unique look.

Leave Your Mark

Use see-though pocket embellishments to leave your personal touch on a card. Cut a plastic slide holder into pieces attach the strips to the card. Then fill the pockets with special items such as punched hearts and stickers.

Stick It

Create an encouraging card with phrase stickers placed in a grid. Top it off with a simple flower detail.

Use Real Flowers

Add a touch of realism to a card with pressed flowers. Make sure your flowers have lost all their moisture before using them in a project or they may turn brown. To attach the flowers use dry adhesive dots.

These are only few of great card making ideas and tips there could be.  You are welcome to share yours!

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