I have decided to start a series of Let’s Talk posts to share my thoughts (including hints and tips) on stamping and Stampin’ Up! We are all guilty of assuming everyone knows what stamping is all about. But, this is not always the case and therefore, my idea is to go back to the basics and build on that. I know that some of you have been crafting for some time but hopefully you will find some useful information in these weekly posts.
A video to accompany each post would be ideal, but I’ve decided not to go this route for the time being. The internet service is useless where I live. We are classed as being in the countryside despite living on a major A road and within 2 miles of Wokingham town centre. No one wants to provide a decent service and the net result is that our internet can take 6 hours to upload a 5 minute video. But enough of that.
Today I thought I’d talk about stamps.
Stamps are one of the core elements when it comes to card making and paper crafts. Combined with ink, they allow you to add an image or sentiment of your choice either on the front or inside of a card. They can even be used on envelopes. Stamps can be used to communicate your feelings and of course there are so many different images that there is something to suit everyone’s taste. Be it cute, traditional or the more abstract.
Until recently, there have been three types of stamps offered by Stampin’ Up!
- Wood mount stamps are rubber stamps that either come pre-mounted on wood blocks or they come together in the same box and you simply mount them on the blocks yourself. Because everything comes in one box there is no need to have acrylic blocks. The stamps do however take up more storage space and are much heavier to carry around. You will find this type of stamp in the 2018-2019 Annual Catalogue.
- Clear mount stamps are rubber stamps that come with stickers that you can put on the back of the stamp (or not as the case may be). You will need a selection of clear acrylic blocks to mount them on. Having said that, these stamps are re-positional which means you can remove them from an acrylic block when not using them. They are much lighter to carry around and are easier to store. You will find this type of stamp in the 2018-2019 Annual Catalogue.
- Photopolymer stamps are made from clear photoploymer. Like clear mount stamps they are used with acrylic blocks and are easily peeled off and stored. Because these stamps are clear it is easier to see where you are going to stamp making lining up much easier. You will find over time that your photopolymer stamps will stain. This does not affect the quality of the image. You will find this type of stamp in the 2018-2019 Annual Catalogue and in the 2019 Spring/Summer Catalogue.
In the last 7 months Stampin’ Up! have introduced two new types of stamps.
- Distinktive stamps were originally made as red rubber stamps (clear or wood mount) but now you will find them in photopolymer too. The Distinktive stamps are designed to create different opacities on a single stamped image. This gives the image depth and intensity. Each stamp is no bigger than an ink pad. They work best when inked up using the centre of the ink pad. Alternatively use a Sponge Dauber to apply the ink. The stamps are clearly marked in the catalogues. You will find them in the 2018-2019 Annual Catalogue, 2019 Spring/Summer Catalogue and the 2019 Sale-A-Bration catalogue.
- Cling stamps were introduced in the 2019 Spring/Summer catalogue and will over time be replacing both wood mount and clear mount stamps. They are made using the same high quality red rubber as wood mount and clear mount stamps. This means your stamping experience will not change. These new stamps, however, come with an adhesive label that clings like mad to your clear acrylic block. You will find this type of stamp in the 2019 Spring/Summer Catalogue and the 2019 Sale-A-Bration catalogue.
From 3 June 2019, when the 2019-2020 Annual Catalogue goes live, new stamps will only be available as
- Cling
- Photopolymer, and
- Distinktive
As an aide, I have produced a handout giving the info above plus some other tips. Print and download a copy by clicking here. You will also find a copy in the Tutorial Section of this blog.
To find out more on how to add the stickers, and also how to mount and remove the new Cling Stamps from the blocks, click here.
Happy stamping.
Fiona xx
Ways to shop and save in January
2019 Sale-A-Bration – lots of ways to earn free things. Join, Shop or Host the choice is yours.
Join my Team – Choose your own starter kit. During Sale-A-Bration you get to choose £170 worth of product for £99 (includes P&P) or add the Craft & Carry tote (worth £47) and pay £125. You then receive a 20% discount on future orders/purchases (for at least 3 months). This is a great way to start your own Stampin’ Up! business or simply make your crafting funds go further. If you would like more information please contact me at fiona@oakfieldcrafts.com.
Save 10% on Bundles from the catalogues. There is something for everyone simply because there are an amazing number to choose from.