It's a week of STAMPING!!!!!

Which came first, stamping cards or scrapbooking layouts?  Well, I've been stamping much longer than I have been creating layouts...but with stamps, oh my you can do some fun things with your scrapbook layouts let me tell you! 

Stamps are another way to kick things up a bit in your crafting...by being able to customize something you are making, but using it for different reasons as well.  Look at a basic stamp such as a present...not only can you use it on a birthday card lets say, but you could also use it on a scrapbook layout embellishment as well.  Look at the events you could use this same stamp for, more birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, anniversaries, or holidays even!  By using stamps, you can customize the image by using markers, colored pencils, or chalks to create the colors therefore customizing the same stamp different ways.  As you can tell, I use different things to color my images in, depending on the look of the item I am making.   

The above card was made with the basic stamp, and Radiant Pearls paint for the inside image.  This was then embossed in clear embossing powder to create a raised look on the card.  I added a simple saying that was made with my computer and printer, therefore being able to customize the card to what I needed at the time. 

With this layout, I used an alphabet set from Close to My Heart, and again painted the letters with Radiant Pearls paints and used the clear embossing powder for the raised look again.  I didn't need anything else to go with this layout as in stickers or die cuts, the painted title was enough to tie it in with the patterned paper I used. 

Start small with your stamping...pick up a stamp set, or a few stamps that go well together...a stamp pad, and something to color the images such as colored pencils or markers.  You can get into other things later on, such as the paints and chalks...  Chalks are great for detailing die cuts as well, and adding little effects to it, plus to color images in for stamping.    We'll be getting into step by step directions for making cards, as well as places you can get fun stamps from!  I can't wait to get started! 

Lynda Jeffs

Memories in Tyme