Why do I always leave it to the last minute?

Hello again, by the time you read this, the recipient of this card will already have had his birthday. Goodness, how time flies, my son will be 28 the day before Valentines Day. Seems like just a few short years ago that he was so eager to enter the world at 10 weeks early! If only I'd been able to see into the future to know he wouldn't have had the issues expected and that he'd grow into a strong, tall young man.

Anyway, Adam is a tyre fitter, working at a garage in the next village. When he isn't working he still tinkers on friends cars but I guess it keeps him out of mischief. It was with this in mind that I thought I'd try my hand at my first stepper card. I know there are dies out there but honestly, save yourself the expense; they are so easy to make using a paper trimmer and scoring board.

Real Red

Basic Black

Silver Foil

Whisper White

I had seen a fabulous card by Lisa Ann Bernard on Pinterest that was perfect. Click on her name to go to her blog post. Adam, like many mechanics, has a large red upright toolbox that takes up a considerable amount of shed space. I remember it being at the top of his wish list for a long time until he was able to acquire one. So, it was obvious the stepper card would replicate that in some way.

I was able to create tyres by diecutting a circle in black and then using a round button die - not a Stampin Up one - cut in silver foil for the hub cap. Ok, it isn't perfect but it does show that necessity is the mother of invention! It also saved me a little money as I didn't need to buy any extra dies. I don't know about you but I love it when I can find other uses for my crafty stash. I added some small tools and a creeper board, made from the hardwood stamp on a piece of crumb cake card stock. I also wrote Happy Birthday on a "drawer" front with a silver pen to like like it had been scratched onto the chest of drawers.

What Tempts You...Part 2

Hello again, in a previous post I talked about the tools and equipment that are needed or in some cases, handy to have for heat embossing. Today it's the turn of ...

Stamping

Now I know this might seem a bit obvious but trust me, there are some gadgets out there to make life a little easier. So, what does the new stamper need?

Stamps - of course. There are different types though. Photopolymer are totally transparent for perfect image placement, so you can do 2 and 3 stage stamping. They are also flexible, giving more creative possibilities with each set. Clear-mount stamps are made of rubber and are repositional. For both photopolymer and clear-mount stamps you will need a set of blocks. Wood-mount stamps are made of the same rubber as clear-mount but are, as the name suggests, mounted onto a wooden block. There are advantages and disadvantages to all, it really is a question of personal taste. Some things to consider though are storage, clear-mount and photopolymer take up less space, naturally. The wood block can get ink stained if you are a little heavy handed. However, with wood-mounted, you are ready to stamp straight away, you don't need to buy extra blocks.

Blocks - If you have photopolymer or clear-mount stamps you'll need clear blocks to mount them on. They are made of acrylic and have a groove around the side for easy gripping and come in various sizes. 

Inkpads - a subject in itself. I have already posted about the different types of inkpads and their uses. Please click HERE to go to the link.

Cardstock/Paper - There is a wealth of paper and cardstock on the market. If you plan to watercolour then Shimmery White card or Watercolour Paper will take the water without pilling.

Stamp-a-ma-jig - Such a useful gadget for ensuring your stamping is placed exactly where you want it. The Stamp-a-ma-jig comes with full instructions for use.

Precision press - again this ensures perfect placement of your stamps. It's perfect for layered stamping and multiple stamp runs when you are creating an amount of the same card, for example, wedding invitations. Also, if your image doesn't quite stamp fully, reink it and stamp again! Since I bought one my stamping has definitely improved.

Stamp cleaner - oops, I nearly forgot that one. If you use Stazon ink then baby wipes or water just don't cut it. You'll need to get Stazon Cleaner to clean and condition your stamps. I confess that when I use other inks, I do use either a gentle wash liquid and water or a baby wipe and have no ill effects so far. Photopolymer stamps do tend to stain but it doesn't affect their use.

New to cardmaking? Let's Start at the Beginning...

Hello again, the other day some crafty friends of mine were discussing what we felt were the basic tools and equipment a new crafter would need in their starter kit. It was interesting to see how some things we totally agreed on while others sparked a little debate. We also had our own favourites that we just couldn’t manage without.

With this in mind I’ve decided to put together a list of the basics that can be added to over time. It’s by no means a definitive list, however, get the right equipment for you and your needs and you can save a fortune on gimmicks and unnecessary tools.

1. Something to cut paper and Cardstock with

That sound quite vague doesn’t it? It can be as basic as a scalpel, ruler and cutting mat or a good quality paper cutter whether it’s guillotine, paper trimmer or rotary trimmer. Whilst I use my paper trimmer most of the time, I confess there are some jobs that I much prefer to use a scalpel and mat for. Stampin Up have a brilliant Paper Trimmer that is lightweight and portable. It comes with 2 blades, one for cutting and the other for scoring. It also has a storage compartment so you don’t lose spare blades.

2. Bone folder

A dull edged tool essential for making a crisp fold on paper and cardstock. It scores and burnishes as well as shaping and distressing cardstock. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can just fold card, if you look at a card folded and burnished with a bone folder, you will see the quality is far above that of folded only.

3, Scissors

People will tell you that you need several pairs of scissors, each kept for their own specific job. Whilst this is an ideal, I feel it’s better to invest in one good pair to start with then possibly add another pair for cutting ribbon when able to. Stampin Up Paper Snips have 2.5” (6.4cm) blades and are made of stainless steel. They have cushion grip handles and come with a safety cover to protect the blades.

4. Grid paper

Such a godsend. Table protector, ruler, notepad and stamp tester all rolled into one! I really can’t be without this product. It has so many uses, not least aiding the precise placement of objects. Use Grid Paper on your table and never again will you complain of “wonky” cards.

5. Adhesives

This is a very subjective topic, crafters all have their favourites. I can say that you will need more than one type as each has their own place in the crafter’s stash. For general use I like to use Tear and Tape, it’s ideal for making boxes and 3D items as well as layering cardstock. The Fine Tip Glue Pen is perfect for adhering intricate die cuts, glitter and tiny embellishments. I use Mini Glue Dots for sticking down ribbon and heavier embellishments. Stampin Dimensionals add depth to a project while Foam Adhesive Strips make creating shaker cards a breeze.

6. Adhesive remover

An absolute necessity if you happen to be a little clumsy like me. This 2” square gem has saved countless projects from the bin! It erases glue that somehow dripped or smeared in the wrong place. Now you don’t have to reach for extra embellishments to cover up an unsightly splodge of glue.

7. Score board

Although the Paper Trimmer scores, if you are going to make boxes and 3D projects Simply Scored is the perfect addition to your craft room. This one has grooves  every 1/8" and has a ruler across 2 sides. For those who have converted to metric there is an insert available.

These items will get you started. At the beginning I mentioned must haves for the individual. Mine include tweezers which are invaluable for picking up and placing gems, sequins and very small embellishments. I have several pairs including pointed tip and slanted. I also have layering tools to ensure that when I layer cardstock, I have a perfectly even border all around.

Of course this is only the beginning; there are tools for heat embossing, die cutting, stamping...

                                 ...the list is endless.