Stamping on your Layouts #3

Stamping can be used in several ways as an embellishment for your layout. Once again, stamps are versatile because you can customize them to suit your layout, and use them over and over again in different ways.

You can stamp an image on different patterned papers or cardstock, then cut them out and put the image back together (paper piecing):

You can stamp an image, punch or cut it out and simply use it as an embellishment. You can add some interest by colouring it, adding some glitter, or getting an epoxy accent look by using Crystal Effects or other clear craft laquer.

You can stamp on pre-made embellishments like paper or fabric flowers, chipboard and foam accents or letters.

You can create faux metal embellishments by using a metallic embossing powder. Start by pressing a Versamark pad into a scrap of cardstock. Sprinkle the embossing powder over the inked area, and heat emboss. Wait for it to cool, then press it into the Versamark pad again, sprinkle with embossing powder and heat again. Repeat at least one more time (I found four coats works well). Before heating your last coat, press your stamp into the Versamark pad (this keeps it from sticking to your embellishment). Immediately after you finish heating the embossing powder, press the stamp into the embossed area. Leave to cool for a couple minutes and remove the stamp. You can then punch your accent (or cut it out) and use it on your layout!

You can also use stamps layered as part of an embellishment cluster. They can be the bottom layer, adding a bit of interest to the background:

They can also be popped up or layered with other embellishments if you cut them out of the paper they were stamped on:

Stamping on your Layouts #2

I use alphabet stamps a lot for title on my layouts. Once again, I love that I always have enough of each letter and I can make them any colour. I often create titles by combining alpha stamps with alphabet stickers, chipboard letters, etc.

I also like to mix different styles of alphabet stamps to create a title. I always try to make sure they are very different from each other (eg. scripty with antique):

If you are worried about stamping right on your layout, you can stamp on a patterned paper or cardstock and cut them out. This is especially effective with outline alphabet stamps so you see a bit of the paper peeking through.

Another way I enjoy using outline alphabet sets is stamping in a dark colour, and colouring in the spaces with a glitter pen or white pen:

Stamping on your Layouts #1

One of the things I love about the Red Star kits is the stamp Marcy designs each month to work with the kit. This week on the blog, I thought I'd share some ways you can incorporate stamping into your layouts. I'll also share some basic stamping tips along the way.

One of the reasons I love stamps is because you can choose the colours to work with different layouts, you can use them over and over again after the initial investment and they give a handmade (not quite perfect) finish. I usually handwrite my journaling, but sometimes that's not quite the look I want, but I also don't want the perfection of computer journaling. Using small alphabet stamps to journal gives me just the look I'm going for! I have a few different sets and use them to label photos, make small words in my titles, or to stamp a whole quote as I did on this layout.

I also love using stamps to create a co-ordinating journaling block, as I did on this layout using the stamp from the April kit:

*tip: When stamping, you don't want to rock back and forth, or push to hard. Doing either of these things will create a wonky image. Ink up your stamp, put it down on the paper and press evenly on the block. Then lift straight back up.

Scraplift tag

We've been playing some scraplift tag at MSS.

The rules are pretty simple. Seven people sign up on a list. Then, I chose a starting layout. This got sent (via email) to the first person on the list who created a scraplift of that layout. Then, that person sent the email back to me and I sent it on to the next person on the list.

And so on. And so on...

Until it reached the seventh person and they completed their layout.

Sounds like fun?

It was.

And you can check out the reveal for the second game of scraplift tag right here.

Sketch #19 (an Early Bird Crop Challenge)

I've got a two page layout sketch again this week, but feel free to use only half of it for a one page layout...

and here's my layout:

I'm posting this in the MSS crop forum as well, so if you create a layout using this sketch by Sunday, make sure you add a link there to be eligible for a prize!

Journaling tip #4

When I am trying to come up with my journaling for a layout, I often find it helpful to combine it with my title.

Sometimes, I like to journaling in to my title, where my title is the last word(s) of my journaling. Here's an example:


Supplies used: MSS April kit.

And sometimes, I like to journal out of my title, where my title is the first word(s) of my journaling. Here's an example:


Supplies used: MSS April kit.

And so, I'd like to challenge you to create a layout where you journal in or out of your layout. I'll be posting this challenge as an early bird challenge for the April online crop. So, take a picture of your layout, post it in the MSS gallery and link it back to the online crop forum Early bird challenge: In or out.

And don't forget to check out the other challenges that will be posted for the April online crop this weekend-- it's sure to be a lot of fun!

Journaling tip #3

Before I get to my journaling tip for today, I wanted to say thanks for all the nice comments from my Journaling #2 post (I'm so glad when I can post helpful information!)

And, I wanted to answer Valerie's question, which was: "Do you just use regular scotch tape to adhere the journaling card to the paper?"

I used to use painter's tape (we always seem to have some on hand ;) ), but now I use my Kokuyo Dot 'N Roller adhesive on the back of my journaling card. I find it keeps it in place well through the printer and then once I peel it off the white paper, I only have to add a little more to adhere it to my layout.

Journaling tip #3: Paragraphs

I love to read other people's journaling on their layouts, whether the layouts are in magazines, the gallery, etc. But sometimes, if people have a lot of journaling on their layouts, it can be a little daunting.

So one way I find helps when I have a longer journaling block, is to break it into paragraphs. I find this helps give the eye a chance to rest, it makes it seem a little less long and it can become a design element on my layout.

Here are a couple of examples:

For this layout about my son, I knew I had lots to say, so I broke my journaling into three separate paragraphs (or journaling blocks) and spread them out on my layout.


Supplies used: Bazzill cardstock, My Mind's Eye patterned paper, American Craft thickers, Autumn leaves stamps and buttons, all from the Shoppe.

Another example of breaking up the journaling into paragraphs is on this layout here. Instead of separate journaling blocks, all I did here was leave a line in between my paragraphs.




Supplies used: the MSS April kit.

Again, feel free to leave any questions or comments in the comment section.