12.2.14

Stamping Basics and Beyond

          Dear friends even though I have been crafting and blogging since 2010, I must confess I have never really got the hang of or understood the charm of stamping!
Stamping Tips
          My initial experiments with stamping were highly unsatisfactory—I got blurry  outlines, bleeding or smudged images and I even made a mess of simple sentiment stamps [see Chariot shaped card]! So I gave up and declared “I am not good at this!!” and didn’t bother to even try further!![Have you ever done that with a new craft or technique?]
           So you can imagine how I felt when Rashmi the owner of Itsy Bitsy suggested I try out newly launched Itsy Bitsy clear stamps. I envisioned all my crafty friends cringing and running away seeing my atrocious stamping!!
Heart shaped box 1
Heart Shaped Box Card
       After hours of worrying, researching, and filling up my dustbin with imperfect stamped images I managed to make a stamped swinging Heart shaped box-card.This “all stamped” project is a huge crafty step for me and this write up  on Stamping basics is to help other novice stampers!!!

Choosing what stamps to buy – Stamp Types

Rubber stamps

    Stamping tips 8
    Rubber Stamps
  • They come as mounted [stuck to wooden blocks] and unmounted [easier to store if you have many but extra hassle of having to mount them!].
  • Fantastic for beginners as crisp images are easier to get
Clear StampsRubber Stamps
More pocket friendlyMore expensive
Easier to storeMore storage space
Easier to cleanMore difficult to clean
Use water to cleanCleaning- baby wipes,stamp cleaner
Transparent -so can see where you stamp!Opaque –so you have to guess where you stamp!
Have to mount on acrylic blocksWood mounted ones are ready to use!
Can stick several stamps on a block and stamp in one go!Have to stamp one after the other
Finesse needed to stamp perfectly !Fantastic for beginners!
Can deteriorate over timeCan literally last a lifetime

Clear stamps

Clear stamps are all the rage nowadays with a huge range of beautiful designs often packaged as sets.
clear stamp
Clear Stamp
I  chose this intricate beautiful lace design stamp from Itsy Bitsy to make a heart shaped interactive 3 D card [see earlier heart shaped box] which swings open sideways to reveal a fan fold tag holder

Heart shaped box 3
Heart Shaped Box Card
For an amateur stamper like me it was a huge challenge to stamp the continuous lace border on the heart box!
Heart shaped box 2
Heart Shaped Box Card
Since the design showcases the inside too, I used matching stamps on the base  and inner walls of the  heart shaped box-card.
Heart shaped box 4
Heart Shaped Box Card
The fan fold tag holder made with pattern paper has multiple pockets each holding a matching tag to write lovey dovey messages [maybe 20 reasons why I love you sort of thing!!]
Heart shaped box 5
Fan fold tags

How to use clear stamps

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Stamping Basics
Peel the stamp off the protective plastic
Mount it on an Acrylic blocks
That means just place the flat surface of the stamp on the block and it will stick to it!The acrylic block allows you to stamp with even pressure and allows you to see where exactly you are stamping
Choosing Stamping/Acrylic  blocks
  • Choose an acrylic block slightly larger than your stamp
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    Acrylic Blocks
  • If you find you enjoy stamping ,invest in a set of acrylic blocks as it will be cheaper than buying individual sizes. 
  • Some blocks have guide lines for placing your clear stamp
  • Some have rounded corners – I love this variety as they feel more comfortable to handle.
  • Recently saw a stamp holder set with handles  at Itsy Bitsy- they look quite tempting and must be even easier to stamp courtesy the handles but I have no experience with them [will let you know how they are if I give in to temptation and buy it!]
Frugal options- paper weight,flat bottom glass
When I started stamping I used a paper weight[see picture above] —You may get the same image quality as while using acrylic blocks but the big disadvantage is you cant see where you are stamping
Special –Fiskars Stamp press –It’s a large acrylic plate with guidelines. Might be useful if you want to mass produce stamped images using more than one stamp as you can position multiple stamps on it, ink and stamp.
Choosing Ink Pads
Stamping tips 1
Ink Pads
There is a HUGE variety of ink pads so it can get very confusing!!!
Stamping tips 2
Ink Pads
For starters the Indian crafter can use the easily available Faber Castel ink pads– they do give vibrant crisp images .The main limitations are there are only limited colors [red,green,black] and the ink pad surface is depressed unlike the raised surface in other inkpads so inking your stamps is not so easy.
Stamping tips 3
Ink Pads
You can read an exhaustive write up by Ellen on Ink pads. 
I made a table comparing some features of the main Ink pad types which are Dye Inks and Pigment Inks

Dye Inks Pigment Inks
Dries fast [ Dye Dries]Dries slower
except Versafine
Can stamp on glossy paperSince slow drying you need to heat set on glossy paper
Cannot be used for embossing
except- Distress Inks
Can be used for embossing
Some clear stamps dont work well with themWorks well with all clear stamps
Fades over time
except- Memento,Distress
Fade resistant
Cannot use watercolors to color with
except –Archival
Store upside down to keep ink pad surface juicyStore normally
Memento,Adirondack, Archival,Hero Arts,DistressItsyBitsy ,Damas,Versafine,Colorbox,Versacolor

Here is another table I compiled on the best inkpads for a particular purpose based on various online forum reviews.

For Embossing Versamark
For Copics coloringAdirondack,Memento.
Dont use Staz on
For Water coloringArchival,Versafine,Stazon
For fine detail stampingVersafine
For Fabric stampingVersacraft,Archival,Stazon,Versafine
For wood,plastic, metal,glass,ceramic, clay,leather and glossy paper Staz on

Lace stamp 1
Ink Comparison
           Its always best to experiment what suits your project, tastes and budget the most ! For example even though Versafine is popularly said to be the best ink pad for detail stamping-For the intricate lace design Itsy Bitsy stamp in this project I found I liked the more muted stamped image got with the Itsy Bitsy red pigment inkpad [first image] more than the sharp image I got with Versafine [2nd image in black]!
Heart shaped box 7
3 D Heart Box card

Inking  the mounted stamp







  • Stamps that are larger than your ink pad can be inked by tapping the inkpad on top of the stamp, while stamps that are smaller than your ink pad can be inked by tapping  the mounted stamp on the ink pad itself.
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    Inking a stamp
  • Dont rub or press too much,just tap uniformly to cover the whole stamp.

    Choosing what to stamp on

  • Beginners should start with card stock
  • Avoid glossy paper,photo-paper,pearlescent paper, handmade paper, textured paper and vellum or acetate till you get the hang of stamping!

    Stamping

  • Place your paper on a firm surface not on the bed or a wobbly table!! [Believe me I have done it ,got awful images and declared I hated stamping!!]
  • Apply firm pressure on your acrylic block from above.Dont apply too much force  while stamping or you’ll squash the stamp and get blurred images

  • Stamping tip 1
    Stamping Errors
    • Dont rock your acrylic block or you’ll get smudged edges- this is the commonest mistake beginners make and you can mess up images stamped even with rubber stamps if you rock your stamps!!
    Stamping Problems






  • Some new clear stamps dont stamp well and need to be “conditioned” to accept ink. Just keep on inking and stamping on scraps of paper or gently rub an eraser /fine sandpaper/nail file over the stamping surface and your stamp will work wonderfully
  • Some clear stamps [cheaper varieties] are quite choosy about the type of inks they accept so experiment with different ink pads before your give up!
    Stamping tip 2
    Distress Ink stamping
  • You just got the Distress ink pads everyone is singing laurels about…your stamped images are so blurry and unattractive!Ha Ha happened to me too! Actually distress inks are not the best inks for crisp stamping as they are meant to get a fuzzy image,inking edges,shading ! I used distress ink to shade the lacy edges of my fan fold tags and swinging box
  • If you are not getting crisp images try placing your paper on a stamping pad/mouse pad or foam pad and then stamp over it…the cushioning effect helps to tremendously improve the quality of the stamped image!
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    Stamping Pad
  • If your image bleeds or is not crisp enough try changing the paper you are stamping on.
  • And yes clear stamp quality varies and some cheaper varieties just wont stamp as well !

    Stamp Care  and Maintenance

    • Avoid using strong detergents to clean your stamps
    • Avoid direct sunlight exposure
    • If you have washed with water let the stamps dry before storing away
    • Using inks like Stazon and the Staz on stamp cleaner can over time damage your clear stamp and many manufacturers caution against that
    • Clear stamps can lose stickiness over time- remedy- mild soap water wash
    All my crafty friends seems to be accomplished stampers and I was uncertain about the usefulness of this post but then I will always remember what my blogger friend Jaya told me on this Easy flower tutorial post – that everyday a new crafter is born and nothing is too simple to share!! Thank you so much Jaya!!
    Heart shaped box 6
    Heart Box Card
    I hope my stamper friends "okay" this stamping attempt and newbie crafters like the tips...please comment!![Big morale boost required !!]

  • Supplies: Ivory Card stock[ Pawan Bookstore RT nagar],Clear stamps,Distress Ink,Pigment Ink,eyelets,Heart shaped crystal beads,Spellbinder lacy hearts die,DCWV pattern paper,Big Shot-all Itsy Bitsy
    Linking to Kraftzone [3 D card in pink,red,white]
    Edited : this Heart Shaped Box card came top 3 at Kraftzone

    154 comments:

    1. Bookmarked for reading in leisure. I was so engrossed in looking at all the pictures of the gorgeous box that didn't actually read :)

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      1. Sheetal... A big HUG to you for commenting ..when I didnt get any comments after posting I thought my post was an utter disaster!! You have made me feel so much better!!

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    2. Here is a huge information about stamping, Sonia! great work! read everything...its perfect, not disaster :)

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      1. Such a relief Shilpa..I am suspecting I put everyone to sleep with all the boring technical mumbo jumbo!! Thank you so much for boosting my morale!!

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      2. Thanks for joining us with this beautiful project at Lulupu Challenge # 25

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    3. Wow, what an amazing amount of research you put into this and how generous you are to share it!! The heart box card is absolutely stunning!! I adore the shape and design!! Your stamping is perfect!! Thank you again for sharing this with us - you are amazing!! Have a great day :)

      Lisa
      A Mermaid's Crafts

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      1. Thank you so much Lisa ...oh Yes I actually spent 3 weeks obsessing and reading up about stamping basics.And I am going to keep repeating to myself that you said my stamping on this project is perfect!! A girl needs a big pat from time to time especially when trying out new things!! And I can always count on dear friends like you to give me a boost!!

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    4. This is gorgeous and the receiver will be extremely thrilled to receive this gift, Sonia! thank you for sharing the tutorial with us!

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      1. Thank you so much for dropping in..ha ha the receiver will be my hubby only!!

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    5. What an absolutely amazing post! Fabulous information and your creation, well wowzer! How gorgeous is that heart! TFS

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      1. Karon so happy you dropped in...I loved your blog and Thank you for helping me feel good with such a sweet comment!

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    6. Wonderful project Dr Sonia.
      Love the sweet colors.
      Gr Elly

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      1. Thank you so much Elly..am sorry I didnt drop in to your blog for some time now...will catch up today

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    7. Wow what a good read it was! And amazing Amazing creation. I think your stamping and inking was perfect. Looking forward to more such informative posts from you.

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      1. Jasleen you are a pro at stamping...I always drool over your projects!!

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      2. lol...Thanks for such a sweet compliment doc, but I've just begun to explore the possibilities with inks and stamps and have a long way to go. Well, I agree with you that distress inks are not good for crisp images and are meant for shading. Although ideally this is the case, I think there are some instances where you want the image to be a little fuzzier so that it blends well with the shading or general theme of the creation. (for eg.tone-on-tone distress ink stamping where the fuzziness in the image looks beautiful, alteast to me :P) And also memento are best suited for stamping but I have used them for shading the edges and I'm happy with the end result. So i beleive we can try and experiment a lot with these inks as long as we like the results. Thanks again for such a useful info on pigment inks. I didn't know that itsy bitsy has their own inks too!!

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      3. You are so right about the inks Jasleen..we need not let anything stop experiments!!

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    8. A wonderful tips on stamping post. I have been stamping for a couple of years and find that I still am learning about stamping. I also find that a stamp has to be seasoned sometimes before getting a stamp image you like so I practice with the stamp first. I have tried stamping on fabric, ribbon & other such materials. I use my heat tool when stamping on vellum since the ink needs more dry time. I find I like heat embossed stamping most. Have fav inks. Use to be Memento Tuxedo Black but now my fav black is VersaFine Onyx Black. I also like Tim Holtz Distress Inks and have quite a collection of them. My fav TH Distress Ink is walnut stain. I have used StazOn on my stamps and not ruined any. I do find that the smaller a stamp is the harder it is for it to stick to the block sometimes. A trick I learned is to rub the block on your pants, rub the stamp on your pants and then it will stick to the block better. Wise to get a set of blocks which I have 2 sets of: Fiskars & Stampin' Up. I also use unmounted stamps which require adding foam adhesive to to be able to stamp with. Fav stamps of mine are: Hero Arts, K Andrew Designs, Paper Smooches, Tim Holtz & Whimsical Designs to name a few. For less expensive stamps I have a collection of craftsmart rubber wood mounted stamps that I buy at Michaels. My most difficult thing about stamping is storage. I was keeping some clear stamps on the plastic they come on in a plastic sleeve in a notebook and found that over time the black image on the outside of the plastic that has the design pictured had worn off onto the plastic sleeve as if affected by heat but they were in a room not exposed to heat. I store most of my stamps in plastic storage containers & photo boxes some arranged alphabetically and some arranged by category/theme.
      Melissa
      "Sunshine HoneyBee"

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      1. Thank you so much for sharing such wonderful tips Melissa..I got scared to use Staz on after reading so many warnings online and a new Sizzix stamp I bought even had a warning about it on the package !!

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    9. What a lovely box with tags! love the soft pink hues! thank you so much for this post Doc..I keep on searching what inks to buy based on the purpose and here I have a table!! more often than not I ask the sellers to advice me..but thanks to you I have my own list now...:) Loved the mouse pad idea and infact just tried it as well and the result is awesome!!... Thank you so much for the shout out..:) I am humbled!

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      1. Jaya I visited dozens of online crafting discussion forums and made the table seeing the majority consensus of which inkpad was the most popular for a particular use.Am glad that a stamping pro like you finds it useful

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      2. I discovered the mouse pad info only recently and was thrilled at the difference it made to my stamping!!

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      3. Actually! it makes the image so crisp (especially the intricate ones) and the cardstock takes much more ink than it does normally.. loved the idea! Thanks a ton:)

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    10. hi. thank you very much for the nice comment, I'm your newest reader and look forward to your works. best wishes Barbara

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      1. Am so glad you liked my blog Barbara..I enjoyed browsing through yours too

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    11. one more thing, the box is quite magical. beautifully!

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      1. Thank you Barbara I am thrilled you like the heart box

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    12. What a wonderfully interesting and informative post Sonia, thank you so much for spending what I am sure was much time in preparing it.

      If it's any consolation I too had great difficulties when I firs tried stamping, I tries several time and in the end threw all my stamps any inks into a bag and they lay in the back of a cupboards for a couple of years. Then one day a lovely lady who used to do craft demos on TV took me aside and after half an hour with her I was well away and the rest as they say is history. And that small bad of stamps and inks has over the years turned into a rather large cupboard and draws.

      Anyhow, on to your pretty box which is a sheer delight, it is so delicate and feminine and will make a wonderful gift.

      Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful work and joining in my blog celebrations.

      B x

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      1. Oh I am so thrilled to get such a wonderful comment from you Brenda...you are like a stamping Goddess!!! It will be so inspiring for amateur stampers to read this comment of yours as its so encouraging to novice stampers !!

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    13. oh wow this is stunning really beautiful and the detail is perfect such a treat for the eyes bless you for the lovely message you left on my blog will be following you now hugs cheryl xx

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      1. Cheryl Thank you so much for the encouraging words

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    14. Wow sonia . This is just for me!!! I am so scared of using colors n stamps just gathering courage to give this a try..
      You have covered every aspect of stamping so nicely and addressed the basic doubt which I was scared ppl will mock at me if I ask. . Thanks so much dear

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      1. Lavina you just made my day!!! I felt I am no authority to write a post on basic stamping as there are so many awesome stampers out there but the info on basic stamping is actually so sparse and scattered I had to dig and dig and experiment and experiment to come up with this post!!

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      2. Really this is no less than a research paper! Most helpful for newbies in stamping like me :) thanks again. .hugs

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    15. thanks for this tutorial.. very helpful for beginners :)... hope the stamping bug has caught you and you will give us the pleasure of seeing more wonderful creations from you n Prisha :)

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      1. Hridya all my stamps were so far being used by my daughter. Crafty Blogosphere is such a generous place that over the years I have been gifted quite a few stamps ...now gaining the courage to put them to use!!

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    16. What a gorgeous heart box Sonia...wonderful stamping and very pretty details..fabulous informative post today..I have saved to my favourites so I can readf again and take some info in..

      luv CHRISSYxx

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      1. Chrissy you are a stamping pro and I am so glad you liked my little attempt

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    17. Sweets! Have to say I read your post in detail and finished with a sigh wishing that there had been a post like this when I started stamping. I too like you never appreciated the art the stamping - felt I was no good at it and would rather not do it in any of my projects but ever since ItsyBitsy's new acrylic stamps came out, I found myself rediscovering this art. All my ink pads that I purchased in a hurry a year and a half ago are now being re-used... Thanks for sharing your experience, It is a very helpful write up and your project is just fantastic.. couldn't figure out what was stamped actually - it all looked so perfect as if it were printed. Perhaps you should do a Part 2 focussing on stamps that can be coloured in... if it interests you. That's a whole different ball game.

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      1. Sunehra I must thank Rashmi for goading me to use the stamps.!! I was such a coward!! I took days to say yes to her and a further 2 weeks to gather courage to try it!! I love the lace design stamp and the best thing is the Itsy Bitsy ink pads seem made just for them!!
        Ha Ha writing this post itself made me loose quite a bit of sleep...am not yet ready for Part 2!!

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    18. Really interesting and very informative post....loved each and every word you have written. ..its just perfect and right information s which we have gathered over a period of time....it will be very usefull for thebeginners to get all informations from your one post...in a nutshell ....thanks for sharing.
      Love
      Daksha

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      1. Daksha you are so good with inks...such words from you are so precious!!

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    19. What an amazing post Dr. Sonia. As I was reading it I thought that it should be an article or series of articles in a magazine. Really well laid out, well written, and very nice pictures. Love it! NancyD

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    20. Hi Sonia..I might be the one who benefited more from this post as I am the newborn that you mentioned on your blog..I recently started doing handmade cards and I tried stamping on them..I must admit that I am not so much confident about those and not very much pleased too..

      I hope that I try stamping again using your tips..Thank you so much for this informative post..

      http://handmadewithpaper.blogspot.com/

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      1. Ha Ha you are making me smile Anjali by likening yourself to a newborn!! Am happy you liked the post

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    21. Love your post- you made a gorgeous project with your stamping! You have covered one very important FYI- conditioning new stamps- it will make such a big difference. I made charts for my different inks on different papers and keep them and refer to them often. Fabulous write up! And your friend is so right- half of the things I learn about- eg new techniques- are made up by people just trying out their products and discover- by accident or on purpose- how inks/papers, etc interact!

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      1. Thank you so much Shelly ...I love the way you stamp and emboss!

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    22. Aww...its such a wonderful write up Doc.Got many infos including pigment inks which am yet to experiment..Thanks for these geneorous sharing of knowledge, sure its gonna be bookmarked my every newbie stamper :)

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      1. Thank you Sathya...I have a lot of pigment inks since I do most of the shopping from Itsy Bitsy and not online!!

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    23. Oh my doc...you are such a giver and a knowledge box, all bundled up! This is such a detailed post and covers so many aspects, thank you so much.

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      1. Ha Ha first time I am being called a Knowledge Box!! Thank you Rupa!!!

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    24. Hello Dr. Sonia. its such a lovely and beautiful card with detailed information ...Thanks for sharing ...
      Thanks for playing along the Kraftzone Challenge The Valentine Connection... DT Meeta :)

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    25. Firstly the box is so beautiful. Lovely pink colour and the idea of tags attached to it is just amazing. Secondly I think this is the best information we get when googled about stamping. Sonia your blog is like a google search engine.Kudos and thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful information.

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      1. Pavani...what a huge compliment!!! Big HUG!!

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    26. Wow !! Dr Sonia you never cease to amaze me Any new craft form that you embark upon, you so generously share it with all the readers its really quite big hearted of you for sure .Though I confess that this time I was more interested at looking at the gorgeous pictures of your box and your perfect stamping too each of the detail of the box and those tags are so so beautiful ..You definitely have set a whole new level for it !! Kudos to you :)

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      1. Hussena you dont need the info on stamping basics!! Am so happy you feel my stamping is beautiful !! I am delighted..you are always so supportive my dear friend!!

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    27. such a detailed post!! thank you so much for sharing the tips... it is of great help for newbies like me..
      -Berina
      Moxie Craftie

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      1. Berina so kind of you ...and you are no newbie I love your work!!

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    28. Beautiful heart shape box..hmm seems the Valentine bug has got you :D ! pretty colors and the lace stamping n die-cuts make it even more gorgeous !
      I loved to read a detailed post on stamping basics. I have few clear stamps n memento inks and initially I got blurred stamped images ,after conditioning and trying on different papers its better but still not crisp.The table on inks comparison is very very helpful I was very confused as to which inks to buy ,this info is going to help me when I buy new inks.Recently watched this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTfajhSHw3o) video on inks ,will be helpful for Part 2 :D ! Thanks a lot for such a detailed description .

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      1. Thank you Pooja. I am yet to invest in Memento though I have read so many good things about it. I have a pet peeve about You tube videos Pooja..dont have the patience for them but since you recommend I will surely go and watch and ha ha dont expect a Part 2 on coloring...from childhood I have hated coloring!!

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    29. Very informative post Dr. Sonia! I am new at stamping and I have bought all my stamping gear from Itsy Bitsy too . Your detailed information will sure help me in stamping in a better way.
      Thanks a lot :)

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      1. Glad you feel this post will be useful Rohini

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    30. Great post Sonia...It gives me some enthusiasm to try some stamping ..wish me luck... the box is so cute..

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      1. Thank you Sindhu... you will do a wonderful job Sindhu

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    31. Absolutely stunning project..and really great informative post. I m still not good with stamping and always make mess with it. I felt as if I'm reading wiki of stamping techniques .Thanks for sharing and your kindness !

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      1. Archana so happy a seasoned crafter such as yourself find this post useful!

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    32. Wow this is one stunning project and fantastic tutorial I am going to bookmark and have a go so thank you. Also thank you for joining us at Open Minded Crafting Fun, Good Luck and we hope to see you again soon. Alison xx

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      1. Thank you Alison...I am off to visit your blog!

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    33. Anonymous13/2/14

      Just loving it!

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    34. Wow - so much info - I got stamps made for my branding but never use them as I cant seem to get a sharp image - will try again now

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      1. Divya I recently picked up a plastic "Handmade with love" stamp and it is such a no fuss stamp and gives such beautiful crisp images...you wont believe where I got it from...a gift shop in Mantri Mall!!

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    35. Sonia, I am exactly in the same situation as you! I never got the hang of stamping, even though, at some point, I was thinking to buy a few and use them to create backgrounds for my quilled paintings. Now that I got to read your very, VERY long and informative post, I realize that things are much more complicated that I thought and I will consider all my options before purchasing stamps and inks.
      Even if you say you are a beginner when it comes to stamping, I think your little heart-shaped box turned very beautiful! Again, thank you so taking the time to research and then share all the precious info!
      Hugs!
      Manu

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      1. Am so thrilled you find it useful Manu..yes I think thats exactly why many crafters tend to stay away from stamping...it looks deceptively simple but one needs to be aware of a few tricks of the trade!!

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    36. The instructions are detailed, as only you know. The selection is great and it's really hard to decide what to choose. Anyway, your heart box turned out beautiful and perfect to me! The motif on the lid, side lace, color - everything!

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      1. Thank you so much ...you are always so kind and encouraging!!

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    37. Gorgeous stamping Sonia. Your heart shaped box and fan are fantastic..LOz

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    38. This box is stunning - ABSOLUTELY STUNNING, what a great work of art and all the information that you have taken the time to write, just wonderful.
      Hugs
      Suzie xx

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      1. Thank you so much Suzie...I am your biggest fan!!

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    39. Such a pretty heart box... awesome stamping and very nicely done. I also took many years, almost 13 to start liking stamping and even now take quite a while to decide to do stamping. Specially clear stamps take a lot out of me. Yet it is such fun if it turns out nice.

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      1. Monica I didnt know you disliked stamping seeing your projects you are such a versatile card maker!!

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    40. Hi Dr sonia,
      Dropping by again to say Thank you so much for playing along Lulupu #25 and Best of Luck :) and also to ogle at your beautiful box all over again ..totally in love with it :)

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      1. Thank you Hussena!! You are always so generous in your praise

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    41. thanks for sharing all this info...it is quite a lot of work, thanks for sharing it as for your project is just amazing, love that idea and the inside too ALL is beautiful
      Happy Valentine's Day!
      Warmly,
      Bibiana

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      1. Bibiana...!! I am always so happy when you drop in!!

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    42. Such a detailed post on stamping. Very useful and informative. Box looks very elegant. Pink color looks more beautiful with all those stamps.

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      1. Thank you so much !! Yeah I experimented with red ,pink and black but loved the red pink combination the best

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    43. Love this fabulous box!!! And your stamping is fabulous!!!

      Thanks for joining our fortnightly challenge here at Open Minded Crafting Fun Challenge. Hope you will join us next time co-owner Crafting Vicky. I’m doing a little giveaway to celebrate 500 followers come and join in http://crafting-vicky.blogspot.ca/2014/02/woooow-celebration-in-order-its-500.html

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      1. Thank you so much Vicki ...yeah sure I will drop by your blog.I am actually your old follower!!

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    44. Wow!! This is AMAZING!!! What a gorgeous box!! Wow!! So much detail!!! Stunning.. absolutely stunning!! Thanks so much for playing along with us at Open-Minded Crafting Fun Challenges!!! Good Luck! I hope we see you again!!

      - Susan, Co-Owner @ Open-Minded Crafting Fun Challenges
      {Scrap A Thousand Words}

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      1. Thank you so much Susan am so thrilled you like it

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    45. Fantastic information and so kind of you to share. Your projects are amazing.
      Hugs,
      Larelyn
      OMCF DT member

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    46. I can't believe after seeing this box that you weren't good at stamping...this is absolutely stunning! I think I am a very simple stamper - your tutorial is very useful !

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      1. Thank you so much Claire ...I had to practise real hard to improve my stamping!!

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    47. This is such a detailed post, thank you so much Sonia for so much of information !! ......and this project is so charming, lively colors and embellishments :)

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      1. Thank you so much Suman...ha ha I did work really hard to write this post!!

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    48. Hey Sonia,
      That was quite an expressive and detailed tutorial. As is rightly said, a new crafter is born everyday. Thank you so much for sharing. It was great help. That heart box project was totally amazing.
      :)
      http://yamini-chak.blogspot.com/

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      Replies
      1. Thank you so much Yamini for appreciating the heart box and also for encouraging me to write more tutorials

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    49. Hey Sonia,
      That was quite a detailed tutorial. Rightly said, a new crafter is born everyday and you never know how you might help them. Your tutorial was of great help. Thank you so much for sharing.
      :)
      http://yamini-chak.blogspot.com/

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      Replies
      1. Thank you Yamini..so glad you found it helpful..I owe it to my crafty friends and blog visitors

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    50. Wow! Sonia, Simply amazing information on stamping and wonderful for any one who wishes to try this newly! Your heart shaped box is so.... cute :) Loved the borders :)

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      1. Thank you so much Sarah so gladdened you like it

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    51. WOW....thnk you so much Dr. Sonia...this one is a double bonanza...A fab creation plus a lovely tutorial on how to go abt choosing inks n stamps...Ur blog indeed is an inspiration to many crafters...
      .and Thnx for playing along at Kraftzone challenge #2

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      Replies
      1. Thank you so much Lekha your words help make all the hard work seem worthwhile!!

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    52. WOW that heart box is amazing what a gift for anyone. I haven't seen anything like it before it really is beautiful.

      I am like you certainly NOT a stamper, but see the Stampin Up Demonstrators come up with beautiful projects I am tempted sometimes, then I get a stamp out of my stash and make a mess of it and put the stamps away again, sorry but digi for me everytime, HOWEVER after seeing what you have done, I may even bring a stamp out and try again. Wonderful tutorial.
      Thank you
      Also thank you for the lovely comment on my card.

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      1. Ha Ha yes Faith I can clearly identify with what you say...same thing would happen to me till I was forced to find out what I was doing wrong and make an effort to improve!!!

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    53. Oh it was so so nice to see you on my blog today!!! It is so great to be back...The start of your post brought many chuckles and smiles to my face, I remember what it was like to start out stamping, maybe not as hard as you had it LOL... On the flip side you did amazing with your beautiful intricate heart box!!!!!! They are gorgeous stamps and look at what you would be missing out on if you hadn't had the gentle push.
      I can't believe your blog has over 2 1/2 million views, holy cow!!!!
      I started blogging again on Friday and added a video update of Michael walking, no more wheelchair!!!!! He will have to have back surgery due to a tethered cord but not sure when.
      Lots of love
      xxx

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      1. Thank you so much Naomi for the lovely encouraging words..I am so glad you are doing well and Michael too

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    54. Checking out your card from Make it Monday! This is gorgeous! I mean gorgeous! Incredible! Breathtaking!

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    55. Sonia, this is beyond words... it is so feminine, delicate, and exactly what I envision when I think of a beautiful project. Your talent is only surpassed by your generosity in sharing all you have learned. So often one happens upon on extraordinary project, only to be left feeling helpless and saddened, knowing you can't figure out how it was done. But the tutorials you make and the research you share help everyone grow in crafty journeys. Aside from all that, your eye for design and detail is something I love about EVERY single one of your projects. Your stamping on this exquisite project is indeed perfect and I adore every single inch of this box card. :o)

      Hugs and blessings,
      Karen

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      Replies
      1. Karen....it is comments such as yours which make all the tutorial making and blogging seem so worthwhile!!!

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    56. Anonymous18/2/14

      what a stunning project. Seen on MIM

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    57. YAY!! I finally reached the bottom to comment...lol...you are a popular lady and I'm not surprised and now with my DT hat on..
      Thanks for sharing with us at Make it Monday..

      Luv CHRISSYxx

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      1. Ha Ha you are making me smile Chrissy with that "YAY" !!!!

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    58. A great project & detailed information on stamping. Thanks for sharing with novice stampers like me. Stamping is fun, I'm enjoying it, but don't have many inks. Love the lacy stamp you've used. I hope I'll be able to visit B'lore for at least 2 days when I go home this Dec. Already feeling excited :)

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      1. Leanne be sure to contact me when you reach Bangalore...will be great to meet you!

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    59. I think you rocked this Sonia.
      Thank you so much for your generosity - your precious time and kindness you show the craft world. Bless you.

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      1. Jaya for the stamping queen!!! Yippee I am doing the happy dance!

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    60. this post is like "Stamping for Dummies" ;) I'm one of the dummies so THANK you so much for such a wonderful post!

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      1. I am so happy you found it useful

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    61. So Nice. You are very talented and creative. I love your blog. Your creations are also so very artistic and beautiful and neat.

      Your step by step clear instructions and so much information you share with us is really helpful. I have been wanting to try this for long. Now that I have read your article, I will try it. THANKS A LOT for very informative post.

      one thing -please share the secret-How do you find so much time to do all these and then post about them? I know being a doctor and mother you are a very busy person.

      Hugs and Love

      Sailaja
      http://summersofindia.blogspot.in/

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      1. Ha Ha Sailaja...just the fact that I am replying to you after so much time points to the fact that yes I dont actually find time most of the time!!

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    62. WOW! This is a mind-blowing post, Sonia. I have no doubt there are so many grateful people out there... I'm one of them. You share your knowledge and experience so generously... and tirelessly. Thank you so very much!
      xxx Asha

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      1. Asha...so thrilled you dropped by

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    63. Beautiful project and very detailed tutorial. Thanks I learned some new stuff yeah!!! Have a great day, my friend-- I worked the bugs out of the computer and I can comment now, over here.
      DIANA L.
      dianamlarson.blogspot.com

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      Replies
      1. So good to have you visit Diana.Glad you sorted out the computer issues

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    64. Great stamping tips. Love the box and fan.

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    65. I really admire the detail you put into each post, this is absolutely beautiful, all the little details are just gorgeous.

      ReplyDelete
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      1. Thank you so much Suzarte...so good to have you visit after long.Off to visit your blog

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    66. Sonia, your heart box and contents are absolutely stunning! The little details are fabulous! Gorgeous, gorgeous project!

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    67. Hello Miss Sonia, thanks for stopping by my nest, wowzer 131 comments, thats fantastic, well this is a BRILLIANT post, I've been a stamper for years, for newbies it's it's jam packed with excellent info, the only thing I could add is I use an old mouse pad under my paper then stamp on it, the cushion underneath make the stamp a better impression, thanks for sharing all of this, and your GORGEOUS heart box and that fantastic fan, I adore fans, beautiful stamping, you have done a wonderful job showcasing the stamps, Itsy Bitsy clear stamps. should be very pleased with this post and your creations, have a wonderful week, ((( BIG HUGS )))...

      ReplyDelete
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      1. I always look forward to your comments Dianne...you make them so lively I literally feel you have come to visit me in real life!!

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    68. Your heart shaped box is beautiful. A real professional . Thank you for the long detailed ionformation and expecially the tables on what inks to use, when and where. This is just what the new crafter needs to know and even those that have been crating for a while and not getting the results without realising why. A brilliant post. Thank you again for the time it must have taken from your busy schedule to compile. Hugs Mrs A .

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    69. Your stamps are beautiful! Excellent tutorial.

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    70. cute heart shape box .. :)Its a great informative post Dr Sonia.. Thanks for the info on variety of stamps and ink pads ..and its easier for the beginners for piking up right stamps, inks and tools for stamping ..

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    71. I am a long time stamper and you gave some wonderful advice. The information is much needed with a new stamper. Very interesting and will be very helpful for many. so nice of you to share. I hope to see lots of stamping projects from you. You are such a talented lady..

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    72. Finally!! My dear Sonia has started stamping!! and not the least- have done extensive research on inks and stamps!! Sure this post is a treasure for beginners!! Here is my 2 cents on stamps http://colorconceptions.blogspot.in/2012/12/must-knows-of-stamps.html

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Ha Ha Yes Priya finallllly!! And so far I was spluring only on dies now yet another avenue has opened up to craft shop!!

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    73. Amazing detailed post on stamping Dr. Sonia.I often get queries regarding the same in my inbox and sometimes I myself also get confused between few brands of inks. This post of urs is result of gud research I must say.This post can help lots of budding crafters, I wud love to share d link of ur post in my group Crafters Den ...hope u don't mind :)

      https://www.facebook.com/groups/274150659406183/

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    74. Hi dr sonia thanks for this loads of info on stamps really would be helpful for beginners like me....all ur post always have been informative ....g8t effort u putin for such a detail info n experience into the craft....

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    75. Ahhhhhhh! I am one of those who declared stamping is not for me SOnia! I have to get restarted, I am so infused with confidence reading this post! :)

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    76. Anonymous24/4/14

      Very informative post, Dr. Sonia. Thank you for sharing all of these. Glad I found your blog :)

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    77. Anonymous24/4/14

      Very informative blog post, Dr. Sonia. Thank you for sharing all of these. Glad I found your blog :)

      ReplyDelete
    78. Very informative post.I tried stamping after reading this only. I have one doubt,can we use poster colors for clear stapms? And I tried border/lace stamp,but its not looking continouse.How should I improve stamping for lace/border?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Priyanka its easiest to use stamp pads with stamps..poster colors is doable but its more difficult to get beautiful results. As for the border lace ...yes its tricky to get a continuous border! If you have a stamping tool such as the misti or stampaholic its easier

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