Patricia Stamps

Stamping with large background stamps

I have to tell you that I love, love, love, Stampin' Up! background stamps. 

1. Their stamp boxes line up so neatly on my stamp case.
2. They coordinate with other Stampin' Up! images. 
3. They come in a variety of styles for all kinds of cards.
4. They provide a really nice "layer" without adding bulk.
5. They can give me the look of textured cardstock without the extra cost.
6. They can give me the look of patterned paper without the extra cost. 
7. They keep me from using small background images that I have to stamp over and over again, hoping to keep them lined up correctly.
8. They work great with my favorite pad....Versamark.
9. They are large enough to cover the entire front of a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card (unlike other background stamps you will find at the chain stores.
10. They cost less than $18 and they are so incredibly versatile! 

  

 Now, I know that there are some of you out there, going, bah humbug! I hate background stamps. They are too big and they are hard to stamp. I can never get a good impression. I have arthritis and I can't stamp with something that big...blah, blah, blah.

Well, whether you love them or hate them, I have good news for you. I am going to show you my fool proof way to use a background stamp and love, yes, I said LOVE the results as well as the act of stamping.

Here is what you will need:

• a Stampin' Up! background stamp
• Versamark pad
• your folded cardstock at 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• a scrap piece of paper

Okay, choose your favorite background stamp...okay, some of you quit complaining and saying you don't have a favorite, just choose one.

I chose to use "Sanded". It is very nice for masculine cards. It was used on the sympathy card that I posted yesterday. 

Put your stamp on the table, with the rubber side up.

Use your Versamark pad to ink the stamp from the top.

Pay attention to this step...do not move your stamp.... Place your card on top of the stamp.

Put the sheet of scrap paper on top of the cardstock.

Now holding the cardstock in place with the scrap paper, glide your hand over the entire image. Make sure you get the sides and the corner.

Pick up the scrap paper and the cardstock. Enjoy your beautiful background image.

Now, if I have inspired you to try background stamps for the first time, or if I have created a renewed interest in you and you want to try some new Stampin' UP Background stamps, please send me an email because I am running an exciting special sale on Background Stamps and Versamark pads for the next week only. 

Sympathy Cards

Doesn't it seem like you always need a Sympathy card when you do not have any on hand?

Here are two Sympathy cards I made recently for an article on "How to Make a Sympathy Card"

When making a masculine sympathy card, nature sets are always a great choice. Keep the colors and designs simple. Now is not the time to pull out all of your extra embellishments and dimensions. The focus should really be on the message of the card.

That being said, keep the message of your card nice and simple. Now is not the time to share your religion with someone who doesn't already share it. Express your condolenses and that is all.

For feminine cards, floral sets in soft colors are always a good option.

The above sample shows why using bright colors isn't a good idea. The exact same image as on the right, the one on the left looks more like it should be for a congratulations or birthday card. Keep the reason for the card in your mind when making it.

A simple repeat of the main image on the edge of the envelope gives the card a very nice feel and completed look.

If you have any questions or need to make sympathy cards and would like help in choosing the correct supplies, please let me know.

Stampin' Up stamp sets used in these samples are: Lovely as a Tree, Close as a Memory, and God's Blessings.