I am going to answer a few beginner stampers FAQ’s aka frequently asked questions. We all have questions when we first start stamping. I hope this helps. If you have any other stamping questions, please email tammy@tammylovesstamping.com so I can include your question in an upcoming blog.
FAQs from beginner stampers
- Teresa wants to know if my base card measures 4 ¼ by 5 ½ inches, what size do I cut to layer another piece of cardstock over the top.
Answer: Typically for each additional layer you would drop down ¼ inch. So, the next layer would measure 4” by 5 ¼ inches, the next layer on top of that one would be 3 ¾ inches by 5 inches.
- Maz asks: When you have a stamp with a matching die, do you die cut your cardstock first or do you stamp first?
Answer: Normally you would stamp your image first so that you can center your die around your stamped image. I recommend using washi tape or a post-it note to hold the die in place because they tend to slide around while trying to get them into the die cutting machine.
- Nicky has a question about embellishments. When you make cards that have pieces that are not flat on the card, how do you package them to give to someone? Envelopes? Boxes?
Answer: If the 5 ½ by 4 ¼ inch card is not too thick you can just mail it in a regular A2 size envelope. I recommend placing a sheet of blank cardstock in between the front of the card and the envelope so that any gems, rhinestones or raised pieces don’t poke through the envelope. The envelope goes through a sorting machine, so the extra piece of cardstock helps make the thickness more uniform and prevents damage to your card/envelope. Another option is to pay a little extra for the post office to “hand” sort your card and not go through the sorting machine.
- Nila’s question is regarding adhesive. How do you get rid of excess tombow adhesive or stampin’ seal adhesive off your card?
Answer: Sometimes you mistakenly may add some adhesive somewhere on your card where you didn’t mean to and the best way I have found to remove excess adhesive is use a craft adhesive eraser. Unfortunately, Stampin’ Up! stopped selling them. But you can find them online by searching for adhesive eraser. They are about 2” x 2” square. You use it just like a regular pencil eraser. Otherwise, you can always just rub back and forth with your finger until the adhesive balls up and then you can pick it off.
- Nancy wants to know what is the difference between dry embossing and heat embossing?
Answer: Dry embossing requires an embossing folder and an embossing machine. You place the cardstock inside the embossing folder and run it through the embossing machine. It creates ridges or raised patterns on the cardstock that matches the pattern of the embossing folder. Heat embossing requires a heat tool, Versamark (a kind of clear, sticky ink), embossing powder and a stamp. You press the stamp into the Versamark stamp pad and then stamp your cardstock. Next, pour the embossing powder over the stamped image coating it well. Dump off the excess powder. Apply heat in a circular motion using the heat tool until you see the embossing powder start to melt. When the image cools, the powder has hardened and becomes shiny. It adds so much to your card!
If you want to see an example of a dry embossed card, check out my Whale Done blog by clicking this link. The waves are embossed.
Give it a try and click here to post your embossed cards over on my Facebook page for us all to admire!
