Whether you’re new to stamping or have been making cards for years, a few simple tips can make a big difference. I’ve gathered my favorite stamping tips right here for you — complete with quick graphics and explanations.
Bookmark this page (or share the tips on Pinterest) and check back often because I’m always adding more!
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How To Stamp Straight Sentiments
Do you ever struggle to get your sentiments to stamp straight on your cards? Here’s a quick tip that might help you!
Use grid paper when placing the stamp on your block.
First, line the stamp straight along a line on the grid paper. Then, pick up the stamp by placing the block on it. When you’re going down with the block, pick the top, bottom, or side of the block to eye it to be in line with the grid paper lines.
Then, when you go to stamp, line the block straight with your cardstock! After putting on the block, make sure to give it a test on scrap paper first.
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Time Saving Tip
I always put a white layer on the insides of my cards (unless in the rare case that my card base is white)
To save time when creating, I cut a whole stack of 5 1/4″ x 4″ pieces of Basic White and have them ready to use when I am making cards. It is so easy to just grab them as I need them, especially as I am stamping, so that I can also stamp this inside layer to coordinate with the front of the card.
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Liquid Glue Tip
My favorite adhesive to use is the MultiPurpose Liquid Glue (otherwise known as “Green Glue”).
When you are not using it, make sure to store it upside down so that the glue is always at the tip, ready to use!
Anything that will hold it will work-paper – cups, small glass (like a shot glass), or in my case, my amazing son designed and made me this special holder!
If you can get into the habit of always putting it into something to hold it upside down, you will get the best results when using it.
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Prevent Glue Dots From Unwinding
Do your Mini Glue Dots unwind and turn into a mess??
I have the perfect “easy” solution. Just wrap a piece of ribbon around and tie it into a knot (any ribbon will do).
Leave about an inch of the glue dot strip pulled out in front of the ribbon to start. Now, you can just gently pull out more of the strip and tear it off as you use up the glue dots.
The roll will stay nice and neatly wound up.
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How to Cut a “Banner End”
It is easy to cut a little “banner end” with just a paper snips (you don’t need all the fancy dies or punches!).
Start by cutting a little “snip” in on one end. Don’t worry if it is not perfectly centered.
Then, cut from one corner to the “snip” cut, and then from the other corner in. Easy Peasy – just like that, you have a banner end. You can do it on both sides or just one.
Great for little layers of cardstock, or for your greeting layers.
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How to Get a Good Stamped Image
1st – Practice makes perfect!
When I am stamping, I always ink my stamp and then stamp on my grid paper to test it. This ensures I am inking it well and have the right “touch.”
Then, when stamping, make sure you do not “rock” it. Make sure to put even pressure all over the top, without pressing harder on the edges.
And remember – practice makes perfect!
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How to Protect Your Cards
Whenever I have a card that has several layers, ribbons, and/or embellishments, I protect them by placing an embossed piece of cardstock on top of them before putting them in the envelope.
This really helps protect them when mailing. It gets rid of the “bumps” caused by the ribbon or embellishments.
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How to Cut 1/8″
Cutting my layers just 1/8 inch larger than the layer behind it is my favorite measurement. But I am often told that people struggle to cut this size. We are so used to 1/4, 1/2, etc, and then 1/8’s are just a bit difficult.
With the Stampin’ Up! Paper Trimmer, it is really quite easy. Every TWO lines on the ruler is an eighth. I hope this enlarged photo of the Paper Trimmer helps.
Other tips:
- Make sure you have your cardstock tightly and evenly along the top edge to ensure you get straight cuts.
- When cutting small strips (like 3/8″), use the right side so that you have a nice, big edge across the top to keep your paper level. I actually use the right side for anything 1 1/2″ or smaller.
Are You New to Card Making?
If you’re just getting started, you’ll love my Card Making 101 series. It’s designed especially for beginners and walks you step-by-step through the basics — from must-have supplies to simple techniques you can use right away.
We are here to take the overwhelm away and guide you along, every step of the way to creating quick and easy, beautiful cards.
Click the button to build your confidence with easy, beginner-friendly classes.
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How to Remove Dimensional Backings
Do you struggle to remove the backings from your Stampin’ Dimensionals? Especially the “mini’s?”
I do!!! It makes me crazy trying to pick them off.
I have the perfect solution – use your TAKE YOUR PICK TOOL (the pointy end) to “stab” them, then just lift them off at a little angle. It’s almost like making a “check mark” motion. And when you have to take off several, they will stay on the Take Your Pick Tool end, and you can easily throw them away without getting them everywhere! (Please tell me you get yours everywhere like I do!)
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Don’t have the right color? No problem!
Have you ever not had the color of cardstock that you wanted for a project??
No Problem – just color a piece of Basic White with a Stampin’ Blend. Whether you need a little strip or maybe a larger layer, Stampin’ Blends work perfectly.
If you need a layer behind something, all you have to color is the edges that will be showing, not the whole piece. Another way to color your Basic White is to drag a Stampin’ Pad on it (if you don’t have the Stampin’ Blend). Be careful, it can get a bit messy, but it will color your cardstock to the color you want.
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Have your photopolymer stamps lost their stickiness?
It always happens to me – the photopolymer stamps that I love and use over and over, eventually lose some of their stickiness and don’t stay on my blocks.
I have the solution – I clean off both my clear blocks and the stamps with alcohol pads. Once they are cleaned, they will stick perfectly again!
Oh, and YES – photopolymer stamps will stain. These stamps are clean, even though they don’t look like it.
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How to Create Layers For Your Punched Pieces
When adding a greeting to my cards using a punched piece, I like to layer it with colored cardstock.
To do this, punch out your layering color and cut it in half with your scissors. Then simply adhere half to one side of the punched piece, and the other to the other side.
Even though the piece is not “layered” all the way around, it appears to be, giving you that nice pop of color behind your greeting.
Come back often, new tips will be posted soon!