Photopolymer Stamps & Staining

Happy Australia Day everyone!

It's a bit rainy here but nice to have a cool change.  We're off to the cricket this afternoon so let's hope it clears up.

I just wanted to pop in with a bit of Photopolymer information for you.

These stamps behave a little differently to traditional rubber stamps.  Basically, they're clear so they're easy to use for perfect placement, especially when you want to layer your images.  But they do stain easily when using inks that have red pigment in them - so reds, pinks and some purples.  The best thing to do is clean them immediately after using these colours, AND most importantly, get comfortable with a bit of staining!! It doesn't affect the stamps' performance in any way, so get over it!!

You can see the slight pinky tinge on these stamps because I used them with red ink.  And this is after cleaning with baby wipes.  You get quite good results using Stampin' Mist and you can also get more of the staining off with StazOn cleaner, although over time it can damage photopolymer.

These stamps have only had blue and brown ink on them so there's no evidence of the ink colour at all.

Ok, hope that helps you feel a bit more relaxed about using your photopolymer stamps.  It's always good to know that it's not your technique causing the problem!!  

So, get out there and stamp something fabulous.

Cheers

Karen

Sheltering Tree & Layering Stamped Images.

This new stamp set, Sheltering Tree is in the Occasions catalogue and is a great example of a two-step or multi-laying stamping technique.

In photopolymer, the images are crisp and easy to get perfect placement without the use of a stamp positioner tool.  Don't worry, I haven't abandoned my faithful Stamp-a-majig, it's still my go to for most of my stamps when using this technique.

The colours I've used are Soft Suede for the trunk and greeting, Wild Wasabi for the leaves, Pear Pizzazz for the grass, Marina Mist for the swing and card mat, and Daffodil Delight for the blossom and ribbon.

So easy, and so lovely!

Have a lovely day!
Karen

Best Day Ever

I've been absent for a while, I know.    I have a note!

But seriously, here's a card I just whipped up.  This is my first attempt with the new Chalkboard Paper and Chalk ink.  I'm really happy with the way the stamps have come out so beautiful and crisp, yet they really look like chalk on a blackboard.

Supplies:  Stamp Set - Best Day Ever (Sale-a-Bration freebie), Whisper White CS, Pool Party CS, Chalkboard Paper, ColorBox chalk ink pad, Pink Pirouette ribbon, Pool Party bakers twine, Small Heart Punch, Stamp-a-majig, Snail adhesive and paper trimmer.

I've received a huge stash of new stuff from the current Occasions Catalogue released last week, and of course it's Sale-a-Bration again.

So pop back, and I'll show you some more things to (hopefully) inspire you.

Cheers
Karen