Found this stamp in my collection and thought it would be perfect for this weeks challenge but try as I may I just don't seem to be able to stamp a decent image with it. I wonder if any of you lovely ladies have any tips or advice which might help.
This was my first attempt to see what the stamp looked like - I felt the JOY didn't really stand out so tried again with versamark and embossing powders but didn't like the result. Then I tried two colours but the stamp is too detailed to accurately colour in by hand (or do I just need more practise?)
The last one is plum archival ink which seemed the best of a bad bunch so I went with it.
Unfortunately the stamp didn't print too clearly this time although I was rather chuffed to get "to the world" positioned both straight and where I wanted it.
Question is there a specific technique these stamps are made for?
Do I need different ink?
Is the stamp at fault?
Or is this as good as it gets?
All suggestions gratefully received.
Challenge I'd like to enter:
Less is More - olc framed
Carol x
Carol, if you stamp is an acrylic one, as in CTMH, you might want to try putting their spongy paper under your cardstock. If you don't have one of these, use something like a mousepad under the cardstock and see it that works. If this stamp is a $1 one, I have found it best not to put too much pressure on it when I stamp or it blurrs. Hope this helps:)
ReplyDeleteCarol, I'm not sure what the problem is with the stamp. It looks like it's a very intricate stamp and that the letters J O Y are mostly solid. I wonder how it would look if you stamped it in versamark and then just brushed some perfect pearls powder OR chalk across the versamark. Maybe the letters would should up more? I can see how you were getting frustrated...I probably would have quit and tried something else! LOL!
ReplyDeleteMy Card
It seems like you may get suggestions a-plenty Carol... what great LIMettes!
ReplyDeleteIf the stamp is acrylic cling then sometimes they perform better after a gentle sanding and washing in warm soapy water.
I usually test stamps in the ink I want ona scrap of the card I want to use to see what the impression will be like.
If not all of the stamp is printing, then the foam mat beneath the card is a good idea.
If the image is 'bleeding' then the cardstock may be too absorbent or the ink to thin for it.
If the image is indistinct and blurry then the stamp may have deteriorated.
I guess your answer could be trial and error... but it looks as though you've been trying that!
I hope you find a solution!
Chrissie
Lady LIM
"Less is More"
Id mount it onto cling EZ mount I think.
ReplyDeleteIm not a fan of clear stamps as Ive said frequently!
Thanks fro entering another super card CArol
Diva LIM mandi
Less is More
My suggestions have already been offered Carol.
ReplyDeleteLove your placement though - works really well :-)
Hi Carol, Some great advice there, I won't try to add to it but I wonder have you tried adding colour to the stamp directly rather than using an ink pad? For example, I've got Whispers pens (not that their used much!) and it is possible to apply different coloured inks direct to the stamp. Maybe a dark colour for the letter and lighter for the pattern? I might have said I'm stubborn and I would probably still be trying different things as well! Sarah
ReplyDeleteHi Carol looks like you have plenty of advise from your followers you can only try and see if any of them work......:) Sandra H
ReplyDeleteGreat cards carol xx jan
ReplyDelete