Materials:
decorative-edge scissors
erasable pen
waxed paper
punch
clothespin
sand paper
eraser
clear embossing ink pad
metallic embossing powders
rubber stamps
envelope
petroleum jelly
tacky glue
Decorative Corners - Scallop corners of card panel using decorative-edge scissors.
Rainbow Embossing
- Use a clear embossing pad to stamp a greeting on card.
- Apply gold embossing powder to less that 1/3 of the entire greeting. Shake off excess in the direction of the section of the message that is already coated.
- Move on to the next color --- silver embossing powder. Repeat step 2.
- Cover the last third of the greeting using copper embossing powder.
Making a Good Impression - Sometimes it is hard to get a bold stamp to make a good impression. If there are spots on your stamp that won't hold ink, try rubbing a pencil eraser all over the stamp, paying special attention to the stubborn areas. This should correct the problem. If it doesn't, try using super-fine sandpaper in the same manner, being careful not to sand too much.
Embossing With Erasable Pens - To add drama to cards and envelopes, try embossing with an erasable ballpoint pen. The pens are inexpensive and easy to use and allow you to get a very fine embossed line. Just write with the pen then sprinkle on embossing powder. Remember, using a black pen is like using black embossing ink. Metallic or clear embossing powders often look best with black ink.
Glue Jar Tips - To keep glue jars from drying out, place a small piece of wet paper towel over the opening. To make reopening the glue easier, rub a small amount of petroleum jelly around the rim of the opening.
Wonderful Waxed Paper - To keep decorative punches working smoothly, punch through waxed paper a few times. Waxed paper also works for taking the "drag" off of your stylus. Just scribble on the waxed paper with the stylus. Bee's wax also works for making a stylus glide smoothly.
Recycle It! - Don't throw away empty light-bulb packages. These packages are usually made of a natural-color corrugated paper that can be water-colored to achieve custom colors. Rub a rainbow stamp pad over the raised part of the paper to get a beautiful rainbow effect. For an antique effect, rub with a light brown stamp pad. Experiment a little --- you'll be surprised with the beautiful effects that are possible.
Holding It Together - Clothespins are great tools for clamping things down. Keep one or two handy to hold things in place when crafting.
Storing Masks - Some people throw their masks away, and some save them. There are lots of ways to store masks. One is to keep them under the stamp that made the mask. You'll always know where they are.
Resources trimmers, scissors - Fiskars
Available at craft and hobby stores nationwide.
Fiskars
Website:
www.fiskars.com
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