: FAQ

FAQ

I love the card samples and would like to make my own cards but I am not artistic and confused by the large selection of craft products.
I have inquisitive young children around and very sensitive skin, are stamping products safe to use.
I have arthritis in my fingers and bad eyesight, how do I cope with stamping?
What does 'Archival' mean?
What makes materials archival?
Are any inks permanent?
How do I clean my stamps?

I love the card samples and would like to make my own cards but I am not artistic and confused by the large selection of craft products.

The first step is interest and the desire to be a stamper, but there are other steps that will soon get you started, everyone has some creative or artistic ability.

Craft shop staff are experienced, very helpful and happy to show you the basics (please respect busy times) and give advice on products.

Buy a stamping book for beginners. Good for basic techniques and information about stamps, inks, accessories etc.

Consider a subscription to a stamping or card-making magazine. Full of great ideas, things to make, workshops and information on new products. Try one or two first to find your favourite.

Sign up for a stamping class and enjoy a sociable session with other stampers - some of them beginners. There is a wide range of creative stamping classes using new and traditional ideas and products.

Look out for a stamping/craft group in your area. Perfect for sharing ideas with like-minded people.

I have inquisitive young children around and very sensitive skin, are stamping products safe to use.

For those with a rubber allergy it is useful to know that stamping and cleaning stamps can be done without touching the rubber die and a few companies make polymer stamps. Most inkpads, paints and colouring pens are water soluble, non-toxic and non-irritant. Some solvent-based inkpads are not and need extra care. Always read labels for advice and information on contents. Follow normal safety rules. Use tools and accessories which are well made and finished from high quality materials with well-finished edges and safety features where applicable. Some Heating tools for embossing have a safety cutout feature that prevents overheating.

I have arthritis in my fingers and bad eyesight, how do I cope with stamping?

You would be surprised at how many experienced stampers share these problems. Here are a few helpful tips.

Some stamps have indented mounts that are easier to hold.
Use a punch aid for helping with hard to use hand punches.
Try holding various inkpads, as some are much easier to grip than others.
If you cannot cope with dry embossing look out for ready-embossed cards and motifs.
If scissors are difficult to use try a rotary cutter or personal trimmer - also useful for measuring when folding card. One- handed scissors are also available in department stores.
Sticky tape too fiddly? A Xyron machine is perfect for double sided adhesion.
Glue sticks are easier to use than liquid glue.
Difficulty with colours, stick to clear shades or colour blended multi coloured inkpads.
Buy a 'daylight' lamp or a daylight bulb for your table lamp.
Blender pens make colouring images easier than using a brush.
Ask the shop staff if there is anything new or recommended that might help.

What does 'Archival' mean?

'Archival' refers to materials made to last for many years without degrading, fading or falling apart.

What makes materials archival?

Good paper and card is acid free, cheap card processed with the help of acid degrades in a short time. Good colouring products are acid free and made from the highest quality, non-toxic and light fast pigments possible. Inkpad containers are strong and designed for easy use. Light is the enemy of colour so keep all inkpads covered and in as cool and dark a place as possible. Cheap glues and adhesive tapes soon looses adhesion and cracks, especially in warm, dry conditions, likewise cheap children¹s glues. Buy craft PVA glue that can also be used as a sealer and primer, and speciality craft glues and tapes for working with beads, foil, vellum, fabric etc.

Are any inks permanent?

Permanent inkpads are available suitable for using on card, fabric, and most other surfaces. Images stamped with permanent ink can be coloured in without smudging. Many are solvent inks, be careful to work in a well-ventilated area and not to touch ink if skin is sensitive. Permanent ink brands available are Ancient Page, Memories, and StazOn.

How do I clean my stamps?

Only wet rubber, not cushion or mount when cleaning. Stamp residue ink onto a scrap of paper then: Wipe off ink with non-alcohol content baby wipes. Use a special stamp cleaning 'rough surface' pad wetted with water and a spritz of window cleaner. Dry well. Wipe with a damp cloth. Solvent and most permanent ink needs special stamp cleaner, which will also clean and condition all other stamps really well. Stained stamps will ruin light coloured inkpads and will not stamp good images.