Lining up stamps for a background

[CraftyMel2]

Hi there! I have recently discovered PTI and I am just in love. I have seen the background stamps and have tried to re-create some of the looks I am seeing with the stamps that I already have but am having an impossible time lining everything up! How do you do it?!?! Does everyone use the stamp-a-ma-jig? I have one and can use it but kind of hoped that with clear stamps that I would not need it. Even though I can see right through them, there is always a line where there is no ink. I have the worst vision in the world which could be part of the problem but is there a trick to it? When I see cards that were made with the background basics sets they are just perfect! Any tips would be much appreciated!!!

[Angelnorth]

I don't have experience with PTI specifically but one thing that might help you is to make sure you're looking directly down as you're stamping, not at an angle. Stand up and put your head so you're looking straight down through the block and you'll avoid the "parallax" error.

HTH!

[shazsilverwolf]

My preferred method is using a stamp positioner- I don't know what the stampa majig is like, mine is just an acrylic plate with an 'L' shaped acrylic block to fit one corner. As Joanne said, looking down onto your image is much better than being sat in front of it. Also, depending on the pattern, it can work to aim for a very slight overlap- a mere fraction.

[CraftyMel2]

Thanks! I tried standing over my image and it did come out much better! I might just use the stamp positioner for a little while though until I get a better feel for it. Thanks for the suggestions

[shazsilverwolf]

I've been stamping for years, and I still always use my stamp positioner- I hate to be a little 'off', when I really need accurate, and what probably is barely noticeable to anyone else, stands out a mile to me!

[QueenOfInkland]

I find the Fiskar's stamp press (comes in two sizes) to be a good 'line up' tool (whether making backgrounds or precisely placing i.e. a sentiment). It is clear plastic and it has grid lines to help with placement.

Also (which Jennifer mentions in one the videos below), you can put a bunch of stamps onto the stamp press (especially useful if you're making multiples of the same design).

Jennifer McGuire videos:
My Favorite Stamping Tools - YouTube
"Metal" Accents - YouTube
Favorite Craft Tools - YouTube

[bons]

I love the Fiskars stamp press. Has grid lines to line up stamps and also stamps to paper. It also has some flexibility which helps with stamps that have the part that never seems to stamp clearly. Because of the flexibility you can press a bit harder in the 'problem' area and thus get a nice sharp image. I have both sizes of the stamp press and use them both equally. Did I say I LOVE them?

[mapperlmutter]

I have both the Fiskars and the Martha Stewart stamp press. I like the Martha Stewart press the best. It is heavier and I think it stamps the best. The feet are smaller and they don"t get in the way of your paper edges.

I feel like my Fiskars stamp press have warped.

[Mamam]

I must be out of it but what is PTI? Is it a piece of equipment, a stamp or a technique? Sometimes the letters instead of the words is confusing. Please clarify and thanks!

[susie australia]

Hi Mamam, you are not alone, I had never heard of PTI either. I searched the net and discovered they make paper, stamps, dies etc....absolutely gorgeous stuff. Here is there address: https://www.papertreyink.com/ You do realise that I now have to spend more money LOL.

[Angelnorth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by susie australia

You do realise that I now have to spend more money LOL.

It looks like you're in Australia - watch out for the international shipping charges if youre tempted to shop at PTI, they're on the steep side!

[susie australia]

Thanks for that info Joanne. I looked for international rates and couldn't see any info. I think that is an omen to admire their goodies, but not buy anything. Thanks again, Susie
P.S. Your gallery is gorgeous!!

[Angelnorth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by susie australia

Thanks for that info Joanne. I looked for international rates and couldn't see any info. I think that is an omen to admire their goodies, but not buy anything. Thanks again, Susie
P.S. Your gallery is gorgeous!!

Aww, thank you!

It's worth a look in the Buy, Sell, Trade section of the forum if you might be interested in older sets - there are quite often PTI goodies listed for sale there as people decide to slim down their stash and they're more likely to offer shipping at cost so if you can pay with PayPal it might be a good option for you.

[CraftyMel2]

I am new to their stamps, I started with one of the $5 sets to see if I liked them. I was never a fan of clear but I did love their style so much more than other popular companies so I decided to take the plunge. I don't think I will ever order from another company again! I have been watching their videos and I get so upset when I can't get a technique right but then I am reminded that the video was certainly not their first time doing that...they have practiced and also, the one I am seeing could have been the 50th "take" So happy that everyone on this website is willing to help out with suggestions!! If not for Splitcoast Stampers, I probably would have given up on myself long ago!

[Rebecca Ednie]

I trim mine very close to the edge of the stamping surface. This helps but I also use the stamp press as was suggested above. And I promise you, if you look closely at many designers cards, they aren't as perfect as they look at first. Click on them to enlarge them. There are many errors that you can't see at first glance! So don't be too hard on yourself. And take time to practice! I took over an hour with the three step roses from The Sweet Life to get them lines up right so practice truly makes perfect!

[Mamam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mamam

I must be out of it but what is PTI? Is it a piece of equipment, a stamp or a technique? Sometimes the letters instead of the words is confusing. Please clarify and thanks!

Thanks for the info Susie on what PTI meant! Checked their site out and they do have lovely stuff but I am maxed out for now on all items and trying to use what I have in the "collection!" On to more card making and trying all the good ideas here. Cheers!

[NancyK.]

I use the Fiskars stamp press as well - I love it!! It is much better for clear stamps than the old stamp positioner!