Which came first? The stamp or the cut?

[Crafty Math Chick]

Hello everyone!

I have been wondering about something...

When I am creating a card that has a central image or a sentiment that is going to be attached separately, I always stamp the sentiment or image on a piece of paper first, then cut it out with a punch or a die cut machine. I have always done this because I thought it was the best way to sure that it was centered (I can't seem to use my Stamp-a-ma-jig with curved shapes successfully). However, when I stamp multiple copies of the same image (if I am mass producing a card for example) I leave lots of space between images to assure there is enough space to cut them out and often end up wasting a lot of paper. Whenever I have tired to stamp onto a pre-cut shape with a stamp that isn't clear, I am often off center, also wasting paper.

So, I was just wondering - what do the rest of you do and why?

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to answer this poll!

Have a great day!

[Tami Mayberry]

I stamp first so I can be sure they are positioned correctly.

[suesol]

I usually cut first and then stamp. Since I try to use up my scraps as much as possible, I go through my scrap pile to see if I have something the right size and I use that. If I don't have a suitable scrap, I'll generally cut from a bigger piece before stamping. As for getting it right -I do use a Stampamajig, but occasionally I'll trim a little of some of the sides to make it perfect.

[jenre lawyer]

When I am first designing a card I stamp, then cut. However, if I then decide to duplicate the design (and I often do), I will measure the piece from the design and cut a pile of them so I don't waste paper and so creating the duplicates (or similars, I don't always do exact duplicates - too boring) will go quickly.

[Julie in Indy]

I almost always stamp before cutting (or punching).

[Phantom]

I stamp first, too.

I am thinking about precutting some Nesties shapes though because I think I'll use them more than I do now, dragging the stuff out every time. I'll either have to use clear stamps with them, or use the SAMJ as long as I use some temp adhesive to hold the irregular shape in place.

And like jenre lawyer above, if I decide to do multiples, I'll measure and then cut a bunch

[CAmomof2]

Originally Posted by jenre lawyer

When I am first designing a card I stamp, then cut. However, if I then decide to duplicate the design (and I often do), I will measure the piece from the design and cut a pile of them so I don't waste paper and so creating the duplicates (or similars, I don't always do exact duplicates - too boring) will go quickly.

This is exactly what I do. We must be stamping twins

-Christel

[NikiE]

I do both. Just depends upon what I am working on. I always stamp something before I punch it because it is easier to center the punch. But if I'm using nestabilities, I do both.

[MaryAnnK]

I always stamp first - except when I'm at stamp club. My demo has all our pieces cut for us; I hate having to try to center and image on the paper.

[Cook22]

If it's punches, definitely stamp first, then punch.
Nestabilities - either, it varies with no rhyme or reason.
Just cutting squares or rectangles for mounting - usually stamp first.

[Allistamps123]

If i'm punching out an image I stamp first...soooooo much easier. If I'm stamping say a flower on a rectangle I pre-cut the rectangle.

[329shana]

I am also one who does both, so your poll might be skewed a little. Sorry! If I am punching something out, I always stamp first, then punch. If it is just going to be on a rectangle or something, I cut the paper first.

[Crafty Math Chick]

Originally Posted by 329shana

I am also one who does both, so your poll might be skewed a little. Sorry! If I am punching something out, I always stamp first, then punch. If it is just going to be on a rectangle or something, I cut the paper first.

I guess I should have created a third option "I do both". Sorry.
Hindsight is always 20/20 right?

[KellyLuvs2Stamp]

I always stamp then cut ... I like everything to be centered as well ... GRRRR @ OCD!!! LOL ...

[Marie Wms]

If I'm going to punch or use my Nestabilities, I stamp first, so my image ends up exactly where I want it.

If I'm just going to use a rectangular (or square, which is really just a special kind of rectangle) image, then I cut the paper first. When I mount my SU! stamps, I am seriously **** retentive about centering them on the block. So if I cut a piece of paper the same size as the block, and then center the block over the paper, I know my image will end up centered.

ETA: Didn't know my A.R. would be censored!

[Choc0holic]

If I'm going to 'cut' with a punch, I will stamp first. If I'm using my nesties or another die, I'll cut the shape out, adhere it to my stamping surface (SU's grid paper) using removable adhesive, then I'll stamp with the help of my Stamp-a-ma-jig. It does sound 'time intensive' but it really isn't.

[mycatbillybob]

Size makes a difference. There isn't very much fudge room on the little pieces. Bigger things I cut then stamp. (much bigger)

[mtech]

For punching, I stamp first.

For rectangles and squares, I usually cut the paper to the same size as the wood block if it's just one stamp I'm doing. To me, this gives a pretty appropriate spacing around the edge of the stamped image on the paper. If the image is forgiving, I stamp first on my Grid Paper, lining up the bottom edge of the wood block with a line on the grid to see if I need to adjust or tilt a tad when stamping on the paper. If the stamp needs to be really straight, like words, then I use my SAMJ. I can use up a lot of scraps this way instead of cutting into big sheets!

[susanhorn]

I always measure the block I'm using and cut the cardstock the same size as the block before I stamp. I normally make at least 8 or 12 of a card if I'm stamping. I hate trying to guess how much room to leave if stamping a bunch on one sheet. Also, they seem to come out crooked for me when stamping first, then cutting, and it just wastes more paper. I am pretty good at stamping straight & centered on the pre-cut pieces, as long as the stamp itself is centered on the block when I mount it. I try to be pretty careful about that, also.

[Pumpkin's Mom]

I usually stamp first, then cut. It sounds crazy, but I never really thought about cutting and then stamping on it. I need more time in my stamp space.

[jeanstamping2]

I stamp first then cut. I think it's easier for me to do this.

[prchvs]

only when I'm planning on punching do I stamp first ... otherwise it's cutting first!

[TriboHearts]

Being new to stamping and not having much experience, I stamp and then cut. Or stamp and then run through the Cuttlebug machine.

Have a happy stamping day!

Trish in Wisconsin

[mrs_hawkins]

I also do both. If I'm stamping on a square or rectangle piece I cut, then stamp. If I'm going to punch I stamp first.

[Cordelia]

I CANNOT stamp straight. I always stamp first.
I was stamping with a 6yo one time, and I let him use my Simply Sent kit. He took out the white square, and stamped the image RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE of that paper! ARRG!

[BA]

Originally Posted by jenre lawyer

When I am first designing a card I stamp, then cut. However, if I then decide to duplicate the design (and I often do), I will measure the piece from the design and cut a pile of them so I don't waste paper and so creating the duplicates (or similars, I don't always do exact duplicates - too boring) will go quickly.

What she said! Although I have wondered about precutting my nestabilities and then using my stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp the images after. Haven't tried that yet...still stamping first.

[roxy64]

Originally Posted by CAmomof2

This is exactly what I do. We must be stamping twins

-Christel

I do the same. Guess we're triplets.

[julesull12]

Originally Posted by mtech

For punching, I stamp first.

For rectangles and squares, I usually cut the paper to the same size as the wood block if it's just one stamp I'm doing. To me, this gives a pretty appropriate spacing around the edge of the stamped image on the paper. If the image is forgiving, I stamp first on my Grid Paper, lining up the bottom edge of the wood block with a line on the grid to see if I need to adjust or tilt a tad when stamping on the paper. If the stamp needs to be really straight, like words, then I use my SAMJ. I can use up a lot of scraps this way instead of cutting into big sheets!

This is exactly what I do! Great minds...

[Curly Chick]

I stamp first, then cut, or punch. Although clear stamps do make centering much easier.

Pamela

[Ruth Schow]

Originally Posted by Marie Wms

If I'm going to punch or use my Nestabilities, I stamp first, so my image ends up exactly where I want it.

If I'm just going to use a rectangular (or square, which is really just a special kind of rectangle) image, then I cut the paper first. When I mount my SU! stamps, I am seriously **** retentive about centering them on the block. So if I cut a piece of paper the same size as the block, and then center the block over the paper, I know my image will end up centered.

ETA: Didn't know my A.R. would be censored!

Me too! When I first started buying SU stamps, I put them towards the left of the wood block, which is still how I do most of my alphabets. But I started noticing, When I did stamp pre-cut paper, it was a lot harded to center the image. So, with many people using my stamps (my stamp club gals) and with their paper being precut by me before club, I now center all my stamps and it's been working a lot better!

[missiowa81]

I would have voted for a third option: I do both, depending on the image/sentiment and whether I'm cutting with my trimmer, using a punch, or using a Nestabilities.

For most things I usually stamp first, then cut/punch/die-cut.

For sentiments on the inside of my card, I almost always cut first and then stamp. All my inside sentiments are stamped on white cardstock and then adhered to the card base; I never stamp directly on the inside of my card base.

[stamphappy1650]

Originally Posted by Crafty Math Chick

Hello everyone!

(I can't seem to use my Stamp-a-ma-jig with curved shapes successfully).

I didn't vote because I do both. Most of the time I stamp then cut, but for multiples of the same card, once I have the design I cut then stamp. Definately, with punches, I stamp first.

Question - I don't understand why curved images don't work on SAMJ. Can you explain more, thanks.

[Crafty Math Chick]

Originally Posted by stamphappy1650

Question - I don't understand why curved images don't work on SAMJ. Can you explain more, thanks.

I wish I had created a third choice - I do both. Oops. Live & learn right?

When I try to use the SAMJ with some smaller pieces or with curved pieces, the paper which I am trying to stamp on moves before I fully stamp, the image gets smudged or placed in an undesired position... It is just frustrating for me. Maybe it would get easier with practice but I get upset after this has happened a few times onthe same card you know? That's all.

[stamphappy1650]

Originally Posted by Crafty Math Chick

I wish I had created a third choice - I do both. Oops. Live & learn right?

When I try to use the SAMJ with some smaller pieces or with curved pieces, the paper which I am trying to stamp on moves before I fully stamp, the image gets smudged or placed in an undesired position... It is just frustrating for me. Maybe it would get easier with practice but I get upset after this has happened a few times onthe same card you know? That's all.

Oh, that also happens to me. When I use the SAMJ with smaller peices I tack it down with removable tape. I've been using the SAMJ for years and I've messed up several things. Sometimes I think I'm better than I am and don't tack it down and don't you know that's when is slides around!!

[Crafty Math Chick]

Originally Posted by stamphappy1650

Oh, that also happens to me. When I use the SAMJ with smaller peices I tack it down with removable tape. I've been using the SAMJ for years and I've messed up several things. Sometimes I think I'm better than I am and don't tack it down and don't you know that's when is slides around!!

Guess I couldtry tacking it down - I thought it would rip the paper when I remove the tape. Thanks!

[Rebecca Ednie]

I try as much as possible to stamp on scraps. They generally have at least one 90 degree angle so I stamp in that corner. Then I gently crease the paper with my fingernail about where I want to trim it. I put it in my trimmer and cut the other two sides to the closest 1/4". That way, when I cut mats, I don't have to fiddle with odd sizes like 1/8ths and 1/16ths of an inch! Works nearly every time. I don't have trouble getting images straight because I religiously put them on the blocks straight though I prefer mine on the bottom left of my blocks so I can actually see two edges of rubber (I am right handed)or I use an acrylic block with a grid! Worth it's weight in gold! If I am using nesties or punches, I virtually always stamp first! Unless I forget LOL!

[KathiR]

I usually cut my paper first so that I don't waste it.

[allnitescrapper]

i just go for it! i stamp on my scraps, and if i looks good, i go from there, and if not, i trim a little here and there til it's right - it usually works for me!

[MikiBee]

I also do both. Because I have unmounted my stamps and stamped the image on the back of the EZMount, placement is a breeze, so I don't worry about that so much anymore. But usually I stamp first because I don't know how big to cut the paper till the image is stamped. But if I'm doing multiples as someone else menioned, I cut first because I already know how big to but it. I always stamp before punching though. However, if I have to use a wood mounted stamp, I almost always stamp before cutting.

[jinxmom]

I unmounted all my stamps and use them with an acrylic block so I can see where I am stamping. So I can do it either way as well.

Kathy