Border Frames
by Savannah O’Gwynn
Learn some techniques for creating frames with border stamps.
Supplies
- Cardstock
- Vellum or transparency (optional)
- Ink
- Border stamps (Paper Smooches stamps used here)
- Stamp press or acrylic block (Fiskars Stamp Press used here)
- Tape for masking (painters tape used here)
- Repositionable adhesive
- Die cutting machine and dies (optional)
- Other embellishments as needed
Step-by-Step
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Step 1
To create a squared frame, measure a border stamp, and cut a square cardstock or acetate panel slightly larger than the stamp measurement on all sides.
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Step 2
Center and stamp the border image at the bottom of the panel.
Hint:
A stamp positioner or acrylic block with a grid is helpful for correct placement.
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Repeat the stamping at right angles on each side of the panel to create a frame with this stamp image.
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Step 3
Trim around the frame and complete the card. (The frame on the sample card is stamped on acetate.)
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Step 4
To create a curved border around a die cut opening, align the stamp first. Lay it on an acrylic block over the opening, and gently curve and press the stamp down, manipulating it to the contour of the curve.
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Repeat this step, adjusting the shape of the stamp each time, until the frame is complete. Use tape to mask parts of the stamp where images overlap.
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Step 5
Use the stamped panel to complete a card design.
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Step 6
For a custom-sized frame, cut a template from scrap cardstock to the desired size. Attach the template to a cardstock panel, using removable adhesive.
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Step 7
Stamp a border above and below the template.
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Measure frame sides using stamp as guide. Mask off excess border areas of stamp image using Painters Tape or masking tape. Ink, remove tape, then stamp along the sides.
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Step 8
Remove the template and complete the card.
Video!
Your Turn
You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Border Frames. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!
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Questions and Comments
We'd love to get your feedback or questions. Leave your comment below.
If you keep your die cut circle shape you can use it to guide your longer stamps around its edge without having to always "check" and "recheck" your curve by flipping it over.
Just place your die cut circle on your stamp press and wrap your stamp around it... knowing that the stamp will go on the outside of the circle so it's stamps on the circle's negative frame.
Trust me... so much faster than having to flip your press over and over and back again!
I have the stamp press (manufactured by Fiskar) you have given me some great ideas on how to get more use from it!!
I live in Hamilton, Ontario, and I'm quite sure I've seen this block (I think it's made by Fiskars) at Michael's. As well, my local stamping store carries this block. I am blessed as well to live close to the US border, so occasionally I enjoy going across to see what I can find, and I do find that Michael's, AC Moore, JoAnn, and Hobby Lobby in the US are MUCH cheaper than Michael's is here in Canada, and that is frustrating--so I do go to the US with coupons in hand and make sure I know my prices so I know when to buy and when to leave the item to buy back home. After all, we have to pay duty most of the time at the border (especially if we are just in the US for the day). I do feel a loyalty to my local stamping store and try where possible to support them. I do think you will find this block--do you live in a more remote area or a larger city centre? I hope I've been even a tiny help... I was glad to see this tutorial, as I bought this block and really haven't played with it.
Best wishes to you, Sue--nice to chat with a fellow Canadian here on SCS.
Joanne
Besides learning some new techniques, I like the stamp press.
If you can get across the border occasionally, then usually there's a store in Calais that will allow people to send packages there, I'm told it's a drug store--I can try and find out, I have an aunt in St John who has used that in the past. Here to send a package to NY state I pay between $5 and $8 to have the package sent there depending on the weight, usually it's $5. Many online stores have inexpensive or free shipping if you spend $75 or more, and JoAnn often has free shipping. If you watch for sales at JoAnn, you can do really well. Papertrey is free if you spend $75 (all shipping to the US), Heartfelt Creations takes a $100 order (my current fav-- if you become a platinum member you get 20% off for life--it costs $50 to join. Over time it is worth it...). Many stamping stores ship for free, and then you're paying usually $5 to pick it up there. Of course there's still the duty, but at least you get a daytrip, and you're not paying Canada Post $10 to collect the duty. It's not easy getting crafting supplies in our part of the world at times. Wondering if they have a good stamping store in Bangor, I'll ask my aunt--I'm sure you know... I know there's a stamp company I think in Kittery or Freeport, they come to the show I sometimes attend in Hamburg, NY with a friend.
I couldn't believe that it's such a small world, Sue!!!
If you're in Moncton, do check out the scrapbooking/stamping store in Riverview, and the other one I heard of after I was last in Moncton--I think in Dieppe.
Best wishes to you, how neat we are both native New Brunswick people!!!
Take good care,
Joanne
We have a nice scrapbooking store here in Freddy too. I do shop there and ask the lady for items before looking elsewhere, normally. I also heard of that store that will let you use it for an address for shipping things plus there is a man who does this too. I never used it and don't think I want to go to the bother of that. I am planning on going to Freeport in the spring sometime and will check out some stores down there for fun.
You gave a lot of information. You must be a pro at card making as you got the talk. I just started and it's fun just building up stock and knowledge. What a great hobby this will be for me.
Thanks for the feed back and lots to think about.
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