Problems with cling mounted rubber stamp placement on cards

[kazeka]

I've been having a problem with my cling mounted rubber stamps and can't seem to find anything on Google that helps me with placement of these stamps on cards. Since they aren't clear, I can't tell if they are straight, or where they are, exactly, in relation to other images.

Some of my sets include little accessories or sentiments that are to be stamped on top of images in the set. However, I can't seem to stamp them in the right spot..and the sentiments always come out crooked. It drives me insane...argh!

I have a Misti and have tried lining the edges up with the grid lines, but when I actually stamp (especially accessory images to main images) the placement is always off. Is there a way to avoid this?


Thanks so much! I hate to stop using my cling mounted and unmounted rubber stamps but these wonky placements are making me crazy.

Karen

[Angelnorth]

If I have a stamp that’s difficult to line up straight, I put a piece of acetate over the card in my Misti and stamp. If it’s straight, I just take the acetate out and restamp. If it needs adjustment, I wipe the acetate, tweak the stamp placement and try again.

Hope that helps!

[Cook22]

I do similar to Joanne, except that I have my acetate butted into the corner and my card maybe an inch out from the top and side. Rather than adjust the stamp, I adjust the card under the acetate. Then I stamp on the (cleaned)acetate again just to double-check that I've got it right.

[allee's]

I do the same thing as Sabrina! Works like a charm every time!

[Scrapjanny]

What about a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig?

[bjeans]

I often do what Joanne does, but because my eyes cannot be trusted to know what’s straight, use a little gridded sheet that SSS makes: Simon Says Stamp GRID TRANSPARENCY gridtran at Simon Says STAMP!

Occasionally I use Art impressions blocks that are like the Stampamajig that ScrapJanny mentioned. Here’s a JM video that shows how to use them (and it would be the same for the Stampamajig) but also describes how regular blocks or items you have on hand would work similarly:
Best Stamp Layering Methods With An Acrylic Block - Jennifer McGuire Ink

[kazeka]

Originally Posted by Cook22

I do similar to Joanne, except that I have my acetate butted into the corner and my card maybe an inch out from the top and side. Rather than adjust the stamp, I adjust the card under the acetate. Then I stamp on the (cleaned)acetate again just to double-check that I've got it right.

Oh, great idea. That way I don't have to keep aligning the stamp and getting it crooked yet again, haha!
Karen

[kazeka]

Originally Posted by Scrapjanny

What about a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig?

I have a stamp aligner that isn't a Stampamajig, but it doesn't work well for me. It's an L-shaped tool with a clear piece for test stamping. My clear blocks seem to be too thick though, and they keep shifting.
Will try the plain acetate idea and see if that works better.
Thanks for the ideas every one!
Karen

[lovinpaper]

If you have a way to print on acetate, Iliana has a free download on her site for use in the MISTI. Here is the link: http://mysweetpetunia.com/v/vspfiles...D_DOWNLOAD.pdf

[bjeans]

Originally Posted by kazeka

I have a stamp aligner that isn't a Stampamajig, but it doesn't work well for me. It's an L-shaped tool with a clear piece for test stamping. My clear blocks seem to be too thick though, and they keep shifting.
Will try the plain acetate idea and see if that works better.
Thanks for the ideas every one!
Karen

That’s the type I have. It should work regardless of block thickness - though the first time or so it can be a little confusing. The Jennifer McGuire video linked above may help.

[dini]

Instead of acetate, I cut some of these grid sheets down to size for my MISTI.

Dritz 3414 Non-Slip Vinyl Template Sheets (6-Count)

They wipe off easily, and are see-through enough for stamp placement.

[stampindoe]

I've been using my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig plastic mat instead of acetate. I use it because I have it; and it works great. Happy Stampin'!

[La Fonz]

I use a gridded plastic template sheet from Joanns. It is 12” x 18” so I can get 4 sheets from it. Since it has 1/8” increments it helps with perfect placement of words & images. When you stamp on it you can see how off kilter the words are & adjust stamp accordingly. Also helps with centering words or images on your card, either by placement of stamp or shifting card under grid sheet

https://www.joann.com/gridded-plasti...Bsheet&start=1

[Kendel]

Stamp-a-ma-jig takes a little practice, but it’s a great tool for all types of stamps. And it’s inexpensive.

[jeanne3579]

I have a tool called "Position It" that has the L-shaped pieces (3 for anywhere positioning) that are to be used with blocks. It also has an acrylic piece that is hinged so can be used like a Misti for unmounted stamps. Because of the difficulty of positioning unmounted stamps (unless they are see through), I have kept all my stamps mounted and actually mount any I buy that are unmounted in the first place. I am VERY careful how I glue the stamp onto the blocks to perfectly line up with the index on the block, whether it has come with a sticker index, or if I have to stamp it on the block myself (which is what I have to do with all the stamps I carve myself, anyway). That way my stamps are always ready to go and I know exactly where they will stamp. I do use the stamp positioner when I what to change a greeting from vertical to horizontal (or vise versa), or if I didn't get a clear or complete stamping. Yes, mounted stamps take up more room, but I have a stamp cabinet with drawers that hold blocks two deep in clamshell boxes. I figure that's room enough for all the stamps I can possibly use. If I just have to have a new stamp that won't fit in the designated drawer, I will get rid of something old I don't use often, or not get the new stamp. I have become a more choosy shopper and purge often of things I bought when I wasn't as choosy/didn't know my style.

[Phototaker]

Kazeka, I, too, found the plastic l-shape was too thin for my thicker stamps. I had my hubby make one for me out of thicker wood. Have used it for years and it works like a charm.

[kazeka]

Originally Posted by La Fonz

I use a gridded plastic template sheet from Joanns. It is 12” x 18” so I can get 4 sheets from it. Since it has 1/8” increments it helps with perfect placement of words & images. When you stamp on it you can see how off kilter the words are & adjust stamp accordingly. Also helps with centering words or images on your card, either by placement of stamp or shifting card under grid sheet

https://www.joann.com/gridded-plasti...Bsheet&start=1

I had never thought to check the sewing notions section for something like this but this is a great idea.
Karen

[jeanne3579]

Originally Posted by La Fonz

I use a gridded plastic template sheet from Joanns. It is 12” x 18” so I can get 4 sheets from it. Since it has 1/8” increments it helps with perfect placement of words & images. When you stamp on it you can see how off kilter the words are & adjust stamp accordingly. Also helps with centering words or images on your card, either by placement of stamp or shifting card under grid sheet

https://www.joann.com/gridded-plasti...Bsheet&start=1

How do you manage to cut it into smaller sizes?

[Mrs Noofy]

I make a small line with a marker on the side of the stamp that lines up with the printing on the front side then extend it to the back of the stamp. Then all you have to do is match that line up to the grid on the Misty.

[TLady]

When I have rubber stamps like you've mentioned, I have trouble too. One thing I do, is stamp the main image in my Misti, then lay a plain sheet of paper, OR you could use a piece of acetate over the main image, which actually is better. Use your magnet to hold it down. Align your next stamp as best you can, & stamp on the acetate (or paper) first. It will show you if you're off & if you need to adjust any. Keep stamping till you feel it's positioned properly. (Wiping the acetate off in-between your stamping.) I usually use a scrap piece of paper, but I am usually lining up my logo stamp on the back of my card. If I were to do this for a main image, I would use acetate! HOPE THIS HELPS! <3

[jeanne3579]

TLady, you are a patient person. That is exactly why my stamps are still mounted on wood, directly under the index, so I can stamp with confidence right from the get go.

[TLady]

Originally Posted by dini

Instead of acetate, I cut some of these grid sheets down to size for my MISTI.

Dritz 3414 Non-Slip Vinyl Template Sheets (6-Count)

They wipe off easily, and are see-through enough for stamp placement.

Hey Dina!
Is this product like stencil sheets that you use to make your own stencils?

[TLady]

Originally Posted by jeanne3579

TLady, you are a patient person. That is exactly why my stamps are still mounted on wood, directly under the index, so I can stamp with confidence right from the get go.

No, not really!!! I'm just CHEAP!!! LOL

[Crafty_chic1]

I have 2 of these (craft room and crop tool bag). Simon Says stamps.com makes this affordable transparent grid. You place the transparent grid on your cardstock, place stamp on a gridline where you want it to stamp--it will stick to transparent sheet, pick it up and look at the placement(adjust if needed with rubber stamps or cling stamps), put the grid back in place on the cardstock (at this point with a water based dye ink you can stamp your phrase or element onto the transparency and see if it aligned, then clean off stamp and grid, remove transparency, re-ink and stamp on cardstock.

[happy-stamper]

I always struggled with the stamp a ma jig, too, but then someone (maybe Dina?) suggested making an L out of duplo blocks to use the same way. It is much chunkier and deeper which makes it easier to hang onto and use IMO.

[happy-stamper]

I just use the duplo L for wood mounted stamps, tho. For clear or cling, I use the method that Cook22 explained

[Carol W]

Originally Posted by jeanne3579

How do you manage to cut it into smaller sizes?

Assuming it's like the Dritz brand, it's easy to cut with a good pair of scissors or an X-acto knife. It's about the same weight/thickness as a plastic stencil.

[jeanne3579]

Originally Posted by Carol W

Assuming it's like the Dritz brand, it's easy to cut with a good pair of scissors or an X-acto knife. It's about the same weight/thickness as a plastic stencil.

Thanks! I was wondering if I would have to sweet talk my hubby into sawing it!