Things Newbies may need to know

[onelightningchic]

I wanted to start this thread. I have been a newbie for awhile and continue to get those "lightbulb" moments when I read a thread with some little well known bit of advice or info that people have known for years about stamping and I had no clue. For instance: I just read in a thread that you should place brads on the upper layers of the card so it does not show on the other side! Well, if you get any of my swaps, sorry I had no idea! LOL. You would think that would be obvious and I did wonder about it, but.....So now I know better and will improve that issue.

Does anyone else have anything they think we "newbies" ought to know so we can produce beautiful and professional looking cards like the "ole pros"?

Let's hear it. I have my note pad out and ready

[Luciesfloozies]

Here is a thread that you might find helpful....

[QueenPam]

Ok I am a newbie also so what is a brads,onelightningchic.thanks for starting this thread.

[smithr66]

Brads are an embellishment that are based on the paper brads (to hold papers together) that you may have used in school - used to be brass, two prongs in the back that you spread apart once you poke through the papers.

But you'll be interested to know that there's no hard and fast rule on the card brads. Some wouldn't be caught dead with their prongs showing and others (some very well-respected stampers on this site) don't mind letting them show. It's a personal issue, I guess.

[onelightningchic]

If someone asks you to "PM" them, that means private message. Just click on their name on the left and from the draw down box you can choose to send a message or view their cards in their gallery ets.

For instance, QueenPam, if you PM me with your address I would be happy to send you a small assortment of brads as an example that you can experiment with. I recently got a bunch in a grab bag and would be delighted to share. So PM me if you would like me to share

[boonstoon]

One thing I always TRY to do is be sure my matting around my stamped images is even on all 4 sides. Doesn't always happen, but I aim to do that anyway!

[buttons2]

I don't know if it's because I'm "cheap" or this is a good idea, but if I have several layers on a card and some are pretty large, I'll cut the insides out of the lower layers. (Am I making sense?) Not only does this save in weight and bulkiness for postage purposes but also leaves me with scraps I can use later.

Wanda

[Mrsjvb]

Wanda that is too clever by far! I often bemoan the fact that sometimes I seem to be 'wasting' CS by using umpteen layers and only a teeny bit shows.

Of course that means I'd have to figure out some way to cut out the window using my limited supplies without messing up the frame....

[Toy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buttons2

I don't know if it's because I'm "cheap" or this is a good idea, but if I have several layers on a card and some are pretty large, I'll cut the insides out of the lower layers. (Am I making sense?) Not only does this save in weight and bulkiness for postage purposes but also leaves me with scraps I can use later.

Wanda

That's an awesome tip.. if I have the room on a mat, I will punch my favorite shapes out and then stuff them in a baggie for later use. No one is the wiser

Another tip.. don't be afraid to ask questions. There is ALWAYS someone online at SCS to help!

I'm not a newbie, but think this is an awesome thread. I wish I had found one when I started.

Peace!

oh, and p.s. i'm one of those nutty people who can't let eyelets or ribbon show on the inside of my cards Just personal preference.

[onelightningchic]

Great Idea. I was just working on a project where the ribbon runs under the layer of second cardstock and I came up short. I just used that idea and cut enough to do the edges and wind under an inch. I was able to finish the cards and they turned out beautiful.

[scrubbybubbles]

I too want to thank you for starting this thread. I need all the help I can get. I find sometimes that you have to search and search to find an answer to a question that's already been answered on a post here somewhere. I find it helpful to use the search box and type in a main word so-to-speak. I have come to find that this is also a HUUUUUGE forum...LOL

[resqbarbie]

I agree with Toy...I have just wandered around this site picking up bits and pieces for a year or so... SO nice to have a thread like this!

OK, here's a tip from me:

instead of tying a big piece of ribbon around a piece of cardstock, I tie a nice knot with the 2 ends to form a loop, then I snip it in the middle and fold the open ends around the cardstock and tape them down. Saves ribbon and my knots seem to come out neater.

for example...this knot of ribbon ...it doesn't go all the way around the cardstock....KWIM (know what I mean)???

[Lavafrogg]

My tip (and bit of shameless swap promotion)
Don't be scared to join a swap! You'll get great ideas!

[boonstoon]

Denise,
I do the same thing with ribbon! No need to waste it.

[onelightningchic]

Something else I do. When I am checking a stamp before using on the good paper, I try it out on scrap stock. Then I use decorative scissors to cut the "samples" into little gift tags and small add ons. I hate to waste ink or paper.

[wagleg]

My biggest tip. Check the gallery for samples before purchasing a stamp set.
I found I purchased a lot of stamp sets that weren't necessarily my style just because they looked great in the catalog.

[Shanon]

I have NOT read all of the replies so I apologize if I have repeated anything.
My BEST tip for a newbie is to NOT buy what the "in crowd" is buying. You buy what you need as you need it. Do NOT get discouraged by the stampers who have been doing this for years. We all start somewhere. Also, do NOT be afraid to ask questions. SCS is the most amazing site on the internet and the members here are so darn helpful. We were all new at one time.

[scrappinspadiva]

Something I recently learned... when using pop dots, you can always use the leftover spacing portion if foam when you run out of dots.

[valeriecathleen]

Newbies....pace yourselves!!!!

Do not go crazy buying anything because it is on sale or you have a Mike's coupon. Most of the things I never use were purchased because they were a good deal (Patterned paper, anyone?). Remember - if you do not buy it today, it will not get sucked off the face of the earth, never to be seen again! There will always be another sale, another coupon or something much better will comes along.

[suzyqok]

I consider myself a newbie as I have only been doing this for about a year, I ditto the Michaels comment. My advice would be to look at the For Sale forum and buy "retired" stamp sets to build your collection. You can get some very good deals and they will be new to you. I have purchased many this way and have never not received what I was promised. Also, put your money in the basics first even if you have to wait awhile. I really highly recommend SU papers etc as they coordinate and you don't have to worry-especially important when new. I think of it as Granimals for stampers!

[happystamper05]

I've been stamping for over 10 years and I'm still learning new things!

As far as brads go - I try to hide them but sometimes my brain isn't working that far ahead and sometimes I let them show.

When opening brads, I use my paper piercer. I use the pointy end to open them and the flat end (actually the cap) to lay them flat. I hated ruining my fingernails doing it without it.

Another helpful hint - I actually got this one from Lauren (mytime) - use your SAMJ to find the perfect place for your sentiment. It's helped me a lot doing it this way!

I know I have a few more hints - just brain dead at the moment. Great thread though!

Hugs!

[Little Stamp Shack]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luciesfloozies

Here is a thread that you might find helpful....

This is a great thread! Thanks

[squirter]

Use good quality cardstock for the base of the card...not the flimsy kind. It makes soooo much difference on how the card ends up looking. I use thinner cardstock for matting but never for the base.

[RIRed2]

great thread, every thing I know I learned from here.

[SouthernStorm]

~ I bought a HUGE stack of acid free, diff. colored construction paper at Sam's. After dividing it w/ my DD, I still have a huge stack. This is great for layers on cards as well as scrapbook pages. It works great to fluffle the edges or run thru one of my crimpers or make a small, stamped die cut on a scrapbk pg.
~ Ck *Dollar Tree* scrapbook section. They have some great stuff for really cheap, even rubber stamps - wood mounted. Everything at Dollar Tree is $1.
~ With all the die cut machines out now, the once hot, hot decorative scissors kinda got pushed back. There seems to be a resurgance lately.. and they're cheap!
~ Don't overlook making your own die cuts. You can trace all kinds of stuff then cut them out while watchin' tv or waitin' for an appt.
~ Glitter is great bling and cheap!
May God bless, Sandi

[jimandbeth1]

One of the things I have learned is to play with my layout before I glue it down, this also helps if I decide to add a brad. (I dont like them to show, would rather leave it out.) Also, sometimes what I see in my head doesnt look as nice on paper.

I second the check out a gallery on a stamp set before you buy. I have found a couple of sets that when you go to the gallery for them, there just isnt much there for inspiration and I dont self inspire very often!

Oh, how about detail embossing powder versus embossing powder. I have detail gold and regular gold. I cannot use regular gold on many stamped images, it just isnt clear enough. It looks like globs instead of the image. Also, dont try to color with colored pencils after you heat emboss something, it picks the melted powder off as you color. Also, be careful when trimming around a heat embossed image, I noticed that as I bend the paper a little to trim closely, the embossing will come off. Also, I read all the warnings about over heating it, so now I have a problem of not heating enough and there is still unmelted powder that flakes off.

[Angelnorth]

I'm still quite new at this too - SCS is a great place to look and learn so as others have said, don't be afraid to ask a question if you can't turn up an answer with a quick search.

One tip I found helpful: stamp onto a slightly cushy surface, especially if you are using a stamp with no cushion. A magazine is good or an old mouse mat - you want something that doesn't squash too much but just provides a little bit of bounce under the cardstock you're stamping.

I think this next thing depends a bit on how your brain works but for me, I'd say it's worth thinking to yourself "How does that work? Is there another way to do that?" before you spend money on something. For example, I thought the stamp-a-ma-jig looked like an awesome tool but had never seen one here in the UK (we only just got SU! here). I figured it just relies on having a right angle to place your stamp in to so I stuck two small wood blocks together and use a sheet of vellum or acetate for my positioning sheet. It works perfectly and it cost me nothing as the blocks were ones I'd unmounted stamps from.

I'd also agree with those who've said you should buy what you love, not necessarily what everyone else is using. It's much easier and more satisfying to make a great project with stamps and materials that say something to you than to fiddle about for hours with something that's a hot trend but doesn't really do it for you.

Most of all, the greatest secret is to relax and have fun! Even if something has to end up in the trash, you learned something while you were making it

[Anemone]

It is worth spending the money to invest in good quality tools, ink and cardstock. They will make a huge difference in your final result.

[ponygirl40]

1) SU cardstock, ink and embellishments all match (the 48 colors + In Colors) -- use them!

2) Buy the SU Color Coach -- it makes color choice a non-issue!

3) If a card looks plain, then add a background stamp. Some of the best money that you'll ever spend.

4) As in the brads, wrap ribbon around a layer so that the backside doesn't show.

5) Add a liner layer inside the card to add heft and weight.

6) USE THE GALLERY. This is a great way to get ideas of how to do the layout for a card!

7) USE THE TUTORIALS!!

Play around with lots of looks. This is how you find your stampin' karma.

[ponygirl40]

Also, if you CASE (copy) a card from the gallery and post it in your own gallery, it's nice if you give the original artist credit!

[buttons2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrsjvb

Wanda that is too clever by far! I often bemoan the fact that sometimes I seem to be 'wasting' CS by using umpteen layers and only a teeny bit shows.

Of course that means I'd have to figure out some way to cut out the window using my limited supplies without messing up the frame....

I just "eyeball" the width I need all the way around and use my Fiskar cutter. The lines may not be perfect, but who knows the difference.

Wanda

[ScrampShopper]

Start an index of your stamps/embossing powders/glitters. etc from the beginning when you only have a few. This way you know what you have and don't buy duplicates. It's also easier to pick what you want to use by looking through your index instead of looking through drawers of stuff.

[Kittypaws]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScrampShopper

Start an index of your stamps/embossing powders/glitters. etc from the beginning when you only have a few. This way you know what you have and don't buy duplicates. It's also easier to pick what you want to use by looking through your index instead of looking through drawers of stuff.

This is SO important and so easy to do when you first begin. Every time you buy a new set, punch, etc., index it. I stamp images from a stamp set (others copy the labels in the set) on a page and put it in a 3-ring loose-leaf notebook with the name of the set at the top. You can catalog these as you wish - I catalog mine as holidays, flowers, nature, miscellaneous, sentiments, etc. You will be SO glad you did this later on when you have a gazillion sets and don't know where a particular stamp is - just flip through the notebook until you find it. Good luck, and welcome to SCS.

[LynetteA]

Quote:

Originally Posted by resqbarbie

I agree with Toy...I have just wandered around this site picking up bits and pieces for a year or so... SO nice to have a thread like this!

OK, here's a tip from me:

instead of tying a big piece of ribbon around a piece of cardstock, I tie a nice knot with the 2 ends to form a loop, then I snip it in the middle and fold the open ends around the cardstock and tape them down. Saves ribbon and my knots seem to come out neater.

for example...this knot of ribbon ...it doesn't go all the way around the cardstock....KWIM (know what I mean)???

Excellent tip!!!! I am going to have to try this!!!!!

[LynetteA]

Quote:

Originally Posted by onelightningchic

Something else I do. When I am checking a stamp before using on the good paper, I try it out on scrap stock. Then I use decorative scissors to cut the "samples" into little gift tags and small add ons. I hate to waste ink or paper.

I do this too!!! To make sure I have enough/or too much ink!!!

[greatgrammy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buttons2

I don't know if it's because I'm "cheap" or this is a good idea, but if I have several layers on a card and some are pretty large, I'll cut the insides out of the lower layers. (Am I making sense?) Not only does this save in weight and bulkiness for postage purposes but also leaves me with scraps I can use later.

Wanda

Wanda, I do this also, only I use my punches or Nestabilities dies. I love getting more for my money this way.

[NY2TX_Patti]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrsjvb

Wanda that is too clever by far! I often bemoan the fact that sometimes I seem to be 'wasting' CS by using umpteen layers and only a teeny bit shows.

Of course that means I'd have to figure out some way to cut out the window using my limited supplies without messing up the frame....

When the layer is large enough and most of it will be covered up, you can sometimes use a large punch (like the scallop punch) to remove some 'die cuts' that you can use later. (You usually can't see what's been removed underneath.)

[RevLinda]

SOME of us read the neat idea about indexing EVERYTHING a long time ago. SOME of us really regret not heeding that really great advice.
SOME of us NOW just look at all our stuff and cry.
SOME of us can't find ANYTHING.
SOME of us end up buying duplicates and wasting money that we COULD have used for some really great stuff.
SOME of us MIGHT want to start indexing IMMEDIATELY!

Slow-to-learn Linda

[RIRed2]

indexing very important, I did not think I needed to because I have just a few stamps, but in the past 4 months I have Accumulated several stamps and I too bought a duplicate, so guess what I will be doing this weekend???

[onelightningchic]

I try a card design out before committing to the swap. Because I am new I dont want to commit to something I cant pull off. Once I get something I like I sign up. Also, dont commit to too many at once. I try to do one or two at a time so as not to skimp on my art work.