Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Santa's workshop



Today's theme over at WEDNESDAY STAMPER is "toys." This card is one of two that I tried for this week's toy challenge.

This is one of my new Paper Inspirations stamps called Santa's workshop. I'm so frustrated. I love these new Paper Inspirations stamps but they are so highly detailed that I've found it difficult to get a clear image. I have stamped and messed with this card all day long and it still isn't there.

The background paper is green velvet textured paper. It is so rich. This scan probably doesn't show the texture. I've stamped holly in the corners and embossed it in gold detail embossing powder. Then I applied a few red crystals for some sparkle and a red satin bow.

If you've experienced troubles stamping with highly detailed and/or photo type stamps, please let me know any tips or tricks you've discovered to get clear, lovely impressions.

17 comments:

  1. This is BEAUTIFUL Jennifer! I love the way the image turned out, little tiny "missing pieces" add to the vintage charm.

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  2. What a gorgeous vintage image and goodness it is a detailed stamp!! Don't have any tips for you only I've found that you don't need to press too hard only make sure that you press evenly. It looks pretty darn good to me!

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  3. LOVE this stamp! When I do detailed stamps, I use a brayer to apply the ink. I like Versafine Vintage Sepia, which is a pigment ink. Steve, the guru at Old Island Stamps way off to the NW, suggested pigment ink over dye based when I asked him. I also apply firm, even pressure and often move to the kitchen counter top to do that, as you have a more solid base beneath. Another trick is to use another stamp the same size to apply the pressure with. If you put the picture of the uninked one against the picture of the inked one, you are less likely to have blank spots. That tip's from Darlene at Stampland in Chicago, who has lots of vintage, detailed stamps. Good Luck!

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  4. I really appreciate everyone's suggestions and will take each one under advisement. Perhaps I am using too much pressure. Thanks, Jacqueline, I'll "lighten up" a bit on the pressure used.

    Nise, I too use and especially like the Versafine Vintage Sepia (it is what I used here.) I really appreciate you taking the time to give me lots of info here. By the way...I've been meaning to ask, do I know you? I can't link on your name and you always leave such terrific comments and suggestions. I can't tell by "nise" who you are. I bet I'll be blushing when I find out!

    Thanks again everyone for your help. I'll keep plugging away at these images. I got 4 CD cases of images so and they are all the vintage detailed type. YIKES!

    Jennifer :)

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  5. No, Jennifer, you don't know me. I found your blog and just love it, so I'm popping by regularly. You are so talented and not doing what so many others are (like on splitcoast). That stuff is great, but I like people who go their own way. I was excited that I could give you some ideas / input instead of just gawking at your art. I am a calligrapher (20+ years) and a rubber stamper/cardmaker (15 years) down in Michigan. I don't have a blog, so you don't get the opportunity to peek at my art, but if you ever wanted me to snail mail you something, just e-mail me your address (no promises before 2008, though :) whimsicalhatbox@yahoo.com
    p.s. really hoping you'll try (and show us) some of the other images you got - - I love vintage/detailed stuff!

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  6. Personally - I love the card as is. No complaints from me. LOL But let me know if you find a better way with that type of stamp.

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  7. Wow what is this lovely. Great art-work.

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  8. Gorgeous stamp used very beautifully. Fab vintage scene.
    I can't see any missing bits in this design. I have a very detailed stamp & its important to keep her very clean as the face details get blurred easily.
    I find good quality inks are best for crisp images. I use Rangers black archival ink & the versamagic chalk inks. I've used cheap ones & the images seem blurred. I ink the stamp in dabbing movements while its laid upside down for even coverage.
    Hope this helps a bit, Im only just getting back into stamping again.

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  9. Great card, I love that stamp. I always use a stamping mat with very detailed stamps

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  10. Beautiful work, such a great composition:)

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  11. Beautiful card, Jennifer. I don't see any errors on it, but I know what you mean about the detailed stamps. I have the best luck with versafine and stazon depending on the stamping surface. I agree about not using too much pressure. I seem to have lots of test prints with these type of stamps, too.

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  12. Wow! That is an absolutely gorgeous stamp! The ink you chose is perfect! It looks just like a finely detailed vintage drawing. Bravo!

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  13. love this image! so "old world" Santa and your card is so gorgeous!

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  14. This is so lovely and another great stamp.

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  15. Fabulous image and beautifully made card! I have trouble with those detailed stamps too, but this turned out well and very vintage-looking.

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