Schuetz

With all the new acrylic stamps sets out there, it sure makes scrapbook stamping a lot more interesting. Your scrapbook layouts are unlimited; you can choose dozens of variations and combinations to make the perfect stamped backgrounds. Here are a few tips on making some fun background pages.

First off, chose the right stamps set, blocks and ink pads. Once you have done that, chose your paper keeping in mind the colors of ink you are using.

Mudding the edges is one of my favorite techniques. This is a simple thing and gives you an antiqued weathered feel on the out side edge of your mattes or the full length of your layout. Simply hold your stamp pad in your hand at a 45 degree angle and swipe the edges of your paper. This will smear a thin coat of the ink onto the edges. You can also do this by laying the paper flat and swiping the ink onto the paper in an inward swipe. Either way will create the same effect.

Blending pens and water color pencils are another fun way to add a little character to your pages. Stamp your image with any color of ink you chose. Use the water color pencil and color the area you wish to add extra color to. After you have finished take the blending pen and smooth over the water color to bleed and blend the colors together.

Second generation stamping is a fun way to add different shades of the same color of ink to you pages. Simply apply ink to the stamp as usual and stamp it on a scrap piece of paper once then stamp again onto your page. Repeat this process until you get the look you wish.

Using a brayer and stencil you can create your own base pages. Using the stencil, lay it flat on your paper and hold tightly. Use the brayer and roll in you ink and apply it on top of your stencil leaving your image below. This is a perfect way to get that one of a kid paper you have been looking for.

Kissing stamp is another fun twist on stamping. Ink your stamp as usual and take another stamp and "kiss" it to the inked stamp and twist. When you twist it, it will remove some of the ink and gives it a unique look.

Use a sponge dauber and ink to create a softer boarder on your paper ore mats. You can also use these to fill in a stamped image like a flower. Rub your dauber in the ink and simply daub along the area you wish colored.

Stamping and using ink pads give you unlimited possibilities when use them in your layouts. Be creative and try new things. Try them on ribbons to add character, use inks to color the ribbon to match your papers. You can use inks and stamps on almost everything. You will be amazed at what they will bring to your pages.