Scrapbookers are turning to rubber-stamping as another way to embellish their scrapbook pages. And, as always, the best way to learn about rubber-stamping is often through a class. Your local rubber-stamping store may provide you with a list of classes and the note "bring a basic stamping kit". But what IS a basic stamping kit?
The good news is that the average scrapbooker already ahs the tools for a basic stamping kit. And this is just one of the many reasons stamping is the perfect accompaniment to your scrapbooking hobby. Here is a list of items I keep in my basic kit.
First, you’ll need a pair of scissors. I prefer the Fiskars Micro-tip scissors myself. These scissors are small, precise, and easy to use. They have the additional advantage of "locking", making them a bit safer. The Fiskars Micro-tip scissors are very sharp and work well with all forms of paper and cardstock.
Most stamping classes will have your cardstock already cut for you. However, you may need to bring a portable paper trimmer along for some teachers. I recommend the Fiskars 12" paper trimmer. This trimmer is compact, capable of handling paper up to 12" without any problems, and offers replaceable blades. This trimmer is so compact; you can easily pack it in a suitcase if you are traveling to a crop, scrapping get-a-way, or even a scrapping cruise! (Remember that with today’s airline security regulations, you must pack scissors and paper cutters in your checked luggage only!)
Next, you’ll need to add your adhesives to your stamping kit. I often joke and say that I never knew so much about different types of adhesive until I began scrapping and stamping! But, you can easily build a good stamping kit with two types of adhesive. I include an acid free glue stick in my kit. Glue sticks are very good for assembling thick cards, multiple layers, or even "book" type cards. Also, bring along a duo-type adhesive. I prefer the Tombow mono-adhesive. This adhesive offers both permanent and repositionable options in one type of glue. This is perfect for stamping and scrapping. An additional bonus is the fact that this adhesive is strong enough to attach beads and other embellishments to your page or card.
You will need two types of inkpads for your basic kit. You will need a dye-based pad that is waterproof. My personal choice for this is the Memories pad in coal.
This ink is archival, which is, of course, important to the scrapbooker. But, it
is also waterproof. This is important to the stamper, because you can color in
your image using markers, watercolor pencils, etc., without smearing the ink.
All of the Memories inks are archival and waterproof, so they are perfect for
the scrapping stamper to collect. Dye based inks are essential to a stamping kit
because they dry quickly and require no heat setting.You will also need a black pigment pad. Pigments inks require embossing on glossy and coated papers. And they are often embossed on matte services to enhance the look of the project. There are two pigment inks in black that I recommend. The black pad by Brilliance (from the Tsukineko manufacturing) is perhaps the truest black on the market today.
The other black pigment ink I recommend is by Colorbox. This ink dries slower
than Brilliance. This is often a benefit for new stampers, who are learning heat
embossing techniques. Your basic stamping kit should include embossing powders. I generally recommend clear and gold powders for the beginner. Remember that the color of your embossing powder determines the color of your final image. So, if you use gold embossing powder over black ink, the image will be black. The only time the under lying color of ink is important is when you are using clear powders. There are many good embossing powders on the market. I am a big fan of the powders by Judikins. This company offers a good quality product in a variety of colors, ranging from solid colors to jewel tones to metallic to glitter colors.
Your kit should also include an anti-static pad. This product comes in a small bag and is wiped over your papers before embossing. The pad prevents excess powder from sticking to the paper. I find this product exceptionally useful on vellum. However, I do use it on all my embossing projects. You can find this offered at many stamping stores and through your local Stampin’ Up consultant.
To finish off your kit, let’s add a few things you have around the house. First, you’ll need a ruler. I like to use a metal ruler or a ruler with a metal edge when possible. I keep a 6" metal ruler in my kit for classes and travel, and keep a 12" metal ruler on my work surface at home.
Bring a couple of pencils to class, too. I like to use mechanical pencils in my kit, simply because they do not require sharpening. I do add an art eraser, available for less than $1 at your local art store. The art erasers do not leave marks behind and is an excellent tool for any stamper or scrapbooker.
Finally, I always keep a small notebook and pen in my kit. This is perfect for taking notes in class. This helps me out when I get home and can’t quite remember what we did or how we did it.
The next bit of information is not something I keep in my kit, necessarily. But, it is useful if you happen to be a messy stamper, as I am. If you are taking a class at a local stamping or scrapping store, they will probably have their tables covered with paper to prevent ink stains. I recently learned to bring along some sheets of ordinary typing paper to my classes. I can make a card using a one sheet of paper under me. And when I am finished, I can have a clean work surface underneath me simply by throwing away that piece of paper and using a new piece of typing paper. This prevents ink from one project staining your next project.
We here at scrapbooking.com are excited to be including more stamping articles in our magazine each month. The articles will range from techniques and how-to’s, to actual "make and takes" that you can copy. This basic stamping kit information above will not only leave you well prepared for classes you may take at your local scrapping stamping store, but it will also help you with our projects here at the magazine.
In the meantime, I’d love to hear what you, our reader, would like to know about stamping. Are there techniques you would like us to discuss? Are there products about which you would like to learn? Are there stamping companies you have heard about but want to see "in action"? If so, please write to me at Bhamilton@shopa-z.com and let me know what you are interested in seeing.
