TUESDAY'S TECHNIQUE: Paper Ink Stamp for Beginners

 With Stampin' Up! we follow the concept of "PAPER INK STAMP".

1 - PAPER "Let the paper do the work" an introduction to Designer Series Paper DSP and how to design and assemble beautiful cards with coordinating products and with a minimum of supplies needed. 

DSP (Designer Series Paper), Basic White cardstock, and adhesive are the basic products.

2 - INK 

Learning to use ink from the pad, from the reinkers bottle as a liquid, and by inking with the Stampin' Write Markers directly on the stamp. 

Using tools: blending brushes, aqua painters

Re-inker bottles and the Aqua Painter. Squirt out ink on a non-porous surface. Use like paint.

3 - STAMP

Learn how to put the labels on the stamps, ink up a stamp. How to stamp. How not to stamp. Why not to rock the stamp. How to clean the stamp and when.

Stay tuned for TUESDAY'S; TIPS, TOOLS, TECHNIQUES for  Beginners and Avid paper crafters 

TUESDAY'S Tips: Envelopes

A question about envelopes - what do you use and where do you buy them - was asked at a recent class.

From my experience, envelopes can be made of any type of paper, color or weight of paper, or size.

The WEIGHT of paper matters - will it tear easily, will it protect your card in mailing?  Is it too thick, will your card get stuck in the postage meter, or will the thickness of the envelope or the card add more postage. Any bump on the card - ribbon knot, sequin, jewel, or dimensional - may add extra postage costs or need "Non-Machinable" printed on the front of the card.

I've used old calendar pages because I love the colors and prints - make sure the paper isn't too thin and that you use a white address label so your addressee is visible.

I've also used 65 lb. paper - not quite the weight of cardstock, but heavier than copy paper - because no extra layer to cover most embellishments is needed.

I use an envelope punch board, a retired Stampin' Up! product, but currently available at most craft stores or online. 

The A2 size Envelope - 4 3/8 x 5 3/4" -  considered an invitation or greeting card size and most often made with 24 lb. paper -  is the size we use for cards that are 1/2 of an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper/cardstock.  

You can find Stampin' Up! envelopes for A2 cards here.

A 5x7 card is considered a "large card", and usually is first class for mailing.

Slimline cards and Mini Slimline cards fit in the envelopes most people keep for their own use:  

A #10 - Business Envelope for a Slimline card

  A 6.75 x 3.75" letter envelope for a Mini Slimline card

Slimline cards are found here.  You can use any Designer Series Papers, and mail it in a #10 envelope.

Mini Slimlines are found here with Karen Titus and can be mailed in a Letter size envelope. 

The A2, #10 and Letter envelopes mentioned in this post are for U.S. and Canada.  

There are many sizes of envelopes used for a variety of mailings. If you are hand delivering your card, you have options of decorating your envelope or using cards that are embellished and folded.

 There is much more information on the internet, by country, too.

Thanks for stopping by for Tuesdays: Tips. I'm always available for questions or comments.  Be Blessed!  sb

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3.625 inches by 6.5 inches