Hi!  I am a truly dedicated crafter and teach classes, workshops and home parties in rubberstamping!  If you are NEW to this fascinating hobby {and/or business opportunity for those who want it},
... then read on!

Contact Me if you have any questions - I am only too happy to help you get started!

RUBBERSTAMPING BASIC EQUIPMENT

INKS
You'll find a range of inks: Dye-Pigment, Craft and Specialty Inks. 
Water based Dye-Pigment Ink dries super quick after stamping, allowing you to move on to the next stage of your card project. If you want to emboss a part or all of your stamping, you need the longer-drying Craft Inks. 

 Each Ink brand has a range of colours -  choose 2 colours to start and 1 Neutral colour 

which does not 'bleed' when being coloured {markers and colouring pens}.  Add to your colour range as time and your budget permits.

STAMPS

Clear Acrylic/ Stamps or Rubber Stamps? 
Clear ACRYLIC stamps are flexible and allow you to "see"  where you stamp. Most require a CLEAR MOUNT ACRYLIC BLOCK* to mount the clear stamp 'onto' and you proceed to stamp.  The clear stamp due to its sticky, filmy quality should "cling" to a plastic clear block's surface and when you are finished,  you merely peel it off and replace it with another stamp to continue stamping!  (*some stamps have a stiff plastic mount attached acting as a 'handle)

RUBBER stamps traditionally come "mounted or un-mounted". Ones 'mounted' to a WOOD BLOCK,  are still a popular choice for many!  An absolute must - purchase only deeply-etched rubber stamps. This creates clean, crisp images and prevents smudging in the stamping process.


Myself, I like the "look" of a collection of them - but  storage of thick wood blocks make many choose to un-mount their rubber stamps from the wood block and attach a sticky backing like "Cling Mount" which allows them to act like clear acrylic stamps. Rubber stamps can also be purchase 'un-mounted' with the Cling Mount or similar brand already attached (or purchase it separately). And like clear acrylic stamps, stored* in much narrower plastic containers similar to DVD cases.* there are many storage options. 

PAPERS

Cardstock needs to be archivally safe - meaning at least "acid-free" paper and a 'buffer' added to ward off any acid source from leaking into your paper (do not store paper in wood containers- or come in contact with newspaper) Convenient size for card-making is 8-1/2 x 11 inch and scrapbooking is mostly 12 x 12 inch cardstock.  Cardstock quality is determined by weight/thickness, colour (intensity & fastness), and decorative qualities (flocked designs, embossed, specialty papers).  Experiment on cheaper paper, but give on your best to impress!

CUTTING EQUIPMENT

Scissors, Paper Trimmers, Punches, Hobby Knife
BONE FOLDER
A quality bone folder feels good in your hand, and is smooth so it helps you to press fold lines. Much like a quick 'iron' of your paper - you will eliminate any wrinkles that may result in your fold. Looks good and its also a good tool for the application of 'rub-ons' or stickers. 

SPONGE

Used for sponging ink colours onto cardstock or blending colours together. 

GLUES

Start with acid-free glue in your choice of glue adhesive runner tape, dots or squares, sticks, and glue pens are great for tiny work (esp adding glitter or embossing powder in tight spots!)

** Try to avoid 'water-based' glues as they will warp or bubble your paper!

For projects that require true strength to hold {boxes, two parts, etc]  - use STICKY STRIP - this comes in a couple of widths and in sheet format. Used sparingly, but it will hold your project together no matter what! 

CLEAN SURFACE OR MAT

Just keep a space in your home for stamping and keep it clean. Preferably a mat surface helps with clean up as well as protecting your paper!

BEYOND THE BASICS

EXTRAS TO ADD 'ZING' TO YOUR PROJECTS!

EMBOSSING POWDERS

Comes in many colours - basics could be clear, metallic (gold, silver) and neutrals (white, black). Shiny or matte.

CRAFT INK/EMBOSSING INK

You must have the right stuff to stamp onto the cardstock for the embossing powders to stick to!

Use "craft ink" - it remains liquid  longer than regular water-based dye pigment inks- and so there is time for the powder to adhere to the still damp, stamped image. Also specific ink for this purpose such as the VERSAMARK brand ink. 

GLITTER
I am a bling girl - I can't imagine life without bling, read on...

Comes in all sizes (chips are noticeably large or ground up teeny-tiny), shapes and colours. More expensive German Glass Glitter - but a little goes a long way! Also comes in different methods like Glitter Glue (be careful, water content can WARP your paper)

RIBBON
Go crazy! All beautiful kinds of ribbon!

EMBELLISHMENTS
Embellishments are the crowning glory - and add interest. Not necessary but most things in life aren't!

Buttons, rub-ons, chipboard decorations, brads, flowers, flowersoft, fake snow, etc. 


LAST THING.....Rubberstamping is a "process" not any one thing.  You can go in many directions, just look around to see all the great, wonderful, beautiful or wacky creations that people are enjoying making all around the globe!  Men too are discovering this, so here's the thing....don't fret that you do not have something - yet!  Don't fret it if you take part in a 'project' and you don't have everything - improvise or ask to borrow from another stamper!  After time passes, and a consistent approach to purchasing equipment and supplies - you will have more and more ability to create.


I advise that you purchase the following 
as soon as it's possible.....
 1.  A pair of co-ordinating hand-held Punches -  a circle and a slightly larger scallop circle make sense (could easily be a square and a scalloped square) - but one has to be larger by a size! 
2.   Hole Punch and Small Mat - a great tool for adding a design merely by punching a series of holes but also great for punching holes for the purpose of adding embellishments like brads!

...and these Next Items - you can easily look them up! 

A)Crop-a-Dile/ Crop-a-Dile II the Big bite

B)Bind-it-All 
C) Scor-It All Board
D) Punches, Punches and Punches!
E) Large Mat
F) Storage System - for everything! 
G) I-Top Brad-Making Tool
H)a cool Stapler tool
I) Light Box or Embossing Systems
J) LetterPress

Tool I Can't Do Without
The BIG SHOT and my Sizzix Dies!

Hello and Welcome to my blog!

If you are NEW to rubberstamping or are interested in making your own CARDS - then this post is for you!
I will explore the "basics" with you in CARD MAKING 101, so you can get started!  Learn more in time so you can be just as fascinated with this craft as I am!!!

You may want to read RUBBERSTAMPING BASIC EQUIPMENT to find out what supplies are required to get started.

Alright - let's get you started! 

  CUTTING YOUR CARDSTOCK.

Cardstock comes in 2 sizes: 8 1/2 x 11 inches and 12 x 12 inches.  Therefore we tend to make card sizes which maximize the amount of cards we can cut from one piece of cardstock. This involves the standard card shapes A2 and A6 cards, as well as small Notecards. Then we have the Multiple Fold Cards or any card which involves a different shape.  Naturally you can cut your cards to the size you wish!  Many people like larger cards and simply can fold the cardstock in half - its nice to experiment and design your own look!

8-1/2 x 11 inch Cardstock

For each  sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock, we can cut 2 cards.
This size is known as A2 cards! 

 First which way we do we want the card to have its fold.. on its side {landscape}?  Or at the top {portrait}? 

 Landscape - Fold On The Side Card A2

1. Cut the 8 1/2 x 11 sheet on the longest side {the 11 inch length} at the halfway point, or at 5 1/2 inches. 

    You now have 2 lengths of cardstock which measure 5 1/2 x 8 1/2.  Fold both pieces at the 4 1/2 inch   

     point.  Now you have 2 cards where the front of the card measures 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches - this is the first
     version of an A2 CARD.

Portrait - Fold On The Top Card A2

2. Cut the 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of cardstock, on the shortest side, along the 8 1/2 inch side at the 4 1/4 inch 

     mark.  You now have 2 portions of cardstock meauring 4 1/4 x 11 .         

    You typically place the fold at the top of this card.  It is also an A2 CARD.

A Small Note Card
3. Cut your cardstock at the 8 inch mark on both sides - you will have an 8 inch square.
     Cut the square again on one side - at the 4 inch mark: now you have 2 sections of 4 x 8 inch. Fold in half
     and now you have a nice 4x4 inch notecard.
Multiple-Fold Cards - ex) Z-Fold Card
For a Z-Fold card you can make 2 cards from an 8-1/2 x 11 cardstock if you cut the 11 inch side at 5-1/2.  Now you should have 2 sections of 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 which you can fold twice along the long length to achieve a "Z-fold" card. {Ex: fold at 2-1/2 in from both ends, and fold}

**** When cutting the additional "LAYERS" that make-up a card, cut each layer 1/2 inch smaller and as a rule, 'center' the next layer on top which leaves a 1/4 inch border all around.   So a 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 inch card base has the next top layer of 3-3/4x 5 inch centered. Then another layer could possibly be added that measures 3-1/4 x 4-1/2 inch  next on top and so on. Then add your other elements!

**** Tear one side of a layer right off for great looks!


12 x 12 Cardstock

Typically you do not need the 12x12 cardstock for cards as much as you do for scrapbooking, 

but there are some examples.  For example, a 12 inch cardstock can make multiples of short & small notecards 3 inch square.  This can be great for maximizing on cardstock for notecards, wedding table cards, gift cards, or projects in a class {school projects!} involving many people. It is also good for maximizing on a lovely sheet of Designer Paper!  Each sheet of 12 inch cardstock produces 4 notecards.

3 Inch Square Notecards 

1.  Cut your 12 inch cardstock in half at the 6 inch mark on both sides to create four 6x6 inch sections. Then fold the sections in half. You now have made 4 of the 3x3 inch notecards.

Multiple Fold or Extra Length Cards.

2.  Again, a card that is more intricate or complicated in its design may require extra length than a regular 8x11 inch cardstock can provide. Follow the requirements of your project. 

Final Notes

Having cut a lot of cardstock, I recommend that you invest in the best quality of a paper trimmer you can afford.  Not only does it cut down on the frustration of cutting with scissors, but you can measure your cuts easily as most have a ruler markings and quidelines to help you!  The blade guard (if it has one) of a Table Top Paper Trimmer - the grandaddy of trimmers - helps you to cut beautifully and without worrying about cutting yourself in the process. I do not cut many sheets at once as some people do, but I do cut 2-3 sheets at a time, thus cutting down on time. I invested in a cheap paper trimmer only once - I quickly learned it wasn't worth my time and money replacing blades. There are really well-designed features included in the models today but a quality standard trimmer is the first place to start! 

Do not worry - if you do not cut a cardstock correctly as you can downsize it to work for something else later, but CHECK BEFORE YOU CUT! Always a good thing! 

Do have CLEAN HANDS to work with your cardstock - the oil on our skin can leave a mark that might not blend so well and remain visible on your card - and that makes it hard to give or sell the card!  

STORE YOUR CARDSTOCK away from heat, light and just common sense will tell you to protect it. I have mine in plastic drawers and containers that protect them. I also keep my cardstock lying flat - not sideways but this is an individual choice. 

Well - hope this helps clear up some of the 'mystery' of card-making, 

now go and enjoy making some! 

Cheers!

Beverly


AND COME TO ONE OF MY CLASSES TO LEARN SOME REALLY FUN STUFF!

Hello!  What a fab day today!

We have been blessed with great weather for our Thanksgiving, yes? We actually decided on the spot to take our lunch out to the nearby park and play a little ball with our pooch! Was very nice - and now we are at home making pumpkin pie and ...aprons!  Yup! We found some fantastic french style fabrics the other day and decided to make aprons so that we can use them later today when we cook dinner.  We are celebrating early as my daughter is off to visit with other relatives tomorrow.  So I will have those apron projects to share later :)

Meanwhile, I changed the decorations in my china cabinet and put out my "GIVE THANKS" blocks - and well, you'll see in the pics!

I also am posting some Thanksgiving style cards today....so let's look!
Please CLICK on pictures for a better look :)

Now here are the cards....you'll recognize them from STAMPIN' UP!'s MINI HOLIDAY CATALOG.

But they are simple to make - just simple stamping and layers with a little glitter in the center of the first card {hard to photo I'm afraid!}....

BUT THIS ONE is my absolute favourite!  I learned how to make a card from another demo, DINA on the method to CUT 'half' a scalloped circle on the fold using the BIG SHOT and the SCALLOP CIRCLE BIGZ DIE!!! Thanks Dina!    But fooling around, I discovered on my own how to cut the whole circle and replace it back in to the card so that it swivels outward.  Then more fooling around, and well...here are the results!  I can only make a video or give a class for this one cuz seriously, I am not into all the work it would take to describe how, ha ha!  But isn't it fun - and the possibilities are endless! 

Pumpkin Thank You Card

Butterfly French Bistro Thank You Card for my 

friends who serve me in such friendly style at Michel's!

Here you can see that the cards hang out from their card, on the fold line. 

The cards will fit into a 5 1/2 in. envelope. And when the recipient takes

out the card, it all "pops" out nicely! 

Well...off to finish dinner and check on that pie!

HAPPY    T H A N K S G I V I N G  CANADA!

Me again!

More awesome news about SU! products that I want to share with you!

Hurray - we have a simple to use 'HOUSE' to DECORATE!!!!  

Our newest decorative element to have fun with for the holidays is the DESIGN-A-HOUSE DECOR ELEMENT which is a cute yet simple house design which you could decorate in any way you like!  

Design-A-House Decor Element      # 120911

How about a haunted house?  Or gingerbread house, a candy cane house?   Or I could see making it 'your own' house with your street numbers on the front - everyone would want their own when they see yours!

I think too that like the traditional activity - you could gather the family to help decorate this as a fun event!  If my daughter was still very young - we would of made one for the grandparents!  {we did actually, but we had to build one out of cardboard in those days! TIP: I can tell you one way which we decorated it: combine poster paint with sand and paint, it gives it great texture and looks like real stucco!}

I also think it would look great decorate solely with ribbon!  Or use our latest FABRIC {see examples below} to co-ordinate with the RUB-ONS and CHRISTMAS STAMP SETS in our HOLIDAY MINI-CATALOG!  You really get to use your imagination on this one!

Love to see what you do!

SPOOKY EXAMPLES BY OTHER DEMONSTRATORS

Nifty 'stone spray' by Janet Wakeland

and a cute polka dot by Paula from Utah!  

Hi stamping & general crafty friends!

Got some good news for ya!  Stampin' Up! has entered a great deal more into its CLEARANCE RACK and you have till OCTOBER 18 to take advantage of this!  Really good prices!

So if you have some projects planned or just want to stock up, I would check out the deals!

For instance - you can get a collection of STAMPIN' SPOTS in our past BRIGHTS collection for only $11.19!  In our current catalogue - they cost $26.95!

There are also ink refills for only $1.19!   When have we had anything for just over a dollar?  Exactly!

Ribbon to match in Bermuda Bay for instance!  Love that colour - its really like a shade of tropical water.

And my personal favourite, BIG SHOT DIES like Bird with Leaves and Flowers!  I certainly did not pay $9.89 when I purchased it!

Brights Stampin' Spots (10)

Bermuda Bay Ink Refill

Co-ordinating Ribbon

Big Shot Die/Bird w Leaves/Flowers

 HEAD ON OVER TO LOOK AND GET BACK TO ME - AND I WILL HELP YOU TO GET YOUR SALE SUPPLIES IN TIME! 

It's nearing the end for this promotion - so give yourself permission to JOIN STAMPIN' UP! while this promotion still has the generous proportioned GREENHOUSE GALA CRAFT TOTE - a $50 Dollar Value!

I just saw this tote on Saturday, and it is beautiful!  I am hedging on purchasing one myself as I can do that as I am a demonstrator, but I also have to pay for it, lol!   YOU CAN GET YOURS FREE!

IF YOU HAVE BEEN SITTING ON THE FENCE ABOUT BECOMING PART OF THE STAMPIN' UP! FAMILY OF DEMONSTRATORS - than this may help make your decision!  It's a FREE TOTE that is so stylish that you can take it anywhere!

I will be honored to help you - just contact me at bstampingbeehive@gmail.com and we'll have you on your way!
cha-cha!
Beverly
                                                                
                                              

This time - I used the same cardstock tones but in a more "whimisical " fashion!  And a little 'word play' - have a look.....

I created a flower with the layering of lots 'n' lots of hearts created with a punch.  To add interest, I took separate words from the greeting "LIFE HAPPENS, LOVE HELPS" and glued them on in a criss-cross fashion - and there is the whimsical nature I mentioned - easy! 

Other interesting bits include the fuzzy yarn, the torn edges, and the tab accent. A gemstone center for the flower in the same oranges keeps the monochromatic feel, but it would of looked equally nice using a nice antique brad which is so trendy now!

I wonder how many of us made cards for today....hmmm?