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I'm new to stamping. I try to get my stamping to be neat but most of the time it just "smears". Does anyone have any tricks/tips/advice? Much thanks for any help given!
HI there! are you able to tell us what ink you are using to stamp, what kind of paper/card stock you are stamping onto , and what you are doing when it smears, such as colouring?
Welcome! We are here to help! Jukie is right - more details would make it easier to do that.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
As a beginner, I had to learn how heavily to ink a stamp, how hard to press it down, and what kind of surface to have under my paper. And in the beginning I wasn't great at lifting my stamp straight up sometimes, and I wouldn't get a crisp image.
Over-inking and pressing too hard are often what causes smearing. It's just a matter of practice, and then it will become second nature (and you'll move onto other challenges and frustrations, like everyone does ;).)
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
Hi, try and not wiggle the stamp. Hold it steady and let it sit on the paper for a few seconds before you pick it up. The ink needs to absorb into the paper.
Try using different kinds of stamps, clear, red rubber, different weights of paper makes a difference, too. Just sit down and do a bunch of test stamps. You will get the "feel" of it soon.
And know that even though you might be doing everything right, sometimes the stamps, ink and paper still don't cooperate! My problem was and still is trying to glue things down straight! I'm still learning and practicing...;)
__________________ We can't all be stars but we can all twinkle.
Also, after you stamp, put the cardstock aside for a few minutes to let it dry. Try not to touch the stamped part right away. Have some wipes or a wet rag nearby to clean your hands every so often.
Did any of that help? Feel free to follow up. I notice that you are new to posting, and wanted you to know that you can keep asking more questions, or report back on how it's going, or just whine or complain. ;)!
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
This is the perfect place to get all your questions answered! This is a great, friendly community of stampers and we were all "beginners" at one point. There is no such thing as a stupid question so ask as many as you want!
More details will help us help you. If you tell us the type of ink, type of paper, if the stamp is rubber or clear....all those things can affect your outcome. And if it's happening right as you're actually stamping or when you go back to color in an image can help us us figure out what tips to give you. You can even post a picture of what's happening if you want!!!
WOW!!!! What an awesome, helpful group!! Thank you soooo much! I've been using different brands of ink pads and I stamp them onto regular copy paper. I'll keep trying an hopefully I'll get it right. My biggest problem seems to be with the sentiments. And I noticed when I stamp with color ink, it doesn't come out as good as the black. Back to practicing!
It is possible, as you say you are using copy paper, that the ink is bleeding a little. The best surface for stamping on is a smooth cardstock. Inks will vary from pad to pad, and type to type. It would be helpful maybe to do a You Tube search for 'ink pad type & uses'.You will also find links to blogs covering the topic on Pinterest. It does vary so much, it's hard to give accurate advice. Or You Tube the brands you are using. It really does vary so much, and not just the inkpads, each pad will behave slightly differently on different cardstocks. But you are right, this is absolutely the best place on the net to ask for advice!. X
I agree with Shaz - copy paper is not the optimum surface for stamping. Do you have some white cardstock you can work on? Otherwise, you are probably setting yourself up for difficulties. Plenty of places to buy good quality white cardstock by the ream for not too much.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
If you can, you need to stamp on better paper. Copy paper is not optimal for stamping. Any craft stores near you? Michael's sells the Recollection brand of paper and it is not too expensive.
You can even get a ream of Georgia Pacific card stock or "cover weight" white at Walmart! Either of these would be better than copy paper. Once you have better paper you can see if you need adjust how hard you are pressing down; or if you are wiggling the stamp etc.
I started stamping as a Stampin' Up demonstrator; so I use their Ultrasmooth White card stock a lot. There is also online stamp companies such as Gina K Designs and they sell excellent card stock in two different weights. Layering which is lighter and thinner ( but not as thin as copy paper! ) and base weight which is thicker and heavier. Base weight will stand up to many layers and embellishments, and if clean and simple is your style a good heavy white card stock will add an elegance to the simple design.
Need Help. Stamping messy
