A: In many cases, digital images are the same camera-ready artwork that is used to create rubber stamps. Having the artwork in a digital format allows it to be resized, flipped, layered, digitally colored, digitally cut, and altered. You can print them on any paper that your printer will accept - I usually use cardstock, Canva-Paper or watercolor paper depending on the coloring medium I want to use. Most printers will accept at least lightweight cardstock, and watercolor paper is available in 90# weight. I print and let the ink cure at least overnight before coloring with Copics or watercolors. There are many sources for digital stamps - we've got a forum dedicated to them HERE.

A: All you really need is something for the leafing to stick to - there are several different methods! I have used double-sided tape, pressing the flakes onto the adhesive and brushing away the excess. You can use strips of tape, or you can die cut wider pieces from double stick sheets. With sticky embossing powder you can foil a stamped image - stamp with embossing ink (or use an embossing pen to add details or highlights to an image), apply the powder, heat just until melted, apply the flakes and heat from the back again just enough to reactivate the glue, let cool and brush the excess away. Another option would be a tacky-when-dry medium - you can spread it through a stencil or use a palette knife or brush on your project for a more freeform application. Let the medium dry, then apply the flakes. (Tombow mono glue stays tacky when it dries - if you don't have the medium you can try it with that! )

A: That's usually a sign of a good quality new photopolymer stamp and it won't hurt anything, but I know it can be frustrating! Make sure your card is well positioned in the corner of your MISTI, and check the position each time you make a new impression. The magnets will hold the card into that position for stamping. Inking may take some of the stickiness away, but if the stamp does pull the card out of position it's easy to snug back into the corner. Check the forum HERE for more advice from our members.

A: Of course! Click over to the photo tutorial HERE. In the supply list you'll find a link to a great resource for printable calendars in various formats, and 2022 calendars are available there now, and the One Page Calendar is perfect for the easel card.

A: There are a variety of ways to make cloudy backgrounds. There are dies and stencils that simplify the process. We also have a couple of site tutorials using different techniques! For a simple masking/sponging technique using die cuts, check out the Sponged Clouds tutorial HERE. The Cloudy Backgrounds tutorial will show you how to stencil cards with a simple scalloped circle punch, and how to watercolor a cloudy sky.