Basic Rules for Good Design

Basic cardmaking design tips include:

* Use co-ordinated colors and try not to use any more than 3 colors on a card.

* Layer or mat to give your card that professional look.

* Make sure that you are careful when cutting layers - straight edges and exact corners are a "must" for a good looking card.

* Seek out visual "triangles." Images in odd number groups (2,5,7...) are most pleasing. This basic design principle is universal.

* Don`t "overdo" a card. Stop layering and coloring before it looks like "too much." Remember, sometimes less is more.

Store your Ink Pads Upside Down!

Store your ink pads upside-down, and you´ll find that they are always moist and ready to work! Take care to store them flat, though, or you may find your ink has pooled to one side of the pad.

Try Baby Wipes

Alcohol-free baby wipes are the perfect cleaning idea for stamps. They have moisturizers in their solution that will also prolong the life of your rubber. Try taking a new box of wipes and squeezing out all the excess moisture, then pouring a bottle of stamp cleaner over the stack. A box should last at least of few months.

Impress Your Friends!

With a little effort, and a bit of online research, you can start creating your own greeting cards and stationary projects. Most friends and relatives will appreciate the time you spend creating cards "just for them". Read more about rubberstamping and give it a try!

Storing paper - pizza boxes!

If you have trouble keeping your paper supplies under control and finding storage for it all, then you could try visiting your local pizza place! Unused pizza boxes make great storage containers for paper and card.

How to Clean Permanent Ink Off Stamps

While dye inks can be cleaned off your stamps with water, cleaning of permanent inks from your stamps requires the use of cleaning solvents made especially for that purpose. You´ll find stamp cleaning fluids at most every supplier.

Avoid Sun!

Sunlight will degrade and harden your rubber stamps. Stamps should be stored cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.