TIP No. 2 Storage and Stuff

I’ve been asked quite a few questions about unmounted stamps, storage, and ‘how do you use those big images?’ 

Here are a few answers.  For those of you who use acrylic blocks for temporary mounting – there isn’t a block available for some of these larger images.  I suggest you get yourself an inexpensive acrylic box frame, and use that as a mount.  (As you have read, I use gardeners kneeling pads with contact cement to mount my stamps. )

For storage – I use these same acrylic box frames – upside down they are like stackable trays.  To keep organized I lay the INDEX sheet in the bottom so I have an idea of where to sort the stamps when I’ve finished using them.  (Helps me to determine if something is missing as well).  I keep my stamps in the tray image-side-up so they are easy to find.  I also label the front of the box and keep them stacked on a shelf.  My favorite ink pads lay upside down (so ink stays on the surface) in these frames too.

{When I used to keep my unmounteds unmounted, I adhered them to fun foam, as cushion, then I would doublestick tape them to an acrylic mount.  To store them I would slide the INDEX sheet into a page protector, then I would attach the (still sticky) images to the outside.  All my unmounteds could be stored in a 3-ring binder and the images were easy to find because of the index sheets.  I would keep my binder in a drawer or box because I never wanted to lose the rubber that might fall off the page protector. } 

Sample above shows how to use the plume on your Painted lady.  Don’t be afraid to use more than one ink on your stamp.  For instance, the green scrolly image on right – ink the entire image with green, then lightly tap around the edges of the stamp with a corner of your black ink pad, then stamp!  Be sure to wipe off your stamp before trying again or your ink pads will be a real mess.  Also, wipe your ink pad with a paper towel if they start to get mucky from mixing colors on a stamp.  The coolest!

The Crusade has started.  Check over on the Street Team link at right to see the details.  Drawing for a Halloween gift happens on October 27.  Enter by adding a comment with a link to your site.  It’s not a competition – anyone can be on the Street Team.