Put Your Stamp On It - Book Review

It's been a long time since I've done a blog post. So lets try and get back into the swing of it, by starting with a book review. 

Since entering the world of stamping, I came across this lovely and recent book all about stamping, written by Meagan Lewis, at our local library.

Put Your Stamp On It: Cards, interiors, textiles and stationery

Meagan Lewis

2013 Sally Milner Publishing

ISBN 978-1-86351-444-6

The introductory chapter explains what the basic carving tools and materials are needed, to start your journey.  The reader is given a short explanation about the tools and materials.  This is excellent and informative.

Continuing on then with the subject of cleaning and storing your stamps is covered.  Did you know it’s best to store your ink up-side-down?  It helps keep the sponge moist with the ink.

Then of course we come to the fun part of the book, carving and the projects. Carving is explained well and thoroughly, even to the point of explaining how to carve if you are left-handed. There are around 20 projects for the reader to attempt, ranging from an easy level to a more complicated level of skill.  Projects cover stamping fabric, paper and even magnets.  Each project is illustrated well and helpful hints are also included.

I liked this book; it’s clear, modern and encouraging.  One feels they would be able to attempt their first carving of a stamp. 

Stamp Kit - Yellow Owl Workshop

I must confess I've been a fan / admirer of Christine Schmidt from Yellow Owl Workshop for a long time now. I've watched her business grown from it's humble beginnings to now an international business.  I'm just loving her new carve-a-stamp kits.

Carve-A-Stamp from Yellow Owl Workshop on Vimeo.


Carve-A-Stamp from Yellow Owl Workshop on Vimeo.

I have many of her stamps, hoping these will venture to Brunswick Street, Fitzroy like all her other products.

Stamping away....

A couple of weeks ago, I and a few other lasses had our first craft day for 2013.  I thought, should I get back into my crochet, no, far too hot. And the thought of having a crochet rug over my lap was not appealing.  So I thought it was time to learn how to carve my own stamps.

Setting up my lovely collection of carving tools and carving blocks, fellow crafter Trudi, also decided to do some carving. She is far more experienced than I, so I was very grateful that Trudi shared her skills and wisdom into the world of carving. I must say, it's harder than it looks!  But very therapeutic at the same time.

Well that first time carving was a few weeks ago.  So I thought I would tackle it again.

In the above picture you can see a heart and a handbag at the top left.  They were my stamps from the craft day.  This time I carved a traditional comic speaking bubble and a dress.  A little better this time.

I'm still trying to get the technique right to make sharp lines.  I guess as they say, 'practice makes perfect'.

Stamp Creating - Get the Supplies

Eraser  (Cheap and good to practice on) - Any Office Supplies 

Lino Wood Tools Set - Eckersley 

Silk Cut Lino - Eckersley 

Stampin Up Pad Ink - Stampin Up Demonstrator -Karen

Stampin' Up!

These are the two cards I and the others made during the party.

Also the Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of going to a Stampin Up! party. I have been to many home parties, such as Tupperware, Linen, Avon and many more. This was the first party that was definitively up my alley and one of the most enjoyable I have ever been too.

To begin with the lovely demonstrator, Marlene talked about Stampin' Up!, which originally started in America and then the business spread to the rest of the world. We were then introduced to the products via the catalogue. Then the hands on and fun began, by making our own cards. This was fun and I learnt a little about the cutters etc. I really don't get to make cards with paper, seeing as you know I design my own stationery on the computer. So actually getting one's hands dirty (so to speak) was fun. I have purchased some Pear, Wasapi and Chocolate inks, which I'm looking forward to receiving.

If you want to host a Stampin' Up! party, you can either go the web page or contact Marlene through me.

Smitten for Yellow Owl

Image: Yellow Owl

I have always had a soft spot for the company Yellow Owl, they have such cute stamps and stationery. Recently I could not go pass and not buy this cute Big Ben and black cab stamp. It was certainly a must for my collection. I love everything to do with London...... ah wish I was there.