Bargain stamps...a few ways

8/12/2017

The bargain bin...

Ahh, the lure of the bargain bin....I get caught there too. Here's some tips and ideas of what to do with those bargain bin stamps you couldn't resist.

Some Tips

1) Pick stamps that are not one card wonders
In looking through the bargain bin, I am selective because I'm terrible at de-stashing so this thing is going to be around for a while. I need to really like the stamp and make sure I can use it for multiple cards...as a background, for watercolor, stamping, embossing or whatever my mind can think up. I also think about different occasions; could this stamp be used for celebrations, sympathy, hello or just because cards.
2) Go for the quality
I'm usually poking around bargain bins in my local Joann's or Michael's stores. Sometimes I'll come across a bargain bin in a random store that sells paper crafting supplies. I look at the manufacturer of the stamp and try to buy USA made and Hero Arts as much as I can. Most of the time the stamps in the bargain bin are wood mount rubber stamps so I look for the impression, design and how well the stamp is mounted onto the block.
3 Have a card or technique in mind when you buy the stamp
When I pick up a stamp from the bargain bin, I typically am thinking what the heck would/could I do with this stamp? My inspiration comes from a variety of sources including Pinterest and I spend my free time watching crafty YouTube videos on paper crafting techniques. If I can't come up with an idea right then I'll usually put the stamp back and welcome another stamp into my collection.
4) Don't stress...stamping can be fun and just about anything can be turned into a background
Let's face it, I've purchased on a whim before, got home and now think to myself what just happened! Then I go for the background. Sometimes I'll give the stamp to my kids and see what they come up with on how to use it.

Card ideas with the same bargain stamp.

Here are two cards I made from bargain stamps. In both cards I used Hero Arts Friends are Flowers wooden stamp. When choosing stamps, I typically go floral or sentimental and for this stamp it hits both of those categories and I like that it's vertical which is different from how I do sentiments which are typically horizontal. I used this sentiment stamped and colored in with Tombow Markers and embossed on vellum overlaying an embossed resist background.

Idea #1: Tombow Markers

On this card, I started by stamping the sentiment on a piece of Neenah Solar White 80lb card stock cut to 51/4x41/2". I used Hero Arts India Ink black ink to stamp the sentiment. I then used Tombow markers to color the leaves and flower petals. On the other half of the card, I used a Hero Arts Spiral Petals stencil and Distress Inks in rainbow colors to softly create a background. I then added some ribbon attaching it to the back of the card with Mini Glue Dots. Using Tombow Dot Adhesive, I attached the card front to an A2 pre-cut/scored Ivory card base from Michael's. I then added Nuvo Crystal Drops in Pink for some dimension. I also added Nuvo Crystal Drops in Orange for the flower enter. I then used my Wink of Stella glitter pen to color in the flower petals and leaves. Inside the card, I added the sentiment: Consider this card a hug from Hero Arts You Are Loved Stamp Set. On the envelope flap, I stamped: Hug Enclosed from Right At Home's Happy Mail 2. On the front of the card, I did some quick Distress Inking in Rainbow Swirl using the same Hero Arts Stencil. This card is now ready to make someone's day.

Idea #2: Embossed on vellum overlay

This stamp has been discontinued.

I had another bargain bin find, Hero Arts Zinnia Bloom wooden stamp, that I wanted to use as a background stamp. On this card, I took a piece of Neenah Solar White 80lb cardstock and used Hero Arts Clear Embossing Powder to emboss the flower multiple times trying not to overlap the design. When embossing, I first put down a layer of powder from my EK success anti static powder tool, use VersaMark ink to stamp the images and then sprinkle Hero Arts Clear Embossing Powder all over the card and heat set it with my heat tool. I then used Distress Ink in Tumbled Glass to put down a layer of ink on the background taking care not to color the flowers; although I was ok with hitting the edges of the flower petals. I then used Dried Marigold to color the flower centers. Worn Lipstick finished the flower petals and made a cool purple mix with the Tumbled Glass. I cut a piece of vellum and heat embossed the Friends are Flowers that Never Fade sentiment in WOW Gold embossing powder and adhered the strip to the card panel with Tombow adhesive. I also colored the leaves and flower on the sentiment with my Tombow markers.

Thank you for joining me today on my crafty journey. If you are interested in the products I used to make these cards, I have provided affiliate links below which provide me with a small commission if you choose to use them. Thanks for your support. In the comments below, share your favorite bargain purchase; I'd love hearing about it. Enjoy the day and happy crafting!