The Top 5 Mistakes Paper Crafters Make

Hi there - here are the top 5 mistakes paper crafters make:

1. Not planning ahead: Not taking the time to plan out a project can lead to mistakes such as incorrect measurements or colors
• So, to avoid this, think about the colors you want to use, choose a DSP you would like to use and pick out 2-3 colors you'd like to use and start there.
2. Skimping on supplies: Trying to save money by using lower quality supplies can lead to a project that doesn't turn out as expected.
• Always use the highest quality of material you can afford. Stampin' Up! offers the best quality crafting materials at an affordable price.
3. Not reading instructions: Taking the time to read and understand the instructions can help to avoid costly mistakes.
• If your following a pattern or a tutorial, it's always best to read through them completely before getting started, then read them again as you create to ensure you're understanding them correctly.
4. Not using the right tools: Using the wrong tools can make a project more difficult or even impossible.
• Make sure you're using the right tool for the job! Make sure to have a bone folder on hand for making great fold lines and crisp edges. If you'll be die cutting, be sure to have a die cutting machine...I know that sounds obvious, but I have been called and asked about using a rolling pin to roll over dies and wondering why it wasn't working. 
5. Not taking time to practice: Taking the time to practice a technique before beginning a project can help to ensure a successful result.
• This is really important when trying a new to you technique like creating an alcohol ink background. Your first time or two may not look the way you want it to, so be sure to practice a few times to make sure you're achieving the results you want and expect..0

I hope this helps you in your paper crafting endeavors!

The Best Advise I ever Got about Stamping

Can you smell it? Spring is in the air! I do love this time of year! Yesterday we hit 70 degrees here in Central  NY! I was actually able to open my windows and doors for a bit to let the outdoors indoors. I love how the house smells after a warm Spring breeze comes through. Now I am anxious for gardening season to begin!

Ok, today, I wanted to talk to you about the BEST advise I have ever gotten about stamping. I was told, ‘there are no mistakes in stamping!” At first, when my friend told me this, my face must have spoke volumes because she immediately recognized what I was thinking, because my first thoughts were, “oh yeah, you should see all my “mistakes”. And she said, “think about this, first of all, a little blemish can easily be concealed with an embellishment, and we should always add flair to our work anyway and second, even if you can’t conceal it with an embellishment, there is ALWAYS two sides to your paper!” After I had thought about this for a fashion, I realized she was 100% right on the money!

So many times, a little smudge here or there, just provides an opportunity to add a little extra sumthin’ Sumthin’ to the overall design of the project. So really, our mistakes aren’t mistakes at all, but opportunities.

So, the next time you make a “mistake”, don’t think of it as such, retrain your thinking and look at it as an opportunity and ask yourself, how can I further embellish my project and make it that much more spectacular? I will bet more times than not, you will come up with something that is even better than you had originally planned it to be. So, my advise to you…”there are NO mistakes in stamping!” Embellish away!

 

Happy Stamping,

Katrina