Tips and techniques

I have decided to make a page with top tips and info I will add to it as I go along and pick ideas up all people will be credited and the ideas won't be passed off as my own if they're not.Also few people have me how to do things so I thought I would put these on here to please don't think I am saying these are the rules they are just things I have picked up over time
Hints &tips


When using unmounted stamps and they stop sticking to your block use a glue stick it sticks really well and just wipes away with a wet wipe 

When using sticky foam pads for your decoupage run a glue stick over them to give you more play time so if you stick it down in the wrong place you can then wiggle it about and get it right.

When using printable acetate if like me your printer doesn't always like to take the acetate on it's own use some low tak tape and attatch it to some lightwieght card then it gives your printer something to grip on to.

When cutting out an image using a craft knife alway have your ruler over the image that way if you slip you wont damage the image your cutting.

Here's another tip I got this one from TTT use nail varnish to add dots of colour to your cards as I did with the less is more one layered card using the bottles you get for doing nail art with the nib tips I have loads and would never have thought of using them like this until I saw it then the lightbulb came on and there you have it
I also use clear nail varnish instaed of glossy accents yes glossy is a bit better but very expensive and this is a cheaper alternative and not really much difference
Techniques
Stamping
Stamps come in different shapes sizes and materials,some are mounted onto wooden blocks some are clear and unmounted these ones are great if you are short on space as obviously they don't take up as much room as mounted stamps. Keep your stamps clean with soap and water and make sure you dry thoroughly you can also use wet wipes for this youm may need to use a stronger ink remover if you use inks like stayzon as they can be hard to get rid of otherwise make sure you wash the stamps afterwards store you stamps in a dark dry place and they will last you a long long time.
To use just add ink to your stamp it depends on what you want to achieve as as to what ink you use if you want to emboss your stamp or use promakers then use a wetter pigment ink like momento for watercolour use a permanent ink like stayzon pr archivals always bring the ink to your pad as this gives a much more even control and coverage if you have a large stamp and you find your ink drying out slightly before you have finished inking just huff over it as your breathe will moisten the ink enough to stamp you can also use markers to colour your stamps as these give you more choice in colour if you have a detailed stamp that requires a few colours at one time you can also decoupage with you stamped images too just ink up a few of the same image and cut out pieces that would stand out on the picture and build up your image.

Digistamps
these are used in exactly the same way as ink stamp the only difference being yep you don't have to ink them 
and if you have a graphics programme you can have the one image in no end of different sizes.
Stckers & peel offs   
Stickers are said to be a cardmakers best friend build up a stash and you'll never be stuck for ideas again.Over the past few years stickers have come into their own you can now choose from epoxy and bubble (with a glossy raised finish).Peel offs (also known as outline stickers)matt die cut, glittery, embossedor even stitch effects and chipboard stickers they make a great focal point for any card or tag
Hints & tips for peel offs
As I said above don't just stick to 1 sheet of peel offs. If your budget lets you buy a few and build your stash and mix and match to make a more interesting card
To peel off peel offs from their backing sheet use the tip of a craft knife or some tweezers leave the peel off to rest a few moments to regain it's shape before pressing it down onto your cards or paper.
Cutting out use a craft knife or small pair of scissors once it's placed on card some peel off designs have extra bits that trail off from the main motif if you find these difficult to cut out just cut them off no one would notice unless you tell them.
To apply letters or words draw a faint line in pencil as a guide for your lettering gently rempove the peel off as above place your craft knife at the centre of the wording and lower it gently onto the guide lines then rubout any visable lines
Instant colouring
Save small scraps and cut offs of coloured card and patterned paper as these are ideal for using with peel offs.Attatch your sticker straight on to the card or paper and you won't need to colour them in.Remember you can use the negative (left overs) aswell just add these to card to make an instant topper.you can decoupage peel offs to if you have a few of the same one,stick onto cardandcut out the layers you need it's a little fiddly but the finished resultis well worth the effort.
Peel offstickers are inexpencive and versatile.Keep all the leftover, half finished sheets store them in plastic wallets iside a ringbinder foreasy use.
Make your own decorative papers by using peeloffs as a stancil rub pastel shades of different chalks through the peel off for a soft image ideal for background papers.
Embossing
There are a few different ways you can emboss,listed below are some hints and tips on what to do and what look you can achieve
Dry embossing
This is done by using an embossing tool you need a couple of essential items for this a ball tool they come in different sizes an embossing mat and a stencil or board with embossing shapes on.Place you card over the stencil or board and run your tool over the lines so you get an indent of the pattern onto your card to help the tool move more easily rub the card first with a tumble dryer sheet or corn flour.
Also for this effect you can use embossing folders that come with embossing machines such a a cuttlebug Big shots etc these can be a little expensive but the results are wonderful.
Debossing
this is basically the reverse of embossing so rather than having inverted patterns on your card you have raised patterns so instead of putting your card on the stencil put your stecil on the card and do the same as above.
To deboss with stamps
Take a piece of card cover with pigment (wet) ink sprinkle embossing powder over the ink and heat with a heat gun heat until all the powder has melted then repeat the ink stage and reaply powder do this 3-4 times then one the last cycle get your stamp ready you have roughly about 20seconds play time so make sure your stamp is mounted and ready to go once your last layer has melted quickly pick up your stamp and place it in the soft melted embossed powder press firmly then lift away and you shouls be left with a debossed imprint of the stamp