A Tisket, A Tasket, A Purple and Pink Basket

The latest challenge over at the Paper Craft Planet Studio G Collectors group is to create an Easter treat holder. Fun! I went the traditional route and created this Easter basket using a couple different Studio G sets. I really wanted to add some shine to it so I used tons of Stickles and also white opal Liquid Pearls, although it's hard to see the Liquid Pearls in the picture.


Now let's talk about Studio G stamps. The reason the Studio G Collectors group was started was to encourage people to actually USE their stamps instead of just COLLECT them. These cute little stamp sets are only about $1. You can't beat that price! Pez-A-Doodle Designs carries Studio G stamps and you can't beat the price or service.

For those of you who are hoarding these stamps but not using them, here are some tips that I find helps me get a good image every time:

* The first time I use one of the stamps, I clean it with water or an alcohol-free baby wipe and then use an eraser all over the surface of the stamp. I do this with every brand of stamp because it helps clean off any chemicals used to produce the stamp and primes it for use. I've also heard people say you can lightly sand the surface of the stamp.

* Although Memento dye ink is my favorite ink in general, pigment inks work best with Studio G stamps so I use Colorbox ink. I've also heard that people have success with Brilliance and Versamagic inks.

* I always use a stamping pad under my paper when I stamp (no matter what brand of stamp I'm using). This REALLY helps get a good, clean image every time you stamp.

* I always remind myself not to press too hard. I have a tendency to press too hard when I stamp and that's usually not a problem when using wood-mounted stamps, it makes it hard to get a clean image when using acrylic stamps. So be gentle!

Now go and use those Studio G's! I'm very stamping challenged so if I can have success with these stamps, so can you!

Be sure to check out the projects on the blogs of the other PDD DT members!! The links are on the right at the top of the page.

Recipe…
Stamps: Studio G
Paper: Bazzill, watercolor paper

Ink/Coloring: Colorbox black, watercolor paint
Tools: Aqua brush, Nestabilities
Embellishments: Stickles, Liquid Pearls