See the same card made 3x using techniques from simple and stepped up stamping.
Simple stamping and stepped up stamping are terms used to describe the intricacy of a hand crafted card. Simple stamping describes stamping projects that typically are made with stamps, ink and paper. The term does NOT imply anything about the quality of the project nor the crafting abilities of the creator. It is often equated with being a beginner stamper because the supplies used are ones that a beginner stamper would have on hand.
Benefits to simple stamping
One benefit to simple stamping is being able to create larger volume projects. Do you need a large number of invitations or thank you cards for a large event? Simple stamping is the way to go so your time is well spent and the project isn’t overwhelming.
Additionally, another benefit is creating beautiful cards with basic supplies. You don’t need all the bells and whistles to create lovely cards. Beware, however, as you craft and learn, you may want all the bells and whistles. (It happens!)
Example of simple stamping.
Stamps, ink and paper make this a simple stamping card. A variety of beautiful ink colors are the focal point of this fall card. This could easily be replicated with snowflakes in the winter and flowers in the spring.
While stamping, remember to decorate inside the card, for a lovely finishing touch.
Onto stepped up stamping
After exploring simple stamping, it’s time for stepped up stamping! What do you see that is different?
For starters, the front of the card has been adhered to a coordinating colored card base. This creates a border around the design on the front of the card.
Next up, a new material, twine, as been added to the list of supplies.
Last but not least, the sentiment has been stamped and matted with the card stock used for the card base. Additionally, it is adhered to the card with dimensionals which adds depth and dimension to the card.
This is a a good first step towards stepped up stamping because it introduces a low cost additional material (twine) and an additional low cost adhesive (dimensionals). The mat for the sentiment and the paper with the sentiment are cut out using a paper trimmer which is considered a basic crafting supply. So, no new tools were required to create this card.
The message conveyed by both cards and the imagery are the the same. The materials vary slightly from the simple stamping card and the stepped up stamping card.
Finally, the inside of the card stayed the same.
Next level stepped up stamping
Once again, you will see the same sentiment and theme on this card. The basic jewels that are added to give the card some bling may be the first thing that catches your eye about this card. They are a fun and low cost way to add some sparkle to your cards.
However, the most significant change to this next level stepped up stamping card is the tools used to create the card. Look at the leaves. Do you see that they are not stamped directly on the card front? They were stamped on a separate piece of paper and cut out using thin metal dies and a Stampin’ UP! stamp and emboss machine. Dimensionals were used to adhere them to the card front.
Die cut images were used on the inside of the card as well.
These cards are considered stepped up because the products used to create the card are an increased investment in your art of crafting. The difference, as mentioned earlier, between simple stamping and stepped up stamping is not indicative of your skill as a card maker. It means that as an engaged crafter, the additional tools and supplies you have chose to invest in, increase the range of techniques you can employ in your crafting.
LOVE WHAT YOU DO
Above all, you should love what you do as a crafter! Your projects are an extension of you and the love you are sharing with the recipients of the cards you create. Whether you stick with simple stamping or opt to step up your stamping over time, know that the people opening your cards will appreciate the love you are sending and the thoughtfulness of your time.