To help you navigate your craft space like a pro, I’ve rounded up 10 crafting terms every stamper should know.
Grab your favorite beverage (a margarita, anyone? 🍹), settle into your craft chair, and let’s get to it!
1. Stampin’ Dimensionals
These are tiny foam adhesive dots that add instant dimension to your projects. Want to make your sentiment pop or lift a flower off the card front? Stick a few Stampin’ Dimensionals underneath and voilà - instant 3D magic!
🩷 Tip: Keep a stash of Mini Dimensionals handy for smaller embellishments or detailed die-cuts.
2. Fussy Cutting
This is the art of cutting out stamped images by hand - no dies required! You’ll need a good pair of paper snips and a steady hand, but the results can be stunning.
🩷 Pro Tip: Rotate the paper, not your scissors, for smoother cuts.
3. Die-Cutting
Die-cutting uses thin metal shapes (dies) and a machine (like the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine) to precisely cut paper, cardstock, or specialty paper. Perfect for cutting shapes, labels, florals, or even intricate backgrounds.
🩷 Bonus: Many Stampin’ Up! stamp sets have coordinating dies for perfect image outlines.
4. Embossing
This one has two meanings!
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Dry embossing adds raised texture using embossing folders and a machine.
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Heat embossing uses embossing powder and a heat tool to create shiny, raised designs - perfect for sentiments and metallic effects.
🩷 Try it: Combine both for extra “wow” factor - embossed texture with a heat-embossed sentiment!
5. Cardstock
Cardstock is the sturdy foundation of all your paper projects. Stampin’ Up! cardstock comes in a rainbow of coordinating colors, making it easy to match your ink pads, embellishments, and designer papers.
🩷 Tip: Keep your scraps organized - even the tiniest pieces are great for sentiments or punches!
6. Designer Series Paper (DSP)
Ah, the prettiest part of any project! DSP (patterned paper) features double-sided patterns in Stampin’ Up!’s signature color coordination. Whether you love florals, holidays, or geometric prints, there’s a pack for every occasion.
🩷 Creative idea: Use small DSP strips to create backgrounds or banners for quick, eye-catching cards.
7. Inking / Stamping Off
“Inking” simply means applying ink to your stamp. “Stamping off” is a technique where you stamp once on scrap paper before stamping your project - creating a lighter shade for layering or background effects.
🩷 Fun trick: You can create depth and texture by stamping the same image multiple times without re-inking.
8. Blending
Blending uses tools like blending brushes or sponge daubers to softly apply and blend ink colors together. It’s perfect for creating dreamy backgrounds, ombré effects, or adding soft shading behind your stamped images.
🩷 Pro Tip: Use circular motions and start off the edge of your paper to avoid harsh lines.
9. Punches
Punches are handheld tools that quickly cut shapes from paper - think circles, hearts, tags, or decorative borders. They’re an easy way to add layers or sentiments without needing a machine.
🩷 Quick hack: Punch out shapes from DSP scraps for instant embellishments!
10. Embellishments
These little details take your project from cute to crafty masterpiece! Think rhinestones, pearls, ribbon, enamel dots, sequins, or twine. A touch of sparkle (or shimmer ribbon!) adds that final polished touch.
🩷 Tip: Use a Take Your Pick Tool to perfectly place those tiny embellishments - no more sticky fingers!
Ready to Get Crafting?
Now that you know the lingo, you’re officially ready to stamp, snip, and sparkle like a pro! Whether you’re working on cards, scrapbook pages, or gift tags, these terms will help you confidently follow tutorials, try new techniques, and chat with fellow crafters like a seasoned stamper.
If you’re just starting out, or if you’d like to refresh your stash with the latest Stampin’ Up! supplies, you can shop all your favorite products right from my store - everything you need to bring your creativity to life is just a click away (links below).
💜 Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing a little crafty time with me! Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for project ideas, tutorials, and exclusive updates.
Until next time!
Dawn
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