One of my favorite things to do on my scrapbook layouts is to include stamping on them. But I have found that most scrappers are afraid of stamping and most stampers are afraid of scrapbooking. Okay, that is a real generalization but there are many people that fall into one of those two categories. I encourage you to get those stamps out right now…you know you have them, and make a layout using them. You made an investment when you bought your stamps, don’t let it go to waste. Besides, there are lots of cool things you can do with stamps.

There are so many ways to incorporate stamping on your layouts. You can create a background using your stamps. Iris has done that on her layout called “No More” using a script stamp. Or you could create your own embellishments by stamping an image and them cutting it out. That is what I did on the layout called “Unsure” with my sock monkey. There also many fancy techniques you can do with stamping, like masking, embossing and resist techniques. I simply adore Agata’s layout “SAHM” because it showcases some fun techniques you can do.

Unsure by Pamela Young

Supplies: Paper: Pink Paislee, Alphabet Stickers: Jenni Bowlin Studio, Stickers: KI Memories, Lace: Model Crafts, Felt: Sassafras Lass, Bling: Prima Marketing, Ink: Stampin’ Up!, Embossing Powder: Ranger Industries, Floss: DMC, Fabric: Buzz and Bloom, Adhesive: Helmar. Tools: Stamps: Unity Stamp Company.

Design Notes: There is a lot of stamping on here. I stamped flowers on my background as well as a saying. Then I stamped my journaling spot and cut it out. I also stamped and cut out the sock monkey, but I embossed that one as well.

Journaling: Eryn is in swim lessons this summer just like the boys are...but she really doesn’t seem to like it much or know what to think about the water. 2010.

No More by Iris Babao Uy

Supplies: Papers and Flowers: Prima Marketing, Ribbon: Making Memories, Webster Pages, Specialty Ink: Tattered Angels, Metal Clip: Making Memories. Tools: Die Cut Machine: Sizzix, Dies: Tim Holtz Alterations (Sizzix), Stamps: Prima Marketing, Template: Tattered Angels.

Design Notes: I first laid a screen over the cardstock and misted it with three different glimmer mists. I made sure that I had the three colors distributed equally over the page. Next, I stamped on the lower portion using a script stamp and matched the inks I used with the mists. So when you look at the page you will see a clear blending of colors from left to right.

Journaling: N is for "NO MORE PICTURES MOMMY".

SAHM by Agata Pfister

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Alphabet: American Crafts, Pearls: Ranger Industries, Brads: Doodlebug Design, Ink: Ranger Industries, Tsukineko, Embossing Powder: Artemio, Font: American Typewriter. Tools: Stamps: Hero Arts, Heat Gun: Artemio.

Design Notes: To create the patterned paper on this layout, I used several stamps. Stamped them with Versamark ink and heat embossed with white embossing powder. Then with the blending tool I applied plenty of Distress inks. On the orange panel I stamped an additional image over it. I inked the stamp up with the Versamark ink, spritzed it with water mixed with Perfect Pearls and stamped. This gave a subtle, shiny print.

Journaling: baby - toddler - schooler - student - pianist - wife - SAHM - Today I'm a stay at home mom. And I'm happy with it! We'll see what future brings.