Vamp Stamp News Selected Topics/Article Index
VSN published 226 issues, so it can be a bit intimidating to look for a technique or project article within the issues you have in your stash. Searching through the existing Issue Index page for a word or phrase will point you to everything from full articles to extensive tips to very quick tips and ideas. But what if what you are after is full articles and not smaller tips? I’ve put together this special index of SELECTED TOPICS to help you out with this.
What This List Is . . . And Isn’t
The topics on this list are mostly technique-oriented, although there are some references to specific products and stamp room/organization. While this is an extensive list, it DOES NOT cover every reference to every technique. When putting together this list, I concentrated on mostly FULL ARTICLES like Experimentation, Class Tips, Digital Corner, etc.
Tips found within Happenings and Quick Tips/More Tips sections are for the most part not included within this list. There are some cases where a Product Picks report is found within this list, but most Product Picks/Business News reports are not included, nor are Catalog Reviews, Web Site Reviews or Store Reviews. In a very few cases, I’ve included multi-page in-depth Quick Tips sections or individual projects, but most of what you find on this list are full articles.
Please do not discount the information not found outside of a full focus article. There are very helpful and valuable tips and information in other articles, particularly within older Happenings (convention) reports, Product Picks and Quick Tips. To see the full VSN Issue Index, with the contents of each issue, see the Issue Index page.
A Note on Technique Names
Sometimes stampers will assign names to techniques. In some cases where a technique is fairly widely know under a particular name, this can be a convenient shorthand, helping people quickly understand what was done. One example is “Polished Stone,” a technique name that is widely familiar among stampers. Other examples might be “masking”, “sponging” or “direct-to-paper.”
On the other hand, sometimes a technique is varied only slightly (maybe just swapping in one brand of ink or paint for another for example) and then given a new name. In my mind, this practice is not helpful and just confuses people. Other people like to give every little technique variation a new name, even techniques that have basically been around for years, maybe in a bid to claim some type of ownership over the technique or maybe to imply that it is something new and that they are the only source of information on it. Who knows? VSN does not in general assign shorthand names to technique variations, because it is my feeling that describing things more generically is more straightforward and causes less confusion. Keep this in mind when looking for techniques on this list.
Basic Stamping Techniques:
(Note: I am using “Basic Stamping Techniques” here to mean techniques typically widely used by stampers. Often these articles start at a beginner level and build to more intermediate or even advanced.)
May ’12: Stamping With Scraps
Apr ’12: One Stamp Two Ways
Mar ’12: Embossing Powder Color Combos
Nov ’11: Unmounted Twists & Techniques (Techniques for using them, not mounting.)
Oct ’11: Those Habits We Pick Up: Stamping Habits & Embossing Habits
Sept ’11: Heat Emboss . . . Or Not (Considerations for deciding.)
Aug ’11: Solid Stamp Techniques
May ’09: Masking Tricks
Aug ’08: Technique Success (Or “When a Good Technique Goes Bad”)
Apr ’08: Stamp Room Safety, Fume Trap
Aug ’06: Embossing Powder Fun
Dec ’05: Masking Tricks
Mar ’05: UTEE
Nov ’03: Powdered Pigments
Sept ’02: Stamp Positioner Basics
May ’02: Using Perfect Pearls/Perfect Medium
Feb ’01: Dry Embossing + Sculptured Dry Embossing
Sept ’00: Stencils – Using Embossing Paste (1 pg)
Aug ’00: Freezer Wrap Masks & Stamping With Solids
Feb ’00: Foil & Flocking Embossing Powder (how to use adhesive type embossing powders)
Aug ’99: Vellum Tips & Techniques
Jan ’99: Stencil Play
Sept ’98: Powdered Pearl Tips
Mar ’98: Embossing Powder Tips (2/3 pg)
Dec ’97: Using Bone Folders & Burnishers
Oct ’97: Care & Feeding of Embossing Powders
Sept ’97: Anti-Static Pouches
Jun ’97: MicroGlaze Protective Wax
Mar ’97: Layering
Apr ’97: Experimentation: Allowing Yourself to Play (approach to stamping)
Jun ’96: Stamping in Quantity + Glitter Tips
Mar ’96: Laminating Tips
Jan ’96: Stamps as Palettes technique
Oct ’95: Dry Embossing, Rubbings
Aug ’95: Wonder Tape Uses
Feb ’95: Inks & Paint
Oct ’94: Foam
Aug ’94: Mail Art + A Visit to the Post Office
Plus: Stamping Basics Mini eArticles
Stamp Mounting (Temporary & Permanent)
Nov ’08: Stamp Mounting 201 (Part 2)
Oct ’08: Stamp Mounting 201 (Part 1)
Jun ’06: Mounting Using a Heated Craft Blade
Oct ’96: Unmounted Stamp Storage
Sept ’96: Mounting Stamps & Unmounted Temporary Mounting Options
Stamped Card Details
(These articles focus on card details that you might take for granted.)
Jul ’11: Text in the Starring Role
May ’11: Windows & Doors
Oct ’09: Creative Corners
Sept ’09: Torn Edges
Jul ’09: Taking Corners
Aug ’09: Alphabet Stamps (10 Ways to Line Up)
May ’04: Alphabets (ways to use)
Apr ’04: Preprinted Paper (ways to use)
Feb ’04: Layering
Jun ’03: Punched Shapes
Oct ’02: The Other Four Senses (Touch, Smell, Hearing & Taste)
Sept ’02: Aligned Layers
Feb ’02: Photo Corner Fun
May ’98: Including A Sense of Touch
Feb ’98: Simple Card Insert
Mar ’97: Card Construction (overview of types)
Plus: Doodling, Hand Lettering & Stamps eArticle
Other Stamping Techniques
(Here are some fun image-related specialty techniques that don’t fit elsewhere on this list.)
Jul ’04: Easy Silk Screens
Nov ’02: Stamping Over Magazine Pictures
Jul ’08: Dimensional Layering
Oct ’97: 3D Decoupage with Stamps
Oct ’96: Scratch Art Stamping
Jun ’95: Foil Ideas
Apr ’94: Stained Glass Looks
Plus: Doodling, Hand Lettering & Stamps eArticle
Fun Card Folds: Specialty Cards & Pockets
(These articles and projects look at taking cards beyond the typical once-folded rectangle. This list includes interesting fold ideas, windows and pockets. Some are full in-depth articles and some are single projects, some with patterns, some with how-to diagrams and some with stepped photos.) Pop-Ups and cards that move are separated out into the next sections of this list. Note: Also See “Books” for book cards.)
Dec ’11: Gift Card Holders
Nov ’11: Clear Notebook Pocket Template, Lollipop Treat Template
Oct ’10: Making Scores + Inside Pockets
May ’10: Creating Custom Boxes, Envelopes & Cards (includes templates)
Nov ’08: Pockets & Pocket Cards
Jan ’06: More Fun Folds
Dec ’05: Hot Dog Fold Tag Necklace
Sept ’05: Fun Card Folds
Jun ’02: Iris Folding
Dec ’01: Diagonal Fold Pocket Cards
Oct ’01: Money Holders (cards)
Feb ’01: Postage Holders (1 pg)
Jul ’00: Mailable Folio Card project
Mar ’00: Quick & Easy Easel project
Jan ’00: Bookmarks (3 styles), Diaper Fold Birth Announcement
Nov ’99: Paper Potpourri Packet
Sept ’99: Vellum Mini Lampshade, Quick Matchbook Creations
Aug ’99: Circle Pockets, Hidden Pocket Card
May ’99: Origami Wild Goose
Feb ’99: Through the Door Card
Dec ’98: Package Card
Nov ’98: Fold A Note Folio, Window Card
Oct ’98: Hidden Message Cards, Tea Bag Folding
Jul ’98: Shirt Cards w/Vest Variation
Jun ’98: Puzzle Back Tri-Fold Card, Aquarium Card
Apr ’98: Folded T-Shirt Card
Nov ’97: Accordion Fold Snow Scene Card
Sept ’97: Stamp Shaped Cards
Jul ’97: Shadowbox Card Construction
Dec ’96: Woven Heart Pockets + Potpourri Heart Tag/Package Insert + Photo Frame Magnets
Nov ’96: Potpourri Card
Sept ’96: Butterfly Card (gate fold)
Feb ’96: Spring Heart Pattern (tag/pocket)
Nov ’95: Diagonal Tri-Fold Card
Sept ’95: Origami Seal (fold diagrams)
Mar ’95: Standing Card
Oct ’94: 3D Window Card (Shaker card)
Plus: Specialty Card Folds eArticle
Plus: Stamp Interiors eArticle
Pop-Up Cards & Techniques
(This section includes in-depth articles on pop-ups as well as single-card projects, some with patterns and some with how-to diagrams and some with stepped photos.)
Nov ’10: Cards That Move
Aug ’08: Pop Ups
Feb ’06: Pop Up Card (~2 pg)
Nov ’99: Pop-Up Heart Holiday Card, Peek-A-Boo Pop-up
Apr ’99: Tropical Pop-Up card
Sept ’98: Staircase Pop-Up
Jul ’98: Popping Up the House
May ’98: Fluttering Butterflies & Pop-UP Butterflies
Mar ’98: Pop-Up Package Card
Feb ’97: Floating Buildings
Aug ’96: Hinged Pop-Up Variation
Jan ’96: Pop-Ups
Sept ’95: Hinged Pop-Up
Jan ’95: Pop Up Tree Card
Sept ’94: Pop Up Clothesline Card
Dec ’93: Rubber Band Card (pattern)
Movement: Other Stamped Cards that Move
(This section includes non-pop-up movement cards as well as single-card projects, some with patterns and some with how-to diagrams and some with stepped photos. Includes slides, spinning and explosion cards.)
Nov ’10: Cards That Move
Aug ’10: Swinger Card Pattern
May ’10: Creating Custom Boxes, Envelopes & Cards
Feb ’09: Surprise Shaker Card
Nov ’05: Fabulous Flip Cards
Aug ’04: Shaker Card
Feb ’04: Artlenz Active Image Cards
Oct ’01: Halloween Slide Card
Nov ’98: Twirling Bunny card
Dec ’97: Turnabouts
Aug ’97: Cards That Spin: Circle Card
Jun ’97: Wind Catchers
May ’97: Exploding Matchbook
Jun ’96: Flip Box
Jun ’95: Simple Slide Card
Aug ’94: Spinner Card
Apr ’94: Explosion Card
Feb/Mar ’94: Sands of Time Card
Jul/Aug ’93: Dissolving Circle Card (pattern)
Stamped Envelopes & Postcards
(Here we look at ideas for creating and/or decorating envelopes and postcards.)
Sept ’10: Stamping Fabric Postcards & Books
Jun ’10: Stamped Postcards
May ’10: Creating Custom Boxes, Envelopes & Cards (includes templates)
Mar ’10: Stamped Envelopes
Jun ’03: Envelopes
May ’03: Mini Envelopes
Feb ’03: Mini Envelope Challenge/Ideas (1/2 pg)
Apr ’00: Envelope Fun (decorating as well as patterns)
Apr ’98: Wood Postcard
May ’97: Sandwich Envelopes
Jul ’96: Tiny Envelope (pattern)
Aug ’95: Stamped Stationery + Portfolio for Letters
May ’94: Envelopes (2 patterns)
Making Stamped Paper Boxes
(Cardstock can be folded into box shapes too – great for gift giving.)
May ’10: Creating Custom Boxes, Envelopes & Cards (includes templates)
Jan ’03: Boxes from Christmas Cards
Jun ’02: Mini Earring Box (part of paper earrings article)
Jan ’01: Quick Gift Boxes
Feb ’00: Love Notes Box (includes pattern)
Dec ’99: Lantern Gift Box
Jan ’99: Octagon Box (pattern)
Oct ’97: Box w/Tie Closure (pattern)
Jun ’97: Exotic Paper Covered Swap Portfolio
Jan ’97: Stampable Take-Out Box
May ’96: Square Box (pattern)
Mar ’96: Dual Sided Box (pattern)
Dec ’95: Petal Box (pattern)
May ’95: A Box & a Bag (patterns)
Feb ’95: Fourteen Faced Polyhedron (pattern)
Making Stamped Books: Bindings, Covers, Book Cards
(Here we look at multi-page cards, book covers and bookbinding.)
Sept ’11: Japanese Stab Binding Techniques for Soft Cover Books or Cards.
Jun ’05: Paper Bag Books
Jan ’05: Blank Book Transformations/Altered Pages + Drapery Hook Easels
Oct ’04: Altered Books & Decos
Nov ’03: Mini Book (project within Re-inker article)
Oct ’03: Fabric Covered Book (project within Fabric Cards article)
Sept ’02: Clay Books (1 pg)
Mar ’02: Playing Card Flag Book (project part of Playing Cards article)
Jan ’01: Mini Books & Bindings (feature article with multiple projects)
Oct ’00: Accordion Tag Book, Ribbon Bound Accordion Book, Folded Pocket Book, Fold & Cut Book
Sept ’00: Quick Tag Books
May ’00: Flag Books (part of Coin Envelope article ~ 1pg)
Jan ’00: Bound Journal, Accordion Fold Booklet
Oct ’99: ZigZag Pocket Book
Sept ’99: Bead Binding (part of Bangles & Beads article)
Jul ’99: Covered Notebook, Pad Cover
Jun ’99: Accordion Fold Mini-Books
Mar ’99: Mini Accordion Book
Sept ’98: Chapbooks
Jul ’98: Sketchbooks
Feb ’98: Homemade Memory Book
Apr ’97: One Sheet Booklet Cards
Apr ’95: Book Making
Stamped Holiday Projects: Christmas
(While we usually have holiday cards in every December issue, these particular issues include full focus articles with holiday ideas and/or projects.)
Dec ’11: Gift Card Holders
Nov ’11: Stamping & Food Gifts (Ideas for using stamping with)
Dec ’10: Christmas Stamping
Dec ’09: Holiday Stamping
Dec ’08: Holiday Cards
Dec ’04: Beaded Ornaments, Holiday Cards
Nov ’04: Holiday Cards & Gifts (including gift cards)
Dec ’00: Holiday Projects
Nov ’00: Holiday Projects
Dec ’99: Last Minute Holiday Stamping
Nov ’99: Holiday Gift Stamping
Dec ’98: Holiday Projects
Nov ’98: Holiday Projects
Dec ’97: More Holiday Stamping Ideas
Nov ’97: Holiday Stamping Ideas
Dec ’96: Last Minute Holiday Stamping Ideas
Nov ’96: A Potpourri of Holiday Stamping Ideas
Dec ’95: Last Minute Holiday Stamping Ideas
Nov ’93: Holiday Stamping Ideas
More Stamped Holiday Projects: Thanksgiving, Valentines, Halloween
(Focus articles on other holiday cards and projects.)
Oct ’11: Halloween Cards & Luminaries
Feb ’10: Valentines
Feb ’06: Valentines
Feb ’06: Valentines
Oct ’05: Halloween Cards
Feb ’03: Charming Valentines (include metal charm/challenge)
Nov ’01: Thanksgiving: Holiday Table Settings
Feb ’99: Valentines
Feb ’98: Love Notes: Quick & Fun Valentines
Backgrounds for Stamped Cards
(Many of the techniques we stampers love revolve around creating wonderful backgrounds to set off our stamp art. Also See “Art Mediums Series”)
Feb ’12: Acrylic Paint Stamp Resists (can be used for backgrounds)
Jan ’12: GooseBumps Spray (part of article)
Dec ’11: 30 Distress Stain Techniques (including many backgrounds)
Jul ’11: ColorWash & Paper Towel Background
Jun ’11: Wax Paper Resist Backgrounds
May ’11: Perfect Pearls Backgrounds
Mar ’11: Copic Marker Airbrushing
Feb ’11: Photo Backgrounds
Jan ’11: Snowy Backgrounds Using Embossing Powder
Dec ’10: Background Stamp Ideas
Jul ’10: Faux Backgrounds
Feb ’10: Wax Paper Resist (one page project)
Nov ’09: Found Textures
Sept ’09: Digital Backgrounds
Jul ’09: Mist & Spray Techniques
Aug ’09: Brayer Techniques
Apr ’09: Fabulous Backgrounds
Mar ’09: Embossed Backgrounds w/Die-Cut Machines & Scor-It
Sept ’08: Favorite Techniques (including backgrounds)
Jul ’08: Mask & Weave
May ’08: Inkssentials Art (Projects using Ranger products)
Apr ’08: Water – Water Techniques (including watercolor)
Mar ’08: Air – Air Techniques (including sprays)
Sept ’06: Alcohol Inks (part 1 – includes backgrounds)
Aug ’06: Embossing Powder (including backgrounds) + Re-Inker Wax Paper Resist (1 page)
Jul ’06: Watercolor Paints (including backgrounds)
Feb ’06: Assorted Backgrounds (about 2 pg)
Aug ’05: Hand Dyed Paper
May ’05: Paper Mosaics
Sept ’04: Micro Beads – backgrounds (Part 2)
Mar ’04: Radiant Pearls Backgrounds
Nov ’03: Re-inker Art
Nov ’02: Walnut Ink Play
Aug ’02: Suminagashi Marbling + several background techniques w/in card descriptions
May ’02: Walnut Ink Backgrounds
May ’02: Watercolor Pointillism
Apr ’02: Kitchen Sink Background (including shaving cream & food coloring) + Starch /Paste Papers
Feb ’02: Shimmering Pearl-Ex Backgrounds
Oct ’01: Luna Lights Background
Jul ’99: Faux Paste Paper
Jun ’99: Sun Prints
Mar ’98: Creative Backgrounds & Borders (Metallic Acrylic Techniques)
Jan ’98: Brayered Backgrounds & Borders
Apr ’97: Bubble Paper
Feb ’97: UTEE Backgrounds
May ’96: Background Ideas & Borders
Oct ’95: Liquid Appliqué Backgrounds aka Faux Suede
Jul ’94: Hand-dyed Paper + Photosensitive Paper
Feb/Mar ’94: Background Ideas
Plus: Brayer Techniques for Stampers eArticle
Alcohol Inks & Stamping (Including Markers)
(Alcohol inks have been popular among stampers for years; Polished Stone backgrounds created with alcohol inks never seem to go out of style! These days many stampers are also enjoying alcohol ink markers like Copic and Prismacolor markers.)
Jun ’11: Alcohol Inks on Other Surfaces
Mar ’11: Alcohol Ink Markers (part 2)
Jan ’09: Alcohol Ink Markers (part 1)
Oct ’06: Alcohol Inks Part II
Sept ’06: Alcohol Inks Part I
Oct ’04: Adirondack Alcohol Ink & Blending Solution (review on product’s introduction)
Plus: Coloring Stamped Images with Alcohol Ink Markers eArticle
Plus: Coloring Stamped Images with Layered Mixed Mediums eArticle
Plus: Even More Alcohol Ink Mini eArticle
Markers & Stamping
(This section looks more generally at markers. Some are full technique articles. Where a specific product is mentioned, the article is a Product Picks type article. Product Picks typically describe the product and some basic usage.)
Apr ’12: Distress Marker Techniques + Color Magnet Pen on Paper
Apr ’11: Watercolor Ink Marker Techniques
Mar ’11: Alcohol Ink Markers (part 2)
Jan ’09: Alcohol Ink Markers (part 1)
Apr ’06: Markers
Jul ’03: Perfect Medium & Perfect Pens from Ranger
Jun ’03: Ranger Adirondack Pens & Perfect Ink Refresher
Sept ’02: Color Spritzer & Color Workshop Markers
Jul ’01: Tsukineko VersaMark Watermark Pen
Feb ’98: Interference Watercolors over Watercolor Marker
Jun ’97: Dove Blender
Plus: Coloring Stamped Images with Alcohol Ink Markers eArticle
Plus: Coloring Stamped Images with Watercolor Markers eArticle
Plus: Coloring Stamped Images with Layered Mixed Mediums eArticle
Brayer Techniques for Stamping
(Brayers continue to be very useful tools for stamped projects. They often are used in backgrounds, so you’ll find additional references/uses for them within projects/articles in the “Backgrounds” section.)
Feb ’12: Acrylic Paint Stamp Resists (some using brayers)
Jun ’11: Wax Paper Resist Backgrounds
Aug ’09: Brayer Techniques
Apr ’09: Fabulous Backgrounds (including brayer backgrounds)
Feb ’09: Resist Techniques (including brayer techniques)
Dec ’08: Clearsnap Memory Essentials Inking Handle
Jun ’06: Acrylic Paints (including brayer techniques)
Apr ’99: Resists (including brayer techniques)
Jan ’98: Brayered Backgrounds & Borders
Plus: Brayer Techniques for Stampers eArticle
Scenic Stamping
(Use your stamps to create a scene. Note: Also See “Composition/Color/Perspective”)
Feb ’11: Scene Stamping
May ’09: Masking Tricks
Jun ’99: Photos to Stamped Scene: Scenic Inspiration
Mar ’99: Scene Stamping
Mar ’98: Stamping Out the Weather
Jun ’97: Scene Mending: Giving a Flat Scene Depth
Mar ’97: Mist-erious Scenes
Jan ’97: Scene Blending
Jan ’94: Making A Scene
Composition , Color, Perspective, Inspiration
(These articles look at card design considerations. Note: Also See “Scene Stamping”)
Apr ’12: One Stamp Two Ways
Oct ’09: Choosing Color
Oct ’08: Repeated Images (within a card)
Mar ’04: One From Column A, One From Column B: Approach to Cardmaking
Jul ’03: Postage Stamp Mimic Cards
Feb ’03: Sunlight & Shadow (light source within cards (2 pg)
Oct ’02: Perspective & Proportion (1 pg)
Nov ’01: “Why I Like Others’ Collages But Not Mine”: Approach to Collage
Apr ’01: Choosing Color – Color Wheel Tutorial
Mar ’99: Scene Stamping (including vanishing point)
Feb ’96: Composition, Perspective (including Indoor Perspective)
Nov ’95: Collage
Sept ’95: Finding Inspiration (approaches to getting around an artistic block)
Art Mediums for Stamping Series
(This year-long plus series focused on a different art medium each month and how it can be used with stamps. This continues to be one of the most popular groups of VSN issues.)
Apr ’07: Stamping with Wax Mediums (including encaustic painting)
Feb ’07: Finishes & Coatings
Jan ’07: Oil-Based Mediums
Dec ’06: Metal Leaf & Foil
Nov ’06: Crayons – Watercolor & Wax Crayons
Oct ’06: Alcohol Inks Part II
Sept ’06: Alcohol Inks Part I
Aug ’06: Embossing Powder Fun
Jul ’06: Watercolor Paints
Jun ’06: Acrylic Paints
May ’06: Colored Pencils
Apr ’06: Markers
Mar ’06: Pastels & Chalks
Plus: Stamping with Acrylic Paint eArticle
Plus: Coloring Stamped Images with Colored Pencils eArticle
Plus: Coloring Stamped Images with Alcohol Ink Markers eArticle
Plus: Coloring Stamped Images with Watercolor Markers eArticle
Plus: Coloring Stamped Images with Layered Mixed Mediums eArticle
Plus: Even More Alcohol Ink Mini eArticle
Plus: Powdered Pigment Techniques
Colored Pencils & Stamping
(Colored pencils pop up quite often within a wide range of articles as well as Quick Tips. These particular articles focus on them. For more tips, be sure to search the Issue Index page for “colored pencil”.)
Jan ’07: Oil Colored Pencils (part of Oil-Based Mediums article)
May ’06: Colored Pencils
Plus: Coloring Stamped Images with Colored Pencils eArticle
Acrylic & Watercolor Paint Techniques for Stamping
(With all the possible acrylic and watercolor paints available in the art supply store, you know stampers are going to play with them and use them in their stamped projects. Also see “Backgrounds” plus the “Art Mediums Series”)
Feb ’12: Acrylic Paint Stamp Resists
Mar ’09: Adding Acrylic Mediums
Oct ’07: Distress Crackle Paint
Jul ’06: Watercolor Paints
Jun ’06: Acrylic Paints
Nov ’00: Radiant Pearls Basics
Aug ’00: Ragging (about ½ pg)
Jul ’99: Faux Paste Paper
Mar ’00: Acrylic Pastels technique (1 pg)
Jun ’98: Crackle Paint
Mar ’98: Creative Backgrounds & Borders (Metallic Acrylic Techniques)
Feb ’98: Interference Watercolors over Watercolor Marker
Sept ’97: Interference Paint, Interference Plant Prints
Plus: Stamping with Acrylic Paint eArticle
Resists, Bleach & Transfers for Stamping
(Techniques for resists, bleach effects and ways to transfer images continue to fascinate stampers.)
Apr ’12: Color Magnet Technique on Paper (kind of the opposite of a resist!)
Feb ’12: Acrylic Paint Stamp Resists
Jun ’11: Wax Paper Resist Backgrounds
Feb ’09: Resist Techniques
Nov ’06: Crayons (including resists)
Jul ’06: Watercolor Paints (including resists)
Aug ’05: Resists & Batik, Bleach (part of Hand Dyed Paper article)
May ’05: More Transfers
Feb ’05: Transfers
Jun ’04: Resists with Gelly Roll Glaze Pens
Mar ’04: Tumbled Stone Tiles (including transfers to)
Apr ’03: Soot Stamping
Apr ’02: Starch Resist (1 pg)
Aug ’01: Vellum Resist
Apr ’99: Resists
Jan ’98: Joseph’s Coat Technique (part of: Brayered Backgrounds & Borders)
Dec ’95: Photo Phinish (transfer technique)
Stamped Jewelry (Pins, Shrink Plastic, Beads)
(Not all stamping is about cards! Also See “Stamping on Plastic & Glass”, “Polymer Clay”, “Embellishments”)
Jun ’08: Art Mold Techniques (including necklace beads)
Jun ’07: Stamping on Polymer Clay (including beads)
Jan ’07: Makin’s Clay (including beads)
Dec ’05: Hot Dog Fold Tag Necklace
Nov ’05: Art Molds (including beads)
Nov ’04: Domino Bracelet (1/2 pg)
Apr ’04: Poly-Tools Triple Shape Bead Roller Set
Oct ’03: Poly-Tools Bead Rollers
Jun ’02: Paper Earrings
Feb ’02: Shrink Art Layered Pins
Feb ’00: Embossed Shrink Plastic Pins, Funky CD Pins
Aug ’99: Paper Beads
Nov ’97: Polymer Clay Jewelry
Feb ’97: Pin Making (pins for convention swapping)
Oct ’96: Wood Pin Project (1/2 pg)
Apr ’96: Layered Pins (project)
Oct ’95: Puffy Pin (project)
Nov ’94: Pins (for convention swapping)
Embellishments for Stamping
(Sure, you can purchase embellishments in a craft store, but making your own is much more fun and satisfying. Also See “Stamping on Plastic & Glass”, “Polymer Clay”, “Jewelry”)
Jun ’08: Art Mold Techniques
May ’08: Paper Casting
Jun ’07: Stamping on Polymer Clay
Jan ’07: Makin’s Clay
Nov ’05: Art Molds (including wax, UTEE, polymer, soap)
Jun ’05: Mizuhiki Cord
Apr ’05: Bloomers (dimensional flowers)
Dec ’04: Polymer Clay Embellishments
Aug ’04: Micro Beads (Part 1)
Jan ’03: Shimmer Sheetz Embellishments (project within Snowflakes article)
Dec ’02: Melting Pot Embellishments + Paper Mediallions
Aug ’01: Gedeo Molding (1 pg)
Jul ’01: Art with Clipiola Clips
Jun ’01: Quilling (1 pg)
May ’01: Flowers (including Pressed Flowers & Homemade Flower Press)
Oct ’00: Hot Pot Enameling (UTEE)
Sept ’99: Bangles & Beads (ideas for embellishing cards)
Jun ’99: Hot Glue Seals
Mar ’96: Stamped Magnets
Paper Making, Paper Casting & Paper Piercing
(How about making your own paper?)
May ’08: Paper Casting
Aug ’07: Stamping (& making) Handmade Paper
May ’04: Paper Piercing
Stamp Carving & Homemade Stamps
(Create your own stamps using scraps, foam, erasers, carving materials or even a potato!)
Nov ’06: Scrap Stamps
Aug ’05: Magic Stamp (2 pg)
Nov ’02: Carving Photos (1 pg)
Aug ’00: Easy Eraser Carving (within article)
Oct ’99: Stamp Carving
Aug ’98: Potato Prints
Jun ’94: Stamp Carving
Earth, Wind & Fire Water Stamping Series
(This four-issue series focused very much on techniques.)
Apr ’08: Earth – Earth Friendly Techniques (including stamp room safety)
Mar ’08: Fire – Fire Techniques (including soldering)
Feb ’08: Water – Water Techniques (including watercolor effects)
Jan ’08: Air – Air Techniques (including sprays)
Stamping on Surfaces Series
(Want to stamp on something other than paper? This multiple-issue series has the info you need.)
Dec ’07: Stamping on Glass
Nov ’07: Stamping on Ribbon & Fabric
Oct ’07: Stamping on Nature Surfaces
Sept ’07: Stamping on Plastic
Aug ’07: Stamping on Handmade Paper
Jul ’07: Stamping on Wood Surfaces
Jun ’07: Stamping on Polymer Clay
May ’07: Stamping on Stampbord
Mar ’07: Stamping on Metal
Plus: Metal & Faux Metal Stamping Techniques eArticle
Fabric Stamping
(Stamps are great on fabric, including fabric postcards, books, clothing, accessories & velvet stamping.)
Sept ’10: Stamping Fabric Postcards & Books
Jun ’10: Fabric Postcard (2 pg project)
Jan ’10: Stamped Cards with Fabric & Stitching
Nov ’07: Stamping Ribbon & Fabric
Apr ’05: Homemade Fabric Paper
Nov ’04: Stamped & Painted Silk Scarf (1/2 pg)
Oct ’03: Fabric Cards
Jul ’02: Fabric Pearls Technique
Nov ’01: Fabric Stamping (part of Thanksgiving Table Settings article)
Mar ’01: Stamped Lamps & Shades
Dec ’00: Embossed Velvet Christmas Tree Skirt (1 pg project)
Dec ’99: Bias Tape House Book/Card
Sept ’99: Stamping Fabric with Bleach
Dec ’98: Stamped Holiday Sweats Suit
Sept ’98: Stamped T-Shirt
May ’98: Velvet Stamping
Apr ’98: Masked Fabric Painted Tote Bag project
Dec ’97: Stamped Christmas Stocking project
Mar ’97: Stamping on Sweatshirts
Dec ’96: Stamped Velvet
Jun ’96: Encaustic Wax on Fabric (1pg)
Using Ribbon, Bows & Thread in Stamping
(Fibers, ribbons and bows show up throughout the artwork over the years in VSN, so you are likely to find inspiration in every issue. These articles look at the topic more closely.)
Jun ’12: Stitching & Stamping
Apr ’10: Ribbons & Bows (including ways to tie bows)
Jan ’10: Stamped Cards with Fabric & Stitching
Nov ’07: Stamping Ribbon & Fabric
Jan ’04: Paper Embroidery
Aug ’03: Iron-On Metallic Thread Art
May ’03: Iron-On Metallic Thread
Dec ’01: Before & After: Card Transformations With Fibers (1 pg)
Polymer Clay & Stamping
(Want to use your stamps with polymer clay? Here are articles with information and projects to inspire you.)
Jun ’08: Art Mold Techniques
Jun ’07: Stamping on Polymer Clay
Jan ’07: Makin’s Clay
Nov ’05: Art Molds (including wax, UTEE, polymer, soap)
Dec ’04: Polymer Clay Embellishments
Mar ’03: Polymer Clay Card
Sept ’02: Clay Books (1 pg)
Nov ’01: Polymer Clay Candle Base (part of Thanksgiving Table Settings article)
Aug ’01: Wild Women: Polymer Clay Dolls
Jun ’00: Polymer Clay Embellishment (part of project)
Nov ’97: Polymer Clay Jewelry
Stamping on Metal
(With the right ink, you can stamp on metal. These articles show you how.)
Mar ’08: Fire Techniques (including soldering)
Mar ’07: Stamping on Metal
May ’03: Switch Plate Covers
Oct ’02: Spritzed Metal Mailbox
Jun ’02: Aluminum Tag Art
Dec ’99: Leafing Pen on Metal (small project within article)
Aug ’97: Stamping Your Mailbox
Plus: Metal & Faux Metal Stamping Techniques eArticle
Stamping on Glass, Plastic & Ceramics
(Want to stamp on a slick surface like glass, plastic or ceramics? The right ink and techniques let you do just that! Note: Often (although not always) techniques that work on glass can be used on plastic and vice versa.)
Dec ’07: Stamping on Glass
Sept ’07: Stamping on Plastic
Oct ’06: Alcohol Inks (part 2 – multiple surfaces)
Jun ’06: Acrylic Paints (including acetate)
Feb ’04: Artlenz Active Image Cards
Jan ’03: Shimmer Sheetz
Jul ’03: Shrink Plastic Tips
Feb ’02: Shrink Art including Shrink Art Layered Pins
Jan ’02: Shrink Art + Glass Pin Tutorial + Acetate Paper Dolls
Dec ’01: Shimmer Sheetz Cards + Acetate & Leftek Potpourri Foil Card
Sept ’01: Shimmer Sheetz
Mar ’01: Tissue Collage Glass Box
Nov ’00: Stamped Acrylic Ornament, Gift Tag, Gift Box
Dec ’99: Leafing Pen on Glass (part of article)
Nov ’99: Stamped Ceramic Mug, Glass Candle Holders, Glass Shapes (ornaments)
Feb ’99: Stenciled Valentine Plate (glass) + “Etched Glass” Vase
Dec ’98: Shrink Plastic Ornaments, Glass Ornaments
Oct ’98: Stamping Glass
Oct ’98: Magic Leaf Card (metallic leaf on clear acetate card window)
Aug ’98: Animated Cell Card (plastic)
Nov ’97: Tissue Paper Collage Ornaments (on plastic or glass)
Jan ’97: Stamping on Ceramics
May ’95: Stamping Containers (including plastic & glass)
Stamping on Wood & Walls/Home Décor
(Stamping on porous surfaces like wood creates their own challenges but stamping home décor projects is both practical and satisfying.)
Oct ’07: Stamping on Nature Surfaces (including bark & cork)
Jul ’07: Stamping on Wood Surfaces
Feb ’07: Faux Woodburn Cards (1/2 page project)
Jun ’06: Acrylic Paints (including wood & acetate)
Mar ’05: Cigar Box Art
Dec ’00: Gingerbread Stocking Ornament (balsa wood)
Nov ’00: Woodburned Box project (1 pg)
Oct ’00: Stamped Leaf Wooden Box project (1 pg)
Aug ’00: A Box & A Basket (stamping on)
Mar ’00: Picture Frames
Aug ’99: Circle Box project
May ’99: Stamped Bird Houses
Oct ’96: Stamping a Thematic Room (ideas) + Wood Pin Project
Sept ’96: Stamped Wall Mural
Aug ’96: Stamping Your Home (furniture, accordion shades, walls)
Apr ’96: Stampin on Wood (wood box)
Stamping on Other Surfaces:
Cork, Tile, Eggs, Candles + Flower Prints/Pressing
(We stampers will stamp on anything that won’t run away from us!)
Oct ’07: Stamping on Nature Surfaces (including bark & cork)
Oct ’06: Alcohol Inks (part 2 – multiple surfaces)
Nov ’05: Mixed Medium Autumn Coaster (wood, copper, glass)
Mar ’04: Tumbled Stone Tiles
Dec ’03: Candles & Stamps (includes candle making)
Nov ’01: EvoCork Sheets + cork projects within Thanksgiving Table Settings article
Aug ’01: Working with Found Materials
Mar ’01: Stamped Cork Tiles + Stamped Lamps & Shades
Dec ’99: Stamping on Candles
Oct ’99: Nature Print Cards
Mar ’99: Pressing Flowers with the Microfleur
Apr ’98: Stamping on Eggs, Wood Postcard
Feb ’98: Microfleur Flower Press
Sept ’97: Interference (paint) Plant Prints
Feb ’97: Home Stamping: Walls, Tables
Aug ’96: Encaustic Wax Painting (1/2 pg intro)
May ’96: Encaustic Wax, Watercolor & Rubber Stamps (1/2 pg)
Apr ’96: Encaustic Wax Painting
Plus: Even More Alcohol Ink Mini eArticle
Other Stamped Projects
(ATCs, Tags, CDs, Dominos, etc)
(Over the years, stampers have stamped on many materials and have explored creating artwork on small items – often found objects.)
Aug ’06: Rotary Card Recipe Index
Jul ’05: Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)
Sept ’04: Slide Mailer Art Shrines + Notables (notepad holders)
Apr ’04: Puzzle Art
Mar ’04: Label Art
Jan ’04: Bottle Cap Art
Oct ’03: Bottle Cap Magnets
Mar ’03: Punch Projects for Spring + Pen Case
Feb ’03: Domino Fun
Nov ’02: Shingle Art (wood dollhouse shingles)
Jun ’02: Dominos
Feb ’02: Inkpad Art (using the case as art surface – ½ pg)
Mar ’02: Playing Cards
Jan ’02: Duotone Tag Art + Shimmer Sheetz mini box
Sept ’01: Paint Chip Art
Feb ’01: Playing Cards
Jan ’01: Drink Disc Hostess Gift + Beaded Pen
Sept ’00: CD Art Creations (including clocks & books)
Jun ’00: Coin Envelope Art (more)
May ’00: Coin Envelope Art
Feb ’00: CD Pins
Apr ’99: Tag Art Challenge
Mar ’96: Stamped Magnets
Jan ’95: Artistamps (Postoids)
Dec ’94: Stamped Calendars
Oct ’93: Advent Calendar
Plus: Making Stamped Magnets eArticle
Stamp Inkpad Reviews / Ink Techniques
(A few of the articles listed here are large articles focusing on multiple inkpad lines, especially Aug ’03 and Aug ‘04. Where one or two specific products are mentioned, it is usually a Product Picks report.)
Jan ’12: GlazOn (used with StazOn inks; part of article)
Dec ’11: 30 Distress Stain Techniques
Dec ’08: Clearsnap Watermark, Tsukineko VersaMark Dazzle
Jun ’08: Ranger Adirondack Pigment Inkpads, Tsukineko Memento Inks
May ’06: Jacquard Castaway Inkpad
May ’05: Stewart Superior Palette Stamp & Stick Glue Pad
Dec ’04: Ranger Distress Inks
Nov ’04: Clearsnap’s Mica Magic
Aug 04: Inkpads Update (5 more inkpads)
Sept ’03: Clearsnap ColorBox Fluid Chalk inkpads
Aug ’03: Inkpads (lines from Clearsnap, Ranger Industries, Stewart Superior & Tsukineko)
Apr ’03: Tsukineko VersaFine Pigment Inkpad
Feb ’03: Tsukineko StazOn Inkpad
Jun ’02: Ranger Antiquities & Nick Bantock Inkpads
Mar ’02: Clearsnap Ancient Page Inkpads
Jul ’01: Cut n Dry Pads & Brush Tips, Stampa Rosa Fresco & Blanco Inkpads, Tsukineko Brilliance Inkpads
Nov ’00: Ranger Vintage Inkpad
Sept ’00: VersaMark Inkpad
Jul ’99: Ranger Clear Resist Ink
Jan ’99: Ink 101: A Guide to Inkpads
Dec ’97: Ranger Archival Inkpads
Jun ’97: Ranger Big and Juicy, Sea Brights & Sea Shells Inkpads
Plus: Reinker Stamping Techniques eArticle
Tools for Stamping (Reviews/How-To’s)
(Note: VSN’s Product Picks has covered MANY tools & products over the years. This is only a selection of them!)
Jan ’12: Favorite Stamping Tools (Readers’ Choices)
Oct ’10: Scoring Tool Comparisons
Jun ’09: Die-Cut Machines
Apr ’09: Speedball Stamp Press
Mar ’09: Embossed Backgrounds w/Die-Cut Machines & Scor-It
Dec ’05: Clearsnap’s StamPress
Sept ’05: Kandi Kane, Scor-it
Feb ’05: Scor-it (original board)
Jun ’04: Choosing a Paper Trimmer
Sept ’03: Fascinating Fasteners (including binding tools & hole makers)
May ’03: Carl Personal Rotary Trimmer
Dec ’02: The Melting Pot
Nov ’02: American Tag’s HomePro LR Punch
Jun ’02: Rollabind
May ’02: Accu-Cut GrandeMark Die-cut Machine, Carl Tozicle Portable Punch/Bind System
Feb ’02: Carl’s Heavy-Duty Paper Cutter
Dec ’01: Carl Paper Cutters
Aug ’01: Quick Coil Binding System
Dec ’00: Genesis Safety Trimmer, Lite-Touch Pro Corner Rounder
Oct ’00: Xyron Tips & Tricks (two pg in Quick Tips)
Choosing Quality Stamping Supplies
(These articles were recommended within the Basics online article, “Choosing Quality Supplies”.)
Jul ’10 & Aug ’10: Digital Corner articles on Digital Stamping
Jun ’09: Choosing a Die-Cut Machine
Mar ’09: Acrylic Mediums
Jan ’09: Alcohol Ink Markers
Aug ’08: Earth Friendly Techniques (including stamp room safety)
Mar ’06: Dec ’06 + Feb, Apr ’07: Art Mediums Series
Oct ’08: Clear Stamps, Cling Stamps, EZ Mount & Tack ‘N Peel
Aug ’04: Inkpad Update (with five additional stamp lines)
Jun ’04: Choosing a Paper Trimmer
Sept ’03: Fasteners
Aug ’03: Extensive Inkpads article
Oct ’96: Stamp Storage
Sept ’96: Stamp Mounting (and Temporary Stamp Mounting)
Using Digital Images in Stamping:
(VSN began the Digital Corner column in the Jul ’10 issue. This list also includes a few other computer-related articles.)
May ’12: PhotoShop Elements Healing Brushes
Apr ’12: PhotoShop Elements Eraser Tools
Mar ’12: Picture Size: DPI/PPI, To Scale or To Resample
Feb ’12: Quick Easy Photo Brightness Adjustments using Levels Histograms
Jan ’12: Use Columns & Tables to Create Calendars
Dec ’11: Text Tricks Part 4: Tracking & Kerning (Adjusting Character Spacing)
Nov ’11: Text Tricks Part 3: Creating Rectangular & Other Shaped Text Blocks.
Oct ’11: Text Tricks Part 2: Rotated or Vertical Text
Sept ’11: Text Tricks (Part 1: Fonts & Glyphs)
Aug ’11: Digital Brushes (Part 3: Creating & Saving Custom Brushes, Finding Brushes Online, Loading Brushes)
Jul ’11: Digital Brushes (Part 2: Customizing Brushes in PhotoShop Elements
Jun ’11: Digital Brushes (Part 1: Intro to PhotoShop Elements Brushes)
May ’11: Cutting Shapes with PhotoShop Elements’ Cookie Cutter Tool
Apr ’11: Making Shapes in PhotoShop Elements
Mar ’11: PhotoShop Elements Guided Edit
Feb ’11: PhotoShop Element Quick Edit
Jan ’11: Photographing Your Stamp Art
Dec ’10: Scanning Stamp Art
Nov ’10: Layering Digital Stamps For Scenes (in PhotoShop Elements)
Oct ’10: “Color” Inside Digital Stamp Images with Digital Photos (in PhotoShop Elements)
Sept ’10: Change Image Size, Resolution (in PhotoShop Elements)
Aug ’10: Tricks for Coloring Digital Stamp Prints without Smearing
Jul ’10: Digital Stamping (Overview)
Sept ’09: Digital Backgrounds
Dec ’95: Photocopy Fun
Mar ’95: Computers & Stamping
Stamping in Groups
(For quite a few years (1995-2004), VSN printed an annual stamp club list in each July issue. Some of these issues included articles with ideas for stamping groups. We’ve also touched on stamping and children and stamping with the elderly.)
Apr ’11: Convention Tips
Jul ’99: Tips for Starting a Stamp Club (1pg)
Apr ’99: Children Teaching Children Stamping
Jul ’98: Stamp Club Projects
Aug ’97: Taking Children to a Stamp Convention
Jul ’97: Stamp Club Problems & Successes
Jul ’96: Club Stamping Projects, Charity Efforts + Stamping with the Elderly
Jul ’95: Stamp Club Organization
Physical Challenges & Stamping
(Some of us have problems with our hands or arms that may make getting a good stamped impression a challenge. These articles look at that or at incorporating other senses beyond sight in our stamped projects.)
Apr ’01: Making Accommodations (stamping w/hand or arm problems)
Apr ’09: Speedball Stamp Press (helpful if have hand/arm issues)
Oct ’02: The Other Four Senses (Touch, Smell, Hearing & Taste)
May ’98: Including A Sense of Touch
Jul ’96: Stamping with the Elderly
Stamp Storage & Stamp Room Articles
(Every stamper knows that organizing all our stamping stuff is actually our biggest challenge. You will be hard-pressed to find an issue of VSN that does not include some reference/idea about storage. Almost every Quick Tips/More Tips article includes storage ideas, so be sure to search the full Issue Index, especially for specific ideas for storing particular tools and supplies. The following list of articles, for the most part, are one to two page articles written by readers, showing off their stamp room, including pictures and often floor plans as well as details of the best things about the way they set up their stamp room. There are a couple of articles written by VSN’s editor that longer and marked as a feature article.)
Nov ’10: Creating Custom Storage Pockets
Dec ’08: Stamp Room
Jan ’08: Stamp Room Storage (approaching a re-organization project)
Dec ’07: Stamp Room
Jul ’07: Stamp Room
May ’07: Stamp Room
Feb ’07: Stamp Room (2)
May ’06: Quick Tips on Moving Stamp Supplies, Storing Cardstock & Magazines (4 pg)
Apr ’06: Stamp Room
Mar ’05: Stamp Room
Oct ’04: Stamp Room
Jun ’04: Stamp Room
May ’04: Stamp room
Apr ’04: Stamp Room
Mar ’04: Stamp Room
Jan ’04: Stamp Room
Oct ’03: Stamp Room (on the move rooms!)
Aug ’03: Stamp Room
Jul ’03: Stamp Room
Jun ’03: Stamp Room
May ’03: Stamp Room (drawers)
Apr ’03: Stamp Room
Mar ’03: Stamp Room
Feb ’03: Stamp Room
Jan ’03: Stamp Room
Dec ’02: Stamp Room
Nov ’02: Stamp Room
Oct ’02: Stamp Room
Sept ’02: Stamp Room
Aug ’02: Stamp Room (small space)
Jul ’02: Stamp Room
Jun ’02: Stamp Room
May ’02: Stamp Room
Apr ’02: Stamp Room (garden stamp retreat)
Mar ’02: Stamp Room + Storage Ideas
Feb ’02: Stamp Room
Jan ’02: Stamp Room
Dec ’01: Stamp Room
Nov ’01: Stamp Room
Oct ’01: Stamp Room
Sept ’01: Stamp Room
Aug ’01: Stamp Room
Jul ’01: Stamp Room
Jul ’01: Stamp Room
Jun ’01: Stamp Room
May ’01: Stamp Room (part of room)
Apr ’01: Stamp Room
Jul ’00: Organizing Your Stamp Room (feature article)
Nov ’99: Unmounted Storage (1pg)
Oct ’96: Unmounted Stamp Storage
May ’94: Storage