Mid Week Blog #63 - How to use the Stamparatus® stamping platform.

 Hello & welcome to my blog,

My name is Alison & I am an independent Stampin' Up® demonstrator in Melbourne, Australia. I love creating cards & gifts for my loved ones & this blog will show you how to create something special for those you love. Today's blog shows you how to use the Stampin' Up® Stamparatus stamping platform for multiple cards with the same design but you can also use it to ensure that stamps lay the ink down thoroughly on cardstock. Here are the steps I followed.......

 

This is the Stamparatus closed. It comes with 2 perspex wings that clip on at the top and side. I used only 1 for this project. It also as a black foam pad to use with photopolymer stamps that can be removed to use with rubber stamps.

There are 2 very strong magnets included that I have attached some wide washi tape to so that moving them is easier. If you purchase one of these then you have to make sure that you keep the magnets well away from each other. 

Once I had the stamping platform ready I placed the cardstock down, leaving a space at the top so that the stamp had enough room to be pressed down easily. The magnets help to keep the cardstock in place when you lift the lid.

Next, place the stamp in the desired position....

....close the wing & press firmly to pick up the stamp.....

.....just like this

 

Apply the ink directly to the stamp. I find that putting an acrylic block or stamp pad under the wing helps to keep the wing flat & at the right height for inking.

Press the wing down firmly. I find it helps to press down all around the stamp in a circular motion to ensure even distribution of the ink.

This stamp worked perfectly but if you use the platform & find that an area has not stamped properly then you simply press it down again & apply more pressure to the area that needs it or reink the stamp. That's the beauty of a stamping platform!

Here's the bear I stamped & diecut. He comes from the Happier than Happy stamp set & was used for my regular Sunday blog on 18th December. Here is the finished card....

I hope you enjoyed this quick walk through using a stamping platform such as the Stamparatus. If you are interested in purchasing one yourself you can head over to my Stampin' Up shop. 

That's it for another mid week blog. My next blog is on Sunday - Christmas Day! It will be prepared before the day & scheduled as, like most people, I'll be enjoying some quality time with my family. The blog will feature a gorgeous new stamp with an adorable elephant. In next week's mid week blog I will have a fun fold card design to share with you. I hope you can join me for both of them.

Til next time, I hope, if you celebrate Christmas, that you have a wonderful time with the people you love. Stay safe & enjoy the holidays. XX Alison