Author: michelescraftcottage

I am an avid crafter. I love making cards and giving them to friends and family. I love teaching card making and scrapbooking.
Blog, Scrapbooking

Global Scrapbook Blog Hop-May 2025

This months Blog Hop theme was chosen by Julia Quinn, and it was a fun one. The theme is to create a page using Ephemera. I chose to use Birthday Treats Mix & Match Ephemera Pack. I used Wildflower Birthday scrapbook 12″ x 12″ as my background. The lace frames were perfect as the photo mats. The birthday ephemera pieces create an added element of fun to accent to the page.

The balloons and candles were colored with Blender Pens. There is a journal section to document the details. The page includes a couple sentiments as well as 23-25 Dots embellishments. The final touch was to add Wink of Stella to the balloons, cupcake frosting and candle flames. I hope it makes you smile!

Please visit the other creators listed below.

1.Julia Quinn – Handmade by Julia Quinn (Australia)
2.Cheryl Taylor – Stampin n crafting with Cheryldiana – UK
3.Michele Deschenes (Shelly) Michele’s Craft Cottage (USA)
4.Margaret Workman- Crafty Chemist Designs (USA)
Blog

NEW CATALOG

THE NEW 2025-2026 STAMPIN’ UP! CATALOG RELEASES MAY 6TH. CHECK OUT THE NEW PRODUCTS AND CONTACT ME IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE.

SHOP MY STORE AT: https://www.stampinup.com/

Stampin' Up! 2025-2026 Annual Catalogue

STAMPIN’ UP! ALSO HAS A JOIN SPECIAL GOING ON From May 6th to 31st. . SELECT $165 WORTH OF PRODUCT, OF YOUR CHOICE, FOR $99.00, THAT’S A LOT OF PRODUCTS.

I WOULD LOVE TO ADD YOU TO MY TEAM. TEAM NCIS-NURTURING CREATIVITY BY INSPIRING AND SHARING.

Tips & Techniques

Stamp Styles

If you are confused, I can help you. You might wonder what the difference is between Photo polymer stamps and rubber stamps.

Photo polymer Stamps – They are transparent, making it easier to position them perfectly on your card. They are also cheaper, which means they’re a smaller investment for new stampers. You will need to use an acrylic block to use them.

They also come with an oil film from the manufacturer. So you need to clean them before use or you’ll not get a clear image. It’s simple, just rub it on your shammy a few times.

Rubber stamps are red and thick and you can not see through them like polymer stamps. This makes it more difficult to position them perfectly. They are usually a clearer, clean stamp image. You will also need a clear block to stamp with them.

People have varying opinions about their preferences. I like rubber for clean and clear images, where as I like polymer for finer details.

This is a picture of a polymer stamp.