Stamping Tip: Getting VALUE from your stamp sets!

I've been stamping a LONG time and have a LOT of stamp sets - it's one of the perks of owning a stamp company.  =)  One of the things that we have ALWAYS tried to offer is good VALUE to our customers.  I know this is an important quality that I personally look for in a stamp set...  I want to know that I'm going to have several different options for using a stamp set so that I can maximize the value.  

Today I've got a bunch of cards to share that I made with the You're The Coolest stamp set.  This is an absolute GEM of a stamp set.  Here are the reasons why I love it:

• 4 penguin images that appeal to both M & F audience
• Images appeal to any age - young & young at heart
• 11 versatile sentiments - includes birthday!
• penguins!!

I sat down to make a few birthday cards for the Parent's Association at my daughters' school.  Each month they give birthday cards (and coffee gift cards!) to the teachers that have a birthday that month. What's better than a handmade birthday card?!

I LOVE this little birthday penguin so he's the star of the show.  I then added some fun elements from other stamp sets:

• mini bow tie is from the Build A Man stamp set - you could easily cut one out of colored cardstock free-hand if you don't own this set
• large oval is from the Ovalicious stamp set - you could use a marker, watercolors or another background image to similar effect
• star cluster is from the Bottlerocket stamp set - you could draw some stars free-hand, add some bling with sequins or twinkle stickers

I really tried to keep the design simple because I knew I needed to stamp a bunch of cards.  As for coloring, you'll see that I just colored the penguin's beak, hat and balloon.  

I did want to add a special effect to this card so I pulled out my Crystal Clear Glaze.  I sure LOVE this stuff!  Can you see how the balloon and glasses shine?!

Crystal Clear Glaze takes about twenty minutes to fully dry so you'll want to find a spot for this BEFORE you apply it.  

I really love the mini bow-tie from the Build A Man stamp set.  There are quite a few fun accessories in this set that can be added to a lot of different sets.  Check it out! 

Looks cute on patterned cardstock like our Petite Gingham.

A fun line up!

I'd love to hear which stamp sets you own that you think are a great VALUE!  Post a link in the comments - it's OK if they aren't A Muse Studio.  I promise you won't hurt my feelings. <smile!>

Have a crafty day!

  

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Karen D Murphy]

Thank you so much for this post. I own a bunch of stamp sets and always forget to go back and use some of the older ones. I'd love someone to do this kind of post once a quarter - just to remind me to get some new looks and value out of my older "favorites". Also, shows me that you're more about the happiness of the creative process than just selling new sets.
Much appreciation,
Karen