Frequently Asked Questions
And answers to help you get started!
I am new to stamping, where should I start?
Using our stamps is easy whether you are a new stamper or an experienced one. Our acrylic blocks allow you see exactly where your stamp will leave the image as well as allow you to line up your image using the surface engraved in 1/2” increments. No more having to guess where the stamp will go or how it will be aligned. Simply peel off your stamp, place it on the acrylic block, ink and stamp!
- Choose an area where you wish to work that has a strong and sturdy flat surface. Using a folding table is not recommended as it has too much “give” and will affect the stamped image outcome.
- Carefully peel each clear stamp from the stamp package and adhere to an acrylic block. (Acrylic blocks are sold separately here.)
- Place the stamp on the acrylic block and the stamp will “cling” to the block.
- Double check your stamp placement by turning the acrylic block over to see if the image is what you want stamped on your project.
- Ink the stamp by gently tapping the stamp to the ink pad.
- Check for proper ink coverage and then turn the block upside down and line up the image where you would like it placed.
- Once you have it placed above where you would like it, press straight down on the acrylic block with even pressure and lift straight up.
You may want to practice stamping your image once or twice on some scrap paper before placing it on your project to ensure proper position and results. You have now stamped with your new stamps!
How do I clean my stamps?
You can clean your stamps with baby wipes or mild soap and warm water. If you are using baby wipes, please be sure they are free from aloe and alcohol as they can degrade the photo polymer material over time. If you like to have your stamps free from ink, usually a solvent based remover is used to do this if you have stained them however, use them sparingly as they can degrade the photo polymer (clear) stamps over time. If you notice there is still some ink from your previous use that doesn’t come off, that is normal depending on the type of ink you are using and will not effect your stamped image in any way. If you wish to avoid this, use a water based ink first and then use your pigment ink. Your water based ink will act as a barrier to the pigment ink allowing you to clean it off of your stamp.
How do I store my stamps?
There are a number of ways you can store your stamps. The easiest and most cost-effective way would be to return your stamp to the clear sheet they came on. You can also use any smooth flat surface such as a CD case or DVD case. Don’t store your stamps in direct sunlight as it can cause deterioration and damage to your stamps.
What happens if my stamps don’t seem to stick anymore?
If you feel that your stamps have lost their “cling” due to dust or dirt, wash your stamp with warm soap and water and that will bring the “cling” back to life for your stamp.
I am interested in being on your Creative Crew, how would I go about doing that?
Periodically, we will have a Creative Crew Call posted on our Blog and Facebook Page. Please be sure to subscribe to the Blog and become a fan of our business page so you are able to get the most up to date information with regard to Design Team (DT) calls as well as new products, promotions and contests! Also when opportunities for Guest Designers arise, they too will be posted in both of those areas. If you REALLY are moved by our stamps, drop us a note and we would love to hear your thoughts! We appreciate your interest and are honored you enjoy our products!
Do you accept returns?
If you find you would like to return a physical item in your order for any reason, we will gladly accept unopened, unused products within 14 days of purchase. You will be responsible for shipping your returned item(s) to A Creative Journey with Melissa with exception of a defective or incorrectly shipped product. If you have a damaged or incorrectly shipped product, please contact us immediately so that we can correct our error. ALL DIGITAL ITEMS ARE FINAL SALE due to the nature of the item. If you are having an issue with the digital item(s), please contact us. With any returns, please e-mail us prior to returning the item at ACreativeJourneywithMelissa@gmail.com. Thank you!