Does anyone know of any good websites devoted to stamping techniques? I'm a very basic stamper but eager to learn more.  I recently discovered some very nice instructional videos at www.paper-source.com where I learned a technique called "masking."  That whetted my appetite for more!

 I'd also be interested to learn how to use brads and other embellishments.  I've spent the last couple evenings happily messing around with paper at my art table - stamping and embossing business cards, folding envelopes from printed paper and old calendars, adding pretty liners - and can't seem to get my fill.  (I got the templates for the envelopes, by the way, at Paper Source; there's a couple shops in New England but they also sell them on-line).  Great fun!

 Thanks, everyone, for any help, advice, or ideas!

KateSinging 

 I love, love, love paper crafts. It is my passion. There are a lot of great places on the web to find templates, demos, techniques, project ideas, and project instructions.  These sites should keep you busy for a little while

  ArtChix Studios--Free Classes

Cut Out & Keep--Crafters community

 Go Make Something (requires registration, but it is free and there is no spamming)

HGTV-Paper and Cardboard Crafts 

HGTV--Rubber Stamping

Mirkwood Designs--Templates

 Paper Crafts Magazine--Projects

 About.com--Stamping Projects

About.com--Stamping Techniques and Tutorials

About.com--Stamping Templates

Stamper's Sampler's Tempting Templates

Split Coast Stampers--Resources (They also have forums and galleries but some of those areas require registration.  Registration is free and there is no spam.)

 DIY Paper Crafts Projects (There is some crossover here between DIY and HGTV projects, but there are some different projects on each site, too.)

Stampin Inspriations by Maria (This is a personal blog, but it is updated pretty frequently.  Her stuff is a little cutesy for me, but she has some great ideas for card layouts and techniques.)

 I'm probably forgetting some great ones, but these should get you started.  Enjoy!

 Oh, I was also going to mention that if you enjoy making envelopes you should take a look at the Artsy EnvelHopes e-course here at Artella.  Not only is the class a wonderful experience, but when you are done you have 30 envelope templates for use in other projects.

Kristin

 Wow, Kristin!  Thank you so much!

    That's a treasure-trove and will certainly keep me busy.  I'm excited to learn from all of this.

    I'd love to hear more about what you're doing with paper these days.  Any special projects afoot? 

    yours gratefully,

    KateSinging

PS - and thanks for the tip about the EnvelHopes.  I'm just finishing up "Accounting Your Blessings" and have loved every minute of it.  I'm ending the month more blessed, happy, and grateful than I began it.  I'll definitely keep this in mind for my next e-course. 

There are also oodles of videos on YouTube to get you started too.  I've found so many helpful tutorials and techniques there for not only rubber stamping and card making but stuff for my art journals too.  Have fun!   

Hi Kristin, KateSinging, and Holly,

Wow!  What a treasure trove of sites to check out....can hardly wait for the endless inspiration that awaits me.  Thanks, friends, for sharing this.

- chameleon

Thank you ladies for the links. I haven't touched my stamping supplies in a number of years, they are packed away in a cabinet in my workroom. Now that I'm on artella maybe I'll be inspired to bring them out again for one of the challenges. I've gotten lazy with digital and haven't PLAYED in a long time.

Thanks for the inspiration!

 Hi KateSinging,

I live in Westford Mass. Not too far from you. There is a really cool store called Ink About It. They have different kinds of things as well as a lot of great workshops. The website is http://inkaboutitonline.com/. Check it out. They have a link to their calendar of wokshops. I (un)fortunatly live about a mile from there so I have spent a lot of money. Always having to have the latest and greatest.

 Sounds like you're having fun. I love making cards myself. Artella also has the ongoing card swap. 

 Cheers

Lori 

 What brilliant news, Lori!  Now I'll be like you and plunking down my paycheck for all the delicious stamps and papers at your shop in Westford.  I'm really glad to know about it because I've only really bought stuff all the way into Cambridge (PaperSource, which I love, too - but a long way), so this will open up some new possibilities. 

 And Holly, thanks for that tip about youtube.  I might be the only person on earth who is just getting to know youtube, but I did find a very helpful video there when I was trying to do a little origami and found myself stumped by one of the folds.  The lady on the video made it look possible (unlike the blasted book!) - and sure enough, it was.

KateSinging 

 Sure enough, I've taken your advice and am doing the Envel-hopes course.  What fun!  I'm letting myself use all sorts of beautiful paper, too - rather than hoarding it for some unspecified time in the future.  So yesterday's envelope was folded on paper brought home from Florence, Italy  - a tea-colored print on cream-colored, nubby paper.  

I'm determined to spend more time actually playing with my toys.  As my father used to say, "Why not live it up?"

happy making to you -

KateSinging 

 Are you guys going to post the stamping work you do?  Or have you placed the pix in your galleries?

I know you guys are swapping places for techniques but this is a great site that I found. It has templates for just about everything imaginable from dolls, to mannequin busts, to envelopes. I use this site whenever I want to make a different type of card or other such work of art.

Enjoy!

 http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/templates.htm

Thanks, Ramona, this is a great site!

 Isabella

That IS an awesome pattern site! Thanks for that information!

Here's a link to a great rubber stamp site - all unmounted but mounts are available. They have designs I have trouble finding anywhere else (like good Southwestern or iconic designs):

http://www.ibrakeforstamps.com

~copper cat 

Both sites are amazing --thanks, Ramona and copper cat, for suggesting them to us!

~ chameleon