Party Invitations

• Kids' birthday invitations are a breeze, needing only one or two party-themed stamps. Choose stamps with images of balloons, party hats, cupcakes or candles and, using a colored ink-pad, stamp the image in the center front of the card. Stamps with words and phrases take the strain out writing the same information over and over, and can simply be filled in with name, time and venue of the party.
  
  

Pop-Up Cards

• Pop-up cards entertain both adults and children with their movement and novelty. Make simple pop-ups by first folding cardstock in half, then cutting two slits into the middle of the folded edge to make a flap. Fold the flap backwards and forwards to put a crease on both sides. Then, open the card and push the flap inwards so that it stands up in the middle of the card. Stamp and color an image, cut it in a square or rectangular shape, then glue it on the flap. When the card is opened, the stamped picture will stand up in 3D.
  
  

Aperture Cards

• Cards with a window in the front allow an image stamped on the inside of a card to show through from the front. Stamp a large image inside and create a sense of mystery by having a small aperture so only a portion of the image is visible, or stamp multiple images but have only one of them show through. Use small flower or foliage stamps to decorate the outside rim of the aperture on the front of the card.
  
  

Stamping Techniques

• As your stamping confidence grows you'll want to try more advanced stamping techniques such as heat embossing or masking. Heat embossing with embossing powder and a heat gun gives stamped letters and images a luxurious look and is perfect for the elegant wording on wedding invitations or a sparkly effect on Christmas cards.
  
  With the masking technique, it is possible to create the effect of one image being behind another. Make a mask by stamping the image onto scrap paper and cutting it out, then stamp the same image onto the card. Place the mask over the stamped image, then stamp again, this time slightly offsetting the second image.