Ruth ([info]blaze2242) wrote in [info]diy_weddings,
@ 2008-11-26 08:50:00
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Entry tags:paper products: invitations

DIY Invitations
I went and bought the stuff for making our embossed wedding invitations. I've been playing with them and different papers, as well as practicing getting an even stamp. Any suggestions as to how to make sure that the center of the stamp is as opaque and dark as the edges?

I think the two ink pads we bought are faulty, it takes a lot of work just to get enough ink on the stamp in order to have a decent stamp, so I'm trading the pads out later today. But this is the first official expense for our wedding!The black is the one I think is faulty, I had a green pad at home already. What do you guys think?


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The stamps
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Playing on regular paper.
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The difference between these two is the ivory (above) square verses white(below)
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Both trees on the front, small info card,
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Decoration on one side, info on the back
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Only one tree, larger info box on front


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[info]sparklypoof
2008-11-26 05:00 pm UTC (link)
I loves me some stamped invitations.

an observation: the black couple silhouette is quite stark w/all the other colors you have there. and by that, I mean - it's really standing out, not ...melding, I guess, w/the rest of your invitation stuff that you have shown here. have you thought of using green for all of your stamping? it might create a neat monochrome effect, and not be so harsh w/the black-on-color.

just somethin' to try.

I will say though, the stamps you chose are very nice, and might I also suggest you try overlapping the figures and the tree? just to see? it might get a little convoluted, but 'd be curious to see what layering them (especially using all-green) would do.

yay!!

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[info]blaze2242
2008-11-26 09:36 pm UTC (link)
Thanks! I was going to try overlapping too, just didn't get around to it that night.

The silhouette is black because my FH wanted it that color, but I think I am going to try brown (our accent color) and I might try green to, on your suggestion. I also am not thrilled with how much the black stands out, but gotta please everyone right? Do you prefer the ivory or the white? I can't decide.

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[info]classiclindsey
2008-11-26 05:01 pm UTC (link)
Color wise, I like the info card the best. It may just be the photo but the orange/peach looks a bit funny with the greens and black. Sometimes less is more.

And could you try laying the stamps? A little overlap might help it look less like two stamps and more like one vignette.

But I love the general idea and graphic style. I think the two stamps suit each other quite nicely. Good finds!

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[info]blaze2242
2008-11-26 09:37 pm UTC (link)
The pink border is the same paper for all of them, so it's just the picture.. Its really more of a true pink, it looks orange cuz of the lighting I think. Thanks for the ideas!

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[info]yafah
2008-11-26 07:00 pm UTC (link)
I agree the black is quite harsh, how about a dark brown or deep navy blue instead, it will complement the other colors and still stand out.

As far as getting an even tone, you could go for it printmaker-style, that is - roll the color onto the stamp with a roller instead of pressing the stamp into the ink. Pressing is what is making the bubbles show up because the ink is too thick. You can buy rollers cheaply at a craft store, then just roll it on the ink pad to get an even coat and then roll the ink onto the stamp.

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[info]blaze2242
2008-11-26 09:38 pm UTC (link)
Brown is our accent color, so I think I might try that. Nice idea with the roller.. I might try that. Though the bubbles don't bother me so much as the fact that in some places it's lighter then others.

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[info]muffetly
2008-11-26 10:06 pm UTC (link)
Are you pressing the stamp onto the pad? You might get better results by tapping the pad lightly onto the stamp, that way you can get a nice even coverage. You mgiht even be able to mix the colours on your stamp, by using brown for the tree stumps and then green for the foliage.

Once you've placed the stamp onto the paper, use a light tapping motion all over rather than pressing down to ensure an even coverage. I don't think it looks too bad on the ones with powders though. Its part of the nature of stamps and homemade. Plus if you wanted them to look "perfect" you'd get them done professionally.

If you're using clear embossing ink, maybe try a slightly tinted one so you can make sure its all covered. It won't show once the embossing powder is melted.

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[info]blaze2242
2008-11-27 03:25 am UTC (link)
I am using 'brush' pads, and tapping the ink on like you describe. I will try tapping the stamp like you suggest though. I am using clear, maybe I'll try another color. I was just hoping to use the same powder for all colors.

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[info]spermeister
2008-11-26 10:15 pm UTC (link)
I did embossed stamped invites for my engagement party, and I found that using colored embossing powder and versamark style ink works best. then you can just tap on a little extra powder if you have a light spot. Very cute though... good job!

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[info]blaze2242
2008-11-27 03:24 am UTC (link)
Is versamark a brand?

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[info]spermeister
2008-11-27 02:22 pm UTC (link)
Yes. They make stamp pads that come in black cases and have clear ink. They're great to use for watermarking and embossing, and, in my opinion, well worth the extra dollar they cost over the imitation brands. I made the mistake of trying a cheaper, but similar, pad when I went to make my Engagement Party invites, but after a few of them were made, I ran back out and bought a Versamark. It holds all the embossing powder well, it has a slower drying time, so it gives you some leeway to get all of your powder on, and wipes away easily if you make a mistake.

I hope that helps. :-)

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[info]blaze2242
2008-11-27 05:40 pm UTC (link)
Thanks for the recommendation. I've already got some money invested in the materials I have so I'll see how they go, but if they aren't working out, I'll totally check out the versamark stuff.

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[info]froghazel
2008-11-27 12:32 am UTC (link)
I like the ivory, especially if you're going to make the silhouettes dark brown. Ivory fits more with the natural tones than stark white would.

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[info]sparklypoof
2008-11-27 02:49 am UTC (link)
I was just about to reply to her question about my preference of ivory vs. white w/this nearly-exact same answer.

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[info]blaze2242
2008-11-27 03:23 am UTC (link)
I was leaning that way myself, do you think it would matter if I used ivory on the invitations, but wore a white white dress? I mean no one is going to be holding the invitations up against my dress or anything ,but it might bug me...

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[info]froghazel
2008-11-27 03:35 pm UTC (link)
I think that would be fine. I doubt anyone would notice or really care. Pretty invitations don't have to match pretty dress.

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