Tools on Tuesdays: Letterpress Tips and Tricks

I've recently fallen in love with Letterpress. I love the look. I love the texture. And those of you who know me, know I also love the clean & simple, graphic nature of it.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get your own letterpress look (even without a letterpress set up).

Papers
-You can use thick watercolor paper with stamp ink impressions.
-Can also use cardstock and textured cardstock work as well, but impressions aren't as deep.

Tools
Stampin' Up Plates

• Use with Craft Ink for a good, clean impression.
• Classic Inks won't stick to the plate evenly so if you want a distressed look, go with these.

If you're using Stampin' Up plates in a Big Shot:

• Using the letterpress template with a set of new cutting plates works best
• Put it on the multi-purpose platform, Tab 1
• To make your "sandwich"
• Lay the letterpress face up on top of one cutting plate and ink it. Then move of those to lay on the top of Tab 1.
• Adhere your paper to the other cutting plate, then flip that over and layer on top of the letterpress plate.

If you're using the Lifestyle Crafts (QuicKutz) Letterpress system

• Instead of using the sticky sheets that Letterpress sells to hold the plates, run them through a Xyron with a non-permanenet cartridge installed.
• A little ink goes a long way
• If you'd like a better brayer, go with a speedball instead.
• Run the letterpress through a big shot as is. No need to add shims or cutting plates.