s/o aligning stencils & stamps-red rubber sentiments-advice

Cut First, Stamp Second is the easiest way to line up rubber stamps. I start by stamping first on a post-it-note, then use my die to cut the shape from a piece of plain card stock. Remove the die cut and set it aside, and use the “waste” or outline piece that was left over after die cutting it. Position the outline piece over the stamped image until it is centered the way you want. Tape it into place. Now fit the die cut you want to stamp back into the outline piece, ink your stamp, and stamp onto the die cut. You should get a perfect or near perfect stamp. I hope that makes sense.

I did a blog post awhile ago that explains and shows the process better. Click on the link at the start of my post to see the full explanation and photos.

The easiest way, I think is with clear plastic. You already have the Tim Holtz positioner. Put the stamp on the plate. Line up a sheet of clear plastic in place of your cardstock and stamp. The acetate will show where the stamp lines up. Now line up your card under the plastic so that the image lines up where you want it, remove the plastic and stamp. Same idea as the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig. I even use this method for clear stamps if I'm not quite sure where I want a sentiment or if I'm not entirely sure I have it straight on the stamping platform. Way easier to move the card piece around than to keep moving the stamp and trying to get it aligned right.

This also works for stamping on shaped die cuts, such as banners, rectangles, ovals, etc. I use this method for stamping a sentiment onto a banner all the time. However, it only works if your rubber stamp is NOT mounted on a wood block, and you use a stamp platform.

If you are trying to stamp directly on a card or layout, you can place a post-it-note on your layout page where you want to stamp, to make sure you have your stamp placed correctly and straight. Once you like the position, remove the post-it-note, then stamp directly on your page or card. I buy post-it-notes in a good sized pack at Costco and keep them in my craft room, because I use them a lot when stamping. You need a stamp platform big enough to handle at least 1/4 of a 12x12 page, and you may have to position the stamp sideways or upside down on the platform.

I use the TH stamp platform most of the time, since it works for both the unmounted red rubber stamps, and the clear stamps. I also have the stamp platform that Stampin’ Up offered for awhile.

If any of your rubber stamps are on wood blocks, though, you might try the Stamp-a-ma-jig.

I removed all of my rubber stamps from their wood blocks and converted them to peel and stick stamps by painting Aleene’s Tack-It-Over-and-Over on the back of each stamp. They are so much easier to use with a stamp platform than when they were mounted on wood.

I had a lot of wood mounted rubber stamps prior to moving halfway across the country in 1996. I had to either get the weight down or get rid of a lot of stamps. I decided to get the weight down, and I removed all of them from their wood blocks. I just did about ten at a time till they were all done. I use my rubber stamps so much more than when they were on wood blocks, and I get better results. I always had trouble stamping straight when they were still on wood blocks. The wood mounted stamps weren’t always mounted perfectly straight on the blocks, which made it even more challenging for stamping. Stamping with rubber stamps, even if you use a clear block, can be difficult to get straight.

I have a huge collection of both rubber and clear stamps. Most of my rubber stamps don’t have matching dies because I started stamping when I was a young mom, and matching dies for stamps didn’t exist back then. Converting them so I could use them with my stamp platform made it so much easier to stamp straight, as well as stamping exactly where I want. HTH

Me too. Have had for at least 20 years and I don't use it much anymore, but it comes in handy occasionally