Glossary of Card Making & Scrapbooking Terms

A  B  C D E F G H I J  K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

A

Acetate

Transparent plastic film with a variety of uses, eg:  behind apertures, either for shaker cards or to make embellishments appear to hang unsupported; for stamping or mounting outline stickers, so they can then be painted with glitter glues and glass paints

Acid Free

A term very important in scrapbooking which refers to products that are manufactured free of acid to prevent deterioration and discolouration of papers and photographs

Acid Migration

This is the transfer of acid from an acidic material to either a less acidic or pH neutral material. Acid will always transfer to neutral and not the other way around. Migration will only occur when materials are in close contact with each other

Acrylic Block

Clear block of acrylic which clear (polymer) self clinging rubber stamps are temporarily mounted on when stamping. The clear block allows you to see where you are stamping more easily.

Acrylic Paint

A water based paint in which the binder contains acrylic resins.

Acrylic Ruler

Clear acrylic with 2-color grid for precision measuring and detail cutting.

Adhesive

Anything that sticks one material to another. Several common types of adhesive are photo stickers, Hermafix, glue dots or glue sticks, and unwanted relatives.

Adirondack

Water based dye ink from Ranger. Acid Free

Alcohol Ink

Alcohol Inks are permanent, fast drying, transparent, acid free dye inks specially formulated to create vibrant, polished stone look.  Can be used on glossy paper, dominoes, metal, foil, shrink plastic, glass and other slick surfaces and are particularly useful in the creation of Altered Art designs.

Altered Art

Collaging, stamping, embellishing, and otherwise altering a found book to reflect an artistic idea or narrative.

Angel Company

An angel company is one that will let you use their images (rubber stamps or graphics usually) to make a product that you intend to sell. They grant a limited license to sell things made with their images. Different companies usually have different rules for using their images so make sure you take the time to read all the rules!

Angel Hair

Material made from the fusing of fine fibres. Used mainly as a backing material. Normally sold in sheets.

Antique Embossing

Antique Embossing is a technique of creating an aged surface using rubber stamping materials.

Antistatic Pad

Used to eliminate static and clean small particles. Swipe over the area to be cleaned. 

Aperture Card

Aperture card blanks were mainly used for cross stitch. Now they are widely used for Iris folding and many other techniques. pertures can be in all shapes & sizes.

Appliqué

Applying shaped pieces of fabric to a foundation fabric to form a design or pattern that's to die for.
Archival Ink

As it's name suggests, this ink is perfect for archival projects due to it being acid free and fade resistant. This ink is also waterproof, quick drying and won't bleed and, because it's acid free, it won't damage papers and photographs

Archival quality

This is a term used to indicate materials which have undergone laboratory analysis to determine their acidic and buffered content is within safe levels. In the case of printed items and Photographs, the ability of the images to retain their colour or blackness over long periods of time. In the case of paper, it is made with the intent of having an extended lifespan without discoloration or deterioration. Anything labelled archival should be acid free.

ATC / Artist's Trading Card

A mini project 2.5"x3.5" in size (the same as a playing card), created by artists and crafters to demonstrate their skills.  ATCs cannot be bought or sold, but must be swapped with other artists and crafters, preferably in face-to-face meetings.  ATCs can be flat or 3D, and can be originals or duplicates from a series - the artist should write their name, the date, and whether the work is a one-off on the back.

Back to Top

B

Batik

A method of dyeing a fabric by which the parts of the fabric not intended to be dyed are covered with removable wax, or a design created using this method

Beads

Glass, wood, plastic, clay or ceramic 3 dimensional shapes with a hole through the centre

Bone Folder

A flat piece of bone or plastic, round at one end, pointed at the other. Used for scoring and folding paper.

Brads

Brads are paper fasteners with two prongs at the back. They are available in a range of sizes, colours and shapes.

Brayer

A brayer is a soft rubber roller which is used to create backgrounds. For example, to achieve various stamping techniques, to roll over two pieces of paper to glue them together while smoothing out any air bubbles, to spread inks and paints on paper or stamps.
Tip: If you do not have a patterned brayer but wish to achieve different patterned effects you can tie various things (such as string, elastic bands, etc) around the brayer before using it. 

Brushless Watercolour

The art of making watercolour pictures without using brushes. A rubber stamp is coloured (with ink or pens) and then the stamp is lightly spritzed with water before the image is stamped.

Buffered Paper

During manufacturing, a buffering agent such as calcium carbonate or magnesium bicarbonate can be added to paper to neutralize acid contaminants. Such papers have a pH of 8.5.

Bugle Bead

A tubular glass or plastic bead sewn onto clothing for decoration, used for trimming and card making

Button

Come in many different shapes, styles and colours. There are also many buttons that are made specifically for scrapbooking. They are thin, flat and can be attached with fibers, thread or glue.

Back to Top

C

Calligraphy

The art of producing beautiful or elegant handwriting. Artists devote years to refine their skills and utilize specialty nibs and inks to achieve the various styles of calligraphy.

Card Making

Creating cards for special occasions (or just for the love of it!)

Cardstock

A thick, sturdy paper that is available in a variety of weights; commonly used in scrapbooking and paper crafts. This paper is the thickness of most index cards and comes in many colours and textures

Cello Bags

A thin transparent material used as a moisture proof wrapping

Cellophane

Bags made from thin transparent material used to protect & display handmade cards

Chalk

Acid-free chalk that is usually applied with an eye shadow-type applicator or cotton swab to add dimension to die cuts, torn edges, cards, etc.

Chemical Stability

Materials which are chemically stable are not easily decomposed or otherwise modified chemically which is desirable for use in preservation as it resists chemical degradation over time. Also known as archival quality

Chipboard

Chipboard is one hot trend that differs from many others in a few key ways. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it’s fast. You can either purchase pre-coloured shapes  & stickers from brands such as K & Co or Maya Road, or make your own!

Clay

A natural earthy material consisting essentially of hydrated silicates of aluminium, used for beads or potting.

Clear Rubber Stamps
Clear Rubber Stamps are supplied on a clear carrier sheet. This makes storing your stamps easy and lets you see the designs more clearly.
The clear stamps cling to an acrylic block (supplied separately), so you can position them to your own taste. Spelling out words & phrases is easy using the alphabet sets, so you can really personalise your greetings when card making. Clear stamps are made from photopolymer which is hardened through exposure to UV light. You may find your stamps yellow if exposed to light over a period of time. This is natural reaction and will not affect the quality of the stamp.

Clip Art

Art purchased in book or software form with pictures that can be applied when making cards and scrapbook pages

Collage

An artistic composition made of various materials (paper, cloth, wood, etc.) that are glued onto a surface

Corner Punch

Craft Punch for cutting corner shapes

Corner Rounder

Craft Punch for rounding off corners

Corrugated

Thick, wavy cardstock available in many colours

Craft Knife

A craft knife is a sharp pointed knife which usually has replaceable blades ideal for precision cutting

Crochet

Needlework made by looping thread with a hooked needle, usually for ornaments, appliqués and fringes.

Cropping

Crop can have 2 meanings. The first is simply to trim down a photograph to a size suitable for your layout. The second meaning of crop is a gathering of scrappers who get together to work on their personal projects

Cutting Mat

Self healing cutting mats are used when using a craft knife to protect the surface you're working on. They can also be used to tape stencils etc down onto to stop them from moving about while in use

Back to Top

D

Dauber

A round miniature stamp pad which can be dabbed onto a stamp to apply ink

Deckle

Deckle edges are the untrimmed "feathered edge" feature on a sheet of paper. It is used mainly for invitations or announcements

Decoupage

The technique of decorating a surface with cutouts, as of paper, or a creation produced by this technique

Debossing

The opposite of embossing; the design is indented into the paper or material.  .

Die Cut

A process for cutting out any special shapes by using a metal form which is called a die. Also used to refer to the cut out shape. Can be used with fabric or paper. Common die cutting systems are Sissix and Quickutz

Die Cuts with a View

A brand name for high quality scrapbook and craft products

Dimensional Paint

High quality, "puffy" paint that usually comes in a squeeze bottle for ease of use. It is traditionally used as fabric paint but sticks well to most surfaces. Available in a large selection of colours and styles.

Direct Inking Method

This method is when ink is applied directly to paper using the surface of the inkpad

Distressing

This technique is used to make something look old and worn. It is done by a variety of methods including sanding, crumpling, inking, tearing and so on

Doodling

A method of embellishing by using pens or brushes to create swirls and decorative shapes similar to 'doodling' whilst on the telephone!

Traditionally done in freehand but templates and stencils are increasingly becoming available to assist those less certain of their artistic abilities!

Particularly popular  within the scrapbooking community.

Double Sided Tape

Double sided tape can either come flat like normal sticky tape or as foam for 3D work. They are used to secure papers and non-adhesive embellishments down to your chosen surface

Dovecraft

A UK based craft brand

Dry Brushing

Applying chalk or paint to a brush or sponge and removing most of it by wiping/dabbing it on a piece of paper or rag before using it. This prevents the paint from bleeding under the edges of a stencil, and chalk from looking to dark.

Dry Embossing

Dry embossing, also called relief embossing, is done by tracing a stencil with a special tool, called a stylus. The result is a stunning, raised pattern on the object you are embossing. Also known as relief embossing

Dufex

Hand engraved designs or patterns are embossed on to foil sheets to create the distinctive Dufex quality of depth and movement through the diffraction of light on the image surface. To create the picture prints and stickers, images are first printed on to the metallic foil using transparent inks, which allow the reflective quality of the foil to be retained. Specialist engravers are then able to pick out the details of each image by hand to bring it to life on the finished print!

Dye Ink

Water based ink found in basic ink pads

Back to Top

E

Embellishment

Addition to decorate a handmade card or scrapbook page

Embossing

Embossing is a technique used in stamping to create a shiny raised image using embossing ink pads and embossing powder

Embossing Ink

A thick, slow-drying ink used for heat embossing, such as Versamark. It can be either clear or have a light pastel tint.

Embossing Pad

Embossing pads can be used for both embossing and chalking techniques in stamping. Being slightly tinted so you can see where you're stamping, these pads allow for you to add colour of your choice over the top. 

Embossing Paste

A paste used in conjunction with brass stencils to create a 3D image of the stencil design. Can be coloured when dry or alternatively irresdescent powders or acylics may be mixed with the wet paste to produce unusual and beautiful effects.

Embossing Powder

Used in rubber stamping to provide a raised glossy effect on a stamped image. It is a fine powder that adheres to wet inks and tacky surfaces like embossing pads. When heated the powder melts leaving the glossy effect.

Encaustic

Painting by means of wax with which the colours are combined, and which is afterwards fused with hot irons, thus fixing the colours

Ephemera

Ephemera is an item that is momentary in time such as tickets, packaging, leaflets, posters etc which is used as an embellishment on a project

Epoxy

Two resins that, when mixed together, harden to form a strong bond.

Epoxy Sticker

Embellishment sticker with a hard clear coating

Eyelets

These are fasteners with holes in the middle that, once attached to paper, card or fabric can have threads etc passed through the middle. They need to be secured to your chosen surface with an eyelet setting tool

Eyelet Setter

A metal tool used for applying eyelets. 

Back to Top

F

Fabric Markers

Similar to regular markers, you can use these markers to make designs on fabric. Once heat set, it makes a permanent design and is machine washable.

Fibre

A natural or synthetic filament, as of cotton or nylon, capable of being spun into yarn or trim

Findings

A term that originates from jewellery making to describe the pieces of metal – such as headpins, clasps and connectors - used to complete items such as necklaces or bracelets. Findings can also be used with card making, for example as an alternative way of fixing charms.

Fixative

A sealer sprayed over pictures and projects to protect the surface from smudging, smearing, and running. It is often used over pastels, charcoal, and even to seal water-based paint and chalk.

Flower Pressing

Collect your flowers, stems, seed pods etc, place them in the flower press and soon you have your pressed flower ready to make all sorts of things such as pictures, decorating cards and writing paper.

Foam

Foam is normally supplied in sheets, but can also be bought in pre-cut shapes. Foam can be glued, punched, cut & decorated. Tip: Try heating foam gently with a heat gun, then rubber stamp an image into it.

Foil (also known as Metal Sheet)

Typically used for embossing, foil is available in many different colours, although the most popular are gold, silver & copper

Foil (Transfer)

Transfer foil is used with glue, double sided tape of glue shapes such as Magic Motifs. It adheres to the glue leaving a foiled shape behind.

Fun Flock

Fun Flock can be sprinkled over any adhesive surface. Try with double sided tape, glue pens and rubber stamped images using a glue pad. You can stamp into Fun Flock and then use a heat gun to set the image. Fun Flock can also be used in the same way as embossing powder.

Fusible Fibers

Fusible Fibers can be used to make a variety of wearable art and fabric embellishments as well as card toppers.

Back to Top

G

Gel Pen

Gel pens are gel inked ballpoint pens. They come in many different sizes and in a huge variety of colours. They are primarily used for thin patterns or writing, but can be used for colouring small areas in a specific colour

Gesso

An opaque chalk-like base used to prepare surfaces for painting, lettering, gilding, etc

Glitter

Glitter are tiny metal fragments available in a huge array of colours and thicknesses to add sine and sparkle to crafting projects

Glitter Glue

A wet glue that comes pre-mixed with glitter particles, and can be directly applied to add highlights to projects, or painted onto card, acetate or funky foam to make it glittery.  Glitter glue is available in lots of different colours, and in two types: standard glitter glue contains identifiable pieces of glitter; pearlescent glue contains very fine particles that give it a shimmery finish.

Glue Dots

Extremely sticky round dots of glue used to hold on embellishments such as buttons or heavy metal pieces. Also very useful in sticking things to papers and materials that are normally stick-resistant.

Glue Pens

Ball point pens with smooth-flowing, acid-free and archival quality gel ink.
Glue Stick

A round stick of solid glue which is used to adhere embellishments to scrapbook pages, cards, tags, etc.

Glue Gun

A glue gun is a very handy electrical appliance for those who wish to apply embellishments. You need to insert  glue sticks which the glue gun heats. You can then apply the glue in intricate places. To use the gun, you just push a glue stick into the glue stick feeder and squeeze the trigger. As you squeeze, the glue stick will travel down the barrel where it will melt and flow out of the nozzle.
Tip: Be careful not to touch the nozzle or the glue as it tends to get very hot.
Gold Leaf

This is gold flakes that can either come loose or on a sheet that adheres to tacky surfaces

Guillotine

A guillotine is a cutter used to cut the edge of paper in a straight line or decorative design. It enables you to cut large areas precisely and in seconds. 

Gutting

Gutting is a scrapbooking term for removing to save  the unseen piece of card or paper covered by another part of the layout.

Back to Top

Handmade Paper

Paper made by hand using a mould (a frame covered with a flat, rigid screen or flexible screen). In both cases the mould is covered by a flat frame called a deckle, to contain the run-off of wet pulp, dipped into a vat of wet pulp, shaken to distribute the fibers evenly and drained of its excess water. The wet mat of fibers remaining in the newly formed sheet is then dried against blankets & may be hot pressed, cold pressed, or air dried.

Heat Embossing

An embossing technique using a stamp, embossing or pigment ink pad, embossing powder, and a heat source.

Heat Gun

A heat gun is a tool that produces intense hot air allowing for projects to be heated. Mainly known for use with embossing techniques

Holographic

The pattern produced on a photosensitive medium that has been exposed by holography and then photographically developed. Holographic card is widely used in crafts

Back to Top

Inkessentials

Range of craft products from Ranger. Includes Inkessentials Blending Tool, Inkessentials Matte Accents,

Inessentials Crackle Accents, Inkessentials Mini Misters, Inkessentials Craft Scraper, Inkessentials Sepia Accents, Inkessentials Glossy Accents, Inkessentials Frosted Memory Glass and many more craft related items.

Instant Setter

A tool used for setting eyelets. Originally a setting tool and a hammer were used to 'close' the back of an eyelet but this tool enables you to do the same thing but quicker (and quieter!)

Intaglio

Sunken-relief, otherwise known as intaglio or sometimes hollow-relief, is a method of sculpting which entails carving or etching an image into the surface of a flat piece of stone, metal, glass or wood. This method creates a relief which is effectively a negative of the usual bas-relief type. This method can be achieved with rubber stamps by stamping into a soft surface such a polymer clay, UTEE or gently heated foam.

Iridescent

Varying in colour when seen in different lights or from different angles.

Iris Folding

Iris Folding is the card making technique using folded strips of paper to fill an aperture in an overlapping spiral. It it is called iris folding because the center of the design resembles the iris of a camera or eye. Strips of paper are folded & laid over a pattern.

Back to Top

Journal (Journaling)

This is writing on a scrapbooking layout describing the subject of the page, for instance the people or events in the photographs on the page. It can also be thoughts and sentiments about the layout

Back to Top

Kaleidacolor Ink Pads
There’s a rainbow for every season with Kaleidacolor Stamp Pads from Tsukineko. Twenty striking rainbow combinations mean you’ll never run out of ideas. The patented sliding palette means that your rainbow pads will stay vibrant and clean project after project. Simply slide the palette together to stamp and slide it apart to store. It’s that easy!

Back to Top

Layering

Also known as matting, this is when you place either card or paper of increasing sizes around an image to create a frame

Layout

A layout is a completed scrapbook page

Lignin

Lignin is the natural bonding element which holds wood fibers together. When manufacturing scrapbooking papers the lignin is removed during processing so that the papers become safe

Light Box

Back-lit frame with a translucent face of plastic or glass used to transmit light through an image for the purpose of tracing and also slide viewing. Used with embossing to view the stencil lines under the sheet of paper.

Liquid Pearls

A pearlescent 3D paint made by Ranger.

Back to Top

Magic Motif

Double sided glue motifs for use with glitter or transfer foil

Marbling

Paper marbling is a method of aqueous surface design, which can produce patterns similar to marble or other stone, hence the name. The patterns are the result of color floated on either plain water or a viscous solution known as size, and then carefully transferred to a sheet of paper (or other surfaces such as fabric). This decorative material has been used to cover a variety of surfaces for several centuries. It is often employed as a writing surface for calligraphy, and especially book covers and endpapers in bookbinding and stationery. Part of its appeal is that each print is a unique monoprint.

Marker

A marker is a kind of writing instrument similar to a pen but never having an external ink-source; the tip is typically made of felt and when this is true it can also be called a felt-tipped pen.

Mask

A paper cut-out of either a stamped image or a template stuck temporarily down to a project surface to hide the image behind, letting you carry on with your work without touching this image. The mask is then removed again at the end

Masking Fluid

A latex liquid with added pigmentation for masking areas of work needing protection when colour/ink is applied.

Masking Tape

Masking tape is a type of adhesive tape made of easy-to-tear paper that is backed with a relatively weak adhesive. It is used often in painting, to mask off areas that shouldn't be painted. The weak adhesive allows the tape to be removed easily.

Matting

Also known as layering, this is when you place either card or paper of increasing sizes around an image to create a frame. It visually separates the image from the background and is good for using colours to compliment the image

Motif

A distinctive and recurring form, shape, figure, appliqué, etc., in a design, as in a painting or on clothing

Mounting

Create dimension to your card by making several impressions of your image, saving the first impression as your base and cutting apart subsequent impressions for areas of the design you want to build up. Mounting or "layering" pieces can be done with double sided foam tape or hot glue. If you want to mount a piece without giving it dimension use regular double sided tape.

Mulberry Paper

Japanese Paper made from Kozo which is the fibres of the Mulberry Tree. The paper can be torn to create a feathered-effect edge.

Back to Top

Back to Top

O

Origami

Origami is the art of paper folding. It originated in China and became popular in Japan and Europe. The Japanese Government introduced origami to the preschool education syllabus as a tool to develop coordination. Today, origami is popular all over the world.

Back to Top

P

Page Protector

These are clear pockets or sleeves for use in scrapbooking albums to protect your finished layouts

Paper Piercer

This is a long thin tool used to pierce a small hole through paper and card. Ideal for creating holes for brads

Papier-mâché

(French for 'chewed-up paper' because of its appearance), paper-maché is a construction material that consists of pieces of paper, sometimes reinforced with textiles, stuck together using a wet paste (e.g., glue, starch, or wallpaper adhesive). The crafted object becomes solid when the paste dries.

Parchment

This was originally a writing surface made from animal skins; today parchment is made from cellulose fiber paper by treating it with sulfuric acid. Parchment paper is characterized by a hard, smooth surface, it is stronger than regular paper, and resistance to grease and dirt.

Pearl-ex

A pearlescent pigment powder.

Pearlised / Pearlescent

Having a pearlescent finish. Available to crafters in paper, card and envelope form in an array of colours. Of particular use when dry embossing as the embossed image is more apparent upon a pearlised background. Popular with wedding and special occasions cards.

Peel Offs

Peel Off Stickers are outline stickers supplied on sheets. These can be any picture or design, including text. Peel Off Stickers are a popular choice for adding greetings when card making. Peel Off Stickers can be applied to card, paper, metal, acetate, etc. Peel Off Stickers can be coloured using Peel Off Pens, so that they can be exactly matched to your project. Fill in your outline Peel Off Stickers with pens, paints, stickles glitter glue, liquid pearls, chalks, etc. For a Stained Glass Effect, use Peel Off Stickers on acetate & colour in with permanent pens.

Perfectly Clear Stamps

Perfectly Clear Stamps are used with our clear acrylic handles for easy inking and positioning. Each set comes on a clear plastic carrier sheet with a printed index and a cover sheet to protect from dust, glitter, etc. Peel the stamp design from the carrier and place on the clear acrylic handle. The stamp will cling by itself with no other adhesives. Ink and stamp as you would your woodmounted stamps. Use more than one image on a handle if desired. Clean and replace stamps onto the carrier. Stamps sets can be stored in a photo pocket holder.
Perfect Pearls

Specially developed with a resin added. Nothing to mix - add water and it sticks. Use Perfect PearlsTM wet or dry in an infinite number of innovative ways. Just add water to produce luminous paints and shimmering glazes. Mix with watercolours, inks, acrylic paints, embossing powders, clay and other mediums for radiant results. Embellish your favourite stamped images using Perfect PearlsTM with Perfect MediumTM.

Pergamano

Pergamano is the brand name for the large assortment of materials, tools, books and courses for the fascinating hobby "parchment craft". With parchment paper you can create greetings cards, mural decorations, boxes, lampshades, realistic flowers and other decorative works of art. The paper has a number of special properties which can be fully utilised with the various techniques, such as embossing, perforating and painting. Pergamano Parchment Crafts are now available from selected stockists. Many of these stockists hold classes (See our UK Stockists list for further information) to teach the craft to both new and existing users.

pH Factor

A pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. It runs from 1 to 14, pH neutral being 7. Acid-free products have a pH factor of 7 or above. Special pH tester pens are available to help you determine the acidity of products.

pH Neutral

Similar to acid free but pH neutral is more definitive as an acid free product could be extremely alkaline and this can be equally as bad. A pH neutral product is therefore more desirable

Photo safe

This is a term similar to archival quality but more specific to materials used with photographs. Acid-free is the determining factor for a product to be labelled photo-safe.

Pigment Ink

Pigment Ink is like a water based version of archival ink except that is slow drying and thicker so that embossing powder can stick to it. This type of ink won't dry on glossy paper

Preservation

Preservation is activities that are associated with maintaining archival materials for use either in their original form or some other format

Punches

Punches are tools used to cut out shapes on card and paper. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes

PVA

Polyvinylacetate; an archival white glue, it is stronger than gel medium. It mixes well with gloss medium. Transparent even after many coats, it will always remain water soluble. Mixed with gel, it becomes water resistant.

Pyrography

The art of 'drawing with fire' is an ancient craft that is practised worldwide. Mainly used to burn decorative marks onto wooden items, the technique can be applied to leather, cork, velvet and other suitable materials.

Back to Top

Q

Quadrille Paper

Quadrille or graph paper is paper that is printed with fine lines making up a grid. It is great for not only making patterns and design layouts, it is also great for drawing colourful, geometric designs.

Quilling

Thin strips of paper which are rolled and shaped to form an image

Back to Top

R

Relief Embossing

Relief embossing, also called dry embossing, is done by tracing a stencil with a special tool, called a stylus. The result is a stunning, raised pattern on the object you are embossing.

Ribbon

A ribbon is a thin band of flexible material, typically cloth but also plastic or sometimes metal, used primarily for binding and tying. Can be self adhesive.

Rub Ons

Rub Ons are permanent transfers that are applied by rubbing on using a lolly stick. Great for both card making and scrapbooks, rub ons come in all shapes, sizes & themes!

Round Nose Pliers

Round nose pliers have two round shaped jaws which are used for making loops, mostly on earring wires, head pins etc for jewellery making. Round nose pliers are an essential tool for wire workers

Rubber Stamping

Rubber stamping, also called stamping, is a craft in which some type of ink made of dye or pigment is applied to an image or pattern that has been carved, molded, or vulcanized, onto a sheet of rubber. The rubber is often mounted onto a more stable object such as a wood or an acrylic block. The ink coated rubberstamp is then pressed onto any type of medium to transfer the design to the medium.

Back to Top

S

Scherenschnitte

Scherenschnitte (pronounced Sharon-sh-net, if German or Sharon-sh-net-ah if Swiss) is the German word for the art of scissors snipping or paper cutting. This lovely old art form has been around for hundreds of years starting in China with the invention of paper.

Scoring

This is a technique used to create a clean fold down a card by using a scoring tool and a ruler to prevent creases. You can also buy scoring boards to give a more accurate result

Scrapbook

A book with blank pages used for the mounting and preserving of pictures, clippings, or other mementos. Can be 6" x 6", 8" x 8" or 12" x 12".

Scrapbooking

The hobby of creating compilations in scrapbook albums, such as keepsakes, pictures, periodical articles, etc

Scraplifting

Copying the layout of someone else's scrapbook page, either in whole or in part, for one of your own layouts.

Self Adhesive

Supplied with a method to fix to a surface. i.e. Glue backed.

Setter

A hand tool for attaching eyelets. Can normally punch through paper, card, plastic, metal & leather.

Sepia

A brown tint (originally squid ink) added to photos to give them an old-fashioned appearance.

Shaker Card

A card created by putting small punched pieces, glitter or other small, flat objects between a layer of material and transparency film. Usually used on handmade cards or scrapbook pages.

ShapeBoss

Tray with pegs that provides a base for Fiskars 2-part stencils to make embossing simple and easy.
Shrink Plastic

This is a plastic sheet that you can stamp on and cut with scissors and punches before heating. Heating the plastic will cause it to shrink and thicken

Skeleton Leaf

Popular craft embellishment produced when the fleshy part of the leaf is stripped away. Normally purchased ready made and available in different sizes & colours.

Spirelli

Spirelli is the art of making patterns by wrapping threads around a shaped template.  Usually, metallic threads are used, and the effect is similar to that created by the old Spiragraph toy (those that remember it). A picture is usually placed in the centre, so that the wound threads act like a patterned frame for it.

Sponging

A decorative effect for using ink on paper. Apply a little ink to a sponge or Dauber. Test it on scrap paper. Gently wipe the edges of your card to create a feathered effect. You can also sponge through stencils with or without debossing a pattern in the paper.

Stamping

Stamping is when you print an image from a range of different stamps like rubber and foam on to a surface using an ink pad

Stampboard

Clay coated wood for stamping on. Stampboard can be stamped, etched and sanded. It takes ink very well.

Stamp Cleaner

Used to clean ink from stamps

Stamp Positioner

A tool used to ensure that the image is stamped exactly in the desired position

StazOn

StazOn Ink, manufactured by Tsukineko, is appropriate for all surfaces. Designed especially for use on plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, polymer clay and glossy cardstock.

StazOn Cleaner

Solvent cleaner for cleaning rubber stamps after using StazOn Ink

Stipple

This is a technique that creates a light uneven paint effect on paper. By applying a thin layer of paint or ink onto a special stipple brush which is flat ended like a stencil brush and tapping it onto paper you create this effect

Stencil

A template made by cutting a design into a stiff paper, plastic, cardboard, or metal. A method of applying a design by brushing ink or paint through the cut out areas of a template so that the pattern will be reproduced on the surface placed below. Stencils can also be placed below the item to be stenciled to make a relief print, also called relief embossing.

Stickles

Fine glitter particles in a clear glue base. Each bottle has a fine nozzle allowing the glue to be brushed, piped or dotted, with precision, on to paper or card.

Stylus

A pen-like instrument used to make dots of paint, emboss, or transfer a design. It is usually used in embossing or to make lines and script on parchment or vellum

Back to Top

T

Tape Pen

Applicator for glue which will produce a line like double sided tape. Easy to use. Available in permanent & repositionable.

Tea Bag Folding

Tea bag folding originated in Holland. Credit for its origin is given to a woman named Tiny van der Plaas. Sitting at her table, worrying about a birthday card for her sister that she had forgotten to pick up, Tiny van der Plaas began folding her fruit tea bag envelope. This gave her an idea and, also, gave birth to tea bag folding

Tearing

Tearing paper exposes a feathered edge. If using coloured paper with a white core, this edge can be coloured with chalks, paints & pens.

Template

A sheet, usually of soft or hard plastic, with cut-out shapes that you can use to trace or cut identical shapes from paper or other materials.
Topper

A topper is usually a self adhesive embellishment for making quick & easy handmade cards.