Try using this technique to create a look that is lighter in the center and darker on the outside.

To use this technique:

1. Press your stamp into a light-colored ink pad.
2. Press only the edges of the stamp in a rolling motion on a darker-colored ink pad. Be careful not to ink the center of the stamp.
3. Press the stamp firmly on your paper or project. (Do not rock on this part-just push straight down and up.)
4. Tip: Be sure to use the lighter color first to avoid inking the lighter pad with a darker color.

Each style of stamp has it own specific uses. Solid stamps are great for fast, simple stamping, while line stamps provide detailed, artistic impressions. Combining the two styles is a great way to achieve your desire effect.

The base and shade stamping technique uses a solid "base" stamp with its "shade" (lined and detailed) counterpart. The bases and shades can always be used separately, but are most effective when stamped together.

To use this technique:

1. Stamp the solid "base" design.
2. Using a darker ink, stamp the lined "shade" design directly over the stamped base.
3. A second-generation base with a first-generation shade is always a great combination.

Combining a variety of paper sizes, shapes, textures, and colors can lend great dimension and interest to any project.

To use this technique:

1. Determine the various colors you’ll need for your stamped image.
2. Stamp your image once on each of your chosen cardstock colors.
3. Using Micro-Tip scissors, cut out the different parts of your stamped image from the appropriate colors of paper.
4. Glue the image together, layer by layer, using the different color pieces.

A blending pen can be used to lighten colors or create a watercolor effect. Using the pen to distribute colored chalk on a piece of artwork can add a lovely soft, shaded look to any project.

To use this technique:

1. Touch the tip of a blending pen to a square of Soft Chalks to pull the color into the pen.
2. Beginning at any desired place on your artwork, press gently and let the color flow as you shade the image. Add as much or as little color as you desire.
3. Remember that your beginning point will always contain the strongest color.

The kissing technique is an artful way to create patterns and to get more use from your solid background stamps.

To use this technique:

1. Ink a texture stamp (one with lines, dots, etc.). Place it face up on your work surface.
2. Ink a solid stamp with a lighter color.
3. Press the solid stamp into the texture stamp so they "kiss" each other. The background stamp leaves a pattern on the solid tamp.
4. Stamp the combined image on cardstock. The result is a subtle or textured version of the solid stamp.