Instructions:

1. Before you start, cover your work surface with butcher paper or other scrap paper. This keeps your work space clean and also gives you a place to experiment with stamps and inks before making your cards.

2. Always start with a clean, dry stamp. Be sure the rubber side of your stamp is covered completely with ink before pressing firmly onto your card.

3. The larger the design, the more pressure you need to stamp evenly.

4. Tiny stamps create marvelous backgrounds. Stamp repeatedly with one or more colors, or use a rainbow ink pad.

5. Experimenting is fun. Try different colors of ink and a variety of papers.

6. Make several cards at one sitting. It takes almost no more time, and you'll be glad to have extras.

7. File your cards by theme--birthday, congratulations, thank you, Christmas, etc. -- so they're ready at a moment's notice.

8. Handstamped card sets are terrific gifts. Make cards with matching envelopes, wrap them in raffia ribbon, and surprise someone special.

9. It's important to let friends know that you have taken time to create a unique, handmade card especially for them. Stamp a personal signature on the back of all your cards, and initial or sign below it with a proud flourish of your pen.

Have fun!