An introduction to Collage - a new way to layer

Stamping fans, gather around. We've got some exciting news to share with you today! Our latest Crafter's Companion brand, Collage, has officially launched and we know that you're just going to love it. With layerable images and textures, it's the ideal brand for those of us who want to add a bit more life into our projects.

What is Collage?

We decided that Crafter's Companion should have it's own stamping brand. After all, we've got Gemini, the die-cutting brand, Threaders the needlecraft brand and Spectrum Noir, the art brand. It just felt right for us to develop an individual stamping brand.

The idea behind Collage is that each set contains a number of stamps that work together to produce a beautifully layered masterpiece. While we already stock stamps that are intended for layering, Collage is much more abstract and provides you with the tools needed to have a bit more freedom with your projects. Rather than building up the layers to produce a solid final image like our current Layering Stamps, the concept is to create gorgeous, textured backgrounds with matching embellishments and sentiments.

What are the Collage stamps made from?

Each of the stamps in this collection has been created from high quality photopolymer, which means that you'll get a super crisp impression every time. While we love acrylic and rubber stamps, photopolymer provides you with that extra oomph that you want from a stamp, so gone are the days of feathered edges and bleeding!

To get even more from these photopolymer stamps, make sure you pair them up with our Stamping Platforms for precision and even more detail.

How many sets are available?

In the initial launch of Collage, we're releasing six sets of stamps, which include:

Let Your Spirit Soar - a beautiful, butterfly-themed set with script background pieces and ink splatters
Heartfelt Wishes - a floral set of stamps with birthday and 'thank you' sentiments - perfect for every day projects
Feathered Friend - a sweet bird-themed set with wood and grainy textures, and floral embellishments
Cherish Every Moment - a great mix of rose embellishments, swirling filigrees, grungy textures and every day sentiments
Born To Fly - a bird in flight-themed set that includes a musical score background piece, plus feather and paint splash elements
Beautiful Peony - an on-trend peony set with a host of sentiments, filigrees and sentiments, as well as gorgeously detailed peonies

What can you do with the Collage stamps?

While the main idea behind Collage is to mix and match, and produce artistic collages effortlessly, there are a whole host of other ways to incorporate them into your work!

These stamps are ideal for mixed media work, thanks to the incredible texture that they create. You can use them with Distress Inks for a weathered look, pair them up with 3D embellishments for even more depth or experiment with different materials to layer up.

Photopolymer stamps also work perfectly with fabric inks, so you can add stunning details to your needlework projects or customise a piece of fabric to your tastes.

We absolutely love the background element stamps from each set and our favourite way to use them is to stamp on to blank card, then die-cut from the background piece. You're left with a crisp shape and a unique finish - just imagine a butterfly with the print of a musical score across its wings!

Like most stamps, you can use Collage to heat emboss. The Spectrum Noir Opaque Pigment Inkpads will work perfectly to give you a shiny, enamel-like finish, or you can simply use clear embossing powder on its own for a raised look.

There are so many more ways to use these stamps - it just takes a bit of experimenting! Take a look through this little gallery to see what inspiration strikes.

We hope that you're as excited as we are for the launch of Collage! We absolutely can't wait to see how you use these stamps, so make sure you grab your favourite set and show us how you create your collages by sharing photos with us on Facebook UK, Facebook USA,  Twitter, Instagram UK, Instagram US, Pinterest UK or Pinterest US using the hashtag #crafterscompanion,