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Vamp Stamp News is a monthly printed magazine.
You will find each issue packed with techniques, projects,
beautiful artwork, product news and information
for people who love the art of rubber stamping and paper crafts.

Upcoming VSN
Art Challenges

Monthly Themes & Challenges: Stamp on any theme that moves you or get inspired by one of the upcoming challenges (below). I am looking for a wide range of styles - funny, scenic, weird, cute (but nothing pornographic please.) VSN accepts both full-color artwork as well as black and white.

To maximize your chances of getting published, challenge related artwork is a good way to go! I also look for artwork that is created with interesting techniques, whether challenge related or not, as well as seasonal art that fits the issue month.

Artwork may be printed in an upcoming issue and/or in VSN's website Gallery.

Important: Artwork not sent using VSN Art Submission Specs cannot be considered for publication and will not be part of the monthly challenge drawing!

Apr '12 VSN Favorite Stamp Two Ways Challenge: Challenge yourself to use a favorite stamp to create two different projects. Don't just create the same card in different colors or arrangement — stretch yourself to use it differently!) Submit using Submission Specs at left. At least some major project elements must be stamped! (Artwork not sent using the specs cannot be considered for publication!) I will print as many as possible in the Apr '12 VSN and/or in VSN's Online Gallery. Three participant names will be drawn, each to win ten VSN back issues. Deadline: Receipt at VSN no later than 2/22/12.

May '12 VSN Stamps and Scraps Challenge: Challenge yourself to use scraps (paper, fibers, whatever you've got) in a stamped card or other project. Submit using Submission Specs at left. At least some major project elements must be stamped! (Artwork not sent using the specs cannot be considered for publication!) I will print as many as possible in the May '12 VSN and/or in VSN's Online Gallery. Three participant names will be drawn, each to win ten VSN back issues. Deadline: Receipt at VSN no later than 3/22/12.

Jun '12 VSN Stitched & Stamped Card Challenge: Challenge yourself to create a card that uses sewing in some way. Here we are looking for actual stitching with thread (or whatever) rather than faux sewing effects. At least some major project elements must be stamped! Include directions for technique(s) & art. Submit using Submission Specs at left. (Artwork not sent using the specs cannot be considered for publication!) I will print as many as possible in the Jun '12 VSN and/or in VSN's Online Gallery. Three participant names will be drawn, each to win ten VSN back issues. Deadline: Receipt at VSN no later than 4/23/12.

VSN Art Submission Specs

What is VSN Looking For: Stamp art, tips, techniques, convention reports, article proposals and/or requests, suggestions, complaints, kudos, questions and stamping news are all welcome.

There is no financial compensation for contributions. As a small thank you, anyone whose stamp art is published in VSN will receive an unmounted "VAMP STAMP ARTIST" stamp (one per stamper.) First time authors/reporters receive an unmounted "VAMP STAMP REPORTER" stamp (one per stamper.) Second time contributors receive a small unmounted stamp of my choice. Published stamp artists and writers of full articles also receive a complimentary copy of the issue with their published work. But the best part is that your stamp art or writing will be seen by thousands of stampers! It's fun!

 

Artwork Submission Specs: Artwork can be submitted either by sending the original artwork by mail (non-returnable) or by emailing a high quality 300 dpi tif file with additional required information. Please read the VSN Art Submission Specs booklet BEFORE submitting any artwork to VSN! This booklet is a Adobe Acrobat pdf file. If you need the most current version of the free Acrobat Reader software, you can download it from www.adobe.com

 

VSN Published Artists & Authors List:Want to see who has been published in VSN in the past? Click VSN Artist and Author List to open the Adobe Acrobat (pdf) file. If you need the most current version of the free Acrobat Reader software, you can download it from www.adobe.com

 

Stamp Room Challenge: In the July '00 VSN, I shared my stamping area with you and showed you how I store all my stamping related STUFF! We'd love to see YOUR stamp room. As an on-going challenge, VSN periodically highlights readers'stamp rooms.

If you have a nifty stamping area that you would like to share, please send photos. Photos can be of views of the stamp room and particular work areas, but also consider including photos of inside drawers, cabinets and shelves if they include organizational ideas that readers might find helpful.

Include descriptions highlighting what is seen in the photos and/or tell us about the best things about your stamp area. (Tell us what has NOT worked too!)

Include a floor plan if possible. (It doesn't have to be fancy or to scale - just something to help us visualize your stamping space.) If your stamp room is chosen, you will be able to pick any ten VSN back issues to be shipped to you compliments of VSN. I look forward to seeing your stamping space!

The Stamp Room Fine Print:

1) Send photos of your stamp area and/or drawer/storage interiors. (Note: Photos reproduce better if they are not really dark. Take your photos on a sunny day - Turn on some lights!) If you take digital photos, please include the actual digital files on PC formatted disk if possible. (This usually lets me get better final print quality than scanning photos originally printed on your home printer.)

2) Include descriptions and optionally a floor plan. Please include brand names and/or sources for storage items if possible.

3) PRINT your full name and address with your submission (printing helps me spell your name right!)

4) Deadline: This is an on-going Challenge so no specific deadline. By sending your photos, etc., you are giving VSN permission to publish it.

5) Include a self-addressed stamped post card if you want confirmation that packet is received or alternatively when it will be printed. If you ask to know when it will be printed, card will instead be returned when issue goes to the printer rather than when it is received at VSN.)

6) VSN is unable to return packets, so only send what you do not need returned.

 

Submitting Articles: Email me to have the VSN Article Guidelines Adobe Acrobat (pdf) file emailed to you.