Using a Wreath Builder Template WITHOUT a Stamp Positioner

Making wreaths is easy with a template from Gina K Designs.  (HERE is a video showing how to use this tool.)

While it is easiest to use a wreath builder template with a stamp positioner (like the MISTI), it is possible to create wreaths and other circular patterns without one and still achieve the same result.  Anything that has (2) raised sides at a 90 degree angle (like a shoe box top, a cookie sheet, a frame, a Stamp-a-ma-jig, etc.) and a large, rectangular acrylic (or wood) block will work.

Here’s how to do it using a photo box lid:

1. Place your template in the corner of the box top.  (Once in place, the template cannot move.  Use tape to secure in place if desired.)  Place your card panel in the template in the square orientation (not diagonal/diamond orientation) to begin.  Place your first stamp on the card panel as desired.  (Place the stamp closer to the edge for a larger wreath or closer to the center for a smaller wreath.)

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2.  With your acrylic block squared/wedged in the corner of the box top, carefully lower the block to pick up the stamp.  It is important to keep the two sides of the block touching/wedged in the corner/two sides of the lid.

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3.  Remove the acrylic block with the stamp, and ink it up as desired.

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4.  With your acrylic block and inked stamp squared/wedged in the corner of the box top, carefully lower the block onto the card panel to stamp the image.  (Again, it is important to keep the two sides of the block touching/wedged in the corner/two sides of the lid as it was when you first picked up the stamp.)

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5.  Lift/remove the block. Rotate the card panel into the next position on the template.  (It’s now in the diamond orientation.)

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6.  Ink up the stamp again, and repeat the stamping.

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7.  Continue rotating the panel (now in the square orientation) and stamping the image…

…until you’ve done it 8 times in each of the positions on the template.

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8.  Remove the stamp from the block, add another stamp, and continue adding images to your panel as desired.  (Always start in square orientation when adding another stamp.)

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As I said, it is easier to use a stamp positioner, but if you don’t have one, you can still create beautiful wreaths with a wreath builder template.

(The stamps used to create the wreath on the card above are from the “Wildflower Garden” stamp set from Altenew.)

Thanks for checking out my tutorial.