Rubber Stamping 101
The basics
Stamps by Peddler's Pack
The bare necessities:
- Paper(s) and scratch paper
- Cutting utensils: X-Acto type knife and straight edge or scissors and paper cutter
- Stamps
- Dye or pigment pad(s)
- Colored pencils, watercolors, or ink pens of your choice
- Adhesive--glue or double-stick tape
- Stamp cleaning material: stamp cleaner, stamp scrubber, cleaning cloth
Make sure your rubber stamp is clean. Have a stable, hard surface upon which to stamp. If you have not used a particular rubber stamp before, stamp a piece of scrap paper first. Ink your stamp by pressing firmly and evenly on a dye pad, or tapping on a pigment pad. You can also color directly onto the rubber stamp with water-based markers to get a multi-color impression. Stamp straight down on the paper and press evenly, being careful not to rock the stamp. Rocking the stamp produces "back printing" or blurring.
If the stamp is large or has large solid areas, you may need to apply more pressure in the middle or on the corners. Sometimes with larger stamps it is easier to lay the stamp ink-side up, place the paper on the stamp and press evenly or carefully run a brayer over the paper-covered stamp.
With the above notes in mind:
- Lay out your supplies, including any embossing powder you may be using
- Ink your stamp
- Stamp your project paper
- Clean your stamp
- Color your stamped image with the media of your choice
- If desired, trim stamped paper and affix to other card stock
If you make a "mistake", use other elements to cover up or incorporate the stamping imperfection into your finished project. Color over with pens, pencils, watercolors or cover with another piece of paper, either a shape cut-out or a stamped saying or whatnot. Make your "mistakes" creative opportunities!
Caring for your Stamps
Stamps by Peddler's Pack
Not only will rubber stamps ease your creative pains, but when properly cared for, rubber stamps will last you many years.
Always clean your stamps when you are done using them. Use a stamp cleaner, a scrubber pad and blot dry on a paper towel. You may also use a soft toothbrush on your rubber stamps. Do NOT immerse your stamps in water. Immersing your stamps in water loosens the adhesive used on the mounting and they will start to fall apart. Unless you want to remount your stamps, use surface cleaning only. Remember to clean your stamps when changing ink colors so that you do not contaminate the colors in your ink pads.
Protect your stamps from extreme temperatures and dust. Store them indoors and away from direct sunlight, preferably in covered storage containers.
