Rubber Stamping Supplies Crafty Tip

Basic Stamping Tips

Inking your stamps - In all but a few cases, you will get a better image if you tap the surface of your stamp with the ink pad, rather than pushing the stamp onto the pad. Foam pads will "give" too much and you will get ink on the portions of the stamp which are not raised, and too much ink on the raised parts which could transfer smudges onto your project. With both large and small pads, you will be able to see that the surface is well covered without being "gloppy." Then, press the stamp with even pressure (do not rock the stamp) down onto the paper and remove quickly. Always replace "hats" and lids to prevent drying out.

Direct to Paper techniques - Going direct to paper with your stamp pads and then using make up foam applicators to smudge/spread the ink creates a nice, multi-colored background. You can also pick up ink with the foam pad or with a stipple brush directly from the pad and then apply to the paper.

Using portions of your stamp - Sometimes you may want to use just a portion of a stamp. You can ink just that portion, or use a paper mask to protect any other stamped images. Use paper masks or low tack stencil tape to mask off the area not needed, this can also help you create background and foreground effects.

Embossing with Clear Embossing Powder - When you want to preserve the color of the pigment ink you have selected, use a clear embossing powder. As soon as you have stamped your image, cover it with clear embossing powder, use a spare clean sheet of paper to catch the excess powder & pour the excess back into bottle and tap the paper to remove any excess grains. Use a heat gun to melt the embossing powder, in a slow movement, being careful not to over heat the image. A large folded piece of paper can catch any excess and you can then funnel the remainder into the bottle.

Happy stamping...