Stacy's Stamp & Stencil
Ideas and Tips
These are great rubber stamp and stencil tips that I have picked up from friends, family, stamp stores, classes and other home pages dedicated to stamping and stenciling...
STAMPS....
There are thousands of stamps to choose from. Some of the categories are seasonal, floral, teacher, animals, winter, message, kitchen and the list goes on.
There are two types of rubber backing: Wood or Foam backed. They both stamp the same, the foamed back stamps are usually sold in sets and the wood backed stamps come both individually and in sets. The foam backed are also less expensive.
One stamp can be used for many occasions. You can mix and match message and picture stamps for lots of different themes including a nature theme for example.
Start small if you don't want to invest a lot of money right away, build your collection slowly. Start with the basics; floral and happy birthday for example. If you consider the cost of greeting cards and the versatility of rubber stamps they really aren't that expensive.
STAMP CARE....
Your stamps will last a very long time if taken care of:
1. Clean between color changes and when finished stamping.
2. Store them rubber side down to avoind dust collection and avoid heat or cold.
3. Use a damp paper towel for a basic cleaner and if more is needed, a squirt of ammonia free windex, for example, can be added. Do not use ammonia or alcohol, they will dry the rubber out and it won't hold the pigment. The cleaner sold for stamps is very handy, has a scrubber top for the stubborn pigment, and does last a long time.
STAMP PADS....
Water Based: Easy clean up, felt pad, absorbs into paper and dries faster, and the pad is flush with the box.
Pigment Ink: Brighter thicker ink, dries slowly, excellent for use with embossing powder, has a raised sponge pad which makes it easier to use on bigger stamps, is a bit harder to clean and more expensive than the water based ink pads.
Both come in assorted sizes, have lots of color choices, are reinkable and come in rainbow pads. Store your water based ink pads flat and face down to keep the ink to the surface.
Some rainbow pads will bleed and that is to be expected. If you don't like this soft edged rainbow effect, the pigmented ink rainbow pads will give you the look you like.
For longer ink life some people keep their ink pads in the refrigerator.
PAPER....
Matte and glossy papers are available, in all sizes.
Matte paper absorbs some inks faster. The glossy paper allows the ink to sit on top of the paper, therefore, taking longer to dry and sometimes tends to smear. However, the color is brighter and is easier to emboss with water based inks.
Any paper can be used, paper bags, art, tracing, and butcher papers are just a few examples.
STAMPING....
Always work on practice paper so you can try things as you go. Any paper will work like typing paper, copier rejects etc.
Fully ink your stamp and try on practice paper to make sure it is full of ink and you've gotten all your edges before stamping on your good paper. Press firmly, but not too hard and don't wiggle, to get the best image.
COLOR SCHEMES AND ADDING COLOR....
Use your color wheel. Choose the colors that give the feeling that you are looking for. Do not be afraid to experiment.
Markers: Gives a bright color to your designs. There are many different kinds to choose from. They can be used for coloring in already stamped images or using right on the rubber stamp for a multicolor look.
Colored Pencils: Gives a soft elegant look. Does not work well on glossy paper.
Chalk: Apply with a brush or your finger to give a soft look.
Watercolor: Use as normal, watercolor pencils can also be used. Use a heavier paper to prevent your paper from buckling.
ADDING SPARKLE....
Glitter Glue: Glue with glitter in it, apply and let dry.
Glitter: Dry, apply glue to areas you want it then dust on glitter.
Embossing Powder: Some of the embossing powders contain glitter.
Metallic Pens: Just apply the color, comes in gold and silver.
Foil: Comes in rolls. Apply foil adhesive, let dry, then press on foil strip, dull side down and pull off.
LIQUID APPLIQUE....
Comes in a wide assortment of colors. It goes on like colored glue, is heated and as it dries will puff up. Good for texture. You can add glitter before heating to give sparkle, and marker over it after it had dried to enhance the colors.
EMBOSSING POWDER....
The most popular technique. Powders come in different colors and you will need special embossing ink. Stamp a wet image to your paper. Pour powder over the wet image and tap off the excess. Heat with heat gun to melt the powder. Leave as is or color in with your favorite colors.
IMPORTANT EMBOSSING TIP....
If you don't have a heat gun, a toaster or iron will work. Make sure that you hold the paper over the toaster and do not put the paper in the toaster. The paper will burn. Most hair dryers will not get hot enough and will blow the powder off.
LIGHTBOX EMBOSSING TECHNIQUE....
To begin embossing, position your template on light source (either a lightbox or window) and tape it into place. Next, position your item to be embossed over the template. You may want to tape your item to the light source so it won't move.
Using your Embossing Tool, apply pressure and move the tool along the cutout edges of the stencil. If you are embossing letters or numbers or anything that won't work as well in one direction as the other, remember to turn the template wrong side up and do everything backwards. Remember that you are to work on the wrong side of the paper.
MAKING YOUR OWN LIGHTBOX....
It is very easy to make a lightbox of your own. You will need a light source, such as a flexible lamp, a piece of glass (be sure to tape the edges to avoid cutting yourself) or plexiglass. Stack books or other objects to hold up each end of the glass. Tape a piece of lightweight paper over the glass to act as a diffuser. the glass should be high enough so your light source can fit underneath.
If you have any great tips or ideas that you would like to share, Email me at stampink@hotmail.com. I will add your name and tip to the list.
Many of these tips and ideas are from a pamphlet that I picked up at the Park Drug gift store in Park Rapids, MN
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