Rubber Stamping

Rubber stamping is a fun and effective way for adding text and pictures to your projects. With only a few basic tools you can create stunning pieces. Although the image is made for you how you use it is entirely up to you. Experiment with different papers for different effect, use vellum for stain glassed effects, or acetate and even Mulberry paper. We will share a few ideas with you but have a play and see what you can do!!

Choosing an ink pad

There are a many different ink pads and each have their own uses and are suitable for different techniques

Dye based Pads - These are fast drying and come in a variety of colours, these are ideal for stamping an image or text which can then be coloured with chalks, pencils etc.

Pigment Pads - These are an ink that takes a little longer to dry which make them suitable for embossing, or they can just be allowed to dry. Again these come in a rainbow of colours

Embossing pads - These contain a clear or slightly tinted slow drying ink, which allows you to add embossing powder for a raised effect

Watermark Pads - These pads provide a subtle transluscent image, ideal for creating backgrounds, as well as adding interest to coloured paper.

All ink pads should be raised pads to allow you to use them on any size of rubber stamps. These inks are also available in pen form for more careful colouring of your stamp.

To keep you ink pad in best condition always clean your stamp when changing colour, and store you pads upside down and level.

Starting to Stamp

When you have choosen your stamp and pad you are ready to go, to ensure you get an even coverage on your stamp it is best to lay your stamp down with the image facing up and tap the ink pad on to it. This way you can see all the image is covered. New stamps may need a bit of breaking in to ensure they will take the ink evenly
When you are happy with the coverage press the stamp down with firm even pressure, do not rock your stamp or your image will not be crisp.
You now have a lovely image to layer, colour and use.

Embossing your image

To create a raised effect on your image you need embossing powder (available in a rainbow of colours ) and a heat source. Choosing your heat source is important, people have embossed using light bulbs and even toasters but both image and crafter run the risk of burns, therefore it is best to invest in a craft heat tool. Although these look like a hairdryer, you can not use a hairdryer to emboss as they blow the powder away.


To emboss you need to stamp your image with a pigment pad, embossing pad or even a watermark pad. Once stamped cover the image with the embossing powder of your choice. Gently tap the excess powder off on to a piece of paper (so it can be tipped back in the the pot) You may also want to brush any little specks off with a clean paint brush. Once you have done this you are ready to add the heat. When using the heat tool remember to move the tool around to ensure all the powder is heated, keep doing this until the powder melts and turn shiny.

It is as simple as, stamp, sprinkle, tap, heat and now you have a wonderful image.

Why not finish off you image with fine glitter, or chalks.

Cleaning your stamps

If you are using your stamps with different pads it is important to keep your pads clean, a special rubber stamp cleaner is available which is very good for cleaning your stamps. Never submerge your stamp in water as it will loosen the adhiesive, also ensure you dry your stamps carefully. Some inks will stain the rubber. It is also handy to keep a pot of alchol free baby wipes nearby as these are very good for cleaning stamps.

Tip of the day - If you wish to emboss on to high gloss cards you will often find that static holds specks of embossing powder that will spoil your design, so rub your card with a foot of a tight filled with talc before you stamp. Once the image has been embossed the residual talc can be wiped off.

Enjoy.

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