 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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We have included some product ranges
and product links which we are currently featuring in our
shop, we have listed those
that you may be interested in.
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