Card Making Ideas - Rubber Stamp Techniques

Rubber stamps can be used for all kinds of craftsstamp directly onto the card itself.
and not just for card making. They are fun and easyRubber stamps are a great investment as they will
to use and will add a professional touch to yourlast a lifetime and can be used for all your card
cards.making ideas, scrapbooking, childrens crafts and even
Having a good range and variety of different themedschool projects.
stamps means you will have the opportunity ofIf you are using your stamps for embossing, once
creating a card for almost any occasion.the image has been stamped sprinkle the embossing
The most common type of stamp available is thepowder over the image and gently tap the excess
wooden mounted stamp. These stamps are normallyoff. It does not matter how much you pour on as
mounted on beech wood with the image clearlyany excess can be kept and re used.
printed on the top so you can see exactly whereTo emboss the image you need to use a heat gun,
and what you are stamping.hold the heat gun approximately 2 inches away from
If you have carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis try tothe image and try not to over emboss the image.
choose a stamp that has grooves along the side andAlways take care when using a heat gun.
is wood mounted as this will possibly make it easierThe cost of stamps can vary in price. Smaller ones
to work with.will probably cost around $5 and the larger ones can
When inking your stamp it is important to lay yourcost anything from $10 - $25 depending on the detail
stamp on a table and place the ink pad over theof the image itself.
image using lots of light tapping, this way you will beA stamped image can be used in so many ways, you
able to see your area of coverage.can decoupage it, colour it with gel pens, water
When you stamp the image onto the paper place thepencils, use as a background, add embellishment and
stamp ink side down and press firmly. Keep one handso on.
on the stamp and use the other to press all aroundOne of the tips I have found when purchasing rubber
the edges of the stamp to leave a clear and crispstamps is to check the depth of the rubber, this is
image.important because the more depth the better the
You can then cut the image out and mount it ontoimage quality will be and accordingly the more detail it
your card using 3D foam or alternatively you canwill show.