As a seasoned scrapbooker and card maker, I sometimes get asked exactly how to get into rubber stamping.  It is usually at a crop when a fellow scrapbooker sees me making a card.  So, I thought I would post a little information for the newbies or wannabes out there that are interested in rubber stamping.

There are several types of rubber stamps on the market.  They are broken down into mounted and unmounted stamps.  Mounted stamps come glued to a wood or plastic handle/block.  You literally just ink and stamp.  Unmounted stamps are similar to window clings, and have to be pressed onto an acrylic block to be used.  Both have their pros and cons.  It is a personal preference.  I actually have several of each type– just whatever catches my eye.

Rubber stamps come in a variety of sizes, shapes, designs, and types.  Don’t be afraid to look beyond the “normal” scrapbook and cardmaking stamps.  Take a look at teacher stamps, office supply stores, children’s craft sections, or even consider creating your own with items around the house.  Need a circle?  Find an everyday household item like a bottle cap.  Need a background design?  Try using a sponge or bubble wrap.

If you can think it, you can create it.

Depending on the type of ink medium and stamp you use, you can stamp on glass, metal, fabric, plastic, wood, and obviously paper.  You can even “stamp” using bleach, non-permanent markers, and paint.

A new trend right now is “inchie” designs.  You use a small stamp and stamp the image on a sheet of paper.  Cut the stamped image out to a 1″ x 1″ square and use it to decorate a card or scrapbook page.  Super easy and super cool.  You literally just need card stock, a stamp, ink pad, scissors and adhesive.  Round teacher stamps work great for inchie designs.

Want to have some stamping fun?  Use a non-permanent marker to apply color directly to the rubber stamp.  When the stamp is completely colored in, huff the stamp (like cleaning your glasses) and then press to the paper medium.  Use a stamp to make an embossed image.  Check out directions here and here.

The most important thing to remember is, if you plan on using your stamped projects or images in scrapbooks, make sure whatever ink medium you choose to stamp with is archival safe.

So, how do you stamp?

• Verify there is no dirty or old ink on your stamp.  If there is, use a stamp cleaner or baby wipe to clean the stamp.
• Ink the stamp evenly.  I suggest dabbing it on the stamp pad, rubbing it back and forth and dabbing again lightly.  Check the stamp to make sure it is completely inked.
• It is best to stamp on a hard surface.
• Hold the stamp level with your paper or medium, press straight down firmly.  Do not rock the stamp.  Apply even pressure.
• Remove the stamp straight up from the paper.
• Allow inked image to dry completely before proceeding.

This sponsored post was made possible by SheHeard. I have been compensated for my time and work on this campaign, however all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.