How to Color with Ink – Video Tutorial

June 7, 2011 at 3:15 pm (How To Videos, Tips and Tricks)
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We are excited to introduce to you one of our favorite techniques for coloring in designs made with clear hobby rubber stamps! It only uses pigment ink and water. With a small brush, you are set to color to your hearts content with fabulous results every time. To watch this video simply click on the play icon and you will be directed to You Tube where you can sit back and learn a fun new technique!

Happy Stamping!

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5 Ways to Add Color To Rubber Stamping Crafts

January 5, 2009 at 6:06 pm (Embellishing Tips, Tips and Tricks)
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 Adding color can bring a stamped image to life. That said there are many different ways of adding color to your rubber stamping projects. Depending on the finish you desire your choice ranges from the subtle hints of color chalks provide to the vibrant colors of marking pens. The type of coloring method you choose will influence the overall feel of the finished project.

Chalks or Pastels – Chalks are available in a wide range of colors and shades. They are ideal for adding delicate color to rubber stamping crafts. Chalks can be applied with a stiff paint brush, Q-tip, eye make up applicator, or simply used like a crayon and then brushed away. Experiment with the different application tools to find your preference. You may find that one brand of pastels is harder than others. The softer they are the easier it is to use a brush for application.

 Markers – Marker pens are ideal for coloring rubber stamped images as the bold colors give a vibrant finish to stamped crafts. Marker pens can easily be used to color stamps before stamping the image providing a simple way to stamp an image with multiple colors.

Glitter – Glitter glues are easy to use and very versatile. Glitter can add a glimmer to snow, a sparkle to water, or a ray of sunshine. Glitter can also be used on double sided tape for a different effect.

 Colored Pencils – Colored pencils are a handy way to add color to your rubber stamped images. With colored pencils it is simple to add shadow, fine detail or a background aura. You have the choice of coloring bold vivid colors or using light tantalizing stokes. Test this technique to find what you like best.

Color with Inks – Pigment inks are a quick and easy way to add color to your rubber stamped images. You can always be sure that the colors you use will match all stamped elements. Ink can be applied a couple of ways. Trial and error will help you choose your favorite method. Ink a make-up applicator, then mist it lightly with water and color in as with chalks. Ink a make up sponge, and color in the rubber stamped image using it dry or moist for different results.

By exploring the world of color in your stamping hobby, you will more fully realize your creative potential as you design satisfying works of art.

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10 Things you can do with Alphabet Rubber Stamps

October 14, 2008 at 6:54 pm (Tips and Tricks)
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Often alphabet stamps are purchased for their versatility in creating any sentiment or scrapbook title, however, your alphabet rubber stamps can add as much fun and dimension to your projects and any image stamps. Consider the possibilities.

  1. Stamped Background Theme Paper - Choose three letters, usually ‘A’, ‘B’, & ‘C’ or ‘X’, ‘Y’, & ‘Z’ and stamp these letters randomly in two or three different colors. This will create an interesting background in your stamping projects. To see a photo of this technique click here and scroll down to the clear stamping theme paper design.
  2. Fabric Letter boxes – Choose a checkered fabric, then stamp letters into the squares as you desire. You can spell out words or just make an alphabet design to embellish your scrapbook designs.
  3. Stamped Monograms - Stamping tags for any purpose with initials can easily identify items belonging to that person. Consider a stamped luggage tag, backpack tags or a small zipper pull tag. Choose the materials carefully as paper does not hold up as well as something like wood will under heavy use.
  4. Create stamped alphabet borders – this can be done simply and easily with a set of clear alphabet stamps. a scalloped edge and a long clear block. Place the scalloped edge on the block and begin placing the letters in the correct order along the edge of the scallop. Space the letters evenly for the best results. The finished result is a wavy, alphabet border that is fun to use on kindergarten and preschool pages.
  5. Stamp Personalized Stationery – There is something special about seeing your name on a pad of paper or a key chain. It makes it personal. With the diversity of names of those around us, alphabet stamps are the perfect way to be sure anyone can have personalized stationery or notepads to use.
  6. Rubber Stamped Ransom Note Lettering – Mix and match letter styles in a single project to create a fun ransom note lettering technique or background.
  7. Hardware Store Treasures – Stamp a large letter onto a paint chip, laminate chip, wallpaper sample or other hardware store treasures for a unique, yet personalized touch.
  8. Stamped Sentiment Ribbon – Stamp a sentiment using your alphabet stamps onto ribbon to embellish your scrapbook and card making designs.
  9. Personalized Page Pebbles - Stamp initials or create words by stamping letters onto page pebbles. Be sure to use a staz-on ink so it does not smudge.
  10. Alphabet Shadows - Ink a Q-tip in a darker shade to add shadows to your stamped letters. A dark brown is also a good color choice for this technique. You will find it adds dimension as well as interest to your letters. Shadows can also be created by simply stamping the letter twice, with the second impression slightly to one side of the original impression. Experiment to see what you like best.

No matter the technique used, alphabet stamps are a valued addition to any scrapbooker or card maker’s library. There are many styles and types of alphabets available that are fun to use and enjoy. Check them out today!

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One Dozen Surfaces You Can Stamp On

October 13, 2008 at 2:39 pm (Stamped Craft Ideas, Tips and Tricks)
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Rubber stamping is a fun and creative hobby which is not limited to scrapbooking and card making alone. To broaden your stamping vision consider stamping on anything. A few ideas are included here.

  1. Stamp on Paper – use cardboard, cardstock, textured paper, glossy paper etc. Each type of paper can give you a different result. As you experiment with paper types, you will come to know which ones you like best.
  2. Stamp on cloth – add small stamped images to squares in checkered cloth or create a patterned design by stamping on a solid color fabric. Use the fabric in strips and embellish your projects the same as you would with ribbon, or use the fabric as a background for your design.
  3. Stamp on stationery - letter writing has largely been replaced with emails and other electronic means of communication but for that extra special note or thank you, create your own stationery with your rubber stamps.
  4. Stamp on wood – there are lots of little wooden boxes, wooden letters, even Popsicle sticks that can be painted and decorated with stamped images. Be sure to let the craft paint dry thoroughly before stamping and use ink that will not bleed if it gets wet particularly if kids will be handling the project once it is complete. Stamped wooden letters can add great effects to scrapbook pages and other projects.
  5. Stamp on Chipboard – chipboard to me, is best described as the carboard a jig saw puzzle is mounted on. It is a stiff yet solid cardboard. Chipboard can be purchased as a prefinished embellishment or as something you can decorate yourself. Try using the unfinished chipboard for a stamping surface. Add stamped designs or emboss on the shape to prepare it as an embellishment for your stamping creations.
  6. Stamp on Notebooks – Most dollar stores have a huge variety of little notebooks one can choose from. To stamp on a notebook, choose one with a plain cover, or a mostly plain cover. You may stamp on paper and secure it to the front of the notebook, stamp on the cover itself to create a patterned effect, or even consider cutting out a square in the front and securing a photo or stamped image in behind for a framed look. These little notebooks make great journals or keepsakes to record special memories and thoughts.
  7. Stamp on napkins – whether the napkin is cloth or paper, napkins can be a lot of fun to stamp on. To create a napkin similar to those that are embossed for special occasions, simply stamp your image in the corner. You may even want to add a date or sentiment. Be sure your ink will not run if it gets wet – it would be embarrassing to have a guest use a napkin that left stamping ink on his or her face.
  8. Stamp on dried out Wet Wipes – wet wipes provide a creative stamping surface. If you tear one you will get a unique edge. Stamping on it will add to the uniqueness of your design. Experiment and see what you like.
  9. Stamp on Transparencies – this is a fun way to make windows in your projects, or just add a different look. Once again, select your ink for the surface, as you don’t want it to smudge.
  10. Stamp on picture frames - a wide wooden picture frame is best for this. Embellish it’s plainness by stamping a variety of designs on the frame. Enhance your stamping with buttons, twigs, ribbons, stones, shells or anything else you have on hand that will add to the look and feel of your project. Add a photo and you have a great personalized gift.
  11. Stamp on corrugated Cardboard – Tear cardboard from a box in roughly the size and shape you desire for your project. Let some of the corrugated ribs show as you do so. Stamp on the cardboard and use it as either a focal point in your scrapbook page or as a background mat for a photo or other memorabilia. This is an especially fun technique for pages themed on activities that use a lot of boxes – particularly moving to a new home.
  12. Stamp on Silk flower petals – This is a great way to add more interest to a floral theme. To learn how and see completed projects using silk flower rubber stamping techniques simply click here or visit http://www.clearlyrubberstamping.com/flower-stamping

No matter the surface you choose, rubber stamping remains a versatile craft with lots of possibilities for finished creations and looks. Not only is it a fun hobby, but it is easy and the results are unique and satisfying.

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See Through Stamping – A great way to add texture to stamped creations!

June 20, 2008 at 7:28 pm (Cards)
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See Through Element - Drywall Mesh

Mesh!  Tulle!  Fibre!  String!  The list goes on.  Each of these elements have tiny holes or spaces in them.  See through Stamping is basically choosing one see through element, securing it to your page or stamping surface and then stamping over it.  Be sure to apply even pressure so the ink will spread evenly through the holes and spaces.  When you are done stamping your design, simply remove the see through element and you will be left with little lines, circles, spaces etc in your stamped design.  See through stamping – a great way to add texture to stamped creations!

 http://www.clearlyrubberstamping.com/tulle-tool

 

 

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