Which Craft UK

The Corn Exchange Upper Craft Gallery Doncaster, DN1 1QZ, United Kingdom, 01302 369666, info@whichcraftuk.co.uk

Basic Stamping

http://www.whichcraftuk.co.uk

21:29 07-Sep-2010


What is Decorative Rubber Stamping?
 
Rubber Stamping is a creative and fun way to make greeting cards, bookmarks, and a variety
of other craft projects by transferring artistic designs to almost any surface. There are many
techniques to choose from including stamp pads, markers and colored pencils. By applying
ink or paint to a stamp you can decorate just about anything from scrapbooks to T-shirts or
furniture, even walls!


What do I need to start stamping?
 
You can start stamping with very few supplies. Creative Rubber Stamping can be as simple
as making a selection from each of these basic categories: Stamps, Papers (or other surfaces),
Inks, Plus. The more stamp images you have to mix and match, the more the fun multiplies.
The Plus category of glitters, punches, scissors, etc. is optional but offers a variety of ways to
enhance your projects.

How can I get the best impression?

Choosing your stamps - The highest quality stamps will have carefully trimmed rubber and
foam mounting that will eliminate many problems with stray ink. Choosing stamps which are
deeply etched also helps to eliminate "edge marks".

Inking your stamps - Be sure to choose an ink appropriate to your stamp type. For wood-
mounted and cling rubber stamps, any ink formulated for stamping will work well. For Perfectly
Clear™ Stamps we prefer Versafine™ ink for a clean, complete impression. Ink your stamp
lightly. Tapping lightly on the pad many times will ensure good ink coverage while avoiding
the problem of inking the extra rubber or stamp mount. Pressing too firmly on the ink pad
causes ink to puddle under the stamp and produce uneven coverage.

Check your stamp - Always check to see that your stamp is well inked as desired before
stamping on to your paper or project.

Press firmly when stamping - Knowing that you have not inked the extra rubber or mount
of your stamp, you will want to press firmly over the whole design of your stamp. If your
image is very large, hold the stamp securely steady with one hand and press firmly over the
whole design with the other hand. Perfectly Clear™ Stamps need less pressure than rubber
stamps.

Don't rock the stamp - The best impressions will be achieved when you stamp straight down,
hold the paper down, and lift the stamp straight up. Rocking the stamp side to side can produce
a blurred or double image.

What is the difference between dye, pigment and craft ink?
                        
Dye inks are water based, non-toxic, washable, and many are child safe. Dye inks are trans-
parent and will blend easily and dry quickly on most matte and glossy papers, but will run if
wet again. Dye inks do fade. Dye inks do not work well on clear stamps.

Pigment inks are water/glycerin-based, acid free, non-toxic, fade resistant and more opaque
than dye inks. Pigments are not easily washed out of clothing. Pigments will not dry on glossy
or non-porous papers without embossing. Once embossed they are permanent and can be
safely watercolored. Their slow drying property makes pigments ideal for heat embossing.
Pigment ink is available in pads and markers.

Craft inks are acrylic based ink, acid free, non-solvent based, non-toxic and water soluble until
completely dry or heat set. Once dry you can safely watercolor over them. You can use them
on fabric, wood, paper mache, foam, leather and a variety of other surfaces.

Permanent inks are solvent-based and require special cleaners to remove from the rubber.
They will be permanent and water-resistant on most non-porous surfaces. They are quick
drying and are ideal for stamping on glass, plastic, metal and fired ceramic pieces


What difference does the paper make?

Papers are available in many colors, textures, sizes, and decorative shapes. Some papers
are acid free and safe to use with photos for archival quality albums. Stamping on smooth
glossy papers will show off the brightest marker color impressions. Stamping on matte papers
that are soft or textured give a look that is enhanced by colored pencils or watercoloring.
Embossing metallic colors on dark papers is elegant. The primary concern with paper is
whether or not you are using the correct ink. Glossy or coated papers such as velllum and
acetate will not work well with pigment inks like Versafine™ and Versacolor™. You will need
to use a permanent ink on these surfaces like StazOn™. Versafine is perfect for use on more
porous papers and will give you a clear, crisp image which can be watercolored when dry.
Versacolor and Versamark™ are stickier, wetter inks that work well to hold embossing powder
on a page to allow time for heat setting.

If you have a question about a particular ink/paper combination, just email our experts at info@whichcraftuk.co.uk.


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