If you are looking for a craft that you can learn, stamping is a good option that you can take into consideration. Stamping, as a paper craft, has attracted the attention of many people these days, and for a good reason. In fact, we see more supplies available that can keep you busy. To start your very own craft, here are some things that you need to learn regarding the art of stamping.
Get Started
To get started, there are two things that need to be prepared. For one, you need a space that, if possible, is solely for your craft. It is quite difficult if your tools for the craft are all over the place. Being organized will help you become an effective artist in this craft.
Aside from the space, you can also prepare a portable and sizeable storage box that you can easily move around and prepare when you are ready to start with your craft. A storage box will provide you with a place where you can place everything that you need each time your creative strikes in. Some who started with stamping use organizers with wheels that can be moved from one place to another, or one that can be taken outdoors if needed.
Basic Materials
Among the most basic recommendations on materials include the following:
- Inks
- Paper
- Paper snips
- Adhesive
- Stamp set
- Neutral ink pad
- Notecards and envelopes
Steps to Follow
Here are some tips and steps for you to follow in order to create amazingly stamped images every time you do stamping.
- Prepare the stamps
Preparing your stamps include sanding them lightly using a pumice stone. This will provide the ink with a measure of texture, which helps it to stick well. They can be reconditioned whenever you notice that it is not sticking properly. This is particularly important for bigger stamps with a lot of flat surfaces. This should also be done for clear and rubber stamps.
- Prepare a foam mat
A foam mat can be used for your stamping. This mat can be placed under the paper, and it gives a crisp, nice image. A foam stamping mat is also effective in preventing smudge that is usually associated with ink, especially on the edges of the rubber. It is the foam that gives the stamp, while the image that results from it is crisp. You may use a piercing mat and foam craft pads that can be purchased from a craft store.
- Select the right ink
It is very important to pay attention to the type of ink that you will use for a specific surface that you are stamping on in order to achieve clear and crisp images, making sure that they will not smear or smudge. For instance, inks that are dye-based works really well for crafts, though some opt for pigment ink when stamping on glass or tile.
- Ink your stamp completely
It is often a good idea to test a stamp on a scrap paper, especially if it is your first time to use it. While doing so, make sure to check the rubber side after inking it up. It is important to push the ink firmly right into the ink pad, looking to see whether the ink has already covered the entire stamp. For bigger surfaces, it is helpful to get a brayer in order to cover the entire stamp surface fully.
- Avoid rocking your stamp
Make sure that your stamp is positioned straight down, applying even pressure while lifting the stamp right back straight up. Make sure that the stamp does not get rocked up as you make the image. By rocking it, the ink may go to the edges of the rubber, and transfers on the paper. This will result in a halo of ink that is annoying to the eyes when the stamps are lifted.
- Use the tools well
A reason why you have purchased your tools is for you to make those amazing cards, use them well. Make sure that they are readily available in your workspace all the time so that you will not forget that you have them. This is one of the reasons why having a storage box is a helpful thing to do. Make sure that your rubber surface has been fully inked with a brayer.
- Maintain your stamps well
Maintenance of your stamps includes making sure that they are always cleaned and properly stored. This can be done by using a cleaner and a scrubber that is specifically designed to clean them as soon as you use them. There are containers recommended for their storage, away from harmful elements.
Conclusion
As you continue to learn the art of stamping, you will learn some tricks and tips. Later on, you will realize that you have already created perfect images. You can create projects and cards that you can proudly give to your loved ones.
