How to Use Pastels in Stamping

There are many different ways to use your craft stamps, and pastels are just one of the many options. Typically, pastels have softer colors and work well for spring crafts or projects for infants and toddlers. If you've never worked with pastels in stamping before, follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Card stock
• Stamp
• VersaMark ink
• Pastels
• Pastel daubers

1. Pick your stamp. Since you're limited to either pastel applicators or pastel daubers, choose a simple design that will be easy to color in later.

2. Create the base with VersaMark ink. Coat your stamp in VersaMark ink, and then transfer the ink to your paper or card stock. The image will be subtle, like a watermark, and you'll use it as a coloring guide in the following steps.

3. Load your applicator with the pastel color of your choice, and then apply it directly to the stamped image. Dab the pastel lightly over the stamped surface. Then take a second or even a third color to fill in the rest of the stamp to fit your needs.

4. Get rid of any excess pastel. Dust may settle around the image, so simply tap the page a few times or blow on it gently to clean up the image.

Tips & Warnings

• You'll notice that the pastel adheres only to the areas that are stamped, so you don't have to worry about being precise with this project.