Things You'll Need:
- Rubber stamps
- Colored pencils (optional)
- Markers (optional)
- Watercolors (optional)
- Pigment ink
- Solvent ink
- Stamp cleaner
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Step 1
Choose the type of rubber stamp you need for your project. If you are stamping an image that you intend to fill in with colored pencils, markers or watercolors, buy a stamp with a very detailed image. If you are using the stamp for titles on a scrapbook page or poster display, choose one with less detailing or just an outline image. If the stamp is for wall decor or stamping on tiles, choose a solid shape because it is easier to stamp a solid image on porous surfaces. Stampin Up! and Close to My Heart are online rubber stamp clubs that offer all types of rubber stamps. You can also buy rubber stamps at craft stores such as Joann's or Michaels.
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Step 2
Decide which stamp mount you want to buy. Most stamps are purchased as two separate items--the rubber stamp image and the stamp mount. The most common mounts are wood and acrylic. The wood mount is a block of wood that has been sanded and the sides are curved so it is easy to grip. You attach the rubber stamp to the wood block with glue or adhesive for a permanent mount. The acrylic mounts are clear, square blocks so you can see the image you are stamping. Acrylic mounts do not require the rubber stamp to be permanently adhered.
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Step 3
Pick an ink for your project. The two main types are water-based pigment-dye inks and solvent inks. Water-based pigment inks are best used for stamping on paper or fabric and come in over 50 colors. Solvent inks are used for stamping on glass, tile or any slick and glossy surface because the chemicals in them dry quickly to prevent smears.
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Step 4
Choose the pens or pencils you want for your project. Markers should be archival quality, specifically for rubber stamps if your project is a scrapbook layout or something you plan to keep long term. For cards, school posters or gift tags, you can use any generic marker. Colored pencils can also be used and you should choose pencils with a watercolor feature. Prism makes an artist-quality watercolor pencil that works well with stamped images.
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Step 5
Buy a cleaner specifically manufactured for use with rubber stamps. Stamp cleaners have chemicals designed to condition the rubber so they will last longer. Any store that sells rubber stamps will also sell the cleaners.
