How to Rubber Stamp a Cardboard Coaster

Make a good impression with rubber stamps

Rubber stamping is part of "scrapbooking", and it is also an art form in itself. Rubber stamping is a fairly simple craft to undertake, and it requires very little equipment. Although it takes practice to get a good impression of the stamp, children can also learn how to rubber stamp. If you're hosting a party, you can create custom-stamped cardboard coasters for drinks. These custom coasters make a great addition to the party theme and also make good place-holders at the table.

Things You'll Need

• 1 to 3 rubber stamps
• Embossing powder
• Ink pad with embossing ink
• Cardboard coaster
• 10 pieces of paper that are the size of the coaster
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Hard cardboard
• Scissors
• Fabric softener sheet
• Cold laminating machine
• Glue stick
• Heat gun for embossing

Instructions

1. 

   Choose images that suit the person or the party

   Choose a theme for the coaster. This is especially important if you are designing the coasters for a theme party. For example, if you're creating coasters for a child's animal-themed birthday party, collect one to three rubber stamps that have animal images on them. Use your coaster-sized piece of paper to practice different layouts for the stamps until you find one or two layouts that are especially visually pleasing.

2. 

   Choose colored cardboard that matches your theme

   Measure the coaster and then trace it onto a piece of hard cardboard. The cardboard's color should match the desired ink color or the color of the embossing powder. Cut out the cardboard.

3. 

   Embossing adds a special touch to a coaster

   Wipe the cardboard with the laundry fabric sheet to remove excess static. Press your stamp lightly onto the stamp pad several times. Do not press heavily, since this will cause ink to pool. Turn the stamp over to ensure that it is completely covered with ink. Press the stamp directly downward onto the card and move it directly upward afterward to ensure that you create a clean stamp. Emboss the stamp, if desired. Embossing powder creates raised images on the coaster. To emboss, add a dusting of embossing powder on the stamped image. Tap the cardboard on end to remove any excess powder. Hold the heat gun about 6 inches from the paper until the image begins to look shiny and melted. Use the glue stick to paste the cardboard to the coaster. Press down gently.

4. 

   Lamination can damage the embossing

   If possible, laminate the coaster. A cold laminating machine sandwiches the coaster between two pieces of sticky, clear plastic. This allows you to wipe and reuse the coaster. Laminating will mean that your coaster will last longer and can be washed, but it will also reduce the effect of embossing. Embossed coasters that are for a single party should not be laminated.

References

• Stampendous: Tips and Techniques
• Scrapjazz: Heat Embossing Basics