Getting Started with Card Making - Episode 4 - Basic Stamping Technique

Basic Stamping Technique

Previously I shared with you “The Ins and Outs of Inking”  you can read about it HERE.  Today we’re talking about Basic Stamping Technique.

 

Acrylic Blocks

Because photopolymer stamps and rubber cling stamps aren’t attached to wooden blocks (like your traditional rubber stamps), you’ll need a block to attach them to in order to use them for stamping.

Acrylic blocks go with cling stamps the way that ice-cube trays go with ice-cubes. One is crucial to the other. Acrylic blocks are reusable and come in a variety of sizes to choose from. Just peel your photopolymer or cling stamp off of the acetate piece it came on and stick it onto the acrylic block. It will stick similarly to how a window gel-stick holiday decoration sticks to your window – effortlessly and easy to peel off. The stamp and block can both be used time and time again.

What is the best stamping technique?

The technique depends on the tools you’re using. The general rule for stamping is to evenly apply ink to your stamp – not to put your stamp into your ink. The ink should be applied in an even manner – not too thin, but also not caked on (this could result in bleeding or smearing). After applying your ink, or inking, press the stamp onto your paper of choice, in the position that you’d like, and press down firmly without rocking the stamp back and forth. Firm, even pressure will usually result in a much better-stamped image than rocking, which can cause smears and uneven printing.

Tips for stamping with Photopolymer Stamps.

Photopolymer stamps are different from Cling Mount Stamps, you will notice they’re see through and they don’t have any foam attached.  Because of this it is highly recommended that you use a Stamping Mat under your cardstock to when applying your stamped image to ensure perfect coverage every time.

Piercing Stamping Mat 126199

Challenge

My challenge for you is to grab your stamp set and ink and start practicing inking and stamping your images onto a scrap piece of paper or cardstock, using the techniques I have shared with you today.

Sometimes despite all your persuasions you’re not going to get a perfectly crisp image, some areas of your image may not be as dark as others, that’s where having a tool like a stamparatus and the double stamping technique may come in handy.  That’s something I will be covering in  a future episode.
Next we will talk about Cardstock – what features should you be looking for when purchasing your cardstock and what weighted cardstock do I use and for when.

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