Arguably the most common source of frustration for a stamper is an imperfectly stamped image. Sometimes the image is incomplete because the stamp was not fully inked or pressed down evenly. Sometimes the image is blurry because the stamp wobbled. Sometimes the image is perfect but its location or position is not-for example, a sentiment slanted uphill. Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig is a great way to minimise frustration and turn all those frowns upside down.
The Stamp-a-ma-jig typically consists of two parts: the positioner and the plate or imaging sheet. The positioner is typically a T-shape that forms a right angle. There's also a transparent square of acetate (imaging sheet) that fits into the positioner's right angle. As illustrated, the positioner physically guides the stamp's placement – first on the stamping imaging sheet to determine the desired impression location and then on the actual project.
How the Stamp-a-ma-jig works
1. Slide the imaging sheet into the crook of the positioner
2. Ink the stamp, align it with the crook, and gently bring it straight down to impress the image on the imaging sheet
3. Lift the stamp to reveal its image on the imaging sheet and then remove the positioner
4. Slide the imaging sheet over the project until the stamped image is in the desired location
5. Bring back the positioner to cradle the plate as in Step 1
6. Holding the positioner in place, remove the imaging sheet
7. Re-ink the stamp and place it in the crook of the positioner to stamp the project
8. Lift the stamp and then remove the positioner to reveal the image placed exactly where desired on the project
Finished project
TIPS:
- Be careful not to throw away the transparent imaging sheet – its often made of acetate that can be mistaken for packaging
- When using a Stamp-a-ma-jig that comes with an acetate imaging sheet, stamp on the rough side of the acetate
- If a project requires solvent ink, stamp the imaging sheet with classic ink before switching to solvent ink for the project. (the cleaners required to remove these inks can permanently "cloud" the imaging sheet)
- Any transparent materials can be used as a replacement imaging sheet, provided it has at least two adjoining sides that form a right angle
- When stamping a small item, temporarily adhere it to the work surface to prevent it from migrating while moving the imaging sheet or positioner
- Alight the long end of the stamp block with the long end of the positioner for the most stability
- After stamping an image with a clear or photoploymer stamp on the imaging sheet do not reposition the stamp on its acrylic block; otherwise, the image placement on the project will not be as expected
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