Because of a renewed interest in rubber stamps and rubber stamp projects, both with the public and within the crafting industry, Carol decided it was time to discuss how to mount your own. This is a popular way to go for many stampers because of the financial savings...in many cases as much as 50 percent. One of the drawbacks is that only a limited number of rubber stamps are available in the unmounted format.
There are three basic items required for mounting rubber stamps: the rubber image, the mounting pad, and the wood block backing. Mounting pads are generally available in rubber sheets that you cut to size and glue in between the image and the wood block backing. Also available are peel-off adhesive backed foam rubber sheets. In either case the steps are the same:
Trim excess rubber from around the stamp image. Cut mounting pad to match the shape and size of the stamp. Glue image to mounting pad. Stamp image to one side of wood block. Glue stamp/mounting pad to underside of wood block.
More recently on the market are Lucite blocks, which may be used instead of wood and can be purchased in kits containing blocks of different sizes. These stamps are coated with a reusable adhesive such as Aleene's Tack It Over and Over (there are a number of such adhesives available in craft and fabric stores), and pressed to a Lucite block. After use, the stamp is removed and can be stored in plastic envelope pages in a notebook. Carol stamped each image in the notebook next to the actual stamp for easy identification. The advantages of this method are not only easy storage, but also the ability to see through the Lucite to the surface on which you are stamping for better control and placement of the image.
Carol uses
RUBBERSTAMPMADNESS magazine for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information pertaining to rubber stamping. If you have a question about rubber stamping, this bi-monthly publication will most likely have the answer. In addition, it features articles and stamping projects along with pages filled with advertising from rubber stamp manufacturers and outlets nationwide.
Stamping Tips:
- Give your stamped cards a special touch by trimming the edges with paper edging scissors. There are several different ones out on the market. Try cutting the corners of a piece of paper or take a card and trim the bottom of the first card to allow the next page to show through a little.
- Organize your stamps alphabetically in bins or even large tin cans. If you are better at remembering your stamps by theme, then group them all together (e.g. circus theme, words, garden themes) and label a tin can or bin accordingly.
- Most long-time stampers have a notebook full of their stamped images. Take this along with you when you are planning projects or when you have the itch to buy more stamps. This notebook will help when determining what you have already bought and what you really need to finish a project.
- Every stamper knows that it is best to test your stamp before applying it to your work. Instead of throwing those stamp sheets away, try using them to create envelopes or use them for a background on one of your cards.
Resources rubber stamps
Stampendous!
Website:
www.stampendous.com
rubber stamps
Posh Impressions
Website:
www.poshimpressions.comRubberstampmadness magazine
bi-monthly magazine
Rubberstampmadness Inc.
Corvallis, OR
US
Phone: 541-752-0075
Toll Free Phone: 877-782-6762
Email:
subs@rsmadness.com
URL:
www.rsmadness.com
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