Welcome to our index of stamping tips. We've put together a list of tips and frequently asked questions that should help you get the most fun out of Stampendous! rubber stamps:

MASKING

What is "masking" and how does it work?

Masking is a technique that allows you to overlap images and create a sense of depth.
1) Stamp the foreground image on your card first. Stamp this same image on a Post it note or other paper and cut it out. For this example we used lower flowers first.
 		2) Cut out the impression on the sticky note and use it to cover or "mask" your first impression on the card. Stamp the next image, in this case the top flowers, overlapping your first impression.

3) Peel away the "mask" to see the combined impressions that make this bouquet.

 

 

 

Return to Top

MOUNTING

How do you mount objects or cut outs of stamped pieces onto your cards?

Create dimension to your card by making several impressions of your image, saving the first impression as your base and cutting apart subsequent impressions for areas of the design you want to build up. Mounting or "layering" pieces can be done with double sided foam tape or hot glue. If you want to mount a piece without giving it dimension use regular double sided tape.

 

 

 

Return to Top

PERFECTLY CLEAR STAMPS

How do I use Perfectly Clear Stamps?

Perfectly Clear Stamps are used with our clear acrylic handles for easy inking and positioning. Each set comes on a clear plastic carrier sheet with a printed index and a cover sheet to protect from dust, glitter, etc. Peel the stamp design from the carrier and place on the clear acrylic handle. The stamp will cling by itself with no other adhesives. Ink and stamp as you would your woodmounted stamps. Use more than one image on a handle if desired. Clean and replace stamps onto the carrier. Stamps sets can be stored in a photo pocket holder.

What inks can I use with Perfectly Clear Stamps?

Any inks that you use for your woodmounted stamps can be used with Perfectly Clear Stamps. However, some inks will stain your stamps more than others. Clear embossing inks will not stain. Dye-based inks are the easiest to clean off. Pigment inks will stain slightly. Permanent inks and chalk-based inks will stain.

How do I clean Perfectly Clear Stamps?

Clean your stamps as you would your woodmounted stamps. Use any of the following: stamp cleaners, baby wipes, soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or for tough stains Spoto stain remover. Avoid acetone, bleach and oil-based cleaners. Use rubbing alcohol to clean acrylic handles.

How do you create different designs with the elements in the sets?

Each element can be inked separately, then positioned precisely with our clear acrylic handle. Here are a few designs you can try.


Return to Top

SCRAPBOOKING

Is it safe to use rubber stamps with my photo scrapbooking?

Rubber stamps can be used in your photo Scrapbooking as long as the papers and inks you use with them are acid free. Look for items clearly labeled acid free. Embossed images are acid free. All of the decorative scissors, punches and stencils will give you a wide variety of choices to safely enhance your photo albums.
Stampendous carries acid free papers and inks.

Return to Top

SPONGING

How do you achieve an airbrushed look around the edges of your stamped art?

Apply a little ink to a sponge or Dauber. Test it on scrap paper. Gently wipe the edges of your card to create a feathered effect.
You can also sponge through stencils with or without debossing a pattern in the paper.

 

Return to Top

STAMP 'N BOND

How do you use Stamp 'N Bond with glitter?

Stamp 'N Bond is a product designed to act as a glue when you want to apply glitter or a similar product to your entire stamped image (it works best with more solid images).

1. Stamp your image with a colored pigment ink (use ink in a matching or coordinating color to complement your chosen glitter).

2. Sprinkle Stamp 'N Bond generously on the wet ink and shake off excess. Lightly heat the image with a heat tool JUST until it turns clear (be careful not to overheat). Once the Stamp 'N Bond is clear it is like a glue.

3. Sprinkle glitter over and shake off excess.

Return to Top

WATERCOLOR

How can I achieve a watercolor look with stamping?

There are several ways to "paint" your impression:
1) Stamp your impression using a permanent dye-based ink such as Ancient Page™.
2) To use aquarell colored pencils, start by applying a damp brush to the paper. Use the brush to pick up color from the pencil tip itself, or scribble on scrap paper and then pick up colors from this "palette". Paint in your design using a damp brush only.
You can also use waterbased markers by scribbling color on a plastic lid or palette. Then simply lift marker color from palette with a damp brush and paint in your design.

What can I do if my watercolored card warps?

If you select a watercolor weight paper, it is less likely to warp. For other papers, use less water. It is best to apply little water in the beginning. Usually a damp brush is all you need. If you get too much water on your card dab it off with a paper towel right away.
If you still have warping, you can use an iron to dry and press your card between two clean blotter papers. Unprinted kraft paper grocery bags will do. Put your iron on a warm setting without steam.
For a watercolors suitable for framing, try taping down your paper to a board. Apply strips of white artist's tape evenly along all four sides. Stamp and watercolor and allow it to dry completely before removing tape. White edge looks great and gives area for matting. A deckled edge piece is beautiful to mount on a dark background.

Return to Top