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As with all things, practice makes perfect and the more you use your stamps the better your works will turn out. Here are just a few simple tips to keep in mind when using your stamps:

1. Purchase quality stamps.

There are many types to choose from: wood block stamps; clear stamps with acrylic mounting blocks; foam stamps (which are less expensive due to the cheap materials they are made from); and roller stamps to name a few.

2. Choose your inks carefully.

There are many types of ink to choose from and this is the most critical step in stamping: PIGMENT INKS are generally slow drying but some have been made for quick drying. Pigment inks are opaque and are also available in metallic and chalk finishes.
DYE BASED INKS are non-permanent, dry quickly and produce a translucent image.
RAINBOW INK pads offer a variety of colors all on one pad.
RESIST INKS produce a soft watermark type image.
SOLVENT INKS require special cleaners but are able to be used on a variety of surfaces (most papers, glass, tile, leather, wood, and acrylic).
MARKERS allow you to apply color directly offering you a variety of colors and shading.

3. Press or tap the stamp firmly on the pad several times. Make certain not to apply too much pressure or rock the stamp on the pad or you may get ink in areas you do not want.

4. Make sure the stamp is well inked. New stamps often resist the inks evenly at first and need a breaking in period. If you are uncertain, make a test stamp on a scrap piece of paper. After the test reink your stamp.

5. Always stamp on a flat surface.

6. Decide where you want the stamp to go and carefully set the stamp onto your surface. Do NOT readjust the stamp doing so will cause a blurry image.

7. Apply firm even pressure to the stamp. Do NOT rock or slam the stamp onto the surface. Doing so will cause overstamping or blurring of the image.

8. Carefully lift the stamp off of the surface being careful to lift directly upward. Any side to side movement may cause a shadow image.

9. Allow to dry completely before coloring or applying another stamp nearby.

Every stamp and ink is different so a little experimentation before your final project should be done. As will all arts and crafts, have fun!

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Brinkle.
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