| Rubber stamps were being used as far back as the | | | | a lot of fun. For example, if it is wintertime, you can |
| mid 1800s to help run businesses more efficiently. | | | | purchase a set of stamps that include a snowflake, a |
| During the 1970s, when there was such a creative air | | | | pine tree with snow covered tips, a wreath or a sled. |
| about many people, decorative rubber stamps were | | | | You can personalize the stamp with your name and |
| born. Many people of that time used them to express | | | | address and use the stamp as a return address on |
| their creative side and manufacturers were quick to | | | | your holiday cards or any mail that you send out over |
| begin producing more. It was not long before people | | | | the winter months. You can then do the same in the |
| also started collecting them. | | | | summer. All your outgoing mail can have your return |
| Today, tens of thousands of people not only use and | | | | address on it and include chirping birds, the beach, |
| collect decorative rubber stamps, but they actually | | | | blooming flowers or a picnic setting. |
| showcase them. You will see people selling them at | | | | These same type of themes can be used for |
| craft fairs and there are many online sites that sell | | | | countless other projects and you will have a lot of fun |
| them as well. | | | | thinking up new ideas and themes. Your own finishing |
| Many people use decorative rubber stamps to | | | | touches will make your projects uniquely your own. |
| enhance their scrapbooks, homemade cards and other | | | | Even businesses use decorative rubber stamps. They |
| craft projects. Kids use them for school projects and | | | | have them made to include their company name, |
| parents use them to label their child's books and other | | | | company logo or a corporate crest or any combination |
| belongings. Stamps can be personalized with your | | | | of the three. There are, of course, standard stamps |
| name and many are made according to themes. | | | | that a company often uses that have words on them |
| Some of the more popular themes include flowers, | | | | like "paid" or "copy". Even these stamps can be |
| animals, holidays, nature and cartoon characters. Many | | | | purchased with something decorative on them - your |
| people purchase an entire set that includes the theme | | | | customers will be certain to remember you. |
| that interests them. | | | | Decorative rubber stamps can be found at many |
| A current popular trend is using very intricate and | | | | online sites or auction sites. They are a fun hobby |
| ornamental decorative rubber stamps (that often | | | | whether you want them for your own personal use or |
| come with their own paper and envelopes). They | | | | if you enjoy collecting them. Most sites will typically |
| often come with mailing labels too so you can adorn | | | | make one from your own design if you do not see |
| them with your own theme. Following a theme can be | | | | something that meets your needs. |