| The popularity of rubber stamps for crafting use has | | | | be used as a frame or a background for other |
| exploded over the last decade. Rubber stamps are | | | | stamps or embellishments, and depending on the |
| versatile, and can be used imaginatively for a variety | | | | presentation, can create a completely different look |
| of projects, including cards, scrap-booking, personalized | | | | with each project. Another must have is a set of |
| gifts, and more. If your considering crafting with rubber | | | | alphabet or letter stamps, which will allow you to |
| stamps, here are some ideas and techniques to | | | | create a variety of different messages. Depending on |
| consider. | | | | where your interests are, you may also want toget |
| Choosing unmounted stamps, will give you much more | | | | stamps that are related by theme. For example, if |
| storage space and flexibility. Unmounted stamps can | | | | most of your projects are birthday cards, youmay |
| be temporarily mounted with glue or foam, so you can | | | | want to start with a few stamps that have a related |
| use several wooden mounts without having to have a | | | | theme, such as balloons or birthday hats. |
| separate one for each stamp. Unmounted stamps can | | | | In addition to starting with your stamps, you'll also need |
| be easily stored in a binder with page protectors, or in | | | | some other materials and supplies. You'llwant pigment |
| some other type of flat organizational system. That | | | | pads with different ink colors. Another fun option is to |
| way, you will find what you are looking for much easier | | | | use speciality pens that can be applied directly to the |
| once you start to build up your collection. | | | | stamp, so when you stamp, you'll have different colors. |
| If you are first starting out, its best to purchase a few | | | | In order to properly care for your stamps, stamp |
| stamps at a time. You can get severalquality stamps | | | | cleaner and a clean cloth will keep your stamps in |
| to multitask with, and then, once you've had more | | | | good shape. You should clean your stamps after |
| experience, start to add to your collection. You may | | | | every use, but do not immerse them in water, as this |
| want to do some window shopping first, and perhaps | | | | can weaken the rubber. |
| try out some stamps in a physical craft store to get | | | | The craft of rubber stamping is a fun and creative |
| an idea of how they handle. When you are ready to | | | | way to express yourself. Rubber stamps are versatile, |
| purchase, you will find the widest selection online, and | | | | and can be combined with a other crafting techniques |
| also have more flexibility with comparison shopping. | | | | to create one-of-a-kind expressions. |
| What type of stamps are good for building a | | | | By starting slowly, you can give rubber stamping a try |
| collection? Large to medium background stamps in | | | | without breaking the bank. |
| geometric shapes are extremely versatile. They can | | | | |