| Rubber stamping allows you to create beautiful and | | | | stamps can be purchased in sheets, and there is a |
| unique artwork. One of the many reasons rubber | | | | cost savings as you are purchasing more than one |
| stamping has grown in popularity is the flexibility and | | | | stamp. Another cost savings, if you order online, is the |
| variety involved in choosing and using rubber stamp | | | | cost saved with a lower shipping weight. Unmounted |
| materials. Another reason is that rubber stamp | | | | stamps are very versatile, they are backed with a |
| techniques can be applied to the popular crafts of | | | | static cling mounting foam, or magnets, and then can |
| scrap-booking, card making, and other paper arts. | | | | be mounted on either wood or acrylic blocks. |
| Anyone can become intimidated when purchasing | | | | While there are many choices, you may want to try |
| rubber stamp materials, here are a few helpful | | | | different techniques at first, and find out which ones |
| suggestions that can make it easier. | | | | your most comfortable with. However, different |
| The three main components of stamping are the | | | | stamps work better with certain applications. Foam |
| stamps themselves, the paper, and the ink. Stamps | | | | stamps, for example, work well on fabric. If you are |
| can be place on wood mounts, or acrylic mounts. | | | | planning to insert a rubber stamp as part of an |
| Acrylic mounts are newer, and a popular version are | | | | in-depth, multi-layered scrapbook design, you may |
| the clear mounts, which let you see precisely where to | | | | want to go with a clear acrylic stamp, so there will be |
| stamp. If you are a beginner, a clear version will give | | | | no mistakes. Natural rubber stamps work well for card |
| you more ability to see exactly where you'll be | | | | making and other small paper projects. |
| stamping, helping you to eliminate mistakes. Because of | | | | While many rubber stampers purchase their materials |
| smudging issues with acrylic stamps, its important you | | | | online, you may want to first visit a crafting store so |
| get a high quality stamp, which will give you the | | | | you can test and get a closer look at many of the |
| clearest image and the cleanest lines. | | | | different materials that are available. Once you settle |
| Wood mounts with natural rubber stamps are | | | | on your favorites, it will be easier to comparison shop |
| extremely popular, and the natural rubber will soak the | | | | online. Magazines and catalogues are also good |
| ink very well and give you a very crisp and defined | | | | sources for creative rubber stamp inspiration. While the |
| image. However, rubber mounts can take up a lot of | | | | tools used for rubber stamping can be considered |
| space when storing. If you are planning to use wood | | | | basic, the final product will only be limited by your |
| mounts, you may want to consider buying unmounted | | | | imagination. |
| stamps, as there are many advantages. Unmounted | | | | |