Art stamping is a form of relief printing. With rubber stamping, you can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Thousands of highly detailed and beautiful images are now being produced as rubber stamps, opening up a new world of creative possibilities. Rubber stamping is easy, versatile, and fun.

 

Materials and Supplies

Many of the stamping tools and materials you will find at a local craft & art supply store, grocery store, and also a hardware store

Types of Stamps

A rubber stamp is made by putting together an image into rubber and placing it under wood, plastic, thick foam, or a Plexiglas block or roller.
-Two types of stamping tools:
Soft stamps; such as leaves, bubble wrap, sponges, or felt can be stamped on most surfaces but leave the best impressions on surfaces with a sturdy support such as cardstock, wood, metal, or ceramic.
Hard stamps; such as rocks, shells, wood blocks, or metal implements work best when pressured into soft materials such as thin printing papers or paper-clay.

Stamp Cleaner

You can use a commercial stamp cleaner, though any gently household cleaner like moist towelettes, baby wipes, or a window cleaner sprayed on a pad of paper towel will work as well. Never immerse your stamps in water or use any solvent-based cleaners on your stamps. Unmounted and hand-carved stamps may be washed in mild soap and water.

Inks

Dye inks: water-based, quick-drying ink can be stamped on most types of papers, but they often bleed when applied to unsized papers, and cannot be embossed. Although new embossing powders specifically formulated to work with dye ink are now available.
Embossing inks: glycerin-based. They are usually clear (non pigmented), slow-drying ink used to emboss the powder that will adhere to the stamped image.
Pigment inks: dries slowly and is great for embossing with clear powder; well on all types of paper and resist fading.
Fabric inks: ink that is in both water; and solvent-based formulations for application to fabric. (Read the product label for instructions).
Permanent inks: or waterproof ink, can be used on all types of papers, as well as on wood, glass, and plastic; used when the artist won to apply water-based media after stamping.
Rainbow stamp pads: are available types - dye-based and pigment, assortments of three or more colors, used with a rubber brayer, and/or sponges.
Re-Inkers: bottles containing dye, embossing, pigment, fabric, or permanent inks.

Paint

Acrylics- fast-drying polymer; based media mixed with pigments, can be used on paper and fabric.
Fabric paint-which is usually water-soluble and permanent when dried. (Read the product label before using).
Watercolors- can be painted directly to a rubber stamp prior to stamping, or an image can be stamped with permanent ink and then painted over with watercolors.
Porcelain paint-specialty paint made for using on ceramics and glass.
Silk paint- vivid colors and easy-flow application make silk paint a beautiful option for all types of fabric arts.

The other paints: Oil paint, Applicator-tipped paint, or Gouache.

Markers and Pens

Embossing pens- filled with embossing fluid instead of ink.
Fabric ink pens- can be used to color in stamped images on the fabric.
Gel pens- for dark colors, black papers, and cardstock.
Markers- can be used directly on stamps.
Metallic ink pens- filled with opaque metallic ink.
Opaque ink pens- used on clear acetate or other surfaces when opaque application of color is desired.

Pencils and Crayons

Colored pencils- used in stamp art after an image has been impressed.
Pastels- may be rubbed into papers before stamping to give an antique look to the surface.
Watercolor pencil and crayons- can be used to add color to images stamped that are with permanent ink.
Chalks- can be applied directly to paper, to which this dusty medium is best suited.

Powders

Embossing powders- they are available in hundreds of colors, including metallic clear powders. (Are popular for adding a thick glaze to art work and paper jewelry).
Glitters- can be used on any surface, and since they are adhered with glue no heat is necessary.

Tools

Brayer
Cutting tools: Scissors and Craft knife
Cutting Mat
Rulers
Blank Newsprint
Foam Sponges
Bone Folder
Stylus
Embossing Heat tool
Stamp positioner
Tracing Paper and Post-it Notes
Hole and Craft punches
Stencil
Paper palette
Paintbrush

Adhesive

Dry: glue stick, transparent tape, foam tape, double-sided adhesive tape, Xyron machine, masking tape, and artists' tape. A Glue gun is useful for adhering embellishments such as ribbon to paper.

Wet: PVA and Perfect Paper Adhesive.

Paper

The papers are available in a variety of colors and textures:
Coated paper-are finished with a layer of clay, plastic, or resin and as a result; has little or no absorbency. (Can be glossy, dull, or matt).
Uncoated paper- common household and office papers tend to absorb inks more readily; can be stamped with dye inks and water markers.
Handmade paper- used for collage elements in composition.
Cardstock paper - used to craft greeting cards and business cards.
Decorative paper - giftwrap, decoupage paper, marbled and printed paper.

Stamping Surfaces

Wood- Stamping on wood is as same as stamping on paper. Pigment, fabric, and permanent inks all work well on wood.
Terracotta- Pigment and fabric inks can be used successfully on terracotta, and are permanent once dry.
Glass- Use acrylics or porcelain paint, and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding oven baking.
Leather- Use fabric inks for stamping, and textile markers to color images; use embossing powders with either embossing or pigments inks.
Polymer clay- It is available in many colors, including metallic, pearlescent, and glow-in-the-dark types; it can be sanded, drilled, glued, painted, and embellished with just about anything.

Embellishments

Beads, Buttons, Ribbon & Lace, Charms, and other found items.

Note:

To keep your stamps organized within each container. Narrow wall shelves, old printer trays or acrylic shelves are all great ways to store and display your stamps.