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Just to say..."I did it myself!"
Welcome Crafters! to our Newsletter for May 1, 2000.Holidays this month include May Day (1)--oh, today!-- Cinco de Mayo (5), Mother's Day (14), Armed Forces Day (20), and Memorial Day in the US (30 and 31). And, of course, we are going to want to make cards, gifts, and momentos of these events. To help us get into the swing of it all, we are giving over this entire newsletter to a series of articles on Rubber Stamping with photos by our own mpack_99, who has taken some really great pictures of some of her favorite tools and finished projects. This issue we'll cover some of the basics: the stamp, the paper, and the ink.
 
Warning: Rubber Stamping is VERY ADDICTIVE!
Rubber Stamping is one of those hobby/crafts that is very easy to do and very easy to invest a fortune in doing. It is very addictive and only limited in application by your imagination.
Having said that I should note that there are only really a few basic pieces of equipment and supplies which you will need to get started. These include a rubber stamp and an ink pad. You can include water colors or water-soluble inks, water color pens, colored pencils, or not. Color is not mandatory. You can even make your own stamps.
| The basic idea of rubber stamping is the application of ink or paint on paper or other material using a pre-cut design. Small stamps or large ones--you can find stamps everywhere from your local bookstore and office supply to the hobby craft store and mail order.
The rubber stamp consists of a hardwood block usually 1" to 3/4" thick on which a red rubber cushion has been laminated (glue pressed). The rubber cushion is the actual stamp and contains a design or image such as a kitty, heart, teapot, or flowers as in the photos presented here. The stamp is usually created as a poured latex molding or die-caste impression, which may mean flash (excess molding material), bubble indentations or pox marks, or similar defect. Too, the lamination process must produce a smooth contact with the wood block. An uneven application of the stamp to the block will make your inks apply unevenly. Make sure you inspect for these defects when purchasing your stamps.
In the main, you want the stamp to be carefully trimmed, deeply etched to provide a clear stamped image. Everything else is embellishment, but it is the embellishment that takes this from being busy work for the hands of children to a rich craft and work of art.
Papers: The surface upon which you are doing your stamping will depend upon the nature of your project and the life you expect it to have. Rubber stamps can be used on anything from tissue paper to heavy cardboard. Some of the key factors to be considered are the absorbency of the paper or material and how well it responds to heat, etc. Glossy papers such as photo stock or coated cardboard stock may not allow pigment inks to dry properly because they cannot be absorbed. And, of course, the heating process for embossing presents some difficulties.
But about paper…in the main, we are not talking about using your typical 16 or 20 pound typing/copy paper, neither are we talking about more pulpy construction paper or newspaper stock although these can be used if you understand and account for their limitations. We are, instead, talking about heavier more durable materials or materials that lend themselves well to special effects.
Here are some short descriptions of some of the basics from The Stampin' Place (http://www.stampin.com/).
Papers:
- Index: 120 lb. plain, non-coated cardstock, sturdy enough for folded projects as well as greeting cards
- Glossy: coated, high gloss index weight cardstock, very smooth
- Matte: coated, dull finish index weight cardstock, ideal for stamping, coloring and heat embossing technique
- Assorted Cardstock comes in many different colors and textures
- Vellum: (also called drafting paper) This translucent paper is excellent for stained glass techniques, and is suitable for heat embossing, coloring from the back with markers, and mounting behind a window opening in your card.
- Clear Transparency Film: (clear acetate, laser and copy machine compatible transparent material) This material is able to withstand heat from the embossing process without shrinking or buckling. Perfect for many stained glass techniques and "window" cards.
- Mulberry Paper: This beautiful paper is made out of fibers from the bark of a mulberry tree. Ideal for rubber stamping and heat embossing.
Inks and Ink Pads: Ink Pads are the rubber stamper's palette. A wide array of colors and types are available. Again, most inks and ink pads are available at your local office supply although the more specialized ones will be found at the hobby craft store.
Here are some descriptions of some of the types of the ink pads available again from The Stampin' Place (http://www.stampin.com/).
Inks and Ink Pads:
MEMORIESTM DYE BASED PIGMENTED INK: Acid free, fade resistant, permanent and smear proof when dry, MemoriesTM Ink is a superior general stamping ink. It will dry (especially when heat set) on regular or glossy paper, clear acetate, or metallic coated stock. When stamping on photos, do not heat set, but allow ample drying time for the ink to cure and become permanent. MemoriesTMcan be used on glass, plastic, acrylic or metal quite successfully when heat set and then allowed to cure for several days. (On a glass surface this ink is semi-permanent, since it can be completely removed with alcohol.)
IMPRINTZTM PIGMENT PADS: Known for their very bright and opaque colors, pigment ink is thicker and slower to dry, making it perfect for heat embossing. Pigment ink will dry on any surface that is not coated, since it requires absorption in to the surface for drying. Heat setting with your embossing heat tool will speed the drying time when you do not wish to emboss. When using pigment ink on coated stock such as metallic, matte or glossy, heat embossing is required, since the ink will not dry. ImprintzTMpigment ink is known to be acid free.
TINTED CLEAR EMBOSSING PADS: These pads are filled with clear, slightly (blue) tinted glycerine based embossing fluid which is especially formulated for use with heat embossing powders.
(Photos and descriptions of the specific ink pads from The Stampin' Place website.)
I would be remiss if I did not include the photo of mpack_99's pride and joy this issue.
Next Issue: Embossing powders, pencils and pens, and other equipment.
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