How to using stamps tips

Wildrosestudio how to using stamps tips

Using our stamps (both cling and clear stamps)

• Carefully peel off the stamp from the sheet.
• Place the stamp onto a clear acrylic block.
• Ink the image with your chosen colour.
• Lightly press the stamp down onto the surface to transfer the image.

Taking care of your stamps

• After use, wash with soapy water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
• If using soap on clear stamps, make sure it doesn't contain any added moisturisers as this can mean they don't stick to the clear block so easily next time.
• Alternatively, use baby wipes or proper stamp cleaner to clean the ink away.
• After cleaning, place clear stamps back onto the clear sheet for storage. If using cling stamps, replace the yellow film.
• Store away from sunlight and extreme temperatures.

What are the differences between clear stamps and cling rubber stamps?

Our clear stamps and cling stamps are both great choices - they both give good clear images. Both types need to be used with a clear acrylic block. They both attach to a clear block on their own and peel off again easily afterwards. However, there are some differences.

With clear stamps:

• you can see exactly where you are stamping
• you shouldn't use solvent-based inks like Staz-On
• you can't use heat-based techniques like triple embossing (pressing the stamp into hot embossing powder) because your stamp may melt
• they have a different 'feel' to rubber stamps, more flexible.

With cling rubber stamps:

• you can't see through them
• they are slightly stiffer in feel
• you can use a wider range of unusual advanced techniques like solvent based inks and triple embossing. Most cardmakers stick to simple stamp-and-colour for their cards though, so this doesn't matter that much.

For most cardmaking purposes the choice between cling or clear is a personal one.

Deciding which inks to use with your stamps

Wild Rose Studio stamps work with a wide range of inks. For best results, we recommend using dye-based or pigment-based inks, which are widely available from local craft shops.

If you want to watercolour your images, look for an ink that is labelled as water-resistant or permanent as the ink won't run afterwards. In our experience Versafine is a very good waterproof ink, it gives a beautiful fine image (not so good with Copics though, as the ink can run a little bit).

If you want to use alcohol-based marker pens like ProMarkers or Copic pens, then Memento branded ink is the best choice in our experience. We don't sell these inks, they're just what we use personally when crafting.

Most cardmakers use black ink for stamping their outlines as it gives a good bold look, and this works well if you want to use bold colouring techniques afterwards (like Copics) but you can of course experiment with different looks, like grey or brown, for example.

Solvent-based inks

Solvent-based inks (for example Staz-On ink) are not compatible with our clear stamps, because the solvent attacks and affects the stamp. You will not usually get a good image and the stamp may seem 'sticky' on the card. For this reason, we recommend you avoid these inks. However, you can use them with our cling rubber stamps.

If you do choose to use StazOn inks with our clear stamps, it will help extend their lifetime/minimise the damage if you avoid using StazOn cleaner afterwards (clean with soapy water as recommended above). StazOn will stain your stamps, but staining on its own will not affect its ability to stamp.

What next? How do I colour my stamps?

Ah, this is where the real fun begins! Many cardmakers find that colouring in an image is the most fun and relaxing part.

You can use watercolour pencils, markers or paints, alcohol based markers (like Copics or Promarkers), Distress Inks to name just a few. There are many tutorials on the web, and on this website. Click here to browse our card ideas and projects.