Rubber Stamping

Creative rubber stamping is a craft that can be done by anyone. From the young child to an adult, who may be an experienced rubber stamper, there is an aspect to this craft that makes it so simple that anyone can do it. A child can be introduced to this craft by the simple act of placing a rubber stamp in an ink pad and making the impression on a piece of paper.

Once one gets a little practice, there are so many different rubber stamping techniques that can be tried with this craft, all leading to a pleasing and rewarding design. Learning a new rubber stamping technique will show you that with this craft there are endless possibilities. There are a ton of different techniques you can try, a few of which we will talk about below.

Embossing

Rubber stamping can be done in association with embossing. This technique creates a 3D effect for the rubber stamped image. All that is required are a few extra materials, tools and some practice. For embossing with rubber stamping you will need a Versamark ink pad, embossing crystals like UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel), a heat gun, a rubber stamp and some card stock paper. To emboss, stamp the desired image using the Versamark ink pad. Quickly sprinkle on some UTEE crystals and using a heat gun, melt the crystals. It won't take very long and the crystals will be melted. You will be left with a shiny thick 3D layer of the rubber stamped image. Using this rubber stamping technique is great on handmade greeting cards. It can be used with an image or even with lettering like in the greeting itself.

Shading or 2nd Generation Stamping

Shading with rubber stamping is an easier effect to create than you may imagine. This technique is sometimes called 2nd Generation Rubber Stamping. It is a great way to show depth. A good example of when you may want to create a shaded rubber stamped image is when you have a leaf stamp and would like to make some stamped leaf images appear in the foreground and some in the background.

All that is required to create a shaded rubber stamped image is to first ink your rubber stamp and make an impression of it on your paper. Next, ink your rubber stamp a second time but this time make the impression on a napkin or scrap piece of paper. Then make a second impression beside or touching the previous stamped image. A further depth can be created by making images even lighter by pre-stamping on a scrap paper multiple times.

Distressing

Rubber stamping can be used to create a distressed feel for your project. This is a great way to add texture to your finished project. You may wish to try this technique for a project that has a heritage theme to it. Or, perhaps a scrapbook page with old photos on it or an antique-look greeting card.

To distress your paper, crumple it up into a ball. Then flatten it out again. Do this one more time and end with the paper smoothed out but with crinkly lines in it. This will be the base for your design. Next, take your ink pad, preferably one that is more subtle like a distressed ink such as tea dye by Tim Holtz. Lightly pass the ink pad over the surface of your crinkled paper until you are satisfied with the amount of ink left behind. The ink will settle only on the surfaces leaving the recesses untouched. The juxtaposition of the this will create a wonderful distressed look for your project.

Rolling

Rolling is a rubber stamping technique that you will find is another way to add dimension to your project. What you end up with is an image showing 2 or more different ink colours in the design. It's a wonderful way to shade your rubber stamped image without the use of pens or 2 part stamps. Here is how:

You will need at least 2 colors of ink pads. Choose ones that will go together. For instance, if you are doing a rubber stamped image of a flower you may like to select a dark pink and a light pink colored ink pads. Using the lightest of the colours of inks, ink up your stamp and make the impression on your paper. Next, take your stamp and gently roll the darker color of ink only on the edges of the stamp. Now stamp your image again on top of the previously stamped lighter design. You will end up with a nicely shaded edge.

As you can see, rubber stamping is not just the simple act of inking a stamp and making an impression. The creative techniques available with this craft are endless. With just a little effort and some practice you can easily add dimension, texture and more interest to your rubber stamping projects. So, give it a try. You may even come to find rubber stamping addictive!