Self Inking Stamps

Self inking stamps have a variety of uses. Typically this type of stamp is used in an office setting where there may not be pre- printed envelopes or letterhead available. Or perhaps, for past due invoices, a 'final notice' stamp is required. Crafters and rubber stampers sometimes will make use of self inking stamps as well. They are perfect for journaling stamps where one isn't necessarily trying to use a fancy technique. Self inking stamps are also a good idea for stamping your logo on the back of handmade greeting cards.

Benefits of Self Inking Stamps

Self inking stamps have got to be among the handiest ways of stamping. You can quickly and easily stamp a return address onto an envelope without having to ink up before each impression. The ink pad remains moist with it's own supply in the receptacle that the stamp pad is kept. With each impression, a freshly inked pattern/text will appear.

Rubber stamping in mass quantities is something that takes a lot of time. Imagine with a plain rubber stamp and ink pad how much longer it would take to stamp a large quantity of papers! Your time will most likely be reduced in half by the use of a self inking stamp. You would not have to spend the time to re-ink the stamp between each impression. As well, you will get the same amount of ink on each impression. With doing this manually, your hand could press the stamp in harder or lighter on the pad each time. It's difficult to be consistent.

Where to Find Self Inking Stamps

Office or business supply shops are the main place to look for self inking stamps. They will have a small selection available of popular phrases like, "Final Notice" or "Past Due." They will also have the ability to make custom self inking stamps. All you will need to do is fill out the required paperwork to have your stamp custom made. You can select a color, text, size and orientation of the stamp. They will usually have to send it offsite to be made but usually the turn around time is less than a week.

Craft supply stores sometimes sell self inking stamps for craft purposes. Usually there are only a few options of designs available and they will be the popular ones. Since it is difficult to do many rubber stamping techniques and be overly creative with self inking stamps, craft supply shops will mostly carry traditional rubber or acrylic stamps.

Care of Self Inking Stamps

Since self inking stamps are more costly, especially those that are custom made, you will want to take good care of your stamp. The best way to do this is to keep it upright. Do not store it tilted on it's side and also be sure not to keep it out in extreme temperatures of hot or cold.

Other Ideas for Self Inking Stamps

Kids have fun making things. Why not order your child their own custom self inking stamp? You could have a little logo made with their initials to be stamped on the bottom of their artwork. You can also get self inking date stamps. This is a great way to teach kids numbers and the dates. Get them to use their stamp on the bottom of their artwork also! When they send a package in the mail for Grandma's fridge, you may even decide to use a custom self inking stamp with the child's own name and return address for the outside of the envelope. There are lots of fun and interesting things that can be done with self inking stamps!