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Stamping in Scrapbooks
by Jennifer Sizemore
(Apr 30, 2004)
It's long overdue...the successful marriage of two extremely popular paper arts: Stamping and Scrapbooking. It is not uncommon to open the gallery and see a page full of layouts using inks, alphabet stamps, and other stamping products. Likewise, stamp enthusiasts have benefited from the plethora of products made popular by scrapbook artists. It is a match made in heaven. Stamps and inks can be used to create backgrounds and make titles; they are perfect for use in journaling and as eye-catching accents. So, what does a scrapper need to know about stamp products? First, one should know a basic understanding of the types of inks and ink pads available. Pads vary by company; in size, shape, material of the pad, and even in the way the lid is removed. Most inkpads are acid free, marked clearly on the packaging, and can be re-inked when the pad begins to dry. I prefer a raised pad surface, perfect for applying ink directly to a stamp or paper when the lid is removed. The type of ink used depends on the look you want to achieve and on what material you want to stamp. Here are the most common types of inks:
 Besides ink pads, other products you might like to have on hand include embossing powders, a brayer, sponge daubers, embossing enamel, and pearl powers. Then, of course, you need to have the stamps!
 A rubber stamp enthusiastic will tell you there is no end to the techniques one can learn with inks and stamps. To get started, try these basic techniques: Direct to Paper - Images and inks are pressed to paper, either directly onto your layout, or onto paper and mounted to your page. Ink your stamp well. For larger stamps, it is often easier to bring lay the stamp image side up, and bring the ink to the stamp, tapping the pad onto the image. Press the image onto the paper, pressing firmly with your palm and being careful not to rock or twist the stamp. Pick the stamp straight up off the paper. Allow image to dry. Color the image if desired.
Shadow Stamping - This technique is done in two steps: stamping the shadow stamp in a light color, then stamping your image in a darker ink over that shadow. Shadow stamps are typically a solid rubber shape, such as squares and circles, many with unique edges. Resist - With this technique, the image will remain the only area of your paper not colored by ink. Stamp your image onto glossy paper using a resist or watermark ink pad. Ink a brayer and roll the brayer across the paper and image.  Masking - Masking is done when one wants to bring an image to the forefront of a scene. To create a mask, stamp your forefront image onto a post-it pad and trim the image. You will need to cut just inside the edge of the image for best results. To use the mask, stamp your image onto your cardstock or paper. Place the mask over your image when it dries. Stamp your background layer(s) and allow to dry. Remove the mask to reveal your layered art.  With these products and techniques, you can create unique and beautiful scrapbook layouts. You'll soon realize that inks and stamps are a versatile, artistic way to preserve your memories! Happy Stamping! Image 1 - Embossing and Watermark, JPS Image 2 - Shadow Stamping, Irish Lad Tag Images 3 & 4 - Masking Project, Fall  Shop at the Scrapbook.com Superstore for all your Scrapbooking Supplies!Enjoy 5-Star service, HUGE selection and LOW prices! Click here to start shopping! Featured Scrapbooking Supplies (from Scrapbook.com):
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There are probably as many rubber stamps available as there are stars in the sky. They are available mounted and unmounted, on transparent or opaque rubber, and there is a image for every possible occasion. They are extremely versatile, the same image can take on so many different looks. If you are just getting started in the world of stamping, start with alphabets and basic shapes like stars, flowers, snowflakes and leaves. Basic images can be used many times in your albums, in different ways, without looking repetitive. Try these ideas for making yours stamps more versatile:
Heat Embossing - This technique gives a raised impression to your stamped image. Stamp your image onto your paper with pigment, watermark, or embossing ink. Place your image over a sheet of plain copy paper or a tray. Pour embossing powder onto your entire stamped image. Pick up the image and tap it against the lain paper to remove excess embossing powder. The copy paper can then be used as a funnel to return power to its jar. The image then needs to be heated, with the use of an embossing gun. Slowly move the heat gun over the image until your image begins to ¿a1§pop¿a1¨ off the page. Be careful not to overheat, as you might scorch the paper.
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