Using Your Stamps to Make Embellishments

by Rachel Myerson (Feb 19, 2013)

In addition to collecting paper and embellishments, many scrapbookers like to collect stamps and ink. Here's a fun technique to make your own dimensional embellishments using stamps, ink, and glue.

Start by choosing the stamps that you want to use. You will be cutting the images out by hand, so choose stamps that are reasonable to cut. In the example shown here, I was going for a Valentine's theme, so I chose images of hearts and grapes.

Stamp your images using an ink that doesn't run such as the Memento Ink by Tsukineko. You can stamp your images on white cardstock, colored cardstock, or patterned paper. I recommend stamping multiple versions of the same image, especially if you plan to color them.

If you stamped on white cardstock, you will want to color in your images. I prefer the blended look of Copic markers or ink with a water brush; but any coloring method is fine. If you stamped on colored cardstock or patterned paper, adding a touch of color is optional.

Once you are satisfied with your images, carefully cut out the ones you like. This technique of cutting around an image is called "fussy cutting". The most common way to do this is to hold the scissors in place and move the paper with your other hand. Some people prefer to cut with a craft knife. Note that for these embellishments, the cutting does not have to be perfect.

Arrange your cut-out images on a non-stick surface, such as a piece of wax paper. Using a dimensional glue such as Glossy Accents, completely cover each image. If air bubbles appear, use the tip of the glue container to work them out.

Once your images seem to be completely covered and bubble-free, set them aside to dry. I recommend letting them dry for a long time, or overnight. When dry, they will have a shiny appearance and may have warped just enough to give them an interesting 3D look. Use scissors to trim off any excess glue that you don't like.