The Basics of Rubber Stamping
Rubber stamping is a fun and versatile art medium which anyone can enjoy. It can take only a few minutes to make a simple card to brighten someone's day, or you can spend hours trying new techniques in this new art form. Its boundaries are endless... where ever you have a surface, you can stamp on it! To get started you only need a few basic items: some cardstock, an ink pad, and a rubber stamp. You ink the stamp by lightly tapping it on the ink pad several times, and then looking at the inked side of the stamp to be sure you have good coverage. Then you put the stamp directly onto the paper using a little pressure and rock back and forth gently once or twice, then pull the stamp straight up off of the cardstock. Congratulations! You have just stamped your first image.
To make your first card you can simply cut a standard 8 ½x 11” sheet of paper in half, both halves being 5½ x 8 ½. Then you fold those in half so you end up with two cards that are 5½ x 4 1/4". Stamp your image on the front, then open the card and add your sentiment on the inside. After you stamp your image you can color it with markers, chalks, watercolor, whatever your heart desires, or you can let the design stand on its own.
These cards will fit into standard invitation envelopes (4 3/8”x 5¾”) which you can pick up easily at any store that has a stationary/office supply section. They are available in white and colors to match your design and can be mailed with standard postage.
Make a list of everyone you know and their special occasions. Even add people who are going through a tough time or are just lonely. Something as simple as a card can brighten anyone’s day, especially if they see you took the time to make something by hand for them.
You will find that you will soon be making cards for every occasion, and no occasion as well, and looking for new techniques and new things to stamp on. Try stamping on glass, plastic, clothing (you will need special inks or paints for this), candles, even kids if you have washable inks or henna inks. Stamping can bring out the artist in anyone, and you will soon find your imagination never fails to find something new for you to try.