I enjoy rubber stamping with bleach and like the effect that it gives on colored paper or cardstock. I often get asked if it damages my rubber stamps and, after several sessions of stamping with bleach, none of my stamps are any worse for wear. I do, however, always clean my rubber stamps promptly after use. I give them a good rinse in clean water before scrubbing them with a brush. Although I haven't experienced any problems, I would only recommend this technique for use with old stamps - not expensive new ones or family favorites!

If you haven't tried stamping with bleach it is actually very easy to do! I use normal household bleach and make a pad from a wad of kitchen paper in an old saucer. See Stamping with Bleach for more information about this versatile technique.

If you fancy trying something a little different with your stamps, then how about having a go at stamping on fabric? Our About.com Painting guide, Marion Boddy-Evans has written an informative article about fabric stamping - How to Stamp on Fabric.

This is a lovely way to get even more use from your stamps or if you are after a specific design, carving your own stamps from erasers or carving blocks will also work well. Here are some tips for successful fabric stamping:

• Pick stamps with bold images and strong outlines, very fine detail may become obscured
• Make sure that the fabric paint is not too thick, this can result in uneven prints
• Keep a look out for ink pads that are suitable for fabric stamping, this is a convenient way to get the paint or ink onto a stamp
• Try using fabric marker pens to 'ink' the stamp
  • Creative Stamping Using Mixed Media Techniques by Sherrill Kahn
  • Create Your Own Hand Printed Cloth by Rayna Gillman
  • Inspired to Quilt, Creative Experiments in Art Quilt Imagery by Melanie Testa

There are several great books that talk about stamping on fabric in more details. These include:

I can't think of a time when it has been easier to buy and sell handmade items online! Online marketplaces such as Etsy, Artfire and the large number of other specialist handmade marketplaces that have opened over the last few years, means that buyers and sellers from all over the world can virtually 'meet' to do business. This is a great opportunity for people wanting to make and sell cards - and it is also ideal for buyers who are looking for handmade items and can't find what they want locally or who are looking for something a little different.

If you are thinking about selling handmade cards then the following articles may be of interest:

• How to Sell Handmade Cards
• How to Price Handmade Cards

Buying and Selling Handmade Cards Online

If you have experience of buying or selling handmade cards online then you are welcome to share your experience with others. Use these forms to submit your thoughts:

• Tips for Buying Cards Online
• Tips for Selling Cards Online

Chalks are one of my favorite methods of adding color to rubber stamping projects. I enjoy the way that different effects can be achieved. A light dusting of chalk gives a gentle blush of color to a stamping project, whereas bolder colors can be achieved by using chalks with a wet paint brush. Chalks are great for creating backgrounds for rubber stamping projects too. An effective marbled background is simple to create using chalk shavings floated on water. See Chalk Shaving Background for more information.

Another benefit of chalks is that they are relatively low cost and last a long time! Read more about using chalks in this article - Using Chalks in Rubber Stamping Projects. Do you use chalks and have a favorite hint or tip to share? If so, why not leave a comment below and share your thoughts with others!