What are Medallion Rubber Stamps?:
Medallion rubber stamps have distinctive and intricate designs that are perfect for coloring in different colors. These stamps can be found in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, although circular images are the most common. What defines medallion stamps is the way that the pattern is created, allowing different sections of the medallion image to be cut out and layered creating a 3d image. These can be varied to create different effects and finished results. Medallion rubber stamps are readily available in mounted, unmounted and clear acrylic styles.
How are Medallion Rubber Stamps Used?:
Medallion rubber stamps can be used in a number of ways. They can simply be used to stamp a single image onto a piece of paper or cardstock, create an all over design or they are commonly used to stamp multiple images which are cut out and layered together to create a 3d design. Images can be colored using any coloring medium and different effects can be achieved by varying colors. The choice of ink to use with a medallion stamp will depend on the project. Slow drying pigment inks, for instance, are perfect for embossing images. Different colored inks could be used for the different layers of the medallion.
Creating 3d Effects:
Cutting out sections from medallion images and layering these together to create 3d effects can be emphasized by using glue dots or double sided tape. These striking 3d images can be used to decorate handmade cards or other projects. Each medallion design lends itself to different arrangements. Some manufacturers supply cutting guides with medallion stamps which suggest how the sections should be colored and cut, however part of the fun of using these stamps is exploring the different ways that they can be used.
Coloring Medallion Stamp Images:
Striking effects can be achieved by coloring in the images. Any coloring medium will work well. Marker pens, for instance, give bright vibrant shades - when teamed with black ink these create an almost 'stained glass' effect. Chalks can be rubbed over the image for a more subtle effect and paints can be brushed over embossed images which creates yet another different effect.
Tips for Using Medallion Stamps:
Medallion stamps are simple to use, however there are a few tips that will help give perfect results every time:
- Medallion stamps are typically relatively large stamps. Standing up when stamping may help to achieve a constant pressure on the stamp and ensure clean stamped images.
- Color the cut edges of the medallion sections with a complementary color or the same color as the ink. This creates a more 'finished' image.
- Coloring the images before cutting can be less fiddly than coloring small sections.
- Keep any stamped images that are less than perfect as these can be used to experiment with different layouts.
Buying Medallion Rubber Stamps:
Medallion rubber stamps are readily available. Most of the larger stamping companies have a range of medallion stamps in a variety of patterns. Examples of medallion rubber stamps can be found on the following rubber stamp supplier's websites:
- Inkadinkdo - example of a flower medallion stamp and a project using this stamp.
- Holly Berry House - a wide range of different medallion designs.
- Hero Arts - unusual lace medallion stamp and project.
