Create your own unique designer papers with rubber stamps! Some stamps and inks are all that is required to turn a plain sheet of paper into an attractive and unique paper sheet. This can be used as special stationery, in handmade card making projects, as invitations or used in a wide variety of other projects. Many different effects can be achieved - stamp the paper in a single colored ink for an elegant monochromic finish or stamp with different colors allowing the images to overlap and blend. Large flowers and swirls are very popular at the moment and are well suited to all over designs.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Quick
Here's How:
- Gather materials together and cover work surface. Take a stamp dab it into the ink and then start building up an all over pattern on the paper.
- Tap the stamp onto the page two or three times. The image will get lighter with each tap and this will help to give depth to the finished design. Alternate between colors if required.
- Leave the paper to one side to dry. When the paper is dry admire your one of a kind design and use the papers to create cards or gift tags, to decorate boxes, make envelopes or in a wide variety of other projects!
Tips:
- Before stamping on good quality paper it is a good idea to practice on scratch or waste paper. This saves wasting quality paper if things don't go to plan!
- For a professional finish, stamp over the edges of the paper. Place paper onto scratch or waste paper when stamping to avoid stamping onto the work surface.
- Fast drying dye inks are good to use as they dry quickly which will help to avoid smudging. Pigment inks can be heat set to help hasten the drying or embossed which will give a different texture to the finished project.
- Different effects will be achieved by working on dark or light backgrounds. A dark paper with a light colored ink will give a dramatic contrast, whereas a light colored paper with a pale ink will create a subtle and classic design that is ideal for making stationery.
- Mask the center of a piece of paper if a clear space is required - this is particularly useful if the paper is to be used to create envelopes.
What You Need:
- Scratch or waste paper for practicing on and to protect the work surface
- Rubber stamps as required
- Inks
- Plain paper or cardstock
