The last article addressed inks. Without something to put into the ink though, your project is going to be colorful but boring! So onto the "good stuff"...the stamps!
Stamps come in many sizes, shapes and styles. They share a common denominator, in that they all have some sort of design cut into a material that allows ink to be transferred from the ink source to your project. Stamps can be made from erasers, fruits and veggies, sponge, acrylics and rubber. Of these, the most common stamp on the market is the rubber stamp, hence the generic term for the hobby of rubber stamping.
Most stamps that you purchase are mounted in some way. The most common form of mounting is on wood, although many new stamps are coming out on acrylic mounts that allow the stamper to see through the stamp to their project. Mounting blocks are also available that have hook and loop strips on them. These allow you to purchase stamps that also have hook and loop tape on the back, letting you are interchange the stamps on the block. For storing, this type of stamp is wonderful. You can get lots of these stamps in the same container that would store only a few wood or acrylic mounted stamps. The draw back is that the rubber to create this type of stamp may not be as thick and you may find your images leaving a "back print" due to the lack of depth of your stamp. A "back print" is created when the very outside edge of the stamp's border shows on the project, creating an extra image that you don't want on your project. To combat the "back print" syndrome, try laying your project on a pad of paper or a magazine and stamping with less pressure.
Stamp designs are varied. Some have just the outline of the design, while others are more intricately cut. The more intricate designs can create fantastic projects, but be aware that you have to scrutinize the image before you stamp to be sure all of the surface is inked. Always keep some scrap paper handy to make a practice image first. Huffing, (like cleaning off sunglasses...you "huff" air onto the glasses to moisten them) warm air onto the stamp to keep the ink moist will help here. Ink the stamp, stamp on your scratch paper and then if it is the way you want it to look, "huff" and stamp on your project.
There are stamps available called reverse image stamps. These are just a flat piece of rubber, often mounted on wood, that allow you to stamp an image in the reverse on your project. For example, you want to show a pair of lions on a notecard. Your lion stamp shows the lion facing towards the left. How do you get the lion on the opposite side of the card to face the other direction? Using a reversing stamp, stamp your lion on the flat rubber surface, then set the reversing stamp on your project and behold...the king of beast and his twin are now flanking your card.
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