The following are discussions on tips how to maximize your stamping and explore more the beauty of experiencing rubber stamps.

> Matters Concerning the Inking

Initially, you always think as to what best ink you can use just to get the best output you desire. You can choose from a wide variety of inking pads available on the market but the most extensively used and patronized are the dye-based and pigment ink-pads.

The dye based pads provide richer, more soaked shade while pigment inks are radiant but more solid. Dye based ink dries fact so it is appropriate to apply on lustrous or entwined paper. On the otherhand, pigment ink dries gradually and slowly that is why it is appropriate to use for embossing since the ink requires to be embossed if not it will stay damp or wet.

Both dye based and pigment ink come in a felt paper with a lid. If you intend to achieve the effect of ink layer of the image while a part of the image is not heavily inked as the others, you need to moisten the stamp onto the pad. Firmly press and grind the stamp against the ink so the excess ink will be scattered in parts where you do not expect it.

Embossing as Connected to Rubber Stamping

Embossing attracts most us to the craft. This process makes the stamp surface be raised and looked glossy, pearlescent, or metallic. It involves a particular powder and heat sources so the stamped impression would raise and change its color.

You may stamp the impression of your choice with the use of embossing ink or ordinary ink, then sprinkle the embossing powder, tap off the excess and melt the powder with a heat source.

Embossing is really interesting because the non-complicated design becomes beautiful because of the effect it creates. Texture and color may be added to the designs.

> Embossing Ink

Is there a particular ink for embossing? Well, any ink will do and may be used but you have to be aware of the different characteristics of each ink so you will have an idea what to do to get the best of each. Like the usual dye-based ink, when working with it, you need to finish quickly because the ink easily dries.

The pigment based inks are still available at the craft stores but consumes a longer period to dry up. The ink will not dry accordingly if you will not embossed it first: This is to be done when you use pigment ink on glossy paper.

Specially made inks are available for embossing. Light colored ink like the embossing powder is how they look like.

> Embossing Powder

Available in small jars, many kinds of embossing powders can be bought at a local craft store, but for multi-colors, you can buy them on the Net. Essential colors of embossing powder are metallic, pearls, foils, vibrant, and Day-Glo colors, and even antique-finish colors.

Easy Styles/Tips foe Embossing

Ready all the materials needed and fix your work area. A paper that you will stamp on is needed, also the ink embossing powders, and heat gun or heat sources. A bigger piece of paper/old use file folder may also be used so that the powder that will drop will be held.

Impress the image according to steps discussed in rubber stamping technique. The stamped paper will then be sprinkled embossing powder accordingly on the paper. Smoothly tap the fallen powder on the piece of paper. An old paintbrush may also be used so that you can brush off excess powder that fell on the part of the image where you do not want them to be. A heat gun should be waved few inches away from the powdered image. The powder then melts and gives a finished look. Wait until it cools.

> Other Heat Sources

Without a heat gun, embossing can still be possible but this time with the use of other kitchen equipments like toaster. You just have to set it to the maximum setting, then push down the handle so that it begins to heat. Gesticulate the card positioned as stamped side up over the toaster. Avoid sweltering the page and make sure the stamped image is equally heated. A light bulb, electric burner, and a hot plate may also be used for embossing.

Most of the time, some portions of the stamped design is not embossed accordingly. Markers are the solution to this problem. You can just draw the missing part of the image, then emboss that portion afterwards.

Ball-point pen that is erasable can be used to put color on the unembossed portion. Take not that this can be used when colored embossing powder will be used. Otherwise, you may use clear embossing marker.

If accidentally, you color the image after you’re done embossing, and the color blemishes the embossed portion, just re-warm it because the powder will just re-melt and covers the blemish.