Rubber Stamping Texture Tips

Are you looking for a way to make unique textured surfaces and images from your rubber stamps? We spent some time working with these unique texture techniques and were amazed at the versatility and creativity they provided for our rubber stamps. Most of the items used should be around the house or in the garage. Everything can be found at your local department store. The most enjoyable moments happen when you discover a new way to use an old stamp. Let's get started!

Texture #1: Sandpaper Paradise For this technique, you will need a small square of sandpaper. One great idea is to save old scraps of "used" sandpaper since they will each provide a unique look to your stamped project. Heavy cardstock will work best for this project since you will be "buffing" away and don't want to tear a hole in the paper. Stamp your image on the cardstock using a dye based ink. Highlight the stamped image with chalks. Taking your sandpaper, gently scrub the paper until the desired "distressed" look appears. Once finished, it is usually best to cut out the image from the sanded paper and affix the image to the project. This simple technique can add a pleasantly aged look when used with walnut or dark brown pigment inks!

Texture #2: Baby Wipe Blur To get this unique texture you will need water based markers or watercolor pencils and a package of baby wipes or damp paper towels. Using your rubber stamps, stamp your project with the desired image or lettering. Taking your markers or watercolor pencils, fill in the center and highlight the edges of the stamp image accordingly. Allow the pigment to set without completely drying. With your baby wipes, gently "dab" the image. The moisture from the cloth will cause the coloring to soften and blur resulting in a beautiful finished texture. Allow to dry and place on remaining project!

Texture #3: Wax Mask For this rubber stamping texture technique you will need a white crayon or a piece of wax. Using your rubber stamps, create the stamped image collage on the chosen piece of paper. Using your wax, gently "color" the areas where highlighting would occur. Taking a marker or stamp pad, gently fill in the inner, unstamped area with the color of choice. Allow the ink to dry. After the ink has dried, gently rub the image in small circular strokes over the "wax" covered area. The ink will rub off of the wax and the highlights will remain.

These three simple rubber stamping texture techniques are great ways to make unique cards and scrapbooking pages. Using these tips, you will be able to make special projects with all of your rubber stamps that others will admire. For a truly unique textured project, blend all three textures together in by utilizing sandpaper, wax, and markers!

Kathy Williams writes rubber stamping and scrapbooking articles. She also runs an online stamping store in her spare time and enjoys the many wonderful rubber stamps including animal rubber stamps and flower rubber stamps.