Creating Cards Using Background Stamps

These instructions relating to BackGround stamps #16548 (round) , 16432 (oval) and 16433 (rectangular) were created by the artist who drew them... Mary Helen Sims of Las Vegas.



Mary Helen's instructions relate to using them as cushioned stamps on static cling with acrylic blocks and our unique handles for the blocks but of course, the instructions also work for mounted stamps.

1. Assemble all the items you'll need: rubber stamps (your choice of the background stamps above and whatever images you wish to use on the background, acrylic blocks and handles for stamps (eg01 or eg02 on our Website)

or mounted stamps if you prefer, ink pads, small sponge, dauber, stencil brush, card stock or card fronts, heat gun, embossing powders, creased paper to catch excess embossing powder (unless you keep your powder in a rubbermaid type container large enough to catch the excess) and a small paint brush.

2. Ink background rubber stamp by tapping ink pad over stamp lightly until completely covered. If you wish a contrasting border, use dauber/sponge or stencil brush to apply contrasting color around edge of background stamp.

3. Holding stamp straight, press onto card firmly... do not rock stamp. Lift straight off... I hold the paper down firmly while I lift the background stamp straight up.

4. Ink stamp for center design and press card straight down. Lift stamp to remove.

5. If you want entire card embossed, sprinkle over area you want embossed and then tap over creased paper or container to return exess to jar. If powder adheres to unwanted areas, use small paint brush to brush off excess powder.

Hold heat gun approximately 2-3 inches away from card and move over card in small areas until they become shiny... too much heat will make the embossed areas dull.

5b. If you only want the center stamp embossed, use the heat gun to dry ink of background impression before applying center stamp. Sprinkle over area you wish embossed, remove excess to jar and heat set in small areas until completed. Now ink stamp for center design and press onto card. Lift stamp to remove.

6a. If you wish multiple colors in the background stamp, ink entire stamp with basic color then use sponge/dauber/stencil brush to place color patches over original color where desired... you can use the sponge/dauber/stencil brush to even out lines and soften flow of colors into each other.

6b. You can edge the card with contrasting color or metallic ink by using sponge/dauber/stencil brush around the edges of the background stamp where the card is blank.

7. If you want a clear background with edges inked, place rubber stamp onto card and using sponge/dauber/stencil brush, apply ink all around the background stamp, being sure to get right up against the stamp edge. Ink stamp for center design and press onto card. Lift stamp to remove. Sprinkle over area you wish embossed, remove excess to jar and heat set in small areas until completed.