BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Rubber Art Stamping I want to start stamping

You have probably answered this question in articles, but I guess I must be lazy or something......

I am fairly creative, but impatient, and need a craft that will be finished quickly.

What do I really need to get started.....I have no one around here to show me, unless I do a party or something with a stamping company (not going to happen).

What is a good first project?

Hi Robin!

I don't usually post in this forum, but I am into stamping and scrapbooking so I thought I'd give you a little info.

First, stamping is really fun! From what you are saying, I think a great idea to try would be for you to make cards. Have you ever tried that? I would also suggest that you try acrylic stamps as opposed to wood mounted, red rubber stamps. The acrylic ones are see through and 'stick' to a plastic, see through block so that you can see exactly where you are placing the stamp (will be great for your impatience!). There are lots of cute 'greeting' related sets of acrylic stamps that would be perfect for all sorts of cards--birthday, anniversary, etc.

What you would need to get started is a set of stamps, an acrylic block, an ink pad--some have more than one color or there are single colors too. There are different kinds of ink, but I would suggest just starting with a pigment ink (it will give a nice, uniform color coverage and shouldn't smear if you let it dry), and then you can also buy sets of blank cards and envelopes. You might also want to buy some pretty paper that you could trim to fit the card, or even buy different colored cardstock to make the cards with. Once you get the hang of it, there are tons of special 'embellishments' you can buy to add to the card, like ribbons, charms, etc. depending on how fancy you want to get.

Whenever I've had a question about stamping, this website/forum has had lots of helpful info: BellaOnline ALERT: Raw URLs are not allowed in these forums for security reasons. Please use UBB code. If you don't know how to do UBB code just post here for help - we will help out!

Thanks KinderFrei-- You answered that really well! I think starting with cards is a great place to start, and there are so many places on the web where you can learn techniques and get ideas! I just wanted to add a few links to BellaOnline sites that you could find lots of information!

This article lists the ten top items needed to rubber stamp:
URL: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32663.asp
It seem like a strong place to start!

This article will give you information about stamps:
URL: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art31045.asp

And I agree with KinderFrei, the more you look at other people's work the more you will learn and grow! Maybe you would like to join the swap??? Beginners are always welcome!

Great articles Carol! I used to be into stamping big time but got discouraged when my pieces never looked like the ones in the magazines and catalogs, but I think I'm going to dig out my supplies and try again..stamping really is fun!

Carol - I am interested in stamping for kids, cards, homeschooling ideas etc?

Ok Siobhain, Robin, Sue-- you've convinced me! Next week's article will be cardmaking for beginners. I'll try and be as specific as possible, and try to use as few supplies as possible. Now I will think about a what card to make...

Thanks for your interest. But beware, once you get started you may get hooked...

YAY - I have looked at embossing stuff, but have no idea what to do with it, etc....maybe later an e-book on how to stamp and different projects - I'd buy it!!

I know I want to stamp some wall hangings, and I cannot stop staring at your icon of that watercolor that you stamped on top of.

Me too - I have long admired it!

Ok, I changed the avatar! This avatar is really rubber stamped image on acetate. My last avatar was not rubber stamped at all, just a water color. I'm sorry for any confusion that may have occurred!

But I do appreciate your kind words...