Stamps are one of those tools that almost every crafter has in their stash, but many of us don’t always use them to their full potential.
There are so many different types of stamps available, and each one can be used in different ways to create beautiful details, backgrounds and embellishments in your projects.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the types of stamps I use, the tools that help me get the best results, and how to take care of your stamps so they last.
- Using Stamps in Your Crafting Projects
- Types of Stamps
- What You Need to Use Stamps
- Caring for Your Stamps
- Which Stamps Should You Use?
- Other Things You Can Stamp With
Using Stamps in Your Crafting Projects
Stamps can be used to add detail, texture and personality to your projects. Whether you are creating backgrounds, embellishments or focal elements, stamps are a simple way to make your projects feel more finished and more personal.
Types of Stamps
There are many different types of stamps, and understanding what you have in your stash makes it much easier to use them creatively.
Background Stamps
These are usually larger stamps with patterns or textures that can be used to create backgrounds.
Border Stamps
These are long strip-style stamps that can be used to create borders on your pages or projects.
Layering Stamps
Layering stamps allow you to build up an image by stamping different parts of the design separately, often in different colours.
Foam Stamps
These are usually fun, simple designs and are great for bold shapes. You can even create your own foam stamps using fun foam.
Clear (Cling) Stamps
These are my favourite type of stamps. Because they are clear, you can see exactly where you are stamping, which makes positioning much easier. They are typically used with acrylic blocks.
Rubber Stamps
Rubber stamps can either be cling-mounted or mounted on wood or acrylic blocks. They often give very detailed stamped images, but you cannot always see exactly where you are stamping.
Date stamps also fall into this category and are very useful for memory keeping.
Roller Stamps
There are two types of roller stamps:
• Pattern rollers for continuous designs
• Date/word rollers for stamping dates
Both are great for adding details to a project.
Mounted Stamps
These rubber stamps are mounted on wooden or acrylic blocks. They are sturdy and easy to handle, but you cannot see exactly where you are stamping.
Stamp and Die Combos
These are stamps that come with matching cutting dies. They are perfect for creating custom embellishments. See our FREE Junk Journal Embellishments course for more details!
Stamp and Stencil Combos
These make it easy to colour stamped images using matching stencils. I don’t currently have these in my stash, but they are a great option for easy colouring.
What You Need to Use Stamps
To get the best results from your stamps, a few basic tools make a big difference.
Acrylic Blocks
Clear stamps need acrylic blocks to hold them while stamping. These allow for easy positioning.
Stamping Platforms
Stamping platforms can replace acrylic blocks and help with precise positioning. They also allow you to stamp an image multiple times to improve clarity.
Some platforms have size limitations, but designs like the Tim Holtz platform with open sides allow for larger pieces of cardstock.
Stamping Pressure Tool
A stamping pressure tool is a handheld tool used together with a stamping platform to apply even, consistent pressure across your stamp. This helps to achieve a clearer, more complete image, especially when working with larger stamps or detailed designs.
It is not an essential tool, but it can make a noticeable difference in your results. These tools can be quite pricey, and when they were not readily available in South Africa, I repurposed an air hockey pusher for this job and it works just as well! It’s a great reminder that you don’t always need specialised tools to get great results.
Ink Pads
Ink is one of the most important parts of stamping. Different inks behave differently, and you can explore this further in my Playing with Inks series.
Stamping Surface
Using a rubber stamping mat or even a piece of fun foam underneath your cardstock can improve your stamped image by creating a softer surface.
Caring for Your Stamps
Taking care of your stamps will keep them working well and extend their lifespan.
Cleaning Your Stamps
• For water-based inks, I usually use baby wipes
• For solvent-based inks, a liquid, solvent stamp cleaner works best
• Some inks may require a specialised cleaner for stubborn stains
Stamp cleaning pads and cloths can also be used for more thorough cleaning. It’s always best to clean your stamps after each use.
Keeping Clear Stamps Sticky
Sometimes clear stamps lose their stickiness and don’t cling to acrylic blocks properly.
In this case, wipe the back of the stamp with a little isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), this usually restores the stickiness.
Storage
Store your stamps away from direct light to prevent damage.
I store mine in DoCrafts stamp storage folders, organised by theme.
Which Stamps Should You Use?
The best stamp to use is always the one you already have in your stash. But if you do have a few options, here are my recommendations:
• Use clear stamps when you need precise placement
• Use rubber stamps for detailed images
• Use background stamps for texture
• Use layering stamps to build complex designs
• Use stamp and die combos for embellishments
Other Things You Can Stamp With
Stamps are not the only tools you can use to create stamped effects in your projects. Some of the best textures and patterns come from items you already have in your stash or around your home.
Here are a few of my favourite alternatives:
• Bubble wrap – creates fun circular textures, perfect for backgrounds
• Stencils – can be used to “stamp” patterns with ink or paint
• Plants and leaves – add beautiful organic shapes and natural textures
• Embossing folders – can be inked and used as stamps for textured prints
• Drywall tape – creates interesting grid-like patterns
• Baking paper – can be used for soft, abstract background effects
• Sponges – great for adding texture, blending and soft patterns
These are all simple ways to experiment and get more out of the supplies you already have.
The best way to learn how to use stamps is to use them in real projects.
You can explore some of my scrapbook and journal projects where I use stamps, as well as more techniques and ideas in the Make in Wonder Library:
Our Wedding
Create a vintage-inspired double page scrapbook layout documenting a wedding day using patterned paper, inks, and simple embellishments.
Keep reading
Junk Journal Embellishments
Explore how to create handmade junk journal embellishments using simple techniques and stash supplies.
Keep reading
Inky Embellishments Scrapbook Page
Turn your inks into stunning handmade embellishments and a full scrapbook page
Keep reading