by: Nicky Whatmore

Many of you may have used rubber stamps before either while crafting or in the office. Rubber

stamps are pieces of rubber that can be carved and molded into an image or pattern. The rubber

can be mounted onto a stable block and then the ink is coated onto the design and then pressed

onto some sort of fabric or paper so the colored image is transferred.

There are three basic types of stamps. These are listed below;

1) Regular Rubber Stamps

These are the basic kind that are used with a separate ink pad. They are easy to get hold of

and cheap to buy. However they may be messy if not used properly. This type is ideal for

crafters since you can own a variety of designs to decorate almost anything. However, these

stamps are also perfect for office workers. The stamp does not need to be replaced only the

inkpad when it runs out, which is another advantage.

2) Self-inking Stamps

These are mechanical stampers with an internal stamp pad attached. The stamp hits the internal

inkpad using a swivel action between each use. The advantages of this type of stamp is that

they are quick and easy to use making multiple stamping a breeze perfect for anyone working in

an office where stamps are used on a regular basis. These are re-inkable and very reasonably

priced. However, when the inkpad runs out you will need to buy the whole stamp. Brand names

that you may have heard of include Ideal, Trodat, or Cosco.

3) Pre-inked Stamps

This type of stamp has dye impregnated onto the design. These pre-inked stamps can be split

into three types. These are polymer gel pre-inks, the latest in technology flash stamps, and

the laser engraved vulcanized rubber stamps. These types of stamps are a lot more expensive

but are ideal for offices that use the same stamp over and over again, since they are durable

and long lasting, cheap to re-ink, and made to the highest quality.

Stamping is considered to be a fantastic hobby where people can collect different designs

while others enjoy the designs they can make with the stamps. These decorative stamps can be

used on letters, greetings cards, banners, and other similar things to add that personalized

touch.

The techniques involved in the art of rubberstamping are varied and you can find whole

websites devoted to this subject. In fact there are even clubs that you can join so you can

get together with others to make things and share techniques and even their stamps!