Part of the popularity of rubber stamping has been its versatile applications. Art rubber stamps can be used to create personalized gifts, keepsakes, and mementos. Both card making and scrap-booking are unique ways to apply artistic rubber stamp designs. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for a loved one, creating a personalized card using rubber stamp techniques will be remembered for years to come. In order to have your card making experience turn out for the best, here are a few tips and techniques that will help you use rubber stamps effectively in your card making endeavors.

First, when choosing a card making rubber stamp, don't make cost your primary factor. The larger or more detailed stamps will be more expensive, but it is certainly better to go with quality in the long-run. Better made stamps will have a more detailed and crisper appearance that will add beauty to your cards. With larger stamps, try to get versatile designs that can be readily adapted to a different projects, this will help keep the cost down, and you can purchase fewer stamps.

Rubber stamps come in wood mounts, which are often more expensive, unmounted stamps, and clear and plastic mounts. Clear mounts are great for beginners as they allow you to see exactly where you are stamping, and will help reduce errors. While there are several different ink types available for rubber stamping, you should use ink that is acid free and no-fade resistant, which will provide the best results.

One of the most impressive card making techniques is embossing. Embossing is a process that changes a flat stamp into a three dimensional, raised design, with added glitter or sheen applied to the image. For embossing, you will need a variety of tools, including your stamp and what you are stamping on, a special long drying ink called pigment ink, embossing powder, and your heat source. The best stamps for embossing have simple, clean lines, as small details don't translate well once the embossing is set. The best heat source is a craft heat gun, which is inexpensive and can be purchased at supply stores both locally and online.

Embossing works by stamping your image on your material, using pigment ink, and then sprinkling the image with embossing powder. Apply the heat source, not for too long, and when the image raises up, its done. You can apply different colored inks and powders, and really experiment and unleash your creativity to experience a variety of results.

The basics of using a card making rubber stamp are easy to learn, but there will always be additional tips and techniques to learn and apply. Once you've practiced a few times, you'll want to start varying your colors and materials, and see the different results you can achieve. Card making with rubber stamps will produce unique and wonderful gifts for friends and family