Custom Rubber Stamp

by Patricia
(Arizona)

I'd like to make my own wedding invitations using a custom rubber stamp of a monogram of our initials that I've designed. Do you have any tips for using a custom rubber stamp and do you know where I can get one from?

Answer:

I have tried and tried with rubber stamps and they're just not for me!

I really struggle to get a good result with them so instead I use a graphics program and use a fancy font and a 'frame' or 'tile' around the initials to make the monogram.

It then prints out consistently with no smudges (I'm good at smudging). I do all of this in my graphics program as it's just much easier for me.

If you're accustomed to rubber stamps and can use them without making a mess, then they can give a great effect, especially if you emboss them afterwards. (If you're a novice though, practice, practice, practice and if it doesn't work, then turn to your graphics package or even Word!)

Some general tips about rubber stamping that I've found are:
- Take the ink to your stamp, not the stamp to the ink
- Clean off any excess ink on 'blank' areas with a cotton bud
- Press evenly across the whole stamp
- Don't rock the stamp to and fro
- A clear acrylic block is much easier to use than the traditional wooden blocks as you can see where you're positioning the stamp

If you've got any more tips on using custom rubber stamps, then add them below in the comments section.

Custom rubber stamps are easy to find as well. Some of the best stockists include www.rubberstamps.net who offer custom stamps from as little as $3. Many of the stamp making companies will also make these up for you so you should easily be able to find a store that can help.

The nice thing about a monogram stamp is that you can use it after the wedding as well on all your social stationery or in any family scrapbooking that you do.

I hope that helps.

Nicola