5 Ways To Stamp Yourself Silly
You probably haven't thought about rubber stamps since childhood, unless you have kids at home or you're the crafty type. But if you're a seasoned entertainer looking to add a simple and unique signature touch to your table, rubber stamps are just the thing to use.
Stamping itself is straightforward, but before you begin making things for your table, there are some things to consider. Use standard ink pads for stamping on paper products and if you want to permanently stamp on fabrics, you'll need to use a special fabric ink pad and heat-set the design. If you are stamping on fabric, remember that the item must have been washed and dried at least once as new fabrics may shrink. Numerous craft store and websites offer enough stamp designs to make your head spin. And if you can't find exactly what you're looking for, you can always design your own. Here are some of my favorite ways to add style to my table. Now, let's start stamping!
1. Clearly Stamped
Consider using clear stamps. Stamping has changed since the days of rubber on wood blocks. Clear stamps allow you to see exactly where you're placing an image and that makes your stamping life a whole lot easier. If you want to center an image or get it perfectly placed on the bottom corner of a napkin, you'll be thrilled that you can see exactly where you're stamping.
Buy a stamp that will help you add some style to your table by creating a motif. For a fall soiree, try an acorn or for a summer lunch how about some pretty flowers? Stamp on napkins, tablecloths, paper plates, menus, place cards, invites, or anything else that you want to try. Whatever you choose, you'll be able to create a unified style in your choice of color and designs. Best of all, it only takes a few seconds to stamp each item, so it's a great last-minute way to add a special touch to your event. (Photo courtesy of Flickr/aforestfrolic)
3. The ABCs of Stamping
Alphabet stamps add personalization with little effort. Stamp out your guests names or first initial using an artful font and you'll have custom hand printed details on the table in a jiffy. For casual parties with paper cups, it's a great way for everyone to keep track of their drink. And if you've always wanted monogrammed napkins, you can make your very own family heirlooms in less than five minutes.
Experiment with color and pattern. Get a few different inks and try mixing and layering colors. You can also try your hand at patternmaking by transforming a plain white cotton napkin into a colorful patterned masterpiece. Make it personal by making patterned napkins that use images that are special or unique to each guest or adding a themed border. Does cousin Lenny love dogs? Then he's sure to appreciate his custom-printed dog napkin. If nothing else, it'll make him laugh! (Photo courtesy of Flickr/elin b)
5. Custom Stamps
Once you've gotten the hang of stamping, you may have to take your obsession to a new level by creating your own custom stamp. Whether it is your own drawing, handwriting, or special design you've made on your computer, Stampworx 2000 will turn your design into a custom stamp that may just become your signature table element for years to come.
6. Stamp Cookies
Ok, so it's not a true rubber stamp but custom cookies made with a cookie text stamper are a great surprise for dessert (especially for a stamping party). Write a special message, date, or name on cookies for a truly memorable dessert.