T E C H N I Q U E

Using rubber art stamps to decorate wooden objects is a great way to expand your stamping hobby into three dimensions. Some wooden objects, which can be stamped, are pre-assembled, unfinished boxes (sized for trinkets, recipes, jewelry, etc.), plaques, frames or berry boxes. Visit a craft store for ideas.

Some raw wood tends to cause your ink to "bleed", and some finished wood is too slick to hold the ink.

For best results:

• Lightly sand the wood until smooth.

• Finish the wood with polyurethane stain or wipe on latex paint.

• For a natural look, with no stain or paint, seal the wood before stamping
  with olive oil or tung oil.

• Clear acrylic spray can also be used to seal the wood.

S T A M P I N '   T I P S

• Use pigment based or black Memories ink. Most other water based inks will bleed. Pigment ink can be heat embossed or heat set (to speed drying time). Stamping Paint can be applied to the rubber die with a sponge.

• Carefully consider color choices. The color must be dark enough to contrast with the natural or stained tones of the wood. Black stamped images can be colored in once the ink is dry, using suitable paints or pigmented markers, which dry permanent. Care must be taken not to smear your images as you add to your design.

• Decorate the interior of your box by stamping it or by lining it with decorative or handmade paper. Glue the lining in place with a glue stick, which will not wet or buckle the paper. Paint the open edges of your box with acrylic paint if desired. o

• Protect your design with a light coat of clear acrylic spray after waiting 4-8 hours for the ink to dry and cure.

• Try this for beautiful ornaments using small wooden shapes: Cover the surface completely with pigment ink. Immediately apply one or two coats of clear embossing enamel. Prepare a stamp for quick use by inking it with black Memories ink. Heat the last coat of embossing enamel and immediately press in the stamp. The image will be recessed into the embossing enamel and will not stick to the surface once it begins to cool.