How to Start a Stamp Collection

Stamps are a necessary facet for the delivery of physical items in our modern postal service. However it was not always so. Prior to the introduction of the 'Penny Black' in 1840s Britain, recipients had to pay for the delivery of any post. The cost was determined according to the number of pages sent and the distance transversed.

Pre-paid adhesive Stamps were in fact the brainchild of Rowland Hill in his 1837 proposal to reform the British Postal System. Little did he realize then that his invention would become one of the most popular hobbies in the modem world.

The attraction of stamp collection is multi faceted. From a hobby perspective it illuminates people's understanding of diverse cultures, events and dialects. There is the pleasure obtained from collecting beautiful miniature pieces of art and the thrill of collecting rare and valuable pieces.

5 Key steps in beginning your stamp collection include;

Step One: New or Used Stamps
The fist decision a stamp collector must make is whether to focus on used stamps, unused / mint stamps or a collection of both. Initially it is advisable to commence collecting used stamps. These are readily available, inexpensive and will give you a feel for the hobby.

Commence by removing stamps from your received mail. Please note it is often more valuable to collect the entire envelope due to a unique postmark date. Ask your friends, family and any over seas relatives to send you their stamps. This will provide the impetus for a diverse collection at low cost.

Step Two: Select a Theme
It would not be feasible to intend on accumulating a complete worldwide collection of stamps. Such a collection would be very expensive to acquire and require storage for thousands of volumes. For this purpose collectors focus on small definitive niches encapsulating time periods, particular countries, topicals or types of stamps.

These niches vary from pictorials and commemorative stamps to topicals such as; Olympics, space, famous people, animals, birds, sports and a whole lot more besides.

Your choice will most often be dictated by your interests. Concentrate your collection on that which you would be excited to own.

Step Three: Purchase Stamp Collecting Equipment & a Stamp Collection Catalog
When starting out it is essential to buy a good catalog / album. Stamp catalogs and reference guides are full of useful data on stamp collection history and on individual stamps themselves. These guides provide useful data including essential stamp particulars and book value. It is advisable to get a catalog with the Scott numbering system. It is not necessary to buy the latest most expensive catalog or albums, those which are 4/5 years old will suffice for the purpose intended.

Other necessary stamp collecting equipment includes; stamp thongs, magnifying glass, archival stock book, and if you are very serious stamp collecting software.

These items enable a serious stamp collector to better examine their collection and preserve the stamps for years to come.

Step Four: Find a Reputable Dealer and Buy Stamps online

When you have become comfortable with the fundamentals of stamp collection and feel ready to purchase, visit your local stamp dealer (see newspaper classifieds) and purchase a stack of assorted used stamps. This will cover a diverse range of topics and provide hours of enjoyment in sorting and categorizing your collection.

Join online stamp auction sites such as eBay.com and bid at stamp auctions or philatelic exhibitions. Take your time, get educated, ask lots of questions and make informed buying decisions.

When purchasing stamps online you need to specify whether they are by 'approval' or 'want list'. Approval refers to a situation whereby a dealer sends the collector assorted stamps and they then decide which to retain. A 'Want List' refers to a situation whereby the dealer checks if requested stamps are in stock and quotes prices for specified stamps the collector wants to collect.

Step Five: Join a Stamp Collecting Club and Get involved in online forums
The very best way to learn about the great hobby of stamp collection is by taking part in interactive online forums and by joining local stamp collecting clubs. You will then benefit from the accumulated knowledge of seasoned stamp collectors. They will be able to answer your questions and ensure your hobby is enjoyable rather than frustrating due to any learning curve.

Tag : stamps,stamp collection,photo stamps,old stamps

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_O'_Flynn

Stamps and Coins - Collecting and Appraising Stamps and Coins

Before Beanie Babies - Before baseball cards -- Before Barbies -- there were stamps and coins. Stamps and coins still represent the largest collecting interest in the world. Everyone has seen, held and used stamps and coins, but not all of us, or our clients, know which stamps and coins are collectible and valuable. Perhaps you have slipped a valuable silver quarter into a Coke machine or licked a rare stamp to send a letter to a friend. Knowing what to look for can keep those valuable items from being used for soda pop and postage.

The collectible values of both stamps and coins are based upon the economic law of supply and demand. As you know, supply is the number of stamps or coins available in the market. Demand is the desire to hold, have or own the stamp or coin. The greater the demand, the more valuable an item usually is. The fewer number of items available (less supply) the greater the value as well.

An appraiser or collector can easily identify the original supply of stamps and coins by researching the quantities produced in most coin and stamp references. For stamps use the Scott Stamp Catalogs -- for coins, try Yeoman's Red Book.

These references describe every U.S. coin and stamp issued, and list the quantity minted or printed. The quantities produced do not necessarily indicate the number available today. Stamps are routinely used and discarded. Coins are taken out of circulation as they become worn or lost through holes in pants pockets.

But quantity is not necessarily the most important factor in establishing value. It is the supply of desirable stamps and coins that create those rare headlines: "Penny Worth Ten Thousand Dollars Found in gum machine." The most desirable, and valuable, stamps and coins are usually scarce and in excellent condition

One-cent coins known as "Indian-head" pennies are great examples of supply and demand. They were minted in the U.S. from 1869-1909 and show the profile of a Native American princess on the front (most folks think it's an Indian Chief). In 1876, approximately 8 million of these coins were minted. About 6 million were minted in 1878. But in 1877 less than one million pennies were minted. The 1877 pennies are valued at approximately 10 times more than coins in similar condition from 1876 or 1878.

The condition of coins and stamps is also an important factor. An 1877 "Indian-head" penny in "uncirculated condition" (really good shape) can be worth ten times more than an 1877 penny in "good" condition. Superb, uncirculated, 1877 "Indian-head" pennies can be found in coin shops selling for over $2,000.00 - (go get your own comps). A similar coin to search for is the 1909 Lincoln-head penny with the mint mark "S" under the date and the letters "V.D.B." on the back under the wheat stalks. Less than 500,000 1909S V.D.B. coins were minted compared to over 100 million other 1909 pennies. This coin was minted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth.

The same supply and demand rules apply to postage stamps. Generally, unused stamps are more valuable than used stamps. Stamps in superb condition are usually more valuable than similar stamps in poor condition.

Stamp collectors look for stamps that are well-centered and have even, uniform margins. Stamps that are clean and free of tears are more valuable than their dirty, worn counterparts.

Just because a stamp or coin is old does not mean it is valuable. A coin from the Constantine Period of the Roman Empire, which is about 330-345 AD, is over 1,600 years old. It can be purchased from a reputable coin dealer for under $100.00. Although this Roman Empire coin is quite interesting they were sold by the barrel to dealers just a few years go.

A full sheet of commemorative stamps from the 1940's is worth little more than the value of the postage. Dealers pay less than face-value. The sheet of stamps, are available in great quantities and there is little demand for them as a collectible or as postage. You'll need a huge envelope to hold 39 cents worth of 3 cent stamps.

The good news is that there are probably hidden surprises in your clients' drawers. (Not those drawers!) Before 1965 the U.S. mint produced coins containing a high percentage of silver. These dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars are worth approximately 4 times their denomination value, based on the silver content alone. Silver coins, in excellent condition, may be worth substantially more than those that are worn or damaged. If it's a US dime, quarter, half dollar or silver dollar dated before 1965, you have a silver coin. After 1964 the United States went to copper clad coins.

Before you run off to buy, sell, or appraise stamps and coins, here are a few tips from the professionals:
Jules Topfer, NAC's Stamp and Coin specialist researcher suggests: "Don't rush your research. Shop around. Get more than one comparable -- markets can vary greatly. Feel out the dealer's knowledge before you draw a value conclusion. Better yet, consult with other professional appraisers that specialize in the field.'

Leon Castner, ISA CAPP, Managing Partner at National Appraisal Consultants and a professional auctioneer adds: "Some of these stamps and coins come from collections, while others are part of accumulations. There is a big difference between a collection and an accumulation."

A collection is an organized group of stamps or coins, with a specific collecting purpose or goal. Collections are usually well-cared for and properly sorted and stored in albums or appropriate containers. An accumulation is a batch of coins in a coffee can or a pile of stamps in one big envelope.

Since stamp and coin appraisals are incredible labor intensive, appraisers need to differentiate between accumulations and collections. That distinction alone can help you and your client establish orders of magnitude in the appraisal process and save you and your client hours of inspection and research time.

The contents of collections are almost always in better condition than the contents of an accumulation. So, generally speaking, the value of a collection is usually greater than an accumulation containing the same material.

As mentioned above, the primary reference for stamp identification is the "Scott Catalog." These catalogs list all stamps by date of issue and country. The catalogs are quite large and contain and amazing amount of information. Each stamp is identified by a specific "Scott number," which is unique to that stamp. There are catalogs for different countries.

The most common catalog for US stamps and US philatelic related items is the "Scott Specialized Catalog." It includes first day covers, revenue stamps and many others philatelic ephemera.

If you are searching for values or prices you will most likely see that the stamps are identified by their Scott number.

Coins are best identified using Yeoman's catalog of US coins, commonly known as the "red book." Coins are commonly identified by their denomination, style and year. It is published by Whitman.

Prices and values can be found in variety of places. Dealers can provide you with their selling price, and may make offers on items, if they know the condition of the items they are buying. Remember, the amount a dealer offers for an item may not reflect the item's value.

eBay is certainly one place to look for values and prices, but there are many other sources which should be considered. Search other on-line auction sources, as well as on-line catalog offering.

But remember, when you really need to know, find a qualified, independent, personal property appraiser.

The terms "Scott," "Scott's," "Scott Catalogue," and "Scott Number" are trademarks of Scott Publishing Company, Inc.

Tag : stamps,coins,photo stamps,old stamps,rubber stamps

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Kathenes

Creative Uses of the Rubber Stamp

The term rubber stamp, or even stamping, has been associated with the craft of using ink made of dye or pigment to create patterns. The ink is then applied to an image or pattern, which may be carved or molded on to the sheet of rubber. This can also be laser engraved or vulcanized in the same processes. Often the rubber can be mounted on a stable object like brick, wood, or an acrylic block, which helps in producing solid instruments. Ink coated rubber stamps are then pressed on the medium, like fabric or paper, so that a colored image can be transferred to the same.

In many cases, glass, wood, metal, plastic or rock can also be used. There are some people who also prefer using high volume batik or liquid wax rather than a metal stamp. New techniques are being used for making highly advanced versions, and thus facilitate convenient usage. If you're looking for creative usage of the stamp, then look no further than batik printing. This format has been used to design everything from t-shirts to skirts, with batik prints forming unique patterns on the cloth.

Stamps are commercially available and can be segregated into three main categories namely the stamps for official usage, those for decorative uses, and finally the ones used in toys made for children. These stamps have grown in popularity and compared to their previous counterparts that were restricted to business purposes, these are used extensively for craft projects. Rubber-stamping has gradually evolved as a profession and hobby for some people. It is actually possible to create distinct designs through these rubber stamps. It is essential to have various designs crafted on them to get maximum results and thus transfer them to a medium of your choice, including paper, cloth or even wood. Don't be too surprised to come across craft schools offering classes in rubber stamps and batik prints.

You should be able to find various kinds of decorative versions of these stamps, which are generally referred to as art stamps. These are basically used for traditional crafts and certain home projects. These decorative versions of the rubber stamp are known for its benefits of prolonged impressions on paper, and for creating splendid designs on an array of other related fabrics. These stamps can be used for decorating scrapbooks or for any other related school projects, or even highlight any other creative object.

You can use these for making banners, creating holiday cards or birthday cards, jewelry boxes, wooden pieces, and other related products. As you can make out, these stamps made from rubber are used for adding a personalized touch to almost anything. The stamp can also be used as an emblem for your group, company or product. Most of the royal houses carry a rubber stamp with their coat of arms being featured prominently on the stamp, for e.g. the royal house of Windsor. Certain museums feature rubber stamps as a special category, so the next time you're at a museum, you may want to check that out.

If you want to add a creative touch to your garments, then these stamps can used for such purposes too. You can create your range of homemade products, which can be made funkier or more traditional, through the usage of these stamps. One can find an array of products in the market to create their own styles, and thus personalize almost anything that you want. You'll need to remember to rinse the stamps after you have used the rubber stamps, in order to wash the paint out. Innovation and creative techniques can help you create your own brand of products, which you can then market about. You can even opt to create your own brand of designs, with batik prints. When it comes to rubber stamps, the sky's the limit. You can opt to create designer clothes with unusual batik prints, use rubber stamps to create craft items with your own design or even create and market greeting cards, all under your own creative banner.

The stamp has come a long way since we have started using them to impose the family seal on important documents and papers. These days, the rubber stamps are used in almost every creative function possible. These stamps have even given raise to designer outfits, glaring with their batik prints. You may think that any creative work with these stamps would fade with time; that is the color, texture. While that may be true a while back, that's no longer the case. Most of the current batik prints are put through a process immediately after the print is applied so that the design melds onto the fabric and does not fade with the passage of time. No wonder that the rubber stamps are much in demand, at least in the batik department.

There are some wonderful resources out there like this site called Rubber Stamps Home. Alternatively, for more information on rubber stamps in general have a look at this site full of great information regarding the wonderful and diverse rubber stamp.

Tag : stamps,rubber stamps,postage stamps,picture stamps,photo stamps

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Ebullio

E-Stamping - New Stamp Duty System Introduced by Revenue Commissioners

E-Stamping

E-Stamping is a new stamping system which has been introduced by the Revenue Commissioners to replace the existing stamping system. The aim of the new e-Stamping system is to provide a more cost effective and efficient stamping system. The new system will apply to all instruments which require stamping and where stamp duty is payable. There are two ways to use the new system. Firstly you can log on to Revenue Online System-ROS (if you are already registered, alternatively you can register as a new user) and file an instrument and pay stamp duty as applicable, using the e-Stamping Return. If you do not wish to use ROS, then you can file a paper stamp return by post or by hand with the Revenue Commissioners.

E-Stamping Return

To avail of using the E-Stamping Return, you must log onto ROS. If you are not already registered for ROS, you can do so by following the ROS Registration process on ros.ie. Once registered and logged on, you can select stamp duty from the list of taxes. The systems will guide you through the various fields using drop down menus, which means that you will only need to complete the sections which apply to your particular case. Once all the information is completed correctly, the E-Stamping system will calculate the stamp duty which may be payable. If accepted, you may proceed, file the return and pay the appropriate stamp duty. You may save your workings offline however, if you are not ready to file yet. Also, you may file the return but choose not to pay by Direct Debit, you may send in the duty payable by cheque or electronic transfer. Once payment is received by the Revenue Commissioners and they are satisfied with their review, they will issue a Stamping Certificate. This Certificate replaces the holograph strip which previously was affixed to the instrument once stamp duty had been paid. Under the new system if you pay the stamp duty by Direct Debit, you will receive the Stamp Certificate in your ROS inbox and this should be printed off and affixed to the instrument. If you choose to pay by EFT or cheque, the certificate will be posted out to you. If an adjudication is required, it may take longer than normal for the certificate will be issued.

The main advantages of the E-Stamping Return are as follows:

• The new system applies to all stamp duty cases (E.g sale of new or second hand house, company reconstructions, transactions between related parties, instruments where consideration is uncertainable)
• You can save and amend your work offline before filing
• Help Text available online
• Constant availability of online system
• Variety of payment options
• Can view previous filings and workings
• Amendments can be made returns which have been filed
• Validation checks available

The Paper Return

For those who choose not to use the e-Stamping System on ROS a Stamp Duty Paper Return must be completed and sent to the Revenue. The stamp Certificate will be issued to the filer once the case has been processed and stamp duty has been received. There are a number of different Stamp Duty Return forms which apply to different stamp duty cases. These forms are as follows:

• SDR1-Single property on a single conveyance, transfer & long term lease
• SDR1-Exchanges and transfer of two (or more) properties in a single conveyance
• SDR2-Conveyances and transfers for stocks and marketable securities
• SDR3-Other stampable instruments
• SDCF-Clawback cases

The main disadvantage of the paper return is that the filer has to navigate his way through the entire form and if any section which is relevant has been completed incorrectly or is incomplete, the form will be rejected by Revenue and sent back by to you post, thereby delaying the process. Online, you will be prompted immediately if there is a problem and corrections can be made there and then.

The Stamp Certificate

This certificate is in A4 paper format which will be sent by through ROS or by post when a return has been stamped and stamp duty has been completed. The Certificate should be affixed to the instrument to which it relates to. In a case where an adjudication is required under Section 20SDCA, 1999, the Revenue may request supporting documentation and the instrument itself before issuing the certificate. The Certificate will contain details which will only relate to the instrument it relates to. It will also contain a certificate number and document ID Number which will be required if the certificate needs to be verified or replaced at any time.

Exempt Instruments

Instruments which are not subject to stamping are as follows:

• An Instrument which creates joint tenancy between spouses in the family home
• Instruments to which Section 106B of the SDCA 1999 applies
• A lease of a dwelling house for any indefinite term or a term not exceeding 35 years which is exempt from Stamp Duty
• Any instrument which is exempt from stamp duty, other than:

1. An instrument to be adjudicated under Section 20 SDCA 1999
2. An instrument operating as a conveyance or transfer, on sale or by way of gift, of land or interest on land
3. A Lease of land for a term exceeding 30 years
4. An Assignment of a lease of land where the unexpired term of the lease exceeds 30 years.

Interest & Penalties

For adjudication cases, the return must be filed within 30 days of the date the instrument was first executed. Payment of stamp duty must then be paid within 14 days of the Revenue's assessment being issued. In any other cases where adjudication is not required, the stamp return must be filed and stamp duty paid within 44 days of the date the instrument was first executed. If stamp duty is underpaid penalties and interest will apply to the instrument until the date the full amount due has been paid.

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Tag : stamps,e-stamping,photo stamps,postage stamps

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Micheal_O'Neill

Using Rubber Stampede Or Magenta? Regardless, Here's Ways to Store All Your Rubber Stamping Supplies

All you need to make your own personalized greeting card or scrapbook page is a rubber stamp and a few rubber stamping supplies. Sure you can personalize with your computer but is that really personal? Not for me. I love to make everything hand-made. It is the personal touch that I really like.

Some basic rubber stamping supplies that you will need are of course a rubber stamp, ink pad and some paper. But with all the really cool rubber stamping supplies on the market today, who can just use those three things? Not me.

Your possibilities are endless when it comes to rubber stamping supplies. They can be anything from an embellishment that you add to your card or scrapbook page, to the place where your embellishments are stored and organized. I keep all of my rubber stamping supplies in labeled containers. Since I am not that good in remembering which manufacturer of stamps make my favorite stamps like the Magenta stamp, Rubber Stampede, Hero Arts, Outline Rubber Stamp, Stampendous and the list can go on an on, (because they are all my favorites), I organize them by theme or by holiday.

When I just listed some of the stamp manufacturers, I just remembered that I bought the cutest self cling Magenta stamp of two cats when I was at the stamp convention. It reminded me of my two cats when they sit in our window looking like book ends. Another Magenta stamp that I have is a wood block stamp with the image of a kitten in a field of flowers. Wow, I almost forgot about that stamp. I want to make some note cards with that one.

Besides a Magenta stamp, Magenta also makes really cute Metallic, self adhesive embellishments that are really great for scrapbook pages, cards and even picture frames. My favorite is a package that they have with four of my favorite words. Create, Imagine, Believe and Dream. I also have a really good video from Magenta "The Art of Stamping Magenta Style" that shows you how to use your Magenta stamp to its fullest.

Another great summer time stamp is from Rubber Stampede. It is a fun border stamp of cocktails. You can use this stamp for a border or you can make an invitation for a cocktail party. Rubber Stampede has fun stamps. I also was on a "kick" of all oriental themed stamps, and Rubber Stampede really had some great looking stamps that I used a lot. I can go on and on about how great Magenta and Rubber Stampede stamps are and for that matter each manufacturer of rubber stamps. Maybe I will one day but not today.

I also keep some of my rubber stamping supplies in a spice rack. That's right a spice rack, I think of it as spicing up my crafts. This is a great place for brads, eyelets, buttons, rhinestones and anything else that will fit in these small jars.

Rubber stamping supplies can also be housed in recycled containers. Since I use a lot of embossing powder one great container that I use is a plastic grated cheese container. It has the holes on one side to shake out slowly and the other side is one big opening that I use to put back the un-used powder back into the container with my funnel dish.

If you have some decorative metal tins, that is also a great place for rubber stamping supplies. I have this really cure tin that stores my mini spot ink pads.

I remember shopping in a kitchen gadget store. They had silver tins for recipes and I guess cooking supplies. Well of course I bought them and now they are the new home for all of my brads that I have accumulated over the years along with some of metal picture corners that I have from Making Memories to pewter charms and Metallic embellishments from Magenta.

Another great place to store your rubber stamping supplies is photo boxes. They are inexpensive and a great size to hold small paper packs, envelopes, packages of dimensional adhesives and even for cards that you have made for safe keeping.

For some of those big bulky foam stamps that you might have, a great place to store those and other odd shaped rubber stamping supplies are in a plastic clear shoe box.

The most important thing that I can say is LABEL all your rubber stamping supplies. There is nothing worse than being in the middle of a project and wanting something to add to your piece of art and not knowing where to find it.

Tag : stamps,postage stamps,rubber stamps,photo stamps

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joan_Koeppel

Three Steps to Perfect Stamping

Stamping sounds so easy, doesn't it? You buy a stamp, put some ink on it, and rap it on the paper, right? Wrong!

You may find your images smudge, twist or look a bit blobby with this method of stamping. That's not usually what a stamper wants. Well, I am going to tell you about the little secrets for creating stamped images that you may not have seen before. But let's start a couple of steps before you start stamping. Let's look at the quality of the stamp and the type of ink you are going to buy.

Before you buy your stamp, it is important to examine the rubber or acrylic and decide if the image is carefully chiselled out. A good stamp will be made of a firmer, high quality rubber or acrylic and the image will be finely and deeply cut. If you buy a stamp that is softer and less well defined, that is the type of image you will get from it, regardless of your technique.

Now consider the ink you want to use. There are actually five basic types of inks and each one gives you a different effect. There are dye based, pigment based, permanent, fabric and embossing inks. Which one will produce the result you want? Here's some ideas about how to choose between them:

Dye Based inks are water based so they react to water or paint or other moisture by smudging. What they do is stain the paper, so if you want to colour your stamped images somehow, don't choose dye-based inks. If you want a quick drying ink or crisp images that you don't want to colour or alter in any way, choose dye based inks. You will also get a softer colour with dye based inks. You can usually clean this type of ink off your stamps with water, but be careful not to saturate and therefore warp any stamps mounted on wooden blocks.

Pigment inks are also water based but they are made differently to dye based inks. They have little particles of colour in them so they are brighter than dye inks and are less likely to smudge. They are best used on matte paper. When you use them on glossy cardstock, they will smudge if touched. They also take longer to dry so you can put embossing powder on them and heat set that.

Permanent ink is just that - a quick setting, water resistant ink. You can stamp on many surfaces with it - glossy cardstock, glass, acetate, even wood or paint. Once in place and dry the image is there to stay. This type of ink will also stain your stamp unless you use the specially made permanent ink cleaner solution that usually can be found on the shelf at the store next to the permanent inks.

Fabric ink is made for stamping on fabric and you will probably need to 'set' it by ironing over it once you have stamped your image. You can use fabric ink on other surfaces too (such as on chipboard). It is a semi-permanent ink so use a stamp cleaner with it to avoid staining your stamps.

Embossing inks are stickier and take longer to dry so they are perfect for catching and holding on to embossing powders. Just be careful not to touch an embossed image till it has been heat set or it will smudge. If you stamp on coloured cardstock with clear embossing ink, your image will be two tones darker than the colour of the cardstock. You'll need a stamp cleaner for this type of ink, too.

OK. Once you have chosen your ink, you are ready to start stamping. The three secrets for crisp, clear images are:

1. Place your stamp face-down on your ink pad, and tap it on the pad. Avoid pushing the stamp into the ink pad as you will wind up with too much ink on the stamp and this in turn will make your images smudged or imperfect. Now turn the stamp over and check to see if all areas of the image have been evenly inked up. If not, turn the stamp face down again and tap it on the ink pad till it is properly inked up.
2. Turn your stamp over again and hold it firmly in your two hands by the edges. Lower it onto your paper as straight as you can. Press the stamp in the middle with a finger, then press around the edges of the image to be sure all of the image has had contact with the paper. Be careful not to press so hard that you tilt or buckle the stamp.
3. Next, carefully and smoothly lift the stamp straight up from the paper, avoiding tilting or twisting the stamp.

You should have a clean, crisp, complete image!

More stamping tips:

If you have a very large stamp, turn it face up on your table. Tap the ink onto the stamp, checking to be sure it is all properly inked up. You may find you get a better result if you place your paper on the stamp and carefully smooth it over with your hand before lifting the paper straight up and off the stamp. This way you avoid any 'missed' spots caused by imperfections in the surface of a large stamp.

Do try to clean your stamps before the ink dries on them. Using a stamp cleaner will condition the rubber and maintain the quality of the images.

Now you now the three steps to perfect stamping.Perfection can be achieved if you practice these steps. It could take some practice before you consistently get perfect results, but the time you may spend doing that is worth it!

Tag : stamps,rubber stamps,photo stamps,oid stamps

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Luke

Cling Mounted Stamps - The Good, the Bad, and the Choices

Rubber stamps have been around for generations without much innovation or alteration in their design. Until now that is. The world of rubber stamping has finally been updated with a 21st century spin, the cling mount stamp. Cling mount stamps are used in the same manner as traditional rubber stamps except they do not come permanently pre-mounted on a wooden block. Cling mount stamps have two sides; one side has the raised image that holds the ink for stamping and the other side is coated with a repositionable cling surface which holds or mounts to a piece of acrylic which replaces the wooded block.

Cling mount stamps have a lot of benefits over traditional wood mounted rubber stamps. One of the best bonuses is the lower cost of cling mounted stamps with stamp sets selling for a reduced price compared to traditional stamps with more stamps in the set too! They are more compact for storage often being packaged in a thin plastic bag or DVD case which makes owning and organizing multiple stamp sets a breeze; unlike the days of trying to find suitable storage for bulky and various sized wooden blocks. With the cling mount stamps positioning the stamps exactly where you want them is a dream because you can see the stamp through the clear acrylic block so there is no more guess work about the exact position of the image under a wooden block; I know most of you have experienced a stamp that was not mounted quite right so the stamped image was slightly off where you wanted it to be. The cling mount stamps clean up the same way as your traditional stamps so you can continue using your cleaner of choice. Finally, you can make collages of images or use a block the size of your card and positional the stamps at once and only have to stamp once making sure that each card has the images in the exact same position.

The new and innovative world of cling mount stamps is not without its flaws. The stamps do not come with a mounting base like traditional stamps where it is all one complete unit which means that you will need to purchase acrylic blocks for your stamps. The blocks can seen costly at first but it is important to remember that you do not need to have a block for every individual stamps since you remove the stamps after using them; ideally you should have a couple acrylic blocks in sizes you use a lot so that you can stamp with multiple images without having to remove them in between depending on the project you are working on. Some cling mount stamps do not hold the ink as well as others with the ink pooling and pulling off parts of the image producing a spotty or streaked stamped image. Also, if you are short on time this type of stamps might not suit your needs because you will need to take the time to mount each stamp, remove each stamp, and then put the stamp and block away separately.

There are a couple choices when it comes to choosing the type of material the stamp is made from, plastic or rubber. The material the stamp is made from impacts image quality. I have used both the clear plastic and rubber cling mount stamps. The winner in my book is the rubber cling mount stamps, like those by Stampin' Up, because they produce the same quality stamped image that we are all accustomed to with our traditional stamps. Some of the plastic cling mount stamps look great and promise wonderful stamped images but do not deliver, including the sets by The Stamps of Life, the ink does not hold as well resulting in a streaked image.
Overall I believe cling mount stamps are a wonderful addition to the world of stamping and paper crafts just consider your needs and the quality of the stamp material. Shop around, have fun, and get stamping!

Tag : stamps,rubber stamps,photo stamps,stamps collection

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How to Achieve Full Color Rubber Stamping Designs

Rubber stamping is a hobby that allows you to become an artist, even if you never considered yourself one before. With the huge variety of decorative rubber stamps and clear acrylic art stamps that are available, you can always find designs that will suit your project and personality. Rubber stamping on scrapbook pages and card making crafts can help you take the tension out of your day and unwind. But, what if you want more than a stamped outline? What if you truly want your stamping images to be in full color? Today you will learn how to achieve different styles of full color stamped designs.

Adding color, whether vibrant or subtle, can draw the eye where you want it in seconds. Coloring the details on the rubber stamp itself is one of the first steps you will take to achieving a full color image in your hobby stamping projects. Try any of the following techniques to add color to your creative ideas.

STAMPING AN IMAGE IN COLOR

1. Use a multi color ink pad. Often you will find these available in colored stripes ranging from a rainbow of different colors to complementary colors in different shades. You may even find pie shaped multicolor ink pads that will give you even more colors in your stamping art. Regardless of the ink pad, number of colors, or shape, you will end up with a multicolored stamped image that will add great interest and appeal to your scrapbooks and card making crafts. This can add particular interest to solid images that do not need colored in. Clear rubber stamps are ideal for this technique as you can see how well the ink covers the design as well as the blend color you will end up with before you even stamp the image.

2. Another way you can add color before you stamp, is to use water based colored markers. You can do this easily by simply coloring the stamp details in your choice of color. Depending on the size of the image you are stamping, you may choose to stamp between colors. Clean the stamp and then stamp the next color separately so that the ink doesn't dry on the stamp before you get it on paper. This is very easy to do with your clear rubber stamps as you can see where to place the stamp keeping your images precisely lined up. If you find the ink dries too much before you are done coloring the stamp, simply give it a gently huff - the kind that will fog up your glasses - before you stamp.

3. The third way to add color to a stamped image is simply to choose a color of ink other than black or brown. Then you can ink the entire image and stamp it on your paper craft ideas. With that done, you are ready to begin filling in the spaces with fun coloring techniques.

Once you have finished stamping your image with the technique of your choice, you may choose to add resplendant color or you may wish to use it as it is. If you choose to add more color, keep reading for more great ideas.

COLORING IN STAMPED IMAGES

1. You may use chalks or pastels to color in an image. Chalks are available in a wide range of colors and shades. They are ideal for adding delicate color to rubber stamping projects. You can apply chalks with a stiff paint brush, Q-tip, eye make up applicator, or simply use them like a crayon and then brushed away the excess powder. The best idea is to experiment with the different application tools to find your preference. You may find that one brand of pastels is harder than others. The softer they are the easier you will find it is to use a brush to apply color to your stamping crafts.

2. Coloring with pencil crayons can give bold vivid color to your rubber stamping crafts or subtle pastel shades on your card making or scrapbooking ideas. Choose good quality crayons and colors that suit your craft. With colored pencils your can simply add shadow, fine detail or a background aura. The trick to coloring rubber stamped images with pencil crayons is the amount of pressure you put on the crayon as you color. Always color in the same direction. For pastel shades or to blend colors together apply only light pressure. Likewise, for vibrant color, you should press harder as you color. Smooth papers will color differently than textured paper. Experiment with this technique if you are unsure of the effect you will achieve.

3. Stamping additional color is a fun option. Many rubber stamp sets offer a solid background stamp which, you can ink then stamp to fill in objects such as flowers or leaves. Watch for these types of rubber stamps as you create your stamping ideas. They are fun to use and work with. When using these shadow stamps, be sure you choose a color lighter than the outline color so that your details still show up after you stamp the solid image.

4. Add vibrant color with the use of markers. You can use water base colored markers to easily color in details on your rubber stamped designs. Try to use this technique on smaller areas as the ink sometimes leaves overlap lines from coloring over dry ink.

5. Pigment inks are a quick and easy way for you to add color to your rubber stamped images. You can always be sure that the colors you use will match all your stamped elements with this technique. Ink can be applied a couple of ways. Trial and error will help you choose your favorite method. Ink a make-up applicator, and then mist it lightly with water and color in as if you were using a paint brush. You may also use the corner of a make up sponge dabbed in the ink, and color in the rubber stamped image using it dry or moist for different results.

Now you can fully enjoy full color rubber stamped designs. Use them on your hobby scrapbook art and card making crafts as you relax and unwind after a long day. By exploring the world of color in your rubber stamping hobby, you will more fully realize your creative potential as you design beautiful works of art.

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