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. Rubber stamping on scrapbook art pages and
card making crafts can take the tension out of your day. But, what if you want
more than a stamped outline? What if you truly want your stamping images to be
in full color? This article will teach you how to achieve different styles of
full color rubber 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
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. Clear rubber stamps are ideal for this technique
as you can see the ink coverage and the blend color before you even stamp
the image.- 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.
- 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 even more dazzling 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
- 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 crafts.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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,
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 to ease tension and tap into your creative self. By
exploring the world of color in your rubber stamping hobby, you will more fully
realize your creative potential as you design satisfying works of art.
