I thought you all might get a kick out of an article I wrote a few years back. This image is from my friend Libby from the bay area. by using Micro glaze for a mask over the image she was able to cover the whole background with a BIG crackle stamp (JK) in one shot!
BTW JudiKins will have this stamp at the show its called Porcelain Crackle.
Getting more from your BIG stamps
In all my years of stamping one piece of advice has always remained the same when it comes to investing in a product buy the biggest/best item you can afford. We all know that bulk tends to be the winner when it come to price and good quality never goes out of style. This is as true with rubber stamps as it is with bottled products or tools so buy the big one!
Many companies create images in multiple sizes this creates a problem when you must choose only one. Yes, the little one is cute, less expensive and fairly functional and although price is a consideration value will determine usability. A big stamp can't be beat when it comes to versatility.
Bigger is better, here is why...
Tiling small stamps together is time consuming and can be frustrating. Using a large stamp will fill the space better since most larger stamps are created with composition in mind. Many card makers tend to stay under the standard postal size and many of these stamps are made to fit those sizes.
A large image can always be cut down, torn or masked to fit an area much more easily than a small stamp can be tiled into an area.
Big backgrounds can be punched repeatedly giving multiple parts. I have a large collection of punches that I use often with large images especially backgrounds. Simply trim a background to fit the front of a card then punch a large square or circle at the bottom right corner. Layer over a contrasting colored note card. In the open space place another punched design like a leaf, flower or heart shape.
Substantial designs can be stamped onto shadow or palette stamps leading to a dual design. This is a great technique for expanding your collection. Put a light base color on the palette stamp then stamp a darker color on the palette with a large stamp. Now stamp the palette onto your paper. Try this on your bold alphabets for a brand new look.
There are some issues when using these hefty tools. Many people have a difficult time simply holding big stamps and printing with them can be a struggle as well.
The solution is to use a rubber brayer ( the biggest one you can find of course)!
A brayer is the easiest and most efficient way to achieve an even application of most wet mediums.
A detachable 4 or 6 inch soft rubber brayer can be a big stamp's best friend. I have brayers in many sizes and use them for applying inks and paints to jumbo stamps and many other surfaces. You can also make gorgeous backgrounds with the leftover ink/paint.
To apply the ink or paint you'll need to use some type of large washable surface like a piece of glass, a Teflon sheet or even a piece of shrink plastic to put the loose ink or paint on. Roll out the color with the brayer then apply evenly to the large stamp.
A brayer is also the best at getting an even impression from the stamp itself. Lay the stamp rubber side up then lay the paper face down on the stamp and apply gentile pressure over the back of the paper with the brayer.
Rubber brayers can be cleaned in the top rack of the dishwasher!
Play with big stamps regularly and you will have loads of backgrounds for your latest creations.
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