In addition to dye or pigment ink pads, there are other colorants you can use with stamps.
Brush markers
These are colored markers with a tip like a paintbrush. You can use them in two ways:
- Color directly on the stamp design with the marker. Huff (make a quick breath) onto the stamp to reactivate the ink and then stamp on your page.
- Stamp your design with a dye-based ink and then use the markers to color in your image.
Watercolor pencils and watercolor crayons
Stamp your image using a dye-based ink. Use the watercolor pencil or crayon to color along the edge of your image. Next take a blender pen or a tiny wet paintbrush and pull the color into the center of the image to color and shade.
Chalks
Chalks provide a soft, subtle look to a stamp design. I like to use a Versamark pad to stamp my image, then apply colors using a chalk applicator or cotton swab.
Distress inks
Distress inks give your page a vintage or aged look. You can stamp the image with the distress ink, or crumple your paper and then drag the stamp pad over the paper to get an interesting texture.
Acrylic paint
Water-based acrylic paints are the best for stamps since the paint washes easily from the stamps. Apply the paint to your stamp using a brush, then stamp your image.
All colorants give you different looks. As you get into stamping, experiment with the various colorants and see what kinds of effects you can make!
In the coming days, I’ll post video demos using some of the materials above.
Did I miss any colorants? What kinds do you use? What are your favorites?
