A basic stamping tool kit has many of the same items that you would find in a basic scrapbooking kit. If you already scrapbook, you probably have these tools on hand:
- Adhesive
- Fine-tip scissors
- Paper trimmer
- Punches
- Pencil
- Ruler
As you get into stamping, you may want to add these tools (if they’re not part of your current stash):
Acrylic blocks – handles used for mounting clear stamps or unmounted stamps
Blending pen – a marker used to blend colors from brush markers, watercolor pencils and crayons, or chalks
Brayer – a paint roller-type tool used to ink large stamps and to create backgrounds
Bone folder – used to fold and score paper; a favorite of cardmakers
Craft knife – used to cut intricate designs (think X-Acto knife)
Cutting mat -used to protect your work surface when using a craft knife
Dauber – a sponge tool that fits on your finger and is dabbed in ink; used to color stamped images
Embossing powder – sprinkle on a design stamped with pigment ink; use a heat gun to melt the powder and create a raised effect; comes in a variety of colors
Paint brushes – use with watercolor and acrylic paints; try to find good quality nylon brushes
Heat gun – used to melt embossing powder; looks like a small hair dryer. Note: don’t use a real hair dryer when embossing!
Sponge – tap on an ink pad or dab in paint to create textured backgrounds; comes in natural or rounded varieties
Stamp cleaner and scrubber – the cleaner is a special solution designed for cleaning stamps; the pad has a felt or foam surface; spritz the cleaner on the pad and then rub the stamp over the surface to remove ink
Stamp positioner – helps you line up letters, borders or frames when stamping in a specific place on your page
Stipple brush – used to create texture on backgrounds (Watch this video on how to use Texture Tools including the stipple brush)
Tortillion/stump – a tightly-wound stick of soft, fibrous paper with pointed or rounded ends; used to smudge and blend chalks, inks or watercolors
In the coming days, I’ll post video demos using some of the tools referenced above.
Do you use any other stamping tools? Which ones do you like the best?
