A Beginner’s Guide to Clear Stamps

Rubberstampers have several options when it comes to stamping and one option clearly above the rest is clear stamps. Clear stamps are usually purchased as a set with a few images combined with a few word images. There are many features that make clear stamps an asset to your stamp collection including easy to use, easy to position, and easy to clean and store.

Unlike your traditional rubber stamps, clear stamps do not come with a mount. You’ll need to invest in a few acrylic (also clear) mounts to place your images upon. It’s best to coordinate the size of your acrylic mounts to the size of your clear stamp collection. Mine includes small, medium, large, and extra large (more than one clear image can be placed upon the larger acrylic mounts to create a scene).

acrylic-mounts

And unlike unmounted rubber stamps where you must place the image onto a cushion, then onto your mount, clear stamps need no cushion between the clear image and mount. You simply place your clear stamp onto the acrylic mount and you are ready to stamp. You’ll need inks and a surface to stamp on too.

clear-stamps-from-fiskars

Positioning images exactly where you want them on a surface isn’t always easy, but with clear stamps you can see exactly where your image will be placed. No need for rulers or guidelines, just decide where you want the image to be placed and stamp!

clear-stamp-example

Clear Stamp Example: Blooming Spring Flowers Cards

You may purchase a set of clear stamps that include vases and flowers. With clear stamps it’s very easy to stamp a vase, then come back and stamp the flowers so they appear to be one stamped image.

Clean your clear stamps with mild soap and water. Dry completely, and store on the original packaging (usually a clear piece of acetate) or make your own storage system. Clear stamps are not big and bulky like traditional wood mounted rubber stamps so storage is much better taking up less space in your crafting area. The main visual difference between traditional rubber stamps and clear stamps is that rubber stamps can still provide the most crisp detail with fine lines. For the most part you’ll never see the difference.

If you are just starting to rubberstamp clear stamps are a great way to discover the joys of stamping. You can get more images for the dollar with the clear stamp sets and you’ll find it easier to position your designs. Here are some great projects to get you started.

Daisy Card
This colorful card using a Daisy as its focal design element. It’s an excellent beginner card for the new stamper.

Easy Stamped Christmas Cards
Send a handmade greeting to your family and friends with these simple, but delightful holiday cards. All you need is a few stamps and you can mix and match to create several designs.

Inspired Stamped Cards
Word stamps are very popular and help us express emotion with our stamps. Dee Gruenig created five different cards with one word in mind, Inspire!

Practice your placement and positioning skills with this beautiful butterfly lace card. Then add some glitter to create some bling!

Last Minute Gift Bags
Add some color and whimsy to any gift by presenting it in one of these fast and easy to create gift bags. You can mix and match your stamps to match the gift, event, or season!