scrappilyeverafter

alisonrasmussen
independentmanager#879

When I first started stamping, I was intimidated by the many products available to stampers today, and I didn't know where to start. In my opinion, it was easiest to go to the store and purchase individual wood-mounted stamps to add to my collection. After my initial sticker shock, however, I realized I had better switch to a more budget-friendly method. I suggest you take a class, visit or store or a friend to see each of the methods in use as well as to compare the budgetary and space-conserving benefits.

Mounted Stamps

Mounted stamps are traditionally mounted with a sheet of foam padding between the carved or imprinted rubber and the wood (or sometimes plastic) handle. TAC™ mounted stamps include shaped wood blocks for easy handling.

Mounted stamps are typically up to twice the cost of unmounted images when they come assembled. The assembly of the stamps are time-consuming and therefore costly to the manufacturer. TAC™ mounted stamps come unassembled, but with self-adhesive foam padding as well as index stickers (to place on the top of the stamp) for assembly.

Unmounted Stamps

Because the assembly and handle cost is not added to unmounted stamps, they are usually much less expensive than mounted ones. One nice thing about unmounted images is that you have the option to use a clear acrylic handle, which allows you to see exactly where your image will be stamped. Unmounted stamps still require the basic rubber, foam padding and handle for use, but there are many types of mounting systems available.

1. Creative Cling™ system. This is the mounting system The Angel Company™ uses. Each set of unmounted stamps includes a sheet of Creative Cling™ cushion. It's self-adhesive on one side, and has a cling-vinyl type surface on the other, which allows it to be used with acrylic handles easily. You purchase handles of varying size, depending on your image collection, and use them interchangeably. You can store the images in the plastic cases they came in, adhere them to storage boards in your binder, or store them in empty CD cases.
2. Vinyl cling system. This system works similarly to the Creative Cling™ system, but uses regular double-sided adhesive cushion between the image and a piece of cling vinyl (like the kind used for window clings), cut slightly larger than the image. This also has easy storage, but the cost is very close to the Creative Cling™ system, which is more simple to use.
3. Traditional tacky stamps. You can also use a repositionable adhesive on the back of your foam cushion for your stamps instead of cling vinyl. I recommend Aleene's Tack It Over and Over for the best glue. However, it requires an even hand for glue application, and the glue needs to dry for 24 hours before you can use the image. Many people think this method is a bit messy.
4. Halo system. This is one I haven't used, but I have heard lots of good things about it. This system uses a hook-and-loop (Velcro) piece in between the handle and the image. I've heard this system doesn't require padding, either.

 

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