Mounting Rubber Stamps

So, my cling foam arrived and I was able to mount my sentiment stamps.  Following the directions of a video I found on youtube a few weeks back, I got to work.

Step 1, trim the outside edges a bit.

Step 2, cut the cling foam to size and peel off the paper on the sticky side.  This stuff is VERY sticky, and will muck up your scissors when you cut it (ie, you'll get sticky residue on your scissors). Use an eraser to get the residue off when you're done.

Step 3, with the rubber on the foam, cut the different sentiments apart.  This is fairly hard to cut, as the foam is quite thick and the rubber tough.

This is a bonus step.  After peeling the front paper off (the side that clings to acrylic blocks), I used a Copic (ie permanent) marker to write the sentiments on the front.  I figured it would be easier to find the sentiment I'm looking for if I can read them faster (and while I can read backward script, why put myself to the trouble?).

Voila, self-mounted sentiment stamps.  I definitely prefer buying my stamps prepped for stamping but doing it myself was an interesting experience.

Unmounted Stamps

Yesterday I talked about the different kinds of stamps you can get, including unmounted rubber.  That post was partly inspired by a recent order of stamps I received.  It's the first time I've bought unmounted stamps.  Alas, I didn't think about what's required to mount them when I ordered the stamps and now find myself with several sets of stamps I can't use.

Why's that?  You need to mount stamps on cling foam, and I've discovered that none of the craft/art supply stores near me carry it.  Which means I won't be able to use these until I place my next order - and order myself some cling foam.

In the meantime, I've been learning how to mount unmounted stamps.  According to this video by Bombshell stamps (found through a quick google search), it's pretty easy.

So, buyer beware.  If you're getting unmounted stamps, buy the cling foam right away or you'll find yourself staring wistfully at your new stamps unable to use them.  Though, having the stamps does mean you can figure out how much cling to buy.  

Simon Says Stamp (the next store I need to place an order with and so the only store I've checked for cling foam) sells EZ cling mounting foam in 8 1/2" x 11" sheets, thick (1/8") or thin (1/16").  Lucky for me, my stamps equal a full 8 1/2 x 11 sheet, so I'll only need one sheet and should have minimal waste. Unfortunately for me, I won't be placing that order for a few weeks yet...