Rubber stamping is a fun hobby for crafters of all ages.  The following basic stamping instructions will help get you started.  (Even if you've been stamping for a while, you may find a useful tip or two!)

Traditional Solid Stamping

Press your stamp on the ink pad to ink the rubber image.  Now stamp on the paper, pressing firmly and evenly, being careful not to rock or slide.  If using a rainbow inkpad (a pad with multiple ink colors), simply move the image to a dfiferent section to ink your stamp in a different color.  To lighten the color, stamp two or three times on scratch paper before stamping your final image.

Colorbook

Ink an outline stamp in a solid, permanent color.  Fill in the design with markers, pastels, chalks, or watercolors.

Two-Step Stamping

Select one stamp as your underlying image and ink the stamp using a light ink color.  Stamp.  Select a second stamp as your overlying image (usually this is a more detailed image or it may be a stamp with a greeting).  Ink and stamp directly over the first image using a darker ink color.

Brush Markers

Use markers to apply ink directly to your stamp.  If using multiple colors, be sure to breath (huff) on the stamp to remoisten all ink before applying the image to your paper.  Color the entire stamp, or for greater versatility, ink only part of the stamp.  For example, if your stamp includes an image and a greeting, use just one or the other.  Or, on a stamp with a lot of detail, use just one particular element.

Masking

Stamp your image onto your chosen paper.  Stamp again on a piece of scratch paper and cut this one out.  Lay the cut out image over the part of the previously stamped image that you want to protect.  Stamp a second image (it may be the same stamp or a different one) on the first (now partially protected) stamped image.  When you remove the scratch paper, you'll see two images, the first in front of the second.

Movement

To create the illusion of movement, stamp your image several times, moving the stamp slightly to one side each time (do not reink).  Move the stamp without lifting it to create a faster motion effect.

Card Kits

With ready-to-stamp-and-assemble card kits -- like Aunt Rosie's Stamp It Quick! Kits -- you can make wonderful, affordable handmade cards in half the time.  These particular kits include a free sample, precut supplies to make four more cards, plus five envelopes.  The beauty of the kits is that they are very versatile, and, because everything is already cut, they save you loads of time.  Use the stamp featured on the sample card or replace it with one from your own collection. Use the suggested layout or move the components around to come up with a different design. Add an appropriate greeting stamp -- Happy Birthday, Thinking of You, Because I Care, etc. -- and you've created a unique personalized card that will be treasured for years to come!

All four of the following cards were made from one kit.  The first is perfect for a Birthday greeting, the second (clockwise) sends Happy Halloween wishes, the third is perfect for saying Thanks, and the fourth can be use for a variety of occasions.

Aunt Rosie's Stamp It Quick! Kits also include additional tips for creating awesome cards.  You can view kits currently available on e-bay by visiting Aunt Rosie's Current Offerings.

Have fun stamping!