Bright, colorful, exciting and different; make Stamp Show/Convention Trading Pins everyone will want to swap.  One of the most enjoyable parts of Rubber Stamp shows and conventions is exchanging pins with everyone!  

    This is a pretty easy pin to make, using an assembly-line type of process. 

Supplies Needed:

* Stamp - Size is important only if you want to make small pins!  I used a Laurel Burch stamp which is 2" by 2" square for this sample, which is included in this auction: Convention Trading Pin Stamps Auction

* White cardstock - double sheets for each set of pins

* Purple glue stick that dries clear

*Colored pencils, pens or Perfect Pearls

* Pigment or dye-based ink - Black

       Embossing powder clear - if pigment ink

* Two colors of craft wire

*12 - 6/0 beads

* Tiny hole punch or craft knife with fine tip

* Laminating Paper [cold] a piece for front and back

* 1 - 1" pin back E-6000 glue or glue dots

1.  Ink stamp with black ink and stamp image as many times on one sheet of cardstock as will fit, leaving only a small margin in between each image.  Before the pigment ink dries, dust with a layer of clear embossing powder.  Tap the excess off onto another sheet of paper so that it can be returned to the bottle. 

2. I prefer Liquitex colored pencils since the colors blend easily, giving more depth to the image. Color in the image using bright, cheerful colors.

  Color each stamped image using one color at a time; for ex: color all green areas, all blue areas etc., then blend the colors to shade and deepen them.  Blend going from dark areas to light  - far a bright and playful image.

3.  Using your glue stick, glue 2nd sheet of cardstock to the back of the image sheet.  Let dry with books on top to keep them sheets flat.

4.  Using repositionable cold laminating paper, cut two pieces the size of your sheet of images.  Gently lay one sheet on top of your colored image side, smooth out all wrinkles and make sure all images are covered.

5. Sign your name and contact information on the back of each pin now; also add the convention name and date, but leave an open area where your pin-back will fit.

6.  Repeat lamination on the back of the cardstock.

7.  Double check to be sure that all areas are smooth and trim around each image leaving an area at the bottom for your dangles.  Punch 3 holes with a 1/16th inch hole punch or other punch tool.

8.  Straighten two pieces of colored craft wire, I used purple and green; and make a small twist in the first wire after you put it through the hole.  Make sure the wire is secure. 

9.  Add 4 - 6/0 beads to the wire and go through into the next hole.  Repeat to the last hole.  Twist wire, secure it with another twist and clip close to the last hole.

10.  A fast and sassy pin that you will be very proud to trade!

    You can make your pin even jazzier by adding glitter, gemstones, charms and other items to go with your image.  Make sure you have lots and lots to trade; folks will follow me around shows to trade for my pins!

Have fun!  Next installment will be Trading cards or mini books to trade....  your votes on this Guide will encourage me to write more!  Thanks!