Reflections on Rubber Stamping...
or how to stamp on fabric and create beautiful ATCs and Postcards 

by Patti Medaris Culea

Stamping on fabric is easier than on paper. I think.  But, maybe that is because I’m a major fiber person.   

To start pick a nice piece of light colored fabric.  I like batiks and Pima/Egyptian cottons.  These have a high thread count.  The results when you stamp are crisp.

The stamp pad you use is important, too.  I like Tsukineko’s Fabrico, which is changing to VersaColor.  I also like Jacquard’s Pearl Ex stamp pads.  Both of these are formulated for all kinds of mediums.  Fabric included.

The rubber stamp is important.  You want one that is deeply etched.  Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t use a detailed stamp.  As long as it is deeply etched it will stamp just as well on fabric as on paper. 

Back the fabric with a double sided bondable webbing such as Wonder Under, Vliesofix, Steam a Seam Light, Stitch Witchery, etc.  Before you pull the paper off and attach it to the Timtex or Pelmet Vilene (or other stabilizer) stamp and color  your images. 

Ink the rubber stamp and carefully place it ink side down on the right side of the fabric.  You’ll want the fabric on a flat surface.

If using unmounted stamps, use a mounting system or place an acrylic block on top then press down gently.  Or, you can use the lid of the ink pad.  Something hard and flat so you get an even print. 

Lift the stamp straight up.  If doing a postcard stamp a few more images.  

Let the ink dry.

Iron to set the ink. 

Collect your paints, markers, pencils or whatever you want to color your project.  I love the Copic Markers for doing the flesh tones.  Then I use colored pencils to add high lights and low lights to the faces.

Next paint the rest of the postcard or ATC.  Let this dry.

Peel off the paper backing from the bonding webbing and place this down onto the stabilizer.  I prefer Pelmet Vilene because it is smooth and creates a nice image.  Back the stabilizer with collage fabric, or another piece of fabric.  Stitch around the images with decorative machine threads.  Edge your image with beads, or paint, or silk ribbons, or more stitching.  You now have a beautiful piece of artwork that didn’t take days and days. 

Have fun!

If you want to try your hand at rubber stamping and need supplies, you can see all of our rubber stamps by clicking here, Fabrico/Versacraft inkpads by clicking here and stamp mounting supplies by clicking here.  Click here for Pimatex PFD (Prepared for Dye) fabric that you can use to stamp on.  Click here for Wonder Under and here for Pelmet Vilene.

Click here to visit Patti's website.

Questions? Comments? Please email barbara@joggles.com

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