Foam Stamp Letters
Foam alphabet stamps often come in larger sizes than most sets. Use them at their full size on paper, as well as their "PolyShrink size" for wonderful scrapbook pages.
PolyShrink type: White
Stamps: Making Memories foam stamp set "Misunderstood"
Art Supplies: Crafter's ink, and decorating chalks (optional) •
see
additional ink choices below
Finished size: 3/4 inch
Instructions
Double check your stamp set to be sure that the mounting blocks are all the same height. Variation in width is not important.
Cut strips from a sanded piece of White PolyShrink that measures a bit more than the height of the tallest mounting block. (We used 1&7/8" for this set.)
Remove the Crafter's Ink pad from the palette and ink the stamp. A light to moderate application is best.
*Stamps should be gently cleaned with water and a soft brush after use. Please note that use of pigment inks will leave foam stamps slightly stained.
Gently lift the stamp.
If you plan to have each letter separate from the others (as shown at the top of the page), you can trim each letter from the strip and then re-ink and stamp your next letter.
If you'd like to leave the letters in one piece, continue stamping.
For two versions, stamp each letter again on a second PolyShrink strip. Do not re-ink the stamp before making the second image, and you'll get a lighter, slightly different effect.
Bake your PolyShrink letters.
Use the letters at full and at "PolyShrink size".
Lighten the image on paper by inking the stamp, and then making the first image on scrap paper. Then, make the second, lighter "ghost" image.
For a colored background, rub in decorating chalks.
If you want pale, pastel hues, begin tinting with an underlayment of white decorating chalk.
Open a small pair of scissors and make shavings of chalk onto the sanded side of the PolyShrink.
Remember that colors intensify after shrinking!
You may want to do a few tests on scrap plastic and then shrink to get a feel for how different applications will turn out.
Next, choose the lightest version of the color you want to use and add a small amount of shavings.
Paler colors are best for this project, since letters read better on a lighter background.
After baking the colors intensify.
A coat of sealer is recommended for the inked side.
Other heat setting pigment ink may be used. Results will vary.
Crafter's, VersaCraft (Fabrico), Brilliance, Inkredible , MicaMagic, PearlEx, Opalites