Stamping Tutorial - using clear stamps

I received an email from a customer about using the clear stamp in the Juicy Fruit Quirky kit and I thought it would be a good idea to pop up a tutorial on ways to use clear stamps.
Ok so here we go....
The most conventional way of using clear stamps is to use them with a clear acrylic block. Most craft shops sell them and they look like this.........

This is a medium sized acrylic block measuring 3x4 inches.

The next important bit to stamp with is the ink. I use Versafine ink. It dries quickly, gives a great clear image and because it's oil based it's kind to the clear stamps and doesn't stain them. I got mine in WHSmiths, most craft shops will stock it it's a popular inkpad.Next thing is to apply the clear stamp to the block, it's super sticky on its flat side so will stick really easily all you need to do is peel it off its plastic sheet and lay it on the block then press it down a little. Next comes the fun inking bit!
Ink the stamp by holding the inkpad and dabbing it directly onto the stamp. Doing it this way gives an even ink coverage. Next get your paper ready.......

Turn over the block and press it down onto your paper. Do it all in on motion so you don't smudge the ink. Press over the stamp with your fingers and then take it away to reveal your image....
There we go, all done!
Don't forget to clean the excess ink off your stamp, you can do this with a baby wipe or a piece of damp kitchen towel. Clean the stamp while it's still on the block then peel it back off and put it back on it's plastic casing to keep for next time.

If you want to work with a clear stamp without a clear block you can have a go at doing either one of these....

Use a traditional wooden stamp you might already have, clean the top of it then apply the clear stamp to the top...

Ink the stamp as usual and then turn it over and stamp it on your paper.

You can also use an inkpad or an inkpad lid in the same way.......

The best thing though about using clear stamps with a clear block is you can see where your stamped impression is going to be before you stamp it. Makes them great for using a few different stamped images together like this.....
Great for making your own cute little notelets like these....... I think they need a bit of colour.....

Ohh much better! You can add colour with coloured pens and pencils.

Happy stamping!
Don't forget to have a peek at Julie's fab ideas for ways to use your little strawberry stamp. How have you been using your strawberry stamp on your projects? We'd love to see your ideas and blog links!
xx Leo