Layered Stamping How-tos
Layered stamping is a wonderful way to expand your creative skills and improve as a crafter! This type of stamping isn’t limited to simply plunking down one stamp on top of another—there are a wide variety of techniques you can use to achieve different outcomes. Today, we’ll be showing you a few layered stamping tips and techniques with the gorgeous stamps from our Mothers Are the Best special.
If you’re new to layered stamps and how to use them in your artwork, one of the first things you’ll want to practice is how to align the various coordinating stamps for clear, precise images. Coordinated layered stamps are usually designed with one solid, base piece for color distribution, and one detailed piece.
In these Mothers Are the Best stamp sets, you can see the dark-colored base pieces alongside the detailed pieces. In order to create a layered stamp image, you need to align these pieces, preferably with all the details lined up with the solid color portions (our equivalent to coloring inside the lines). This is where our clear acrylic blocks come in clutch!
Having a clear line of sight for stamp placement is a lifesaver when it comes to layered stamping. Whenever you decide to incorporate a layered stamp image into your artwork, we recommend doing a couple practice runs on a piece of scratch paper before stamping on your actual project. Once you feel confident with layered stamping, it’s a great way to spice up your crafting projects! For even more layered stamping fun, check out these five tips and techniques and learn how to get the most out of your layered stamp sets!
1. Stamping Layers in Different Colors
When using layered or coordinating stamps, one way to get a more precise image is to stamp using the darkest color first. It may seem logical to always stamp the base (or solid portion) of your image first, but if you’ve decided to use a darker color for the details stamp, stamping that image first will make it easier for you to see where to place every other stamp for precise alignment.
In this example, you can see how the flower has been created by stamping the details in a darker color first and then, using these more visible lines for alignment, the lighter base.
If you don’t want to use two different colors, you can also incorporate second-generation stamping on either your base or details stamp.
To achieve a second-generation image, you ink your stamp and then stamp it on a scratch piece of paper. Then, without re-inking the stamp, you stamp the image on your project. This lighter impression is a second-generation image.
In the example, you can see how this technique has been used to create a perfectly aligned leaf, with first-generation details and a second-generation base!
2. Embossing the Top Layer
This technique is pretty basic but incorporating it into your artwork can make a real splash!
Instead of using regular ink for the top layer of our stamped image, use a VersaMark™ ink pad and some embossing powder to add a sparkly textured layer to your project!
(Tip: To ensure that extra embossing powder doesn’t stick to your project where it doesn’t belong, use an Anti-static Pouch to rub the area you want to emboss before stamping with VersaMark™ ink.)
3. Using Just One Layer
Many stamps you’d use for a layered image are designed to fit together, but one way you can maximize your use of these sets is to use just one of the stamps in your artwork.
On the bag pictured, we’ve used the details portion of the leafy stamp to create leaf outlines, providing a beautiful addition to the Peacock flower and complementing the rounded edges of the tag and circle.
You can also use individual stamps from a layered set to create your own personalized background.
See how we created a subtle leafy background to complement the project as a whole? It’s simple enough to be an effective background element but does a great deal to tie the entire piece together.
4. Second-generation and Kissing Stamping Techniques
A real stand-out stamping technique for layered sets is second-generation kissing.
For this technique, first mount your base stamp and a details stamp on two separate blocks. Then, ink your base stamp and stamp it on a piece of scratch paper. Without inking the details stamp, gently press the two stamps together (muah! 
) and then separate them. When you take the two stamps apart, you will find that the un-inked stamp removed ink from the inked one in the design of its impression.
After your stamps’ “kiss,” stamp your prepared inked base stamp on your project for a beautiful subtle image! (For a darker image, skip the part where you stamp on a scratch piece of paper.)
5. Second-generation and Rock & Roll Stamping Techniques
Another technique that’s a knockout with layered stamps is the combination of second-generation stamping with the rock & roll technique.
This technique requires you to, once again, ink your base stamp and stamp it on a piece of scratch paper. After you’ve completed this step, carefully roll the edges of the stamp on the stamp pad again—you can mix things up and use a different color, even, for this rolling part. Once your stamp is inked, stamp it on your project.
When you stamp your rolled second-generation base image, you’ll be left with a flawless fade from saturated color at the edges of the image to a softer, lighter hue toward the middle.
Incorporating layered stamping techniques like these into your artwork is an excellent way to elevate the quality of your artwork, all while being a ton of fun! Did any of these techniques stand out to you? Leave a comment below to tell us about your favorite technique from this post!
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