TUESDAY | Stamp of Approval!

We all want to find a way to leave our mark on the world and what better way than a personalized rubber stamp? From return addresses to off-beat designs, rubber stamps are an inexpensive, nostalgic way to make paper your own. The upside? You'll get to keep them forever!

From Em-Press Design, we see how a fabulous design can be lifted off the page and onto a stamp, to create lovely, one-of-a-kind thank you notes and envelopes. Having your stationer (or graphic design friend!) order a rubber stamp becomes a cost-effective way to create a beautiful and complimentary look. 

via oh so beautiful paper

Another intriguing and crafty way to use rubber stamps is to create a repeating pattern, turning plain paper into unique decorative paper for envelope liners! Here is a little DIY tutorial from the ladies at Antiquaria, featured on oh so beautiful paper.

Start on a flat surface. You'll want to ink your stamp well each time, but not too much that the ink bleeds or smudges. Make sure to have a piece of test paper handy so you can practice until you get the right touch.

Ideally, once the pattern is created and dry, you'll want an art board, an Xacto knife, and a ruler. You can buy an envelope liner kit from Paper Source, but if you are creating the liner on your own, the best idea is to take apart one envelope to get the exact measurements you'll need. Make sure to leave enough room for the flap's edge, so you can still lick and close the envelope!

Once your liners are cut, insert them carefully into the envelope and make sure they lay flat. Fold back the top half and place double-sided tape along the top edge of the envelope liner. Then, carefully smooth it down. You can use a bone folder or a blunt object (like the end of a paintbrush) to run along the crease of the envelope and liner to create an even fold. 

Finally, rubber stamps can be used to add colorful decorative elements to your invitation suite or baby announcement, that you might then repeat on other paper elements, like envelopes or place cards. Here's a visual gallery for those looking for a little design inspiration and stamp of approval!

Modern Chevron baby announcements, by Misty Manley. Rubber stamp from Simon's Stamps.

Letterpress save the date by Hartford Prints! with a gold inked, custom return address stamp from Rubberstamps.net.

Botanical rubber stamps add color and rustic charm to hand-written place cards. By Hartford Prints!, photograph by Carla Ten Eyck.

Turquoise ink makes this Art Deco return address stamp pop against black envelopes. From Antiquaria via oh so beautiful paper.

Happy stamping!