Tutorials: One Stamp, Many Ways

This week's Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge theme is, "One Stamp, Many Ways."  In my opinion, word block stamps (such as Tim Holtz's Individual stamp) are right up there in versatility.  Here are three easy ways I like to use word block stamps. 

Technique One: cut up the stamped words to create individual or "new" phrases.

This technique is as easy as it sounds.  Start by stamping the image:

Get out your scissors and get creative!  Cut up the stamped words to form all sorts of handy sentiments.  On my example card, I made the phrase, "Be You," and then glued it on top of a fabric scrap background and some colored wire in a circle shape.  Here are some other word combos I liked:

Making your own sentiments increases a stamp's usefulness...not to mention that it gives you a sense of sheer nerdy power to invent your own sentences!  Mwahhh-ha-ha!

Technique Two: turn your stamp into polka dots by cutting the stamped image out with circle punches after stamping.

To do this simple technique, start by stamping the image on plain paper, then get out your circle punches and punch out polka dot shapes.  Color the dots with Distress Ink and outline them with black Gesso or a black Sharpie, if desired.

Lay out the dots on your blank card until you get a pattern you like.  Remove them and build up your card background.  I painted and stenciled my background, then glued the dots on top.  This is an easy way to make great little circle embellishments!

Technique Three: turn your stamp into a background image.

Start by stamping the image multiple times onto white watercolor paper.  I rubbed different colors of Distress Ink on the stamp before stamping.

Next I used a sponge and smeared on some Distress Ink in corresponding colors:

I got out my Distress Paint and dabbed some liberal dots of it onto my background.

Bring on the water!  I spritzed the Distress paint, which caused it to bleed down my page.  With the water streaks still wet, I also drizzled on some watercolors.

I like how this technique lets the words peek out in some areas and makes them hazy in others.  It's a fun background for all sorts of projects.

Here are the supplies I used on these projects, which you can find at Simon Says Stamp:

Tim Holtz "Individual" Rubber Stamp	Ranger Archival Jet Black Ink Pad	EK Success 1/2" CIRCLE Mini Punch	EK Success 3/4" CIRCLE Punch Medium 0.75 Inch	EK Success 1.25" Circle Punch	Dina Wakley Black Gesso	Festive Berries - Distress Ink
Ripe Persimmon - Distress Ink	Spiced Marmalade - Distress Ink	Mustard Seed - Distress Ink	Squeezed Lemonade - Distress Ink	Peacock Feathers - Distress Ink	Distress Ink Tumbled Glass	Salty Ocean - Distress Ink
Worn Lipstick Distress Ink Pad	Picked Raspberry - Distress Ink	Colorbox Rain Forest Ink	Distress Paint - TUMBLED GLASS	Distress Paint - PEACOCK FEATHERS	Distress Paint CRACKED PISTACHIO	Tim Holtz Squeezed Lemonade Distress Paint
Ranger Inkssentials Mini Mister	Tim Holtz Distress Paint In Picked Raspberry	Dina Wakley Lime Acrylic Paint	Ranger Non Stick Craft Sheet	Mixed Media Sponges Bars

 
I can't wait to see how many different ways you can use the same stamp!  Be sure to upload your creations to the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog so that we can all be inspired and so that you can have a chance to win the always-wonderful $50 Simon Says Stamp store voucher!