Are you interested in learning some new rubber stamping techniques for scrapbooking?  Did you even know that there was such a thing as rubber stamping techniques?  It's surprising how often even experienced scrappers don't know about these techniques and tricks of the trade.  When you're a kid working with rubber stamps you're pretty limited as to what you can do - you put the stamp in the ink and then stamp the paper and you're done.  But when it comes to scrapbooking, there's so much more you can do!  Using new rubber stamping techniques can add some interesting embellishments to your pages and albums and often these techniques are not difficult to learn and to use.  These may involve the stamp itself, different stamps used together, the mixing of ink, or what you do with your stamp after it's done in order to create a particular effect.

One of these rubber stamping techniques is called stippling.  The term "stippling" refers to a pattern of dots and using this technique on your rubber stamping can give them an aged or exotic look.  To use it, you simply stamp your page as normal and then use a cutout template of dots over your stamp.  Use a stippling brush which has a rough texture.  This way the dots come out somewhat grainy and faded, which is what you want for these rubber stamping techniques.  The faded dots add a nice texture or background for your stamp.  Many find it good to use different colors for the stippling; fade one color in one direction or use different colors for different areas of your page.  You can also go darker in an area where there is little decoration on your stamp and lighter where there is more.  Try these forms of stippling rubber stamping techniques on some blank pages so that you can master the technique before moving on to a real scrapbook page.

Micro marbles are also a favorite of rubber stamping techniques for many scrappers.  Micro marbles are like glitter but just a slight bit larger and somewhat easier to work with.  They come in tubes of different colors and you use a special glue for them.  After stamping, you run a line of glue over the area of the stamp where you want the micro marbles and then sprinkle them on or run them across.  When trying micro marbles for these rubber stamping techniques you typically also want to use a special tray that holds the stray marbles.  This tray catches them and you simply pour the extras back in their tube.  Micro marbles are a favorite for rubber stamping techniques because they give a much different visual look than plain glitter.  They also come in a variety of sizes and the larger sizes can actually look like glitter or gemstones.  They're a very interesting touch to scrapbook pages but like many rubber stamping techniques, they take some work in order to get them to look good.

Kiss stamping is one of those rubber stamping techniques that many people try but never seem to get quite right.  This refers to using two stamps together to create a new look.  Often scrappers don't have the right stamps or don't use them correctly together and this is why they don't get the desired look.  Usually it's good to use one solid stamp and then a textured stamp for these types of rubber stamping techniques.  What this means is that you may want to stamp an image on a sheet and then use a texture stamp right over it, before the ink dries.  This can give the original stamp a weathered or aged look or just add visual interest.  You can try with a simple square stamp and then another stamp that has vertical lines or any type of texture.  Remember that the ink of the first stamp shouldn't dry when trying these rubber stamping techniques.  Quickly put the second stamp on it to absorb ink for the added effect.  Of course you can use the second stamp with a contrasting or complementary ink color but usually trying them dry is a good way to start.

When trying any new rubber stamping techniques, remember to use a blank or scrap sheet of paper before moving on to actual scrapbook paper.  While many seem simple, there is usually a trick to getting them to come out right.  Remember that while scrapbooking is usually a very affordable hobby, you still need to pay for your materials and supplies and don't want to waste anything trying to perfect your new rubber stamping techniques.  And if you notice certain recommendations regarding the materials for these rubber stamping techniques, try to follow them.  For example, using micro marbles is always recommended over a special tray because they're very difficult to pick up when they roll off the sheet.  If you use the right tray you'll save all those strays and be able to keep them for another project!

Remember too that you can create your own rubber stamping techniques.  Try working with two different stamps, one over another, to see how they work together.  To keep a blank spot in the middle of a stamp, put down a post-it note when you stamp and then peel it up.  Or do the same with another sheet of paper in a different shape - a heart, circle, oval, etc.  This gives you room to try other rubber stamping techniques right in the middle of those stamps!  Mix up your ink or try templates over your stamps and use different brushes, such as the stippling brush, over those templates.  Do this on some scrap paper and see how you like the effect.  Or try tearing some paper and using your rubber stamping techniques over the torn area.  Smudge the ink for an aged or antique look.  You're not limited to the rubber stamping techniques you see online or through other scrappers but can definitely create your own as well!