As more scrapbookers discover the advantages of clear stamps on their scrapbooking pages, stamping is showing up more often in page layouts.  The features and benefits of acrylic stamps make them very attractive to scrapbookers.  While they once avoided stamping because of the challenge of placing them on a page layout and the risk of excessive ink smudges, clear art stamps bring more versatility and functionality than traditional wood block or foam-backed rubber stamps.

Advantages of Clear Stamps in Scrapbooking

* Clears stamps are just that, clear. Being transparent, you can see exactly where the imprint will be made.  No more mistakes and misaligned images.  You get accurate placement every time you stamp.

* Clear stamps are more affordable. Because they are not mounted, you are just purchasing the stamp portion.  Acrylic blocks are purchased and reused again and again.  The lighter weight also makes them less expensive to ship.

* Clear stamps are lightweight and easy to store.  Take as many of them as you want to your next scrapbooking workshop or crop.

* Clear stamps can be combined for a variety of different looks.  Mix manufacturers or take only pieces of some stamps for an entirely new look.

* Clear stamps are flexible and can be mounted in creative ways.  You can even achieve curved effects or waves.

* Clear stamps come in alphabets, phrases, words, designs, and images. They come in various styles and usually are sold in sets.

Disadvantages of Acrylic Stamps

* They will discolor and harden if exposed to sunlight or indoor lighting.

* They don't last as long as traditional rubber stamps.

* They can loose their stickiness if not properly cleaned and stored.

* They can tear if not handled with care.

* They may not have the same crisp image quality of a traditional rubber stamp.

Before you use your new clear art stamps, condition them with fine sand paper or an eraser.  Scuff the stamp before the first time you use it to keep it from resisting ink. Remember to keep them free of dirt and dust, and clean them thoroughly before storing them.  Clear stamps can add a new scrapbooking technique to your scrapbooking style.  Why not try them on your next page layout?