by Leslie Frederick, Jul 21, 2001

When you think about it, rubber stamping is the perfect kid’s project. You get to work with lots of colors, you can make a mess and if you goof, you can start over, because you still have the design. Maybe that is why so many adults love this hobby!

To start our budding Rembrandt’s off on the right track, take the time to help them be successful from the beginning. I recommend starting with some simple line stamps and a solid color ink for their first attempt. Have a piece of fun foam under the paper, and if you are working with a very young child, some double stick tape that will hold the paper in place is a great idea. Show them how to thoroughly ink the stamp, so the design will be complete. Help them learn how to press straight down and not rock the stamp from side to side.

Another idea is to let your kids rubber stamp with chocolate syrup onto a paper plate. They get the concept and can enjoy the leftovers on ice cream later.

As the budding stampers gain prowess at their craft let them create their own coloring pages. Use black ink and stamps that are appropriate for their age. Emboss the images for them and let them color them with sparkle crayons, colored pencil or glitter glue. Take this one step further by purchasing some Scratch-Art Paper for your older kids and teen-agers. They’ll love the look, especially the stained glass scratch art product. You can find information about types of Scratch-Art Materials at http://www.scratchart.com and then you can purchase what you’ve decided on at http://www.dickblick.com. (Stampin’ Up! (R) no longer carries the scratch art paper.)

Before you know it you and your child will be stamping together…and to paraphrase the saying, “The Family that Stamps Together…Stays Together!”