Sharp scissors

Craft knife

Unmounted rubber stamps

Cushion
Note:  You can get adhesive cushion for mounting stamps from many sources. I recommend the gray cushion available from Sunday International (see Resources below). You can also use inexpensive FunFoam available from craft stores (you will need to use rubber cement with FunFoam). Tiny stamps, such as my alphabet stamps, do not require cushion.

Blocks
Note: I recommend using only hardwood such as maple because pine will warp over time. You can buy maple by the foot at most lumberyards.

Rubber cement (if your cushion does not already have adhesive)
Note: Make sure you use real rubber cement, and work in a ventilated area.

Permanent or heat-set ink
Note: I recommend black Fabrico or Crafter's Ink.

Clear acrylic wood spray
Note: I recommend the fast-drying spray by Deft, available in hardware stores.

1. Use sharp scissors to trim your rubber dies. Make sure not to undercut the design area of the die.
2. Adhere the die to the cushion. If using non-adhesive cushion, spread a thin layer of rubber cement on both the die and the cushion and allow to dry (15–30 minutes), then stick together.
3. Use a craft knife to trim the cushion from around the die. Again, do not undercut the die.
4. Ink the cushioned die and carefully apply the stamp to the block, pressing down to make sure the stamp leaves a good impression. Heat set the ink.
5. Apply two coats of wood spray to the entire block.
6. Adhere the cushioned die to the block, using rubber cement if necessary.

Temporary Mounting

Sharp scissors

Craft knife

Unmounted rubber stamps

Blocks

Acrylic blocks in a variety of sizes
Note: I recommend the blocks sold in sets from Sunday International.

or

Wood blocks in a variety of sizes

Temporary mounting "adhesive"

Vinyl cling 
Note: If you use the acrylic blocks, this is an easy way to temporarily mount your stamp—again, available from Sunday International.

or

Repositionable glue
Note: Aleene's Tack it Over and Over, available at craft stores, is a good product for this.

or

HALOS mounting system 
Note: This is a hook-and-loop mounting system which I haven't tried, but many people swear by it, available from Stamping Ground.

Instructions

1. Use sharp scissors to trim your rubber dies. Make sure not to undercut the design area of the die.

2. Depending on which temporary system you use, apply repositionable glue, trimmed cling sheets, or HALOS mounting tape to your die, according to directions.

3. Stick the die to your block and stamp as usual.

4. Store your unmounted stamps on plastic sheets in a three-ring-binder.

1. Place your trimmed die face up on a cushioned surface, such as a mousepad.

2. Ink the die by tapping the pad on it, or use a brayer to apply the ink.

3. Place your paper or cardstock on top of the inked die, making sure not to move it around.

4. Apply pressure to the back of the paper over the surface of the die, either with a block, or with the back of a wooden spoon. I use a tool specifically for this purpose called a baren. This is particularly effective with large stamps—you can even peek underneath to see whether your image is completely stamped, and reapply pressure if necessary.

5. Carefully lift the print from the stamp.

Cushion, acrylic blocks

Sunday International

www.sundayint.com

1-800-401-8644

Wood blocks and stock

Wood Mounts Ink, LLC
WoodMounts.com

HALOS mounting system

Stamping Ground

www.stampingground.com

(631) 643-3100

Traditional printing method instructions

www.ruthannzaroff.com/carving/howtoprint.htm