May 29 2008
Tool Time - Rubber Stamping Mat
I haven’t posted a tool related post lately and this one is also a cry for help, lol. I use a foam pad to stamp on and it is in horrible shape. I have a really hard time stamping on a hard surface. I found this burgundy colored foam mat (looks bad I know) at Michael’s about 100 years ago. I’m exaggerating now, about 5 years ago and have beat it up pretty bad and it is in need of replacing. It was actually package as a Rubber Stamping mat and measures 11″ x 16″ x 1/4″. All I can find for replacement is a piece of fun foam (black piece in pic) that is only about 1/3 the thickness, big difference! I thought about stacking them, but I would rather just find a source for the thicker one.
If you don’t use a foam mat to stamp on, you are probably wondering what the heck difference does it make. Big difference to me. The give in the mat really helps to make a good impression with your stamp with no missing sections. I have the mat under my card stock when I brayer too. Anyone else use one? I can’t be the only one. Although after searching for a replacement I may be the only one. I Can’t find one anywhere!
Here is where you can help me. Do you have a source? Let me know in the comment section below so everyone can check it out, please I’m begging you. Wow, this crazy stamper is sounding a little desperate this morning, lol.
Hope your day is filled with good impression!
Until my next post. .. . . . . . . .
Michelle
Hi
I just recently dicovered your blog and I take a look every day since….
I’m always Aaaaaah and oOOOOOh watching.
This might be the mat your looking for…. sorry couldn’t post a link.
Ebay item 180245526387
Ineke
Hi Michelle,
LOVE your work, as always! I have a loarge stamping mat that I bought from Sugarloaf products that is quite old too. They have recently merged with Inque Boutique, and this is the only one they have now. Hope it helps! http://www.goinque.com/asp/product/product.asp?id=603
By no means do I want to stop you from stamping, I look forward to your posts every day!
Take care,
Rhonda
I have the same red mat and have had it in the back of my mind that I should replace it, but I haven’t seen one in awhile either. I originally got mine at Joanns - I just scoured their website and they don’t have it online. The Ebay link mentioned earlier certainly looks like it. My only concern is that the pad that I have was quite a bit more expensive - like $10 or so. (I know because we bought a bunch of them for a church card-making group and it took us quite a few weeks to save enough coupons!) I’ll be watching this thread to see if anyone else comes up with anything!
I love your blog! My local Joann’s carries those mats in the rubber stamping section. I tried finding it on their website, but no luck.
Santell
Hi Michelle,
I have the same mat, and got mine at JoAnn’s too. It was on a bottom shelf looking rather obscure. I think it had the Darice brand name (I think that is the right spelling, it is the same company that does the heat guns.) Hope that helps.
I didn’t even know you were suppose to use a mat. Will you please let us know what you decide to replace your old one with? Thanks.
Hi Michelle,
I just recently came across your blog and I love all your creations! You are such an inspiration.
I use a stamping mat too. It is purple, and new measured about 13 X 13. (I cut it down into 3 smaller pieces). It is by Sugarloaf and I was able to find it in my local ss.
Good luck with your search!
Michelle, is this what you’re looking for? http://www.kamya.com/stampaccs.html
I found the mat (think it was even a two pack) at either the Joann’s or the AC Moore in the rubber stamp section… I use them in my printing press (I use it for the large stamps to get a clean impression of the entire thing…)
good luck!!
Allison
Dunlap TN
I should have looked through the blogs before I went searching. I looking up the information that Rhona reported. That’s the one I use. I originally bought it from Sugarloaf and they are not Inque as Rhonda stated. This is the only one I’ve seen.
Hi Michelle,
I have the same mat that you have from Michaels. I haven’t seen it there lately, but I have seen a similar one at JoAnns - it’s bright yellow, though. Good luck in your search!
I have one. Mine was made by See D’s I think. I got it at my LSS. I’ve seen them at the joannes too.
Mine is the same one Terri linked.
I JUST got a red foam mat from Ellen Hutston’s online store, most people at SCS love her, and I LOVE it and it was very reasonably priced (along with the 20 or so other things I got from her - can we say DEW DROPS?!?!?). I HIGHLY recommend her store and here’s the link to the pad that’s only $4.00: http://www.ellenhutson.com/servlet/the-312/Ornare-Piercing-Pad/Detail
Let her know I sent you - I don’t get anything out of it other than letting her know that I really love her store that much!!!
Oh, and the red pad from Ellen’s is the same thickness as your red/burgundy one!!!
I saw a video for Inque Boutique and they used a foam mat like that. Good luck deciding, it looks like you have lots of leads.
I made my own by running fun foam through my xyron, until I got a thickness that felt right. I looked foreever for a larger mat and couldn’t find one. Good luck in your search!
I use a foam place mat. I got it in the summer section at Target. They get them in every season. They’re really inexpensive. The one I have is really not attractive, but it was $1.00. JIL
Hi Michelle~ I love your blog very much and I appreciate your sharing your techniques and many beautiful works of art! I am replying to your question of the stamping mat-I use one also- I had a thick one too like yours and wore it out. I never found one like it either and so resorted to a mouse pad-the thick ones-it works nicely for me! Keep up the good work-no, wonderful work-you truly are blessed with an artistic gift!
I got mine when I was in the States last year. It was either at Joann’s or Hobby Lobby. I can’t remember which store I was in. We don’t have those stores here in Canada so it’s always a treat when I get to shop there. Good luck with your search. By the look of the above responses you now have lots of places to choose from. I also have smaller pads that came in with the See’D stamps sets I bought. Have a great day!
Trish
I use the large-size mat that looks a lot like your red one. I got mine with my See D’s stamp sets. I see someone provided you the link to Ink Boutique. That should do it!
Michelle:
You can get them at Joann’s fabric. I just went there this morning and saw them in the stamping section. It’s from the Darice company. $5.99 retail. Should I get a class set for when you come out in August?
Lisa
I don’t use a foam mat but you bettcha I’ll try it now. I love your work and if it helps with my brayering Iam all for it. What about a fabric store. They sell different kind of foam by the yard. Check out your local joanns. I saw a foam to cover your dining room table once. Thanks Cynthia
I can’t find one either…my friend has one(that I totally covet) but she got it a million years ago at some craft store that closed…Soooo… I flip my computer mouse pad upside down and use that (it’s an extra thick one)…works ok for stamping, but I’m thinking probably not so good for brayering(too small). Good Luck…hope we both find one!
Here’s a purple one..maybe I’ll give this a whirl…looks pretty thick…what do you think?
https://www.sonshinecraft.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=95
I have the same mat. It’s made by Darice. Saw one on ebay. Try this link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Rubber-Stamping-Mat-Stamp-Pad-Mat-for-Rubber-Stamping_W0QQitemZ130124792228QQihZ003QQcategoryZ3124QQcmdZViewItem
hope that works for you.
You sure did sparke my interest. I had never heard of using a rubber mat when stamping. I do have trouble getting my image to stamp clear all over. I will differently be using a mat from now on. In fact, I ordered one from the Sonshine Craft website. Thank you all for the information.
Thank you Michelle for your website. You art is so inspiring. I have tried a couple of your cards. I have to say that you step by step instructions are SO good. You have the best tutorials of any I have seen.
Michelle - I use the same red foam mat. I got mine at a show year’s ago but I know my LSS sells them. If you can’t find one I can get one and mail it to you.
Michael
I will add to the other comments that I just got this same mat from http://www.7kidscollegefund.com/ Cheap and quick, quick service!! Love the mat, too!
I use a foam mouse pad. Not quite as firm as the mats from sugarloaf. I have a sugarloaf one too, only small, but I think it is too hard. Much prefer the foam mouse pad.
You could also try the sewing shops - they have foam mats used for wool weaving, made out of the same stuff as the sugarloaf mats.
goodluck in your search (oh, and thanks for your lovely comment on my blog
)
Deanne
xx
I have one that’s 17 x 11 x 1/4 - in fact, I have 2. Got them several years ago , probably at Michael’s. Have only used one of them. You may have the other one.
Since we are almost neighbors (I’m in Dayton) surely there is some convenient way I can get it to you. Let me know if you are interested.
Michelle, how about a piece of Neoprene? Does hubby have access to McMaster Carr or MSC….course if Martie gives you one, but keep the Neoprene in mind for the next 100 yrs *wink*
Hi Michelle, I just bought one two weeks ago at the Rubber Stamp and Scrapbook Expo in St. Paul. For the life of me, I can’t remember the vendor’s name, but I will try to see if either I or my daughter kept our receipts. It was exactly as you describe - same size, same color.
Jan
Michelle, JoAnnes has them in their stamp section. It is usually on a bottom shelf. HTHs!
Your mat looks a lot like the one I have.
I got mine as a prize from Surgarloaf, which is now Inque.
Here is a link to the one they are carrying now:
http://www.goinque.com/asp/product/product.asp?id=603
I would contact them to see if it is the same as the purple one they sold under the other name. If so, it is a great mat.
I got mine last September at a Retail Stamp Show in Tinley Park,Illinois. The Vendor was Gary Burlin who is a distributor.
They are made by Darice, Inc. Inkadinkado also used to sell them.
If you cannot find one I bought several and would be willing to part with one.
Dear Michelle,
I do use one, but I did not buy it, the invention was an accident. When the guys came to lay our wooden flooring, they placed a type of inlay under the wooden flooring, I asked for a piece as I use to play with it many years ago making cartoon faces… so I took it and placed it under the stamping mat and it was so cool to get the images pure specially on the big BG stamps. I am sure it will be available at Home depot. It looks exactly like the one you are showing in your picture. Here in England they sell it by rolls, but I can always send you a sheet, I will be going to the US in June and can carry a specific size and put it in the mail for you. Please let me know.
Many thanks
Germana
These mats are available at the local shop and they would ship them to you. No problem! Here is their name and phone number. They retail for $3.50 and would ship for actual cost of shipping.
Your Maine Stamper
207-3774829
I absolutely Love mine and also have some cut up for use in classes too. Excellent investment for the money.
Wishing you all an excellent day.
I was told by my upline not to use anything except a hard surface to stamp on. Didn’t know you could use a matt. I may try a foam piece and see if I like it, but it doesn’t sound like it would be easy after getting use to a hard surface.
Michelle, I love your tutorials. TFS them with all of us.
Michelle - I am fascinated! I stamp on the hard Stampin’ Up! black mat - I had no idea that a soft surface would be better! I guess I thought you would get stray marks that way - I must try it!!
I have the mats that come with the See D’s from Inque Boutique - looks like yours is thicker.
Question for you - do you put a paper mat on top of that? Because I’m wondering if you stamp or brayer off the edge of something if it would stay wet on the foam and get all over the project you’re working on.
Take care and TFS - I’m going to have to try this!
Lydia asked “do you put a paper mat on top of that?”
Lydia, I do protect the mat with scrap paper.
Hi Michelle:
I have a yellow mat about the same thickness (or maybe just a tad more) that I got from Michaels within the last 2 years. It has Ranger stamped on it. If you can’t find one, let me know and I’d be happy to see if they still have them and pick one up for you.
Becky
I can’t believe how helpful everyone is who posted to help you find a replacement mat! Stampers really do stick together…
Love your blog and hope you’ll visit mine when you get a chance.
Michelle….looks like you got some great ideas from folks. Thanks for the great idea! I love your blog!
Hi Michelle! I use a mat just like yours - that I got at JoAnne’s some time ago - do you have a JoAnne’s near you? maybe they sell them on line - if you can’t locate one - let me know and I’ll go see if I can find one and I can send it to you!!
Isn’t it funny how we all have our special ways of stamping? I have a very old (probably antique) oak table that my grandparents originally had in their holiday home when I was a child. It has a lot of “give” in it when you stamp on it, although the surface is hard and smooth. It works perfectly for me!
I adore you work- does that make me a Zindorf groupie?
Good luck in your hunt!
Karen.
Karen asked “I adore you work- does that make me a Zindorf groupie?”
Karen, Groupie NO! Friend YES !!!!
I got mine just recently at JoAnn’s. It had the name “Darice” on it.
Michelle, I just love your blog! I’ve subscribed and so get every update. I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a stamp mat, but for sure I’m going to try to hunt up something. I love your brayer techniques, and if I lived in CA I would love to take your classes. If using a mat under my CS would help me achieve your look I think it’s worth the money - no matter what the cost. Please post on your blog when you find something and where to get it.
That sort of looks like a product that I’ve seen by Speedball. It’s mean for linoleum carving. I think there is a white version that is about 1/4″ - 3/16″ thick. It was also at Michael’s with the artists tools. I hope that helps~ Love your cards and tuts!
Try this link…this is the carving stuff that I saw most recently at Michael’s:
http://www.theartistsdepot.com/linoleumPrinting.htm
And maybe use a coupon on it if you think it will work!
Michelle, I ran out to JoAnn’s and got one of those mats. Would you like me to get you one and send it to you. I’d be happy to after all of the wonderful tutorials I’ve used. Let me know.
Hey everyone, I got a mat! Thanks for all of your help!!!!
Michelle, would you please share which one you got and where you got it from? I stamp on the table pad on my dining room table, and it seem to be working just fine. But now that I know that there is actually a stamping mat, I really want to try that. Thank you!!
Trina asked “would you please share which one you got and where you got it from?”
Trina, I got the one from Darice it is 11″ x 17″
Michelle, I thought about you when I saw this video:
http://www.inqueboutique.typepad.com/?cth=155
Scroll down to the video in the June 2 entry.
I have the purple stamping mat from Inique. It is 13×13 so takes a scrapbook page as well. You can check them out here: http://www.goinque.com/
I love your blog and your techniques. I did something similar some years ago but not as sophisticated and now I am dying to try again. Your really are very artistic so I get tons of ideas from you.
Thank you so much for this website. I am learning so much from your tutorials!
About a stamping mat - I use an old mousepad and that works perfectly for me.
I haven’t read all the responses but I’m going to respond, even if it repeats.
I just bought the same “burgundy” colored mat from 7kidscollegefund for $1.99.
The burgundy mat you have pictured is indeed from Darice and measures 11″x17″. I have this one and the 13×13 from SugarLoaf…I find I use the Darice one more, it is a little firmer and I like the size.
I just received this mat as a gift — the 11 x 17 Darice burgundy one — and I LOVE it — best thing EVER to stamp on!!!!