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Hello, This is my first post. I'm new to card making and have been a lurker on this site for a few weeks now trying to find my way around. Still have to complete my profile. I ran across a Stamping Pad at Joanne's the other day which made me wonder just what is the best surface to stamp on. I've been placing the paper on a glass top since it is so smooth and firm, but this pad stated that it was best for stamping because it had some "give". Since I'm just getting set-up and buying tools, punches, etc., do I need one of these?
No, you don't necessarily need a stamping pad. But I have one and love it. Mine is by Darice, is a firm foam pad, and is about 12" X 18". If you're using rubber or wood-mounted stamps, a phone book or magazine works well (something that's firm but has some "give".) With some stamps, especially larger ones, it is more difficult to get a good impression on a really firm surface such as glass. For clear stamps, I have found that a firm surface works better (and you don't need to press as hard as you do with rubber stamps, because the clear stamps have some "give" because of the way they're manufactured.
You will find that different stamps, different inks, different papers - all can give you different results.
Welcome to Splitcoast and to the wonderful world of stamping!
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
I think it's a matter of preference. I like to use a large clipboard on top of my desk. Some people even use a phone book underneath for some "give."
I think you should try several types of surfaces using things you already have and see what you find the best. You can always buy this stamping pad later.
I have a piece of fun foam under a sheet of disposal/scratch paper that works for me. Maybe you could try this before you invest in the Darice or other specific padding. My surface is my dining table with the fun foam and disposal/scratch paper.
I use the Darice one too. I love it! It was only like $5 too. I put a piece of plain computer paper on top of my foam pad to protect it from glue, ink, etc. When that scrap paper gets too gunky, I throw it out and put down a fresh piece. I wouldn't stamp without my foam stamp pad. Best little investment ever!
I bought an inexpensive piece of foam at Joann's for that purpose - is it the burgundy one? It's maybe 3/8 in. thick or so? Some stamps - background, really detailed, or the long ones, and I think personally solid/silhouette style - do better with padding.
I've heard of people using fun foam, a magazine, or a mouse pad, and this past weekend I was away from home and used a stamp catalog.
For most stamping, I simply use my grid paper from A Muse so I can test stamp first or stamp off, and I usually keep a Ranger craft sheet under that.
The best advice I ever got from this board was about stamping large stamps. Put a book on the floor, then your paper and inked stamp and step on it. It works for me every time.
I have an Xacto mat and a self-healing mat for quilting. I use both for stamping and they work fine. Not sure if either are cheaper than the "stamping" mat you saw. But, I only started using one in the last year or so. You don't NEED one, but I definitely noticed a difference using one.
I know for the CTMH stamps, some of them won't give me a clean impression on a flat surface. So I do use the piece of padding they include in the envelope under my paper for a better impression.
Thanks ladies for your expertise. It's been VERY helpful. Today I finally had the time to try out my stamps on different papers and surfaces. I remembered yesterday in Michael's that uncbballfan said she had a Darice stamping pad which is the brand I saw at Joanne's and prompted my question. Well, in Michael's I asked for the Darice pad and the stock lady walked me to the aisle where they had all the foam craft supplies for kids. Low and behold they had 1/4 inch Darice pads of several sizes in a myriad of colors. I bought one for .99. Today it did just great for my wood stamps. They looked better and clearer. The little "give" really helped. I found, as several of you suggested, that my acrylics all ready had a little give and I practiced with them on a glass surface. I'm new to all this and I'm learning, but it sure makes the process shorter when I have the opportunity to ask for advice, suggestions and opinions from all you experienced ladies.
I know for the CTMH stamps, some of them won't give me a clean impression on a flat surface. So I do use the piece of padding they include in the envelope under my paper for a better impression.
Me too. I use a self healing mat and the CTMH foam.
Thanks ladies for your expertise. It's been VERY helpful. Today I finally had the time to try out my stamps on different papers and surfaces. I remembered yesterday in Michael's that uncbballfan said she had a Darice stamping pad which is the brand I saw at Joanne's and prompted my question. Well, in Michael's I asked for the Darice pad and the stock lady walked me to the aisle where they had all the foam craft supplies for kids. Low and behold they had 1/4 inch Darice pads of several sizes in a myriad of colors. I bought one for .99. Today it did just great for my wood stamps. They looked better and clearer. The little "give" really helped. I found, as several of you suggested, that my acrylics all ready had a little give and I practiced with them on a glass surface. I'm new to all this and I'm learning, but it sure makes the process shorter when I have the opportunity to ask for advice, suggestions and opinions from all you experienced ladies.
I use the exact same pad you bought. A little tip all stamps stamp differently. Some stamps like a little push. Other stamps like a firm surface. I always make a test image on both surfaces before my final stamping.
Best surface for stamping on?
in order to stamp and stamp well. Read the thread of regret purchases... most of all, welcome to stamping and HAVE FUN! 
