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Brayers

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Need help getting a good stamped image from those large stamps? Ink up the entire stamp. Lay it facing up (rubber side up) and place your paper on top of it. Use your brayer and roll gently over the paper being sure not to go off the paper or stamp. This will give even pressure. Then gently remove the paper for a clean, crisp image.

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I just discovered the brayer that has been in my stash for years now. I have been having fun with different "applications" of sorts.

I used it to spread the ink evenly in to the pad when reinking a dry pad and then since it was loaded, I used it on my stamps to evenly ink them up and it didn't get any on the edges of the rubber! Now run the brayer over a piece of paper/cs to show the negative image of your stamp.

Makes inking up dominoes a clean way to do it!!! (fingers don't end up covered in ink from accidentally touching the pad) Then "kiss off" some of that ink with an UNinked rubber stamp or try using an inked stamp for a different look.

Also inking up glossy cardstock with the brayer can create some super backgrounds. Try using puff paint from Tulip to create some awesome backgrounds. Just squeeze the paint on the paper and smooth it all over with a brayer. Now either wait for it to dry or heat it right away with your heat gun.

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These nifty things are so handy - and if you are like me, you tend to forget all the cool things they can be used for!
In addition to using them to brayer a beautiful rainbow background or applying ink to a large or detailed stamp, you can employ them to make very cool backgrounds with the addition of some pretty ordinary household items!
Try wrapping your brayer with plastic wrap, elastic bands or cheesecloth!

Wondering what to do with all that excess rubber when you trim your stamps? You can apply various pieces to your brayer with doublestick tape - then roll away for a unique, abstract background!

Want something a bit more uniform? Ever see those packs of 3D pop up foam pieces? It use to be they were only made in circle shapes - but now they come in a variety of shapes - stars, squares, diamonds...and more! Just adhere them to your brayer in your preferred pattern - and again, an easy and unique background!

Brayers are also cool for doing resist techniques - either use some kind of resist pad, or stamp and emboss with clear embossing ink and powder...then roll over a brayer inked up in your favorite colors. It is so easy - but a very impressive look!

However, my all time favorite use of a brayer is for burnishing layers that I am gluing down. I keep a special brayer just for this purpose so I am sure I don't accidentally smear my current project with the last project's ink!

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Site last updated December 4, 2004