Hi, my name is Lisa and I am addicted to letter stamps. I wish I could express just exactly how true that statement is.  The last time I checked, I had 17 different sets of alphabet stamps. The versatility of a set of letter stamps just simply amazes me. You can achieve several different looks with a single set of letter stamps. Depending on the font that you choose, you can go for a classic, uniform look, or with the same set, have a completely random or eclectic look. 

Some of the many types of letter stamps

There are so many different types of letter stamps to choose from today that everyone can find something to suit their style. Or, if you are like me, you will purchase some of almost every kind available and develop an addiction to letter stamps! You can find alphabet stamps that are wood mounted rubber stamps, unmounted rubber stamps, you can find see-through acrylic alphabet stamp sets, even foam stamps are available. Another good choice is to make your own letter stamps, as seen in an article by Heidi Stepanova in the April 2005 issue of Creating Keepsakes.

Stamps can be used with many different mediums to attain many different looks. You can use a stamp pad with dye or pigment ink for a crisp look, or for a stronger look, try a chalk ink. For a “watermark” type image, use a Versamark ink pad. If you are stamping on a slick surface such as a transparency or vellum, you can use a StazOn or Brilliance type of ink. A very popular thing to use with the foam stamps is acrylic paint. Acrylic paint also works well on transparencies. You can use markers to ink your stamps for a more personalized style. You can also stamp your letter with Versamark or an embossing ink and use embossing powder on it to give it a dimensional look.

Dye and pigment inks on letters, versamark on stars

Letter Stamps embossed

The possibilities of what you can stamp on are endless. Of course there is the actual paper page that you can stamp on, but there are many other types of things that you can stamp on as well. You can use your letter stamps with certain inks like StazOn on a transparency or on metal. You can stamp on fabric or ribbon, you can even stamp on clay. There are countless other possibilities waiting to be discovered by scrappers like you.

Letters stamped in clay

Letters stamped on transparency with acrylic paint

Letter stamps can be used for so many different things on a layout. You can make a title with letter stamps, you can make captions under your pictures. You can compose all or part of your journaling with letter stamps. You can put words on tags. Large stamps can be used as a monogram on your page. One of the most frequent uses I have for my letter stamps is on cards. You can also use them to add a date to your page, whether it is the date of the picture, or maybe the date of some heartfelt journaling you have added to the page.  Letter stamps are one of the most versatile tools that any scrapbooker can own. 

Two different sets used for title	Letter stamps used as monogram
Letter stamps used to create background paper	Letter (number) stamps used for title

Some companies that offer alphabet sets:

The Angel Company

Stampin’ Up

Close To My Heart

Making Memories

River City Rubber Works

Ma Vinci’s Reliquary

MoBe Stamps