enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

Rubberstamps

Rubber stamps, you guys.

They are inexpensive. They are customizeable. They are versatile.

Rubberstampbranding2

Since the very beginning of my business, I have purchased rubber stamps to do everything. Make my original business cards (stamp on cardstock). Create stationery (stamp on larger cardstock). Decorate my packaging (stamp on outside of box or envelope). Add my logo to an item (stamp on backside or underside of product).

Rubberstampbranding

It's such an easy way to get something customized (without crazy printing costs) and push your brand a bit further.

I get a lot of questions about custom stamps and so I thought I would just share a few tips today.

Rubberstamplogo

I order my wood mounted stamps through simonstamp.com and have always been thrilled with their service.

Stamps2

I design my images in Photoshop Elements (because that is what I use for graphics) at 300dpi and always print out my design full size on copy paper to get an idea of the scale. I literally cut it out and then hold it up to items (products, cardstock, envelopes, etc) to be sure it's going to be the right size for what I need.

Stamps

I get a better impression when my graphic is "black on white" instead of "white on black."

Rubberstamps2

I use black staz-on ink for everything because it dries very quick and sticks to nearly all surfaces. Because I only use black staz-on, I don't clean my stamps often (or ever) but if you need to, you'll want staz-on cleaner.

Hope that helps! #stampswin

Dottedline

Today on ELISE GETS CRAFTY, I'm talking with Katie, the co-founder of Artifact Uprising, about how they started and branded their gorgeous photobook business. Subscribe on iTunes or stream the episode from your computer here.

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23 responses to “my favorite branding trick.”

  1. Pink Ronnie Avatar

    I love Katie, she’s awesome!
    Ronnie xo

    Like

  2. michelle t Avatar
    michelle t

    I just love stamps. I don’t have my own business and won’t, but as a memory keeper/inky, stampy, stenciler layout maker, they are awesome. I’ve also loved the ones I have from your shop, so relevant to memory keeping. Thanks for sharing your stamp secrets. Michelle t

    Like

  3. brooke Avatar
    brooke

    I like your teeth on your > 🙂 Love the black on white

    Like

  4. Carol Avatar

    I will be making stamps for my photography business that I’m giving a try! Here goes nothing! 🙂 nice post!

    Like

  5. Harmony Avatar

    I just opened my etsy shop and have been handwriting my details (blog, shop, etc.).
    I think a stamp is the perfect way to brand as I start out.

    Like

  6. Danielle Avatar

    This was SOO helpful!
    Thank you so much for sharing!

    Like

  7. Trina Curran Avatar

    I have been thinking of ordering a stamp for my packages. I think I will check out simonstamp and see what I can find. Also, I just started listening to your podcasts and I love them! You are so wise when it comes to small business. I have an MBA, but I enjoy the creative part more than the analytical part, but you make it much easier to think about things like that. 🙂 Thank you for doing them!

    Like

  8. Traci Avatar

    I’m so happy I discovered your blog as I’m gaining much inspiration from it. And I like both the white on black and black on white.

    Like

  9. Jessi Avatar

    I just ordered a stamp for my shop last month because of you! Love this tip.

    Like

  10. Kelsey McEvoy Avatar

    Love that you posted this, Elise! Thank you so much for sharing your “behind-the-scenes-tricks-of-the-trade” with the rest of us 🙂

    Like

  11. cathy Avatar

    LOVE Katie and AU. Going to listen this afternoon.

    Like

  12. Welcome Home Taylor Avatar

    Love this idea! I was actually just wondering the other day where you buy your stamps, so I’m so happy that you shared!
    xoxo
    Taylor

    Like

  13. Jamie Bagley Avatar
    Jamie Bagley

    Hey lady! Do you know if we can use another program to design stamps if we don’t have anything like Elements? Thank you!!

    Like

  14. Liz Avatar

    I am really enjoying your podcasts! 🙂 Thanks for brightening my work day!
    Liz

    Like

  15. Katie Avatar

    I’ve been loving your podcasts and your posts on branding so much lately. You make owning a creative business seem so attainable. Thanks for sharing your secrets!

    Like

  16. Sabine Avatar

    Thanks for sharing your stamp tricks, Elise. I always wondered where you got your beautiful custom stamps from. 🙂

    Like

  17. Sandra K Avatar

    I’ve been thinking about getting a branding stamp for so long (photography related), but I can’t make up my midn on what I want lol But your post is so inspiring, I need to think more on that matter 🙂

    Like

  18. Frankie Avatar

    Thanks for sharing this as it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while now!
    And I’m sorry to be slow but could you link to the page on simonstamps.com for these particular wood mounted stamps that you use as I couldn’t find them, only the ones with the handles.
    Thank you for constantly producing content I keep coming back to!

    Like

  19. J3SS1C4 Avatar

    You’re right… Rubber stamps are awesome for branding! I’m looking forward to having my first few custom made for my address since we’re finishing up building our own place and move in a week and a half! It’s nice to know I’ll live somewhere long enough to use an address stamp, and now thanks to your suggestion, I have somewhere to look for one! 🙂

    Like

  20. Katherine Avatar
    Katherine

    Hmm, now that I know that rubber stamps aren’t as intimidating, I may have to incorporate them with my wedding decor! 🙂

    Like

  21. elise blaha cripe Avatar

    great question!! Picasa maybe? Or download a trial of elements? I wish I knew… I only use PSE..

    Like

  22. Frankie Avatar

    Thank you Elise!

    Like

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