Stamping tool

A stamping tool uses the same concept as a letterpress (that was invented mid-15th century) where letters are added to a plate and a hinge moves the plate up and down, allowing multiple copies of the same print.

Since clear stamps became the standard, as opposed to rubber stamps mounted on wood blocks, a stamping tool based on the letterpress came to the craft world.
This tool has a base side (where you put your paper) and a lid (that holds your clear or cling stamp). Since the lid is connected to the base with hinges, closing the tool will always result in the stamp touching the paper in the exact same location. This allows for better stamping results and fun techniques.

Features

There are a number of variations on stamping tools available, each with their own combination of features. Depending on what you want to use yours for, you might want to compare these features:

• sides - open vs. closed: open sides (often two out of the four sides) allow for bigger pieces of paper to be stamped or techniques where the paper is being moved around to create a pattern.
• magnetic: if you choose a stamping tool with a magnetic platform, you can use magnets to hold down your projects
• foam layer for a better impression: if the tool allows for the thickness, adding a layer of craft foam can give a better impression as opposed to stamping onto a hard plastic surface
• deep enough: if there is not enough room between the lid and the base, stamps will be squeezed (which gives thicker lines and a messier look) and might prevent the stamps that are on the far end of the lid to not touch the paper sufficiently to give a good impression
• a hard edge: if you have a full edge (as opposed to pegs or pins) you can place any shape of paper in the corner of your tool more easily
• rulers on the side/edges: these are handy for repeat stamping where you want to move up your paper the same amount every impression. If you don't have rulers, a grid mat will give the same result in most cases
• reversible lid: some tools have a reversible lid where one side is used for regular clear stamps, while the other is used for cling stamps (which are thicker). If you use both types of stamps, this might be a benefit.

Tips

• Put a bit of duct tape or other (strong) tape around your magnets when using a magnetic tool. This will make them easier to pick up and might prevent them from breaking if they snap together.
• Create a "flap" onto your lid to easily open and close your tool
• Laminate a grid sheet so you always stamp straight and at the same time can stamp on a surface that's easy to clean.