Celtic Border Stamps

[Travis The Red]

Hey everyone, I bought these celtic border stamps from tandy last week and I'm having a terrible time making my impressions. They came with a set of instructons that say to only use the stamps along a scribed or cut and beveled line only. I don't really know what this means because I've never used stamps before where I had to do anything extra to get them to work properly. If anyone can explain to me what exactly these instructions mean or just might know what im doing wrong, I'd really appreciate the help.

[wildrose]

I also own the set. I've had alot of trouble with them. It's one of those "good concept, poor execution" things. I believe the point of the directions is that it's easier to line them up properly if you scribe a line to follow first. I used them to make a border on a guitar strap. Customer was happy, but I truly wasn't. I've only used them on very small pieces since.

[whinewine]

I also own the set. I've had alot of trouble with them. It's one of those "good concept, poor execution" things. I believe the point of the directions is that it's easier to line them up properly if you scribe a line to follow first. I used them to make a border on a guitar strap. Customer was happy, but I truly wasn't. I've only used them on very small pieces since.

Trav:

a problem is that the impressions aren't very deep, the knot lines are very close together & the stamps are large in area, which means that you'll need a heavy maul/mallet to make a decent impression. All too often one ends up making a double impression because the stamp may bounce after being struck if the leather is too dry. I also have a set & they are definitely NOT the easiest to use, but once you know their limitations, the results can be ok. Like Holly says, they're primarily good for small pieces.

[blade]

i have them and have little to no problem useing them but it does take a good blow and dont let them bounce. soon as i get home next mouth ill take some pics

[UKRay]

I don't have too many problems with bounce, but I tend to case my leather really well before I start stamping - I find this helps a lot.

My real problem is lining the wretched things up. As they are so 'square ended' any discrepancy is a glaring error and look horrible. I have started using another stamp between sections to conceal the irregularities LOL

Ray

[KProffitt]

Use an Arbor Press with the stamps.

[Temugin]

Its like everything in life the more you practise the better you get ... I found them difficult at first , lining them up and getting slightly out bothered me , also bouncing off when the print wasn't deep enough . They ain't the easiest stamp to work with but do look good when you get it right ..

[budd4766]

I've started using a good heavy dead-blow hammer when I have stamps that normally tend to bounce. I found the dead blow cuts way down on my double impressions with stamps like this, and some of my bigger, stamps, maker's mark, or 3D stamps.