Keeping It Real :: Digital Stamps I

• Tested and approved for Adobe Photoshop users
• Testing in process for Adobe Elements users
• Originally shared September 2008 at OLW

Hi y'all! It's time to share another technique! This one is fun, really easy, and it's something I've played around with for some time.

I am a stamper at heart though I do not enjoy the "mess" real stamps create. I do not enjoy the time it takes for stamped images to dry. I do not enjoy having to purchase so many different ink colors to match my layout colors. I do not enjoy the cat tracks left on the carpet when I forget to close a stamp pad tightly. I digress. :D

I do love the look of stamps especially on textured paper, cardboard and anything 'stampable'. And now that such nifty stamp pads like Versamagic and StazOn exist, everything pretty much is 'stampable'.

My solution for sidestepping the messy 'inking' business is just to create pages digitally. :D But how do we re-create that textured, stamped look on a digital layout? I'm glad you asked!

Here's a closeup of the technique we're going to recreate.

In the image above, the date has been 'digitally stamped' on to the cardboard piece. The letters and numbers are rigid and seem to match the tearing and creases of the cardboard. Be sure to click on the thumbnail for a larger view.

Get that Cardboard

First, you'll want to find a nice piece of cardboard or patterned paper. The piece used in the example is from a digital collection no longer in circulation but don't let that stop you! Visit your favorite digi-store to grab a few or check out Lisa Warren's beautiful Cardboard and More Set. Now, create a new document or add your cardboard piece to an existing digital layout.

Choose the Font & Type the Text

The next step is to type the text. Choose a font which looks 'stampish'. Dafont has great 'eroded' free fonts. I also recommend Myfonts and ScrapnFonts. Also, choose a font color which compliments the paper - that's the key! Sometimes darker is better but you can get lovely results from a lighter shade (like pink) on a darker paper (like brown). Experiment! Rotate the text until it fits nicely on the cardboard. Make sure the text layer is directly above the cardboard layer on the Layers Property Menu. Refer to screenshot above if in doubt.

Choose the Blending Option and Create a Clipping Mask

Now, here's the trick. Highlight the text layer in the layers property menu and choose the "Soft Light" blending option. Then, move your mouse cursor in between the two layers and hold the 'ALT' button. Two connecting circles should replace the cursor. Left click to create the clipping mask. The text should now look stamped! Here is my final layout.

Finish It & Alternative Ideas

Add another stamp under the cardboard, print it, and use it on your paper/hybrid layouts or projects. Download dingbats, black & white vector images, or clipart to create a custom look. Layer the stamps, choose different colors and play with the blending options to really step it up a notch! Just work it! I hope you like the trick and will take a chance to try it out.