Stamping Delicate Images with Finesse
Stamping an image that has long, skinny appendages such as this Hermit Crab can be a challenge. Often the antennae will smudge or double print. This is because the delicate parts need a very small amount of pressure, while the rest of the image needs normal pressure. The thick red foam cushion I use in my stamp making, as well as the tiny bit of extra rubber I leave around delicate parts helps a lot, but with an image like this you have to pay special attention when you stamp.
First get the stamp inked up: for this particular image I like to use green and black. Ink up the entire stamp by pressing firmly on the green ink pad, followed by several light taps to even out the ink. Then on black, tilt the stamp a little bit from side to side while just lightly touching the pad - this will turn the edges of the Hermit Crab black - and a couple of very light taps with the stamp flat on the black pad to give some blotchy character.
Now for the tricky part. Carefully position the stamp on the paper where you want the image, at first with no pressure at all. Then, holding the stamp by the grooved sides, apply localized pressure to the "shell" area of the image, try not to give any pressure at all to the opposite corner where the antennae are. You may need a couple practice rounds before getting the proper feel.
Notice the subtle difference in the antennae. Someone looking at your stamped artwork might not notice this, but it will affect the overall feel of your work, and this in turn will affect the viewer.
