Hi all,
I wanted to create my own rubber stamp cleaning pad since the ones at the craft store are so expensive. I modified the instructions I found on a site for crafting inexpensively. Basically, I went to my local dollar store and purchased a plastic case for storing baby wipes for travelling, as well as flat sponge square (about a quarter inch thickness) there were two sponges to a pack. I then went to a hardware store (Home Depot) and purchased a painting pad (it was a refill pad for a paint edger). It cost about $3.00 (but two pads came in the pack). The painting pad is very similar to the material used in the stamp cleaning pads that are sold in the craft stores. I hot glued the flat sponge to one side of the baby wipe case (which had to be cut down to fit). I took the painting pad, flatened out the curved parts at either end and hot glued that to the center of the opposite side of the baby wipe case. Lastly, I took an old toothbrush that I was using for manual stamp cleaning, broke off the handle and hot glued the brush head to the baby wipe case next to the painting pad. When I was all done, I had a cleaning pad with multiple options.
To use, I sprayed a bit of windex onto the sponge, and generously wet the sponge with water. Once I was ready to clean the stamp, I dabbed it on the wet sponge to remove the ink and then onto the painting pad to remove the water and any stubborn ink. The toothbrush came in handy for further cleaning. Once I was done cleaning my stamps, I took the cleaning case to my sink and rinsed it. It looks good as new.
If one wishes, the sponge could be replaced with a supply of baby wipes- whatever is most economical and efficient for you. In the past, I used an extra (new and unused) foot brush that I had to clean my stamps- which worked well except that the ink and water would splatter.
Here's another neat idea I was playing around with earlier. I took sheets of wax paper, stamped on it with pigment ink and embossed it. The image came out really well and I am sure will look nice in my next project. I figure it could be used the same as vellum, except that it is more delicate.
Just thought I'd share, Happy Stamping and Happy Holidays, Doreen