Fresholi | Melting Pot Café

here's my way of inking labels. You can use any labels, preshaped ones or just standard address labels you can then cut yourself.
You need:-
Labels
Ink pads, I like the ranger tim holtz distress inks as you can layer the colours but you can use any you like
Cut and dry foam ( essential if you want a smooth look) and something to stick it to, like a small match box or even the lid of your ink pad!
A craft punch if you want to cut them  out yourself
So to start with type your text on the labels to your required size. You don't have to do that if you want to use your own handwriting, or you could search on google for free handwriting fonts and download them on your pc. Make sure when you download them you move them to your fonts file.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/lushie_rat/011-2.jpg)
Cut a piece of the cut and dry foam and stick the grey side to something, I use double sided tape for this ( you need to do this to make it rigid and easier to use)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/lushie_rat/012-6.jpg)
rub it  or dab lightly over your ink pad to pick up the ink
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/lushie_rat/014-4.jpg)
then rub lightly over your label the messier the better! ( you may want to practice first as the harder you press the more intense your colour)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/lushie_rat/016-3.jpg)
when it's dry you can then add another stamp if you wish to make a frame or simply write straight on them before you cut them out
At this point I had a little help from Rowley  :mwaha:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/lushie_rat/015-2.jpg)
Top tip, if you're using a punch to cut out turn your punch upside down so you can see where you're cutting!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/lushie_rat/018-6.jpg)
press the punch handle and out pops a label!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/lushie_rat/019-4.jpg)
You can add a bit of depth to you label by wiping around the edge with your foam pad in either the same colour or a contrasting one for a great effect
You'll find cut n dry foam in most craft shops and I've also seen it on ebay, a sheet will last you forever!
hope this helps!

Thanks for that Jaq - I bet a few will have a go.

Great tutorial.

I love your little helper.  I got a bit of help yesterday when I was doing my logo.  I  use the versa colour inks with those little sponge daubers (bit like a thimble with a sponge on top).

That's brilliant, Jaq. I'll hopefully have a go this weekend.

(and your helper is really cute)

Thanks Jaq for the ideas, you made it look so easy, and Rowley is a beaut :mwaha:

That is brilliant!!  Thank you so, so, so much Jaq  :buttrf:  I know a certain person who will be thrilled with this - she said to me the other day that she thought your labels and presentations was 'fantastic' and she absolutely loves it.  She will be dead pleased - she knows who she is  8)

Thank you so very much Jaq, it is really kind of you to share that with us  (:hug:)

Really really lovely... where did you get the cutter from can I ask?

Lovely tut! Thanks!
And the helper is beautiful!

thanks Jaq lovely tutorial and loads of fun by the looks of it especially love the pic with your gorgeous cat  :buttrf:

Thanks for taking the time, what a cute puddy tat!

Wow thanks Jaq.Beautiful cat as well.Is it going to be moved to the tutorial part?

Thank you Jaq. Youve made it sound so simple and explaine so well.

Can I  borrow your helper tho? Rowley is gorrrrgeous :buttrf:

thanks very much jaq for sharing. It's very useful.

many thanks for the tut... :buttrf:

This is wonderful - Thank-you so much for sharing your technique!

They look so effective Jaq.  :buttrf:

Honey if you google 'craft punches' there are many sites with lot's to offer. I've got a large one that makes 32 tags and one for cutting mini envelopes.

Wouldn't be without mine...