Learn at Lima Beads!
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
- A Novo on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“I, too, need to know how to attach a tassel to the guru bead.…” read »
- terryhardee on “Wire Wrap a Bail on a Teardrop”:
“thank you. I've always wanted to try this…” read »
- TLC on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“I made one bracelet for my granddaughter and one for myself. They are easy and…” read »
- K McPhail on “How to make a paper bead”:
“Interesting that paper beads are "in" again... Nearly 50 years ago, crafters (including my grandma) were…” read »
- Stingray on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“Because of the constant abuse they usually get, glue is not an ideal hold for jump…” read »
- Stingray on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Moogie is right, if you need an answer from Lima you'll need to use the customer…” read »
- Joy T on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I’ve read in other tutorials to cut the elastic cord length needed and lightly pull each…” read »
- K Manley on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Perfect illustration and instruction for a knot-challenged brain …” read »
- dolllady aka Pam on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“These look like fun to make bracelets, and even more fun to wear.…” read »
- angmoore2011 on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“I completely fell in love with the color of these little LillyPilly sheets and ordered my…” read »
- E moccaldi on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:
“Nice tutorial. For me, I would need more visual. The camera needs to be closer…” read »
- Dusty Rose on “How to set a Nunn Design Glass Dome”:
“Beautiful design!…” read »
- R Duhon on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Tip:If I have miss judged my project, I have found I can use a crimp cover…” read »
- L Bernadett on “How to Use Colorful Enamel Accents”:
“Looks like great stuff! Might try it.…” read »
- Wordgrrl on “Using ‘Swellegant’ Metal Coatings & Colorants”:
“Has anyone tried the clear sealant on glass beads with special finishes? I'm thinking of Czech…” read »
- C Dallara on “Preparing and Using Resin”:
“How do you use resin with an open frame and transfer sheet?…” read »
- Debi z on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“i'd like to hear about securing jump rings closed too. thank you, debi…” read »
- Moogie on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“If you need an answer from Lima, use the customer service link. I don’t think they…” read »
- povertyridgeranch1 on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Did you ever receive an answer about them not answering questions???…” read »
- BeadsVenture on “Finishing Large Acrylic Chain”:
“Great post! Thank you!…” read »
- Jules H on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Hi size of hemp twine ??…” read »
- povertyridgeranch1 on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“Are the beads large hole beads? I'll be trying this also I just book marked the…” read »
- Moogie on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“DISCLAIMER—I haven’t actually put a decorative bead in the middle of a sliding closure, but I…” read »
- BEAD WABBIT on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“Can these sheets be die cut on a Big Kick/Big Shot machine using normal dies or…” read »
- kathrynfitzgerald on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“How do you get that decorative silver bead in the middle of the square knot? Also, can…” read »
- kathrynfitzgerald on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“How do you get that decorative silver bead in the middle of the square knot?…” read »
- J Kanalas on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“looking forward to learning this!…” read »
- N Rios on “DIY Pom-Poms”:
“Hi....my question is in regards to the ring used.....what is the gauge...or do you have it…” read »
- S Behn on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Great tutorial, looks easy. Now I want to try it. Thanks Ali.…” read »
- MrsBaum on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“Good morning all, hoping to learn from everyone here. I love beads, and am hoping to…” read »
- Ebonyfrogg on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:
“I'M HAVING A PROBLEM KEEPING THE WIRE PROTECTOR IN PLACE ...USING ECONOFLEX NYLON COATED .019IN. WIRE.CAN.T…” read »
- Scotti C on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“I love making and selling memory wire bracelets. I advertise them as "One Size Fits Most."…” read »
- doglover72 on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“I have seen the crimp beads here made in gold plated brass, which are much cheaper…” read »
- J Marable on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“I've made a lot of these...using gemstones & Fireline doubled (2 strands). Gemstones are very hard…” read »
- C Edmonds on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I used the elastic cord for awhile,but switched to the nylon cord for more strength(.05mm),because my…” read »
- C Edmonds on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“I like the crimp tubes better than the beads,myself,and use a crimp cover closer to give…” read »
- M Borland on “Making a Shamballa Bracelet”:
“What kind of glue is being used in this project?…” read »
- Drio on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Great advice! I’ve been doing it wrong for so long and getting so frustrated and wasting…” read »
- Octobermom on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“B Tuttle - ibuse Fireline on a regular. It’s durable and can stand the pulling…” read »
- S Gogna on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Gabriele P: the stretch cording comes in black and clear. They used black here.…” read »
Using Rubber Stamps and StazOn
Using Rubber Block & Peg Stamps
1: Apply ink to your stamp. Gently press your stamp into the ink pad 2-3 times. If you press too hard, you might fill in the detailed crevices in your stamp, causing you to get a “muddy” image.
2: Stamp it! Don’t rock your stamp back and forth to apply the stamp. Simply press straight down and pull straight back up.
3: Dry and clean. Allow 3-5 minutes for the ink to dry, otherwise you may smear your design. Use the StazOn cleaner to remove the ink from your stamp before putting it away.
Using Sheet Stamps
1: Apply ink to your stamp. Gently press the ink pad onto the stamp, covering the area you’re going to use. If you press too hard, you might fill in the detailed crevices in your stamp, causing you to get a “muddy” image.
2: Stamp it! Lay the piece that you want to stamp on your table. Holding one end of the stamp firmly in place, roll the stamp onto your piece. Once in place, apply slight pressure.
3: Dry and clean. Peel the stamp off of your piece using the same rolling motion as when you applied the stamp. Allow 3-5 minutes for the ink to dry, otherwise you may smear your design. To clean your stamps, a baby wipe works best, but you can also use StazOn cleaner with just a little bit of warm water. Stamp cleaner is not necessary but can be used if desired.
Create a background pattern
Another way to add depth and texture to your designs is to layer stamped images on one another. I wanted to create a textured appearance on this owl blank like tone-on-tone fabric. I chose to use a border stamp and the StazOn copper metallic ink. One stamping did the trick!
Basic stamping on a metal blank
StazOn ink is perfect for stamping designs onto metal pieces like tags or blanks. Since I was stamping just a single design, I opted for a colored ink that would complement the gold tones. Purple was my choice for the pictured piece.
Apply StazOn directly to your piece
One technique is to apply color directly to your tag prior to stamping. Simply press your piece directly onto one or more StazOn ink pads to coat it with color. The pictured piece uses several different inks to prepare the base layer. Wait for the ink to dry after each application, then stamp your image using jet black or another dark color.
Stamp on a gemstone pendant
StazOn can also be used to stamp images onto gemstones! Larger gemstone pieces that have flat smooth surfaces to work nicely for stamps. I chose a pendant that didn’t have a pattern that would compete with the stamp design, and my ink of choice was black to keep it simple.
Stamp on a painted surface
To create this look I used acrylic paint dabbers to color the surface and waited for the paint to dry. Then I buffed off portions of the paint to allow the copper to show through. Finally, I stamped the design with alternating colors. It is best to allow the ink to dry between each stamping, and to clean the rubber stamp before moving to the next color.
Combine multiple stamp designs
For this piece I chose 2 rubber stamps that had similar characteristics and worked in a single color–jet black. I stamped the grass first, then decided where to stamp the bird. Combining stamps is a great way to mix-and-match images into a scene that tells a story.
Complement a stamp with a subtle metallic background
Looking to add some more texture to your designs? Try using metallic ink as a base and then stamping a bolder design on top. For this piece, I started with a botanical design and began stamping using StazOn metallic copper ink. I waited for it to dry completely so I wouldn’t accidentally smear anything while trying to stamp the bird. Voilà!
General Rubber Stamping Tips
- Put a pad of paper, magazine, or a mouse pad underneath your stamping project. This gives a cushion-like base and makes better impressions.
- If you see a circle or edge around your peg stamp image, it means that you are applying too much pressure on your stamp. Fine line drawings need only gentle pressure or it will distort the image and you will not see the detail. It is a good idea to test your stamp and your ink on a scrap piece of paper before stamping on your project. If you want a richer look, you may need to re-ink your pad.
- To get a lighter shade of color with the second and third impressions, don’t re-ink your stamp each time. Also, for a less mechanical look, rotate the stamp slightly in between impressions. These two tips will give your artwork a more natural look.
- To re-ink a pad, put two or three drops of ink on the pad and rub it in with the nozzle of the refill bottle until you see the ink is absorbed.
- To make a wreath shape, I start by stamping at the North, South, East and West points. Then just fill in between with the remaining images.
- For borders, I normally start with the larger images, leaving space in between for the remaining images and fill in as needed.
- All of these peg stamps are designed with placement lines to help you place your images accurately. If you look at the base of the stamp, close to the rubber, you will see the vertical placement line. This line indicates the position of the image. In the case of a leaf, sprig or branch, the placement line is most often located at the stem. Just turn the line towards the other images, such as a flower, and you will get perfect placement every time.
- It is best to store your stamps out of direct sunlight. With a bit of care, they should last for years and years.
- When the photopolymer (clear) stamps appear to lose their cling, simply rinse with warm water, and air dry. The cling will come right back and they’ll adhere like new!
- The photopolymer stamps can be used right out of the package, but you may want to condition them by rubbing your fingers over the surface or simply by stamping a few test images on scratch paper first.
Ready to try?
If you’re ready to start stamping with StazOn, check out the following items:
- Rubber Peg & Block Stamps – lots of designs!
- Sheet Stamps – great way to add pattern to your project.
- StazOn Inks – fun colors, including metallics
- Metal Stamping Blanks in different metals
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
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On Apr 16, 2021 at 9:23 am
YOU say:

On Dec 08, 2011 at 6:06 pm #
Jane MS says:What exciting new products and ideas!
On Dec 08, 2011 at 10:00 pm #
M Flesch says:Great ideas! I need to try this out.
On Dec 08, 2011 at 11:30 pm #
taranicoletreasures says:These stamps are really really COOL!!!! I love Lima Beads!!!! I wish I had $1000 dollars to spend on this website. Maybe someday I will be lucky enough to win the $500 dollar gift certificate. girlygirltara I love making jewerly!!!!!
On Feb 15, 2012 at 2:25 pm #
DMarie says:Do you have to seal this in any way?
On Feb 27, 2012 at 12:28 pm #
Jody S says:A couple years ago, I looked all over for stamps like these and couldn’t find them. Looking for some beads, I stumbled across these stamps. I found the beads I was looking for too. Can’t wait to see what else I might find here at, Lima beads! OH WHAT FUN I AM GOING TO HAVE. Thank-you.
On Apr 04, 2012 at 3:08 pm #
meganbeads says:I love the idea that I can layer color and graphics(the stamps), It gives it just another dimension!
On Apr 04, 2012 at 5:39 pm #
Kris says:If I’m not making something, I’m thinking of making something!
On Apr 06, 2012 at 1:44 am #
Betsie C says:i can’t wait!
On Apr 06, 2012 at 1:48 am #
Betsie C says:Could someone there either remove my pic of the two larger flowers in my pic above or tell me how to edit my comment? I didnt mean for that one to get on here. Thank you!
On Sep 29, 2012 at 5:19 am #
Blue Jeans 501 says:Do alcohol inks, such as the ones from Ranger work on these metal blanks as a background coloring also? I have all my leftover inks from when I stupidly decided to try cardmaking instead of making jewelry and beading. Guess you all know which one won out!
On Oct 04, 2012 at 3:24 pm #
Ali says:@ L Abellera
I wouldn’t use the Ranger alcohol inks with our Stazon Ink pads since they are solvent based and the alcohol inks should not be used with anything solvent based.
On Dec 18, 2012 at 10:58 am #
handychick says:Should the piece be coated with a sealer after stamping and if so what kind?
On Dec 19, 2012 at 9:32 am #
Kate says:@handychick: sealer is not necessary with StazOn… just let the ink fully dry and you should be all set to go!
On Oct 13, 2013 at 3:37 pm #
Robin Alayne says:Would I be able to apply enamel & fire over this ink?
On Jul 19, 2015 at 11:12 am #
Tootz says:Stamping gives a new way to make your jewelry very personal and very much your own.