Using this basic technique, you can create unusual and striking patterns on paper, cardstock or other stationery items. Ink the rubber stamp of your choosing and roll a brayer (handheld ink roller) over its surface to pick up the ink. You can do this once or several times, changing the stamp's position on the brayer. Roll the stamped brayer across your paper. For multiple colors, clean the brayer and repeat the process with different colors of ink.
A simple resist technique, the application of wax allows you to produce high-contrast backgrounds. Stamp an image with permanent water-based ink. Select any areas of the image you want to keep white. Using a white crayon or china pencil (or even a tapered candle), fill in those areas. Cover the entire surface with ink using a brayer, sponge or stipple brush and let dry. Gently rub the image with a paper towel or soft cloth to remove the wax.
With this easy transfer technique, you can repurpose any stamped or photocopied image for an art project. Place the image face up on a glass surface, taping the edges. Brush lightly with acrylic medium. You can apply multiple coats to make your transfer thicker, but let each coat dry. When the taped image has dried thoroughly, remove it from the glass. Immerse the image in water, allowing it to soak, then peel off the paper backing. Once the image is dry, trim it with scissors and apply it to another surface using acrylic medium.
This is a practical technique for creating texture on paper, cardboard, wood, canvas or virtually any other surface. Brush the designated area with a coat of gesso. Press objects into the wet gesso to create an imprint -- or draw with the pointed end of a paintbrush. Let it dry. Once the texture is dry, it is ready for any ink or paint application. To stretch the drying time and create more elaborate designs, use equal parts gesso and acrylic gel medium. You can also add acrylic paint to the mixture for color.