But most of the time, you are using your leg as support. Also, I've had a number of times where the forest floor was too damp to squat or sit on, and I had to stamp while standing up.

I use my leg for support. Sometimes logs, sometimes rocks. Bridge railings. Railroad ties. Cars. Large animals. That one's tricky, unless they're D.R.T. And standing up.

Even with my hardcover logbook, I still have problems getting a decent impression most times.

I have to ask you to describe your logbook. Mine is very simple. I cut a Letter-size page into fourths, two-hole-punch a long side, and "bind" the pages to the clipboard stuff cover with binder rings.

Important Note: I try to limit the number of pages in the book, which reduces the compression and thus reduces the chances of not getting the whole impression on the page.

Again, this is just with wood or acrylic mounted stamps.

Maybe you're just finding inadequately-mounted stamps?

I'd still rather have a stamp that makes a good impression than one that looks pretty.

Well, y'all come down to Georgia on vacation sometime and let me show you how it's done!

yes, that was tacky... I'm sorry, Charlie...

Technique

One thing that might be contributing to your woes is that sometimes people think that with a mounted stamp all you have to do is ink it, press it, and lift it. To clarify, that's ONE press. I've seen it done. One press and that's all? NOT!

My technique: ink it, aim it, place it, and press the crap out of it! For most stamps, I'm holding the stamp with my thumb on one edge, my middle and ring fingers on the opposite edge, and my index finger on the back of the stamp, right in the middle. The first and hardest pressing is with the index finger, and that anchors the stamp while the thumb and "bird" finger come up and press the lower left and upper right "corners", accordingly. Then they anchor the stamp while the index finger moves to press the upper left "corner", and then the thumb gets the lower right corner. The sides all around get it if necessary.

If I could have provided a video of it, I would have... then I wouldn't have had to give you the fingers!

*S :-D

The benefit I get from mounting on foam is a better impression. I find that after being glued to a foam backing, a PZCut stamp does not show nearly as many stray carve marks. I can carve shallower and have to dig out less of the surrounding area. Of course, I am a carver of more enthusiasm than skill, so better carvers may not need to use the backing.

Mariette

I give. Don't like them mounted. 'Nuff said.

To glue or not to glue, that is the question.

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How can one spend money on practice? Can someone buy talent?

Of course it is important to practice. Hummm... it is said time equals money, so I believe there is a way to have money equal practice.

My real point is to buy good carving material and tools as well as sharpening stones & grinders. Quality stamps are much easier when working with good materials.

Buying talent can only be done by dealing with the devil, which I strongly advise against. As a carver, I am a decent technician, but I have only a little talent. Most boxers seem pleased with my stamps, so being a technician must be adequate.

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By mounting my stamps, I'm able to make an impression of the stamp on a label stock, color it appropriately, stick it on the backing and make it water-resistant with a layer of clear packing tape. This shows you how the stamp should be colored on the trail

This is a nice touch...an advantage I had not considered. None the less, mounting my stamps is not a priority of mine. But people like your boxes, so do you what you do, and I will do what I do.

Your Humble Servant,
OBJuan

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I will do what I do.

"Do or do not. There is no 'try'."

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

"Do or do not. There is no 'try'."

My 5 yr olds phrase every time I say I'm trying!!! lol that was too funny!

~Aurora