Hi all! So, I found my third letterbox today! I was super-happy, but I didn't quite stamp according to instruction. The instructions said to use pink, green, and black ink for the stamp, but I only had a couple single-color ink pads (red [which is my standard] and black). Since black was one of the colors listed, I simply used my black inkpad. I don't totally get how you would ink a stamp in the proper pattern using multiple colors without needing to stamp multiple times and likely ruining the design. Could someone explain this to me for future reference so that I can reap the full benefit of future letterboxes?

You wouldn't use an ink pad in this case - you'd use markers. Color each section of the stamp with the correct color marker. Using a black ink pad on a stamp meant to be colored with markers is not recommended.

TG

As an add-on to what Trekkie Gal said ("use markers"), some markers work better than others. I have brush markers made specifically for rubber stamping. If you get other kinds of brush markers, they may dry out on the stamp before you finish coloring it. You huff on the stamp to help keep the inks from drying out.

I use Memento Brush Markers, and Memento Dew Drops by Tsukineko. The reinkers are available through Stampeaz. The AQ page has a link to it when you click on Marketplace. Other folks have their preferences on ink pads and brush markers.

Hope this helps, and welcome to the hobby!

The cheap fat Crayola markers work really well too and last a long time.

Until you have added multiple colors to your boxing bag, it is ok to use the colors you have as long as they are not metallic inks. However, if you use colors different from what the planter intended, the correct thing to do is to clean the stamp before you return it to its box. I carry a pencil thin spray bottle of water with me and some paper towels for times like this but in reality I have to use it mostly to clean stamps that others colored differently or I run the risk of ruining my own markers.

That’s really good to know, especially if we weren’t planning on boxing, but discover that there are some boxes close by. The fat crayola markers can be found almost anywhere if someone needs ink on the fly.

I have a color wheel all in one pad instead of many markers. My wheel is in a pie shape. The individual pads has a pointed end and I can ink a stamp with that point just as good or better than a marker.

Understood. I won't do it in the future now that I know. Thanks for the info.

Thanks a ton! I'll check and see if these are available at Michaels. That's probably a huge part of how I'll decide what sorts of markers to use, for better or worse. ^^

Ooh! Cheaper is always better when there isn't a quality trade-off! Thanks for the heads-up!

Huh. Where do you get super-thin spray bottles? I don't think I've ever seen such a thing (though I can be pretty oblivious at times). Also, it sounds like people carry a ton of stuff in their letterboxing kits. More than would probably fit in my geocaching bag (where I'm currently stashing my letterboxing tools). Do you have a recommendation about a storage system that would be an improvement?

Oh, you know, I think I saw those at Michaels when I was buying my inkpad (although I didn't know you could do that with them)! That's an interesting alternative idea and maybe would save space! I have a lot of new ideas to consider. Thanks, everyone, for the ideas!

Do you have a recommendation about a storage system that would be an improvement?

I have found the best and cheapest way to carry all your letterboxing gear is to find an old camera bag at a consignment shop. They are weather tight and have a zillion pockets.

Warrior Woman
repurposes everything

Where do you get super-thin spray bottles?

I am in Florida right now and my boxing bag is in Pennsylvania so I can't remember the exact brand but these on Amazon are very close to it. I carry one right along with my marker pens, in the same bag, they take up very little room and they usually provide enough cleaning for a day's worth of boxing.

it sounds like people carry a ton of stuff in their letterboxing kits.

Not me, I am a minimalist. I carry a logbook, my markers, a compass, my personal stamp, a pen, an old washcloth for cleaning and my old expired driver's license for ID. If I am going on a longer hike, more than two or three miles, I take water and a snack.

Where do you get super-thin spray bottles?

They are called "mini-misters" and are available in most craft outlets. But you don't need to hunt up anything special. Any small water-tight container would work, but I actually just use water from my water bottle, and clean/dry with a paper towel if necessary. It also comes in handy if you come across a stamp with a gunky build-up of ink that others didn't bother to clean up. In that case, rinse it off BEFORE you stamp.

Do you have a recommendation about a storage system that would be an improvement?

Yes! Dump out all the geocaching stuff and come to the dark side! This leaves more room for markers, ink pads, baggies and wet wipes.

you can also use dew drop style mini ink pads for multi color stamps. These have pointed tips and allow you to ink small areas of the stamp. I prefer these over markers unless there is just too much detail. They are faster to use than markers, and you can carry more colors than full size ink pads. I carry mine in a plastic pencil box (which fits perfectly but you will them rattle a bit with every step).

I about made myself pass out using these. Lol

I think I "huffed" (and puffed) too much trying to keep them damp enough to stamp. Haha

Dump out all the geocaching stuff and come to the dark side!

Wait now, I thought “THEY” were the dark side???

Wait now, I thought “THEY” were the dark side???

They are not sneaksy. For some reason, I'm reminded of Belushi and Cusak in Grosse Pointe Blank where Belushi is trying to get Cusak into forming a hitman conglomerate with him. He's making all these cogent arguments while they are each shooting at each other. Cusak's love interest hides in the bathtub, where else? Cusak appears to momentarily acquiesce, asking "Will there be meetings?" "Of course there will be meetings," Belushi assures. That alone ends the ceasefire. Dealbreaker. "No meetings." POW! POW! POW!

They probably have meetings. POW! POW! POW! No permitting, POW! POW! POW! No moderating plants! POW! POW! POW!

Wise Wanderer wrote:

Wait now, I thought “THEY” were the dark side???

Wry Me channeling Gollum:

They are not sneaksy.

Are you saying that letterboxers are the "sneaksy" ones? I hope we're not sneaksying for Sauron.

Nope! Sneaksy for treasure and secrets and riddles and, perhaps, somewhat obsessive.

I found a mini mister near the rubber stamp/scrapbooking section of Michael's Craft store.

I was thinking of using it to start making a letterbox search kit.

I've never heard of this before. What is in a 'letterbox search kit'?

Been stamping a couple of years now and have learned new stuff from reading all the replies to your inquiry. Thanks!