Stickers or stamp?

[Former_Member]

I need a new variable way to brand my paper products, especially my books. Cards can get printed, but my handmade books need something else.

I also need it in two sizes (for larger and super small books) and two colors because some of my paper is dark and some are light.

Stickers will need to be on a super adhesive paper but should be easier to reproduce.
Custom stamps have a larger up front cost, but a longer term value in them.

What's your thought? What do you use?

And feel free to share other branding methods even if it's not on paper. Ideas are born from all sorts of things.

Thanks.

Roanne.

[Former_Member]

I haven't signed any of my items. I want to, but I guess I've just been lazy.

A stamp would look professional, but you can't undo a smudged or crooked stamp. You can reposition a sticker a little before you rub it down all the way. A stamp would be a one-time cost, whereas you'd have to continue printing out labels. If you sell a lot of items, I'd go for the stamp. If not, I'd choose cheaper labels.

[Former_Member]

I've found very affordable custom stamps at http://www.rubberstamps.net . I've used them to make custom designs for my precious metal clay work.

There's something about the slight imperfections of a hand placed rubber stamp that I really like, so I vote for that.

[Former_Member]

I prefer stamps. I love the look of stamps and I think it makes it feel more handmade :) (I just bought a stamp for my gift certificates that says "handmade with love" haha).

But AlmondCraft has a valid point about not being able to fix smudges and position. Though if you're just stamping the back, I don't think it's a big deal.

I think it comes down to what you feel more comfortable using. You could also use stickers for now and buy a stamp down the road. =)

[WanderingJeweler]

It depends on several things:

How many stickers (in all the various combinations you need) can you get for the price of the stamps and ink pads?

Do you think you may want to change your logo or info in the near future?

How confident are you that you can stamp with few smudges?

Could you print the stickers yourself?

I'm not for or against any method, these are just some things I would think about if I were choosing.

[Former_Member]

I agree with most, I think a stamp would be more professional :) goooo stamp!

[Former_Member]

I think a stamp would be a good way to go. It feels more hands-on And personal to me than just placing a sticker does. When I see a stamp I feel like a person put more thought into the product.

However, if you're tight for money - stickers may be the less expensive way to go for now and would still have that 'made with care' touch.

[Former_Member]

I prefer the look of the stamp over the sitcker.

I use two rubber stamps on all of my handstamped items.
I don't own the rights to the images I stamp, many of them are Stampin' Up stamps.

One says:
Handstamped by N.C.Meyers
(picture of a tag)
copyright Stampin' Up

The other stamp has my shop web address, so the recepient can see where the card was purchased
www.woodstreamdream.etsy.com

I know that Stampin' Up offers stamps reasonably (I paid about $11 plus s/h & tax for the one-line stamp) Then get a pad of staz-on ink (it's a permanent solvent based ink pad that adheres to just about anything). They offer different sizes for the font, depending on the number of letters you want per line. www.kimmullin.stampinup.net - this is the Stampin' Up consultant I use - it's cheaper to order from a consultant than directly through the website. Custom items I think you have to order from a consultant.

I know you can get custom stamps made at Staples also, or at least you used to be able to do that!

For my felted flowers and crochet items, I use tags that have all the care instructions, material content, and my shop info. I print those on my computer. Like this:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72235420/crochet-cap-in-charcoal-merino-wool

GL with the decision!

[Former_Member]

I had a stamp made for my cards that I didn't want to print double sided. It was a larger cost up front, but SO worth it!! I love my stamp. And I got it from a fabulous etsy shop-RubberStampPress! She did amazing work and I highly recommend her. Super nice, easy to work with and just all around wonderful.

[Former_Member]

I use stamps, then I don't have to include the price of a sticker into the packaging. I get mine here on etsy, http://www.jlmould.etsy.com

[Former_Member]

Great feedback and references. Thanks a bunch. Still haven't made up my mind but maybe after some sleep and my headache passing I'll decide. Have new branding and products and a big show on 11/6. So I need to decide asap.

Thanks.

[LaurasLastDitch]

Or, you could buy a few stickers to cover smudged stamps!

[Former_Member]

Stamps look nicer and your right would be a longer term investment.

[Former_Member]

I guess I'm getting a few stamps.

Thanks everyone.