Colored pencils and Markers
Once your stamped image has dried on the paper, use colored pencils and markers to flesh it out. Stamp with waterproof ink if you are going to color the image in later with markers.

Embossing
Embossing is a technique used to raise an image above the printing surface. While there are many embossing effects, the most commonly used technique for stamp work is called thermal (heat) embossing. Thermal embossing requires an embossing agent, usually a powder, which is heated with an embossing gun that blows very hot air out of a pointed nozzle.
•To emboss, first stamp your image onto the surface using embossing or pigment ink. (Watercolors or color markers won't work.) Sprinkle embossing powder over the inked image, covering it completely while the ink is still damp. Shake off the excess embossing powder and save it for later. Turn on your embossing gun, let it heat up for a few seconds, and hold it a few inches above the powdered image until you see it melt.
•When finished, your stamped image will have a raised, dimensional surface. There are many embossing powders available. Depending upon the type you use, the image will be shiny or matte, with glitter or iridescence. Experiment!

Masking
Basic masking allows you to stamp several images over each other without marring the previously stamped images. The process is simple, but the resulting illustration can be amazingly detailed.
•First, stamp the image you want to appear in the foreground of your illustration. Stamp that same image on another piece of paper. Cut out this stamped image just inside the outer lines.
• Place this "mask" over the original stamped image on your project. Select your background stamp image, then ink and stamp over this masked image. Use a stamp positioner, if desired. You need't worry about ruining the foreground image because it is covered with your mask.

Blitzer
This is a tool that produces a type of airbrush effect. Lock the color marker of your choice into the blitzer holder. Be sure to use a new, well-inked color marker for the best results. With a quick squeeze, pump the bulb of the blitzer. Air is forced through the tip of the marker, blowing out a mist of color.

Brayer
A brayer is like a small rubber paint roller. Depending on how you ink the brayer, you can achieve varying results including a wash of color, borders, edges, repetitive patterns, and more. Simply roll the brayer over your ink pad, using a roll-and-lift motion. (A back-and-forth motion will ink the same spot on the brayer.) Roll the brayer onto your project as desired. Ink specific areas, lines, or patterns on the brayer with color markers, too.

Layering
Stampers can achieve dimension in their projects by stamping an image, cutting it out and then layering it on top of their work using a "spacer" of foam tape or accordion-folded paper strips to raise the image from the background.