The Mint is a custom stamp maker, and it will change the way you stamp. In four easy steps and less than two minutes, you can have a completely original, custom-made stamp. It is as easy as designing it, Minting it, inking it, and stamping it. Once it’s inked, your stamp is good for 50+ stamps (but it often lasts a lot longer).
For this project, we made personalized stamps with the Silhouette Mint™–a perfect idea for kids who want to label whatever they want. This tutorial will cover some basics of using the Mint custom stamp maker and its Mint Studio™ software.
You will need:
- Silhouette Mint™
- 15 x 30 mm stamp kit
- 15 x 30 mm stamp sheet set
- Mint ink
First, a note about the differences between the stamp kit vs. the stamp sheet set:
The stamp kit comes with everything to make one stamp. It has a stamp base (a.k.a. stamp mount) and lid, a mounting block (a.k.a. stamp grip), a stamp sheet (the part that runs through the Mint), and labels.
The stamp sheet set is basically a refill. It does not come with a mounting block, but does come with two stamp carrier sheets and stamp bases so you can make two new stamps. They will fit on an existing mounting block of the same size.
Now on to making a stamp! The process really is as simple as Design it. Mint it. Ink it. Stamp it.
Step One: Design It.
You have available in Mint Studio™ fifty free designs that are activated once you plug in and turn on your Mint. You also have access to the fonts already on your computer, some basic drawing tools like the line I used in my stamps, and some frames and fun shapes. You can also buy more designs and fonts in the Silhouette Design Store.
While designing, take advantage of the Object (Align) menu selection that allows you to align and center your shapes. Object > Align > Center to Stamp is one of my most-used functions.
You can also add filters to change the look of selected objects. (The filters will only show while in the Stamp Filters or the Send to Mint windows.) I added a Mottled filter to the line(s) I drew to give it a rough look that matched my font (called Typenoksidi). The script font is Harrlems.
Step Two: Mint It.
When your design is ready, simply go to the Send to Mint window in the software and click on Start Mint. It will then tell you to insert the stamp sheet into the Mint. Insert the stamp sheet gently into the back of the Mint, and it will print your stamp.
At this point, peel away the cover on the stamp mount to expose its adhesive, then bend the carrier sheet on its perforated edge and peel it back so you can access the printed stamp. This stamp can be pressed on to the sticky stamp base.
Step Three: Ink It.
The thermal printing of the Mint stamps will absorb the Mint ink, while the surrounding unprinted area resists the ink. Use any of the many Mint ink colors to apply ink to the printed stamp and let it sit for a few minutes (under ten minutes is usually plenty). You can use multiple colors on the same stamp.
Step Four: Stamp It.
Stamp off the excess ink onto scratch paper until you get a clean image. Now you can use the stamp multiple times before needing to re-ink it. Remember that you can create multiple stamps for the same size mounting block. The stamp base easily slides on and off the wooden stamp grip, and each has its own lid to keep it moist.
What kid wouldn’t be thrilled to have a personalized stamp to claim their property! Mint stamps are the gift that keeps on giving since you can design more stamps of the same size to add to your stamp collection.
Gail West
January 2, 2016
This is a great idea, but I have yet to see a stamp from the MINT that gives a crisp image. The lines are always blurred or spotty. On your stamp this is most obvious on the y of property.
Miranda Cunningham
January 4, 2016
The post shows she set the settings in this one to make it grungy. this was on purpose. Yes all the images have some degrade. believe me Silhouette and I had huge arguments over this where I told them if they couldn’t do better than half my image missing I wanted my money back.I had to find the answer on my own. The company dident even bother trying to help me. Turns out I had to adjust the brightness settings. Now I have a fairly good address stamp with very little degrade. Now If I had just realized my actual address needed to be bigger. 🙁 live and learn.
Karley Hall
January 4, 2016
Hi Miranda,
We are so sorry that you are feeling frustrated. I remember your call very vividly. Is there something we can do to help?
Analisa
January 7, 2016
These are so fun Kelly! I would have loved one as a kid. You can imagine how hard it was to find anything personalized with “Analisa” in the store 😉
Kelly Wayment
January 8, 2016
Yes, Analisa! My name was always easy to find, but not most of my kids. They love their stamps. 🙂