Where is the ex-libris stamp placed?
In most cases, ex libris are stamped on the flyleaf of the books or on the front flyleaf, i.e., on the inside of the title page. But nothing prevents us from breaking with the usual practice and looking for another place in the book. Roughly speaking, we put the ex libris before the first pages of a book. But why not put it in the middle or at the end of the book? Rules are meant to be broken, aren't they?
The correct use
The term ex-libris comes from the Latin "ex libris mei" which means "to be part of my books". By definition, it is therefore an inscription that we will add inside a book to mark its possession. In addition, as we have seen, the exlibris is traditionally engraved on the back of the covers or on the first pages of books. To announce the ownership of the object before reading. You may also prefer to stamp your ex-libris after reading the book, on the last page or on the back of the back cover, as a ritual marking a completion of reading.
Adding new utilities to the exlibris
Ex-libris are for books. OK, but who's stopping you from stamping your college courses, your bookmarks, your letters or postcards, your discs, your DVDs or Blu-ray? An ex-libris is also a great idea for tattoos. Plus, you can even test and see how it looks with your stamp before you go to your favorite tattoo artist.
Some ideas for iconoclasts
If you want to just stamp your book collection, you can venture off the flyleaf, omit the preface or opening words and look for the place where you like to leave your mark. Nothing prevents you from marking your books several times: on each new part, or new chapter, on the pages containing important passages that you want to find easily ... Another idea, it can also be fun to create a code: mark the page number corresponding to your age when you read the book for the first time, or always stamp the same page if you have a lucky number. Here's the last idea, think that you can play with colors, change the inks, color your engravings, etc. In short, there are many possibilities and things to imagine to make an original use of your exlibris.
If with these ideas you are already decided to get your custom bookplate, don't wait any longer and order your ex-libris to mark your books and don't forget to buy ink!
