STAMPING
Have you tried stamping? Have you ever made your own stamps? Did you know that you can buy Digi Stamps, where there is no stamping involved? Print, cut and color to your hearts content and place the images (they can be resized at will) anywhere you wish.
For me that is great when I want to color and paint but often I want to get out all my inks and stamp pads and start creating much more than a cut and paste style stamp on my paper. I love the fact that I can use stamps in a different kind of way. I can lightly stamp to get one effect and then use different colors with a firmer hand to create an entirely different look. To me, this is what stamping is all about.
In Vancouver, on Granville Island, there is a sop where rubber stamps are made and sold. Tis shop is amazing and the ideas I gain here are truly inspiring. I must admit, I tried making my own stamps but the result was dismal, it is something I will need to practice over and over again. I certainly learned a lot about what not to do or use. I created a free downloadable worksheet to take you through the process of making your own stamp. Be sure to download it here.
Have you taken a look at some of the beautiful work that has been done by many of the people who are Stampin Up partners? I am always in awe with what they make. Here are a couple of images that bring out the artist in me.
Card by Splitcoaststampers
Card by Splitcoaststampers
How you stamp depends on what you are trying to achieve as an outcome. These are all cards, and they are the first thing that comes to mind. I love cards and I love giving them to people in my life! Thank you cards, birthday cards, anniversary cards are the first things on my list. But stamping can go way beyond just cards.
Why not a framed print or even a bare wall? I know it sounds like I am taking this too far but perhaps not. I found some beautiful designs on wall that were done with stamps.
What about this hand-stamped Clementine Wall by A Beautiful Mess on Pinterest
A Beautiful Mess on Pinterest
Or this one that uses a square sponge to do the stamping from usefuldiyprojects.com
usefuldiyprojects.com
Tools You will Need
To get started stamping you will need:
- Stamps
- Inks/Paint and stamp pad
- Cleaning agent
- Cloths for
wipe ups and smoothing out - My downloadable file: How To Make Your Own Stamps (the password is at the end of this post)
Stamping Projects to Try
Let’s start with a very simple card as a first project. Gather together your tools and some cardstock. I always suggest two pieces of card stock that have matching colors – not the same color. One sheet should be light in color so that your stamp will show on the paper.
First cut the cardstock so that you have a sheet of paper 4.25″ x 5.5″ (half a regular sheet of paper – this will be your outside of the card. Cut the second color to 3.75″ x 5″ – this will be folded to be the inside of the card.
Now fold each sheet in half so that they fit inside each other to make a card.
You will be stamping the outside front of the card and the two inside pieces.
If you do not have any stamps, you can use almost anything to stamp on a card. You can use a straw for a long stem, the back side of a fork for flower petals, or the back side of a spoon for rounded prints. Look around you and see what you can use.
Now all you need to do is start putting ink or paint on the stamp and press the stamp onto the surfaces you are coloring. Have fun with kitchen utensils as stamps. I have even used bottle caps and paper clamps – so many choices!
When your inks are dry, glue the inside of the card together and you are done!
Books To Inspire You
Rubber Stamping: Get creative with stamps, rollers and other printmaking techniques
I Heart Stamping: Over 50 Cute Japanese-inspired Designs to Carve, Ink and Stamp
More Imaginative Ways to Stamp
First, don’t forget to download my worksheet How To Make Your Own Stamps (the password is at the bottom of this post).
Take in some of these great YouTube Videos to inspire you and help you get the techniques down.
Videos of Interest
Stamping Basics – For Beginners
Easy Watercolor Stamping Techniques
Stamping Techniques
“IKEA Hack” Stamping tool
Last Word
I do hope you have a chance to keep into the ink and paint and try stamping, it is so much fun.
As a reminder, you can make your own stamps as well. Download my worksheet here (How To Make Your Own Stamps). The password is at the bottom of this post.
I know I love to make a mess any time I have the chance and by stamping, I satisfy that need.
If you have a project you have completed, please share it with me in the comments or on Facebook.
Oh and the password for the file is love.
I would love the hear from you.
Bette
