Stamp Carving

In my last stamp carving tutorial (see that here), I said I would come up with a smaller stamp.. I made a 'Thank You' stamp, and a 'cross vine' stamp. The 'cross vine' stamp size was based on my over sized gift tags. I wanted a stamp that I could write next to, and they would compliment each other. I wanted something I can use for my Etsy shop (which will be opening soon). They were both actually quite simple to make. This time around I used the exact same shape and size of the original "thank you" flag that I made on my last tutorial (see here). Instead of the stamp text being carved out- leaving the background exposed.. This time I made the text raised as a stamp normally is. The cross vine design is something that I have showed you a couple of time in the bag designs. I want to keep a consistent theme. : )

I've showed you how to carve stamps a couple of times. I will spare myself this time. What I will tell you is that if you are looking for a craft project that is relaxing.. Go for it! Carving stamps brings satisfaction, and you completely focus all of your energy on one thing, and that is not too carve too deep- Just a little bit at a time. When you step back and look at what you created, it is wonderful! It is fun to see the final product stamped because you created it completely backwards, and to see it in the right direction changes your perspective of the stamp all together.

Now get stamping!

Tutorial: How to Carve Your Own Stamps!

Today I decided to carve my own stamp so I could show you just how easy it really is. I purchased all of my supplies back in February at Hyatt's -All Things Creative. I bought all Speedball supplies because I didn't know a thing about what I was doing, and it is a leading company for screen printing.. So I figured it was good.
My supplies include:
Speedball Linoleum Cutter Set
7 Different Speedball Colors- Oil based- I wouldn't recommend them. Just use a normal raised(<--very important) water based ink pad.
Speedball Speedycut Blocks- I bought 2 different sizes. Large is 6.75x11. The one I used today was 4x5.5.
A Pencil
Exacto Knife
Protractor
Plain Piece of Paper

First kids, I put my Speedycut Block on my piece of paper and outlined it so I knew how big my drawing could be. I then took my protractor and made a evenly curved line across the usable space. I wasn't feeling confident in my ability to make even lines so I cut out a triangle with thick paper to trace for my bunting. Once completed I filled it in so it will show up when I transfer it to my Speedycut Block. The transfer is easy, place the drawing face down on the block. Hold it in place, and on the back side of the paper with your pencil draw only where your drawing is. When you take the paper away the drawing is transfered perfectly, and now the carving begins. The Linoleum Cutter Set comes with 5 different sizes of cutting tools. Start with the smallest one in the shape of a V. That is the tool you use to outline the drawing, and get all of those details in. Next you move to the largest tool in the shape of a U. This tool is to carve away the rest of the unwanted space. Since I used oil based paint I had to dab and spread the paint on with a foam brush, then push it down on my subject. I just used a recycled scrapbook sheet. If I were to do it again. I would do this for wrapping paper or a gift bag with an ink pad.

Let me know if you have any questions!

These puppies are my entire collection so far : ) They aren't anything amazing... Just something that is relaxing to do. Give it a try! Happy Carving Friends!