My foray into stamp making
This whole adventure started because I wanted a stamp with my new logo, but while looking for custom handmade stamps and comparing prices I came to the conclusion that I could just make one. And it would be a lot more fun.
I found this basic tutorial and sought out my supplies.
I purchased my rubber material, called Speedy-Carve, and my lino cutting tool from Dharma Trading Co. I got the smallest size to start with which was a 3″x 4″ block for $2.99. And the shipping charges were also very reasonable.
If you follow me on Twitter you already know that my first attempt at the logo came out… backwards.
But, my second attempt was much better and I’ve now made 5 stamps in total.
I managed to salvage the first bad logo stamp by carving into the reverse side to make that simple leaf outline stamp above. For anything very specific it’s best to go by image transfer, but I enjoyed just freehanding a design onto the rubber and going from there much more.
I didn’t have any scrap wood laying around so I used some thick cardboard for the backing. It’s not very pretty, but it works grand for me.
I still have quite a bit of rubber left from that small block I purchased, so depending on the size of your stamps, you can get quite a lot from one little block.
You can also carve into rubber erasers which is equally fun.
I had a lot of fun making these! If you haven’t tried stamp carving yet, I highly recommend it. It’s my new favourite hobby. After jewelry making, of course.
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August 12th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
omggggggggggggggg
this looks sooo fun!
and they came out amazing!
you are such a talent, girl!
August 12th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
aw, thanks Hollie!
August 12th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
wow! that’s so groovy. I’m shocked at how perfect the letters came out, I’ll have to check out the tutorial
♥ neat
August 12th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
thanks hon! the first one was pretty messy looking, you just have to be very patient and careful with letters I found.
August 12th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
I have a couple of blocks of that…I am so impressed with your results! I’m going to have to give that a try. Your ‘balanced’ stamp is amazing!
August 12th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
thanks, Jesse!
I’d love to see yours too!
August 12th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Okay, that’s awesome! I’ve done stamp carving before for printmaking and let’s just say it’s not a skill I do well, lol. But I love your results!
August 17th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Wow well done I’m so impressed, I did printmaking in college and even I would be scared to carve out those letters, you did a really great job!!
August 17th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
thanks, Ruth! second time was the charm.
September 6th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
This is brilliant Rachel and the results are amazing, well done you! It’s exactly the inspiration that I needed. I’ve also been looking at customised stamps but was toying with the idea of creating one myself even though I haven’t done any kind of printing since college. Going to order all the bits you have suggested….
September 6th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Thank you, Paula!
It’s so much fun!
And that carving block is so easy to work with! I’d love to see yours when you’re done with it.