Monday, August 12, 2013

How To Create The Perfect Stamp

By Heidi Arrowood


If you would like to try out your artistic side, then stamp making may be just right for you. You can create something that you will will enjoy and really love. Below are a few easy steps to help you create your very own unique stamp.

Designing the stamp

First of all you need the inspiration and in order to get it, you should sit down somewhere quiet with a pen and a piece of paper. You should then pick a theme and play around a bit, and if this is your first attempt, try to keep things simple. For instance, some examples of stamps you can create include simple trees, hillsides, the sun or the moon.

Tracing the image

If you are finished brainstorming some ideals and have decided on an image or theme, begin tracing your image onto a piece of rubber. If you would like to try an easier method, you can wet the rubber part of the stamp. Then transfer the image to the stamp by pressing the rubber onto the drawing. This will reverse your image though, so you will want your letters in reverse.

Cutting

If this is your first stamp, try cutting the big pieces first. Then you can start cutting the very small detailed pieces. If you are cutting a circle or curve, keep your blade in one place. Then just move the rubber while keeping your blade still. When cutting large white areas, leave some of the rubber in place. This will break up any large white places and give a wood cut look. This will create a more interesting look overall.

Doing your first test run

At this point you'll have to brush up the bits of rubber on your stamp, and also consider blowing on it for removing the unwanted pieces. Next you should put it on the stamp pad ensuring that the stamp gets an even and full coat of ink. This is your first impression so you may have some areas that are left void of ink. If this happens, coat the stamp again.

Now grab yourself a clean piece of white paper. Then take your stamp and push it firmly and evenly against the paper. When pushing your stamp down, make sure not to press to firmly, this will cause your stamped image to smudge. Make sure that you lift the stamp slowly, to create the cleanest image possible.

Your results

At this point you have managed to create your very first art stamp. Just ensure all the edges are even and if you want to change something about it, encircle those bits and figure out carefully where on the stamp the changes will be made. Good luck!




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