Stampmaking

I do like to use stamps every now and then in my artworks, but I've always wanted to be able to make my own stamps, since I don't like to take credit for someone liking one of my artworks if a small part of it is not my own design. I know there are things like 'angel policies' that permit you to use a manufacturer's stamp a certain number of times if it is being hand-stamped, etc, but I would still prefer to use designs that are completely my own.

I had tried carving my own stamps, but I couldn't get quite the level of intricacy that I was after, and I really am pretty woeful when dealing with sharp objects (I am equally woeful at not spilling things). It's not like you can 'undo' if you slip and carve out a big chunk of what you'd painstakingly carved previously. So, when a new home stamp making machine came on the market recently, I'll admit that the very large impulse-buying portion of my brain switched on, and I ordered one right away.

It is the Teresa Collins Stampmaker, and while I'm not at all into scrapbooking, I must admit that they do come up with some pretty cool tools sometimes. I can also (just) live with the fact that the polymer stamps it creates are tinted pink. It came with this one purple acrylic block to affix your stamp to, but I'll be buying clear ones in the future since the purple is pretty much useless for visibility.

    

So ta-daa! My orange wren, after some Photoshop prep, is now a stamp. I think the stamps will also be useful for labelling the backs of artworks, and for decorating packaging too. A bit more trial and error and I should have it all sorted :)

Comments

[Mim]

Very cool Alex! I have made stamps in the past using the good old Steadler eraser but this beats that old thing hands down. Enjoy!

[Catherine Campbell]

This looks great!

[Alex Louisa]

Thanks!!

I must try not to leave this little machine forgotten on a shelf too ;)