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Friday, January 26, 2018

Found Materials Stamping Artists Use To Create Professional Designs

By Jessica Cook


Most people have seen interesting stamped designs on stationary and textiles and wondered how it was done. Some designs are intricate while others seem so simple you think you should be able to do it yourself. The truth is you can. With some inexpensive tools, fruits, vegetables and blocks you can create the same kinds of designs that make stamping artists so in demand.

Stamping paper and textiles with fruits and vegetables will make interesting and creative designs. You might decorate your child's backpack or create a wall hanging using linen or some textured fabric. An apple is a good fruit choice for these kinds of projects. All you have to do is halve the apple making sure the cut is smooth. Brush paint on the inside of the apple and stamp.

Pencil erasers are natural stamps. You don't have to do anything but dip them in paint and apply them to paper or fabric. Small projects like greeting cards, stationary and wrapping papers will give you the best results. You could even invite your kids to join you in the fun. They may be too young to write, but they can control the pencil enough to make dot patterns on paper.

You might experiment with the vegetables in your crisper that you're getting ready to throw out. You will be surprised at the intricacy of the design a head of cabbage can make. All you have to do is cut the top off. This exposes the layering inside the cabbage. Holding the opposite end, brush the layers with paint and apply the vegetable to whatever material you are designing on.

You might be surprised at what interesting designs you can make using old buttons as stamps. This is another stamp that works best for small projects like stationary, cards, and wrapping paper. It may not be the best project for small children because the buttons can get slippery once they're dipped in paint. The mess they make may not be worth the effort.

Leaves and small branches can make beautiful designs when you are attempting a larger project. They are so unique and distinctive, you will have to be careful not to use too many on your painting surface. They can be beautiful added to fabric panels for French doors. You are going to need young sturdy leaves, not the older brittle ones.

If you're really creative, and want to create your own stamps, you could carve wood blocks, linoleum tiles, or some other medium appropriate for engraving. You will need some supplies for this project. A carving knife and brayer in addition to paint are necessary. Once you have your stamp carved, you can use it over and over if you wash it with warm water after you're finished.

If you love arts and crafts, stamping is a simple, inexpensive hobby with untold possibilities. You may never be a professional, but you might end up with some interesting results. A homemade stamp, paint, paper, and plenty of imagination are all you need.




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