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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.

Instead of purchasing commercial stamps from art supply stores, you should take a look around and see what kind of found materials you can use to create unique designs. Many fruits and vegetables make great stamps. You might start experimenting with an apple, for instance. Just cut it in half, apply paint, and stamp. Backpacks and wall hangings are a couple of the projects you might try.

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.

Walking around your backyard should give you all kinds of ideas for stamps. Leaves are a great example. You can incorporate leaves from several different trees or stick to just one variety. With some leaves and small branches for stamps, you can create larger pieces like sheer panels for French doors.

You can even create your own permanent stamps by carving wood blocks, tile, linoleum, and even bars of soap into whatever design interests you. You are going to need an X-acto knife with different blades and a little brayer, along with paint, to do the job. After you complete your project, you can wash and dry your stamp and put it away for later use.

If you are creative and love making things, taking up stamping as a hobby could be a fun way to pass the time. If you get good enough there are always fairs and shows that will rent you a booth to sell your creations. This might be the start of a second career.




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