12 April 2018

Natural Materials Stamping Artists Use To Create Unique 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.

Paper and textiles stamped with vegetables and fruits will create beautiful and natural designs. You can decorate a school backpack or stamp an interesting design, on textured fabric or linen, as the focal point of a wall hanging. You might use a halved apple, for example, making sure the cut is clean. Coat the inside of the apple with paint and stamp.

Something as simple as a pencil eraser will give you some interesting designs. You could also use the square and round erasers that are sold separately. You probably don't want to plan a large piece using these stamps. They work best on smaller projects like stationary, wrapping paper, and greeting cards. This is the kind of project you invite your children to join in.

Using vegetables you have in your crisper is another way to create interesting and unique designs that will have everyone guessing how you managed it. Before you throw out that cabbage head you never got around to using, trying turning it into a stamp. Cut off one end so all the interior layers are exposed. Dip it into the paint holding onto the other end and apply it to paper, fabric, or canvas.

If you have a button box filled with old buttons, you could go through them and pick out some with interesting designs. Dip them in the paint, or brush them if you prefer, and apply to paper. This is another project that works best on small things like cards, wrapping papers, and stationary. Buttons are harder to control and messier than pencil erasers, so this might not be the best project for small kids.

Leaves can make great designs. There are so many varieties and sizes. You might choose just one to work with or incorporate several into one project. You might decide to create fabric panels for your French doors using a leaf stamp. You will have to make sure you select young and fresh leaves for your project. Old leaves will be hard to work with.

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.

Once you have done some experimenting, you will probably become pretty proficient at the technique. You might even earn some extra money selling your creations at local arts and crafts shows. The more creative you are, the more interesting your work will be to others.




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