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Saturday, April 28, 2018

Creative Materials Stamping Artists Use To Come Up With Unique Designs

By Jessica Cook


Stamped designs can be very striking and distinctive. They can vary from the most delicate to something so seemingly basic it looks like you could do it yourself. The fact is you can create your own stamped designs without buying the commercial stamps a lot of people use. With natural materials, some time and ingenuity, you can achieve something like the results stamping artists are so well known for.

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.

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.

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.

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 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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