Thursday, July 8, 2010

We Can Do It Cheaper - Making Stamps Cheap!

The Virginia House



I am running waay behind today!

I've been promising you all a tutorial on how to make stamps cheaply. So here we go!

I start with a sheet of this foam stuff. It costs about 25 cents or so per sheet at a craft store.

I always sketch out what I am going to make a stamp of, just to make sure I can do it! I also always have a picture or object in front of me to copy.

I then go ahead and sketch it onto my foam. If you don't like it, then sketch it again!Ready to take a razor and cut it out! This stuff cuts super easy, so be careful to stay on your lines.

With this stamp I had some detail in the middle so I took the blunt end of my razor and scraped out some of the foam and make little ditches so to speak.

You are done! Practice stamping on something that you aren't going to use first to see how it stamps. This one did not work very well on burlap, but did fine on paper and smoother fabric. You may also have to fill in with some paint since stamping with paint can be unpredictable.

Let me know if you try it or have questions!

Go ahead an link 'em up!
1. Only link your post, not your blogs address!
2. Be sure to take that button at the top with you so that everyone can know where you're linking up!
3. Please only link crafts, DIY projects and the like. I don't want to delete your link!

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6 comments:

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

What a great idea! Thanks for sharing.

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

That's a very thrifty idea, Jillian. I like your sand dollar stamped and framed.

Have a great weekend!

By the way, my parties are up for the week.

Hope to see you there!

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

blackfoxmanor said...

Any suggestions for covering a large surface like a wall?

Thanks for your ideas.

Nick

TheVirginiaHouse said...

Nick,
These sheets of foam come pretty big so you could make a fairly large stamp with them, or even piece them together.

blackfoxmanor said...

Yes, thank you. This is the perfect diy tool for which I've been waiting. To brighten a foyer, I'm planning to center a white fleur de lys over the repeated brown floral sprays in some very, very old wallpaper. I'm concerned of the logistics with the thin rubber sheets I'm familiar with. I'll plan to wear plastic gloves, apply paint on the stamp with a foam roller and go for it. Does this sound right to you?

The ceilings are high and the walls extend through the second floor landing. Still, easier than stripping wallpaper, etc.

Again, thanks for your great inspiration and tips.

Nick

TheVirginiaHouse said...

Nick,
Sounds like you have the right idea! They actually sell the foam in thicker pieces, so you may want to try that. Good luck!