If you want to design your own card or decorate an old wall, you can use a stamp or stamp to create a beautiful design, without requiring a lot of artistic talent. Instead of buying a ready-made and expensive stamp, you can make your own. Try using an eraser to make regular rubber stamps, make potato stamps that the kids can work with, or make sponge stamps if you just want to paint some basic shapes quickly.
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Method 1 of 3: Making a Rubber Stamp
Step 1. Design the stamp according to your expertise
If you are a beginner, create simple designs and shapes without using small, detailed slices. As proficiency increases, you can use more elaborate designs.
- For example, you can make triangles, stars, or block letters if you are a beginner.
- Curved designs or shapes are harder to slice than straight lines.
- You can practice making designs on a piece of parchment paper first. Remember, if you're having trouble drawing a design, that means it's going to be harder to cut into print.
Step 2. Draw a design on the rubber eraser in a mirror pattern
Since you'll have to flip the image when applying the paint, the end result of the stamp should be mirror-shaped. You can use a pen, pencil, or marker to draw the design upside down on the rubber eraser.
- If you find it difficult to draw in reverse, try making the design normally on tracing paper (transparent paper). After that, turn the paper over and trace the image (which is already in a mirror pattern) onto the rubber eraser.
- The size and color of the eraser is up to you. Thick erasers are easier to shape because they have more material, and are more durable to use.
- If you want to create a stamp that contains letters or numbers, this mirror pattern is essential.
How to Transfer Design to Eraser Karet
1. Print or trace the design on tracing paper. If you want to draw your own by hand, the best tool for making them is a permanent marker.
2. Turn the paper over so that you get an image in a mirror pattern.
3. Paste the tracing paper containing the stamp design on the rubber eraser, or stick it with masking tape.
4. Slice the design lines on the paper so that the stamp will form on the rubber eraser.
Step 3. Slice the design line on the rubber eraser until the stamp is formed
Use an X-Acto or V-tool slice knife carefully to remove any rubber parts of the eraser that are not included in the design. The protruding area of the eraser rubber will become part of the stamp. Eliminate other unused parts.
- Make the slices as close to the design line as possible so you can get a more accurate stamp.
- To make it easier to use, glue the rubber eraser to the piece of wood.
Step 4. Apply paint or ink to the stamp, then stick it firmly to a flat surface
Try on your custom stamp to make sure the design is correct. Glue the stamp to the ink pad or apply a light coat of paint over the stamp. Turn it over and stick the stamp firmly on the paper or craft item.
- You can use paint or ink of any color.
- Look for spots that aren't well-colored or appear where you don't want them.
- If the image on the stamp doesn't match what you want, clean the stamp, re-slice it, and try again.
Step 5. Clean the cap using a wet tissue after each use
Thus, the old color will not interfere with the next project. Wet wipes also contain lanolin, which will moisturize the rubber on the cap and make it last longer. Wipe the stamp on the color-coated area.
- You can also use stamp cleaner or soap and water. If the paint or ink dries, scrub the stamp with an old toothbrush and cleaner to remove it.
- Do not use products that contain alcohol as this can dry out the stamp.
Method 2 of 3: Making a Stamp from a Sponge
Step 1. Use scissors to cut the sponge into the desired shape
Sponges are not suitable for complex stamp designs. You should use them in simple shapes, such as hearts, circles, or stars, which require only a few cuts and are not too complicated.
- If you don't want to shape it right away with scissors, use a permanent marker to draw the design you want before you cut the sponge.
- Kitchen sponges can be purchased inexpensively at the grocery store, market, or online.
Step 2. Glue the handle from the cardboard toilet paper roll to make the sponge cap easier to hold
Cut used toilet paper rolls in sizes large enough and comfortable to hold. Glue the paper roll to the back of the stamp using hot glue so your fingers don't get paint when you apply the stamp.
- If you involve the children in this activity, have them decorate the sponge handles with paint, glitter, or sequins.
- Use hot glue with care. If you get hot glue, rinse it off immediately with cold water. Go to the doctor or hospital if the blister is larger than 8 cm or there is white, brown, or black in the affected area.
Step 3. Brush the sponge with paint so that the front of the stamp is wet
The paint doesn't need to soak all over the sponge. Dip the front of the stamp in the paint, then lightly apply it to the scrap paper to remove excess paint.
- If the stamp is not affixed to the scrap paper several times before you apply it to the desired surface, the paint will run off and melt together.
- Use the type of paint that matches the surface of the object. For example, use fabric paint if you want to stick it to a t-shirt. If you want to decorate the walls, use wall paint.
- To make it easier for you to coat the stamp, pour the paint into a shallow tray or plate.
Step 4. Press the stamp on the desired surface, applying even pressure all over the sponge
If pressure is only applied to the center, the paint will pool there and ruin the design. Press each edge and part of the stamp firmly against the surface so that the design on the stamp transfers well.
- Do not hold the stamp on the surface for more than 3-5 seconds. If you hold it for too long, the paint will melt and run off.
- If you want to remove the stamp from the surface, lift the stamp straight up. Do not drag or point the stamp to the side.
Example of Cap Usage
Make your own gift wrap by displaying a beautiful pattern on plain craft paper.
Kitchen napkin stamp to make kitchen accessories more personal.
Color the wall border around the edge of the room.
Make your own card which can be used on various occasions.
Gift cap to someone who likes to make crafts.
Step 5. Wash the stamp with water before the paint dries
After each use of the stamp, immediately wash the stamp with running water to clean the paint. Wash the stamp until the water is clear and there is no paint on the sponge.
- When the paint on the sponge has dried and hardened, the stamp will be damaged, so you will have to make a new one.
- You can use cold or warm water.
Method 3 of 3: Using Potatoes
Step 1. Split the potato horizontally in half
Cut the potatoes wide using a sharp knife, making sure the slices are smooth and even. Otherwise, the stamp cannot be pressed evenly.
- Find a potato that is the right size for the cookie cutter you will be using, at the widest part.
- You can also make a stamp with sweet potatoes instead of potatoes.
- A serrated knife is perfect for cutting potatoes because the result is neat and smooth.
- To make the potato stamp easier to hold, you can make small handles on the top by slicing the potato on both sides. This will result in a stick in the center of the potato to serve as a handle.
Step 2. Press the cookie cutter into the potato wedges
Place the cookie cutter on a flat surface, then press the potato on it firmly. You don't have to press it too deep. Press the potato into the cookie cutter just enough to form the desired stamp.
- Use metal cookie cutters as they are stronger and penetrate the potatoes more easily.
- The part that should go into the potato is the sharp edge of the cookie cutter.
- If the stamp design is asymmetrical (like the word), don't forget to flip the cookie cutter so you can create a mirrored image onto the potato. Thus, when the stamp is affixed, the resulting image will be as desired (not upside down).
Step 3. Cut the part around the cookie cutter with a knife
This will form the cap. Keep the cookie cutters in place and move the knife to slice the potatoes. Remove the potato halves in a size large enough for the stamp design to appear.
- Slice a knife around the cookie cutter to make it easier to remove unwanted potato parts.
- The potato strips should be thick enough so that you can paint the top of the design without getting the paint on the potato areas that shouldn't be exposed to the paint.
Step 4. Remove the cookie cutters from the potatoes
Hold the potato in one hand and carefully pull the cookie cutter from the other side. Try to pull it straight and do not shake it so that the edges of the stamp are not damaged.
If necessary, you can use an X-Acto knife to smooth the area around the stamp line or to remove any unnecessary parts of the potato
Step 5. Apply a light coat of paint on the potato stamps
Don't apply too much paint, as this can clump and make the stamp blurry and illegible. Apply enough paint using a brush to cover the entire surface of the stamp.
- If you want to stamp paper, use acrylic or watercolor paints. Use wall paint if you want to decorate the walls, or fabric paint if you want to color the fabric.
- You can also pour a small amount of paint into the tray. Next, dip the potato stamp in the paint, and drain off the excess paint before you apply the stamp to the desired surface.
- Make sure all nooks and crannies on the stamp have been evenly coated with paint.
Step 6. Turn the potato over and press the painted area firmly on the desired surface
Do not press the cap at an angle. Press the stamp firmly against the wall, paper, or cloth, applying pressure all over the stamp to make it even. Lift the cap straight up when you're done.
