i wanted to carve a feather stamp
Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 5:00AM Sometimes we don't always get what we want, but we might get lucky and like what we end up with.
So I wanted to carve a feather stamp. Feathers are my favorite thing right now, but...but it turns out that if you don't use your stamp carving tools for months you lose your touch. What I ended up with looks more like a leaf or branch of some kind, but I like it. I like the imperfections in each feather/leaf - not unlike in nature. If you want to have your own little imperfect feather leaf here is what I did ----->
1. Grab an eraser. I like the cheap ones from The Dollar Tree if you are just starting out. They aren't the best quality, but they come in a 3 or 4 pack for a dollar and are great for beginners. I also like how they stay rigid when you go to stamp with them. You will also need a stamp carving tool. I use this SPEEDBALL set and love it. And you will need a pencil to draw your word or design on the eraser.
2. Draw your design. Don't forget to use tracing paper if you are writing a word or special design that will need to be drawn in reverse.
3. Start carving. Slow is key for me. This particular tool came with several cutting heads in the base of the handle. I used the smallest one for outlining my design first, then went back and carved out more with a larger, deeper cutting tool.
4. Finish off with the flat blade to smooth things out. My homemade stamps don't always look pretty when I am finished, but they stamp great!
Obviously I need to brush up on my stamp carving skills some more, but I think I will keep it. I like it's quirky shape and style. Here is what it looks like on a tag card project I did. Enjoy!
TAG CARD: gelli printed tag. painted deli paper scraps. book paper scraps. oil pastels. paint pens. machine stitching. thank you stamp from dollar bin at Target. my hand carved feather leaf stamp. recycled seam binding.
art stuff, gelli art, gelli plate, gelliart, mini tutorial, sewing stuff, stamp carving, stamped, tag, tag card, the process, tutorial | in Home Made, On The Worktable, Recycled, art stuff, live the repurposed life, mini tutorial, mixed media, sewing stuff, studio stuff, the process, tutorials | Email Article | Permalink 
Reader Comments (12)
Nice - I especially love it on the tag. Makes me want to grab my tools back out again too.
I too want to carve stamps again thanks to you! Love this tag.
LOVE this stamp and the tag is super beautiful!
great idea to start with an eraser :) i may have to give this a whirl! your stamp is so adorable!! love the imperfections- makes it so interesting and perfect! love your tag!! happy friday!
If you do Lynette I would love to see what you create! Thanks so much!
Thanks Sandi - I had fun and will be working on more this week!
Thanks so much Roben-Marie! It was fun!
Thank you Kristin! I hope you try it - it's fun! Let me know how it works out and would love to see what you create! xx
I think that it is lovely, now I know what I am going to do with the erasers I have collecting in my draw. Love the site by the way, it is so fresh, full of lots to feast the eye on!
Thank you so much Amanda! I plan on carving some more this week - have fun!
Oh! I've tried that too and guess what!? I was amazed how a first time ever carving a stamp can turn into a beautiful masterpiece! :)
Your stamp is gorgeous, dear! <3
yay! so glad to hear it Cristina! I love carving stamps- it's a great de-stresser! Thanks for your kind words!