Welcome to stamp making 101; the 101 stands for "this is my first time making a stamp, ever". Let's start with the tools. You can purchase a stamp carving tool at most art stores; the brand I bought is Speedball and I am quite pleased with its changeable carving heads and handle storage system.
Next is the linoleum or rubber stamp itself. A word of advice, don't go with the cheapest product you see in the store. I learned the hard way that there are different types of stamping materials for a reason. White and extra rubbery means chunks come off when doing fine details, stick to simple designs on this material. You definitely want to go for the harder dark rubber or brown (carpet like backing) board material...I think it's linoleum but don't quote me on that...First time remember. The tougher stamp materials allow for cleaner carving and more intricate designs.
For more advanced stamp makers, I've seen carbon copy paper used to transfer a drawn image onto the stamp; this process allows for exact designs that stamp in same direction as the copied image. Again, that's advanced meaning I did not do it this time around.
Now the fun part begins and its pretty self explanatory; draw an image on your stamp material and carve away using your tool. You will find that all the different tool heads will come in handy at one point or another.
After carving is complete, I cut all excess material off; this can be done before hand if you know you won't be changing the design. I then take my trusty polymer clay to replicate the shape of the stamp into block form.
Almost done! stamp the top of the polymer backing in the same direction you glue the stamp to it. Voila! your ready to stamp. For future crafting projects I'm going to make a personal effort to create more stamps as they are great for consistent designs on things you wish to mass produce: cards, jewelry, etc.
-Time Lapse-
Since this is a re-post from my old blog, I've had the opportunity to create more stamps. If you want to get a little more advanced you can create repeating designs (scanning your design and using program's like Photoshop can help you see how your stamp will repeat). After you have created a design, print the image out at the photocopier and using a paint brush, apply a thin layer of turpentine to the image. Flip the image onto your stamping material and press gently. Doing this will transfer your design and make an easy guide for more detailed stamps. Because what you are stamping will be opposite of what you design, don't forget to have your image reversed when printing.
