Originality-Making Custom Stamps

Originality-Make original art-by Deborah Babin

In this day and age access to the internet offers unlimited resources for our inspiration; however, this can unfortunately increase our temptation to copy. Pinterest is an excellent resource and some people think what they see there is fair game. Copying is a violation that goes unnoticed by many. I too like to search for inspiration on Pinterest and I stress the word INSPIRATION (only) for I only aim to make original art.

This month my posts will focus on: Simple ways to elevate and/or sustain the art you make to original status with simple and economical methods.

Topics: Making your own stamps, stencils, painted sheer layers and embellishing.

Always ask yourself: How Can I Strive to Make Original Art?

It is fine to use an inspirational references fairly literally to begin with. This is acceptable for learning and experimenting. During this phase (hopefully) you will begin to see that it is actually impossible to truly copy another persons work. Which is a good thing! I encourage you to see as this (as it is gradually) revealed to you AND to embrace what you see. Notice, what is happening that you can embrace rather than reject and move into a new direction. This is where we have two choices...1. become discouraged because the realization makes us feel inadequate or 2. become motivated to pursue and discover our underlying abilities.

Can you relate to this experience?

I love discoveries. I love a challenge. That is where I learn the most and find the most satisfaction.

STAMPS

This week the topic is STAMPS-How to make and use them for originality

Yes, there isn't much excitement about stamps in general. There are zillions of stamps manufactured...and, they are expensive! Let's refer to them as: artful impressions instead. I like to make my own stamps, save money and us them to develop original qualities for my art.

I like to draw all sorts of things. Often times I draw freely without intention.

I enjoy drawing continuous line drawings because I relate to these readily as they can translate into quilting motifs. And, drawing continuously allows my thoughts to flow.

Do you like to draw or doodle? 

Here is an example of my doodling. The vertical lines with linked circles were my favorite so I decided to make a stamp as well as a stencil from it.

Linked Circles Stamp above, inked with black ink on paper below.

Speed Ball Carving Tool

This stamp was carved from a product called: Easy Carve available from Speed Ball. It is like an eraser that comes in various sizes and carves like hot knife in butter; use the Speed Ball carving set to carve this product. 

Economical Alternatives:

I get great satisfaction from resourcing found objects. 

Stamps with line and edge designs made from pieces of Styrofoam meat trays.

The two top stamps produce fine lines from the edges. These have been cut off the sides of the Styrofoam tray where the edge curves at bit with two to three layers glued together. The bottom stamp is one layer with dots that were made by melting the Styrofoam with a stencil cutter.

Top: Positive Bottom: Negative

Sticky back foam sheets-These are found in the craft stores in the kid stuff. They are thin foam sheets with a sticky back that is covered with paper. Simply draw a design with a ball point pen, cut it out, peel off the backing paper and stick it onto a support; in this case I used Styrofoam. I cut it out with an X-acto knife. You will end up with two stamps: Positive and Negative

Styrofoam meat tray has multiple uses.

Acrylic paint is applied with a foam roller.

Keyhole stamps: Left to right:
Carved impression, carved stamp
Foam Stamp impression, Foam Stamp

Holder: Place a piece of making tape doubled over.

More about making and using stamps will follow this week.

The content of my posts here are excerpts from my online course offered on the Academy of Quilting. My course: Mixing Up Media This course is scheduled for: April 1, 2016

Please visit my website: www.deborahbabin.com