How to Create Your Own Rubber Stamps

Rubber stamping is a huge industry. It seems like everyone these days is stamping, and for good reason. Stamps are so versatile. They can be used to decorate hand-made cards, scrapbook pages, clothing and material, even walls.It is easy to get addicted to stamping and all that goes with it, but they can get expensive! There is a cheaper way, however: Make your own! Whether you are new to the rubber stamping craze, or are a seasoned veteran, this article will show you how to save money by making your own creative rubber stamps with erasers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubber eraser
• Pattern
• Tracing paper
• Marker or pen
• Carving tool such as a craft knife
• Small block of wood (slightly larger than eraser)
• Rubber cement

1. Find a pattern that you would like to use as your stamp, or draw your own. You may want to scan your image into your computer and use a photo editing program to create a mirror image of the pattern so that when you use the stamp, it will come out correctly.

2. Place a sheet of tracing paper over your stamp. Place your pattern over the tracing paper and secure with tape, if desired, so that the pattern does not move. With a pen, firmly trace the pattern.

3. Now remove your tracing paper and pattern. With your marker, trace over the image directly on the eraser.

4. You will now need to decide what part of the image you want to see on paper. With your marker, color in the rest of the eraser. Every part that is colored in now needs to be cut away with your carving tool.

5. Turn your eraser over and spread rubber cement on the entire surface of the eraser. Attach the eraser to the center of the block of wood and let it dry well.

6. Once your rubber cement is dry, you are ready to use your stamp.Make a whole set of one theme or several different styles–you are only limited by your imagination.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to clean your stamp thoroughly, and dry after every use to prevent cracking.
• Store your rubber stamps in a closed container to prevent the eraser from becoming too dry and cracking.
• When carving your stamp, be sure to carve away from your body to prevent injury.
• Use rubber cement in a well-ventilated area as the fumes may cause harm.