Things You'll Need:
- Tracing paper
- Pencil
- Rubber Eraser
- Blank rubber stamp (optional)
- Exacto knife
- Needle
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Step 1
Choose your design - it can be a picture, letter or stick figure, but you will want to keep it simple as you will be carving it into rubber.
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Step 2
Trace or draw your design onto tracing paper. The easiest way is to draw the outline, and then fill it in with pencil very darkly. You will be transferring the pencil lead onto the rubber, so the darker the better.
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Step 3
Use a rubber eraser to make your stamp. Craft stores sell blank stamps, complete with handle, but this isn't necessary. You can also use a vinyl eraser, which can easily be carved as well.
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Step 4
Place your design against the rubber, and rub the back of the tracing paper to transfer the design. Rub vigorously with a pointed stick, the edge of your pencil, or your finger.
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Step 5
Once your design has been transferred, trace its outline on the rubber with a pen or marker to keep it from smearing.
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Step 6
Begin carving out your design with an Exacto knife. Don't undercut your design, as this can make the stamping area unstable, but angle the carving away from your design.
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Step 7
Use a needle to remove the rubber from finer designs or from hard-to-reach areas.
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Step 8
Test your stamp and make any final carvings. Now your stamp is ready!
