How to Make Stamps from Foam Sheets

Foam sheets can easily be cut into many shapes with a scissors.

Foam sheets are available in a number of colors and sizes. They can be found in craft stores and in the craft departments of chain discount retailers. Relatively inexpensive, they are available as individual sheets or in variety packs. They are available in sizes ranging from 8 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches to 12 by 18 inches. Making rubberstamps with fun foam sheets is easy and inexpensive.

Things You'll Need

• Foam sheet
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Craft knife
• Foam core board
• Glue
• Ink or paint

Instructions

1. Determine what sort of shape you want your finished stamp image to be. Solid, graphic images without fine detailing work best. Flowers, angels, leaves, cars and alphabet letters are easy themes to start with. Keep the image under 4 1/2 inches and draw it onto the foam sheet.

2. Cut out your design using scissors. If your design includes small open areas within the larger design, cut them out using a sharp craft knife.

3. Do an ink test with your cut-out image; apply ink and stamp on a piece of scrap paper. If the image looks good printed, proceed with next step. If the image needs work, re-cut or refine it.

4. Cut a piece of foam core board that is approximately 1/4 inch larger in all directions than the cut out foam shape.

5. Remembering that your stamped image will become a reverse print, determine which side is the front of the stamp. If you carved a letter of the alphabet, for instance, it must be glued down backwards. Apply a thin coating of glue to the back of the foam. Center the foam on top of the foam core board and press firmly.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure glue is dry before stamping.

Resources

• Love to Know: Make Your Own Rubber Stamps
• Susan Gertz: Collage Artist: Background papers with Cricut Expression foam stamps