How to Make Your Own Polyfoam Stamps

Rubber stamps don't have to be expensive.

Stamps offer an easy way to get uniform results without exact copies. This gives more flexibility to all kinds of craft projects from wrapping paper to scrapbooks to wall decor. However, stamps can be expensive. Plus, there are times when the image you want only exists in your mind. Polyfoam is a great material for stamps and can be found in any craft store--or even around the house.

Things You'll Need

• Scrap wood
• Sandpaper (optional)
• Pencil
• Tissue paper
• Polyfoam sheets
• Permanent marker
• Scissors
• Craft knife
• Glue
• Stamp ink or paint
• Scrap paper

Instructions

1. Choose small scraps of wood that fit comfortably into the hand. Sand the wood, if necessary, to remove splinters.

2. Choose a design. The simplest designs work best for stamping.

3. Draw or trace the desired design onto the tissue paper with the pencil. Use heavy marks.

4. Turn the paper over so that the pencil marks lie against the foam sheet. Rub the wrong side of the tissue paper to press the graphite into the foam.

5. Carefully lift the tissue paper away. Trace over the graphite marks with permanent marker.

6. Cut away the pieces of foam that are blank, leaving the inked portion behind. Use scissors for the large spaces and a craft knife for detail.

7. Spread glue on the blank side of the foam. Press the foam onto the wooden block. Allow the stamp to dry.

8. Cover the foam with ink or paint. Make a few practice stamps on scrap paper.

Tips & Warnings

• Glue die-cut polyfoam shapes to blocks for quick stamps.

• Polyfoam packing material and well-washed meat trays can be cut and used as stamp material.

• When applying die-cut letters remember that they must look backward on the stamp to create a correct positive image.

References

• Scrap Jazz: Make Your Own Rubber Stamps
• Cut Out and Keep: How to Make Your Own Foam Stamps
• Scrap Village: Do It Yourself Foam Stamps