How to Use Rubber Stamps to Create Watercolor Art

Rubber stamps can be used to create a watercolor painting.

Rubber stamps are commonly used in combination with an ink pad to create ink stamps for scrapbooking or stationery. One way to use rubber stamps in a different way is to use them as a tool during watercolor painting. By pressing the rubber stamp into watercolor paint, then pressing the stamp onto wet watercolor paper, you will achieve an unusual mottled look. This will allow you to make a piece of watercolor art that is as individualistic as its maker.

Things You'll Need

• Jelly roll tray
• Watercolor paper
• Painting board
• Sponge
• Bowl

Instructions

1. Fill a jelly roll tray with water and insert a sheet of watercolor paper. Allow the paper to remain in the water for 20 minutes, which will saturate the paper sufficiently for wet-on-wet watercolor painting.

2. Place the saturated watercolor paper onto a wood painting board. Wipe a sponge over the surface of the paper to remove any pools of water and to push any trapped air bubbles out to the side. This will create the perfect flat surface for your watercolor paint.

3. Fill a bowl with 1/2 cup of water, and add in 1 tsp. of watercolor paint. Mix well. This will create a thicker version of watercolor paint that can be used with rubber stamps.

4. Place the stamp side of the rubber stamp into the watercolor paint, then press the painted stamp onto the wet watercolor paper. Lift the stamp off of the paper. The watercolor stamp will spread over the paper but will retain its basic form.

5. Repeat this process over the paper until you are satisfied with your painting.

Tips & Warnings

• Select a rubber stamp that is a basic shape, such as a sun or a moon. Avoid using rubber stamps with great detail, as the detailing will not be apparent when using the stamp for watercolor painting.