Supplies to Carve Your Own Rubber Stamps

Rubber stamps are useful for paper crafts, scrapbooking and a wide range of other craft, art and decorating projects. While there is a huge variety of rubber stamps available commercially, sometimes you will not be able to find the perfect size or design to suit your needs, or you may have your own personal design in mind. In this case, you can make your own rubber stamps at home using inexpensive household materials and tools.

Design

The first thing you need for carving your own rubber stamp is a design to carve. Draw your own design on paper, print an image from your computer, trace and image or use a template. When selecting a design, consider how easy it will be to carve around the edges. Straight lines and bold shapes are the easiest to carve and make a good choice for your first homemade rubber stamp.

Backing

Your rubber stamp needs some kind of solid backing material so that you can grip it when you use the stamp. Any kind of wood block cut to the size of the stamp will work. You can also glue an additional smaller piece of wood to the back of the block to act as a handle.

Sponge

A layer of sponge between the rubber part of the stamp and the backing improves the quality of the stamped image. Use a new kitchen or bath sponge cut to the size of the stamp and glue it between the wood block and the rubber.

Rubber

While you can purchase rubber material to carve your stamp, you may be able to find some suitable rubber around the house to recycle instead. A rubber eraser is soft and easy to carve. You could use an old flip flop or rubber shoe sole. If you are recycling rubber wash it thoroughly before carving. You don't necessarily need to use rubber for the stamp--try Styrofoam, linoleum or firm upholstery foam instead.

Carving Tools

The tools needed for carving your image into the surface of the rubber depend on the size and intricacy of the design and how hard the rubber or other material is. For a large, simple design, a sharp kitchen knife, pocketknife or regular craft knife may work. For smaller, more intricate designs you need small, sharp tools. Jeweler's tools and the small blades of Halloween pumpkin-carving tools are ideal. A brand new razor blade is also useful.

Glue

To stick all the layers of your rubber stamp together you need to use a glue that is suitable for the wood, sponge and rubber. You may need to use different types of glue for the different layers. Choose a strong, waterproof glue for a long-lasting stamp.

References

• 200 Craft Projects Made Easy; Simona Hill; 2006