I have been carving rubber stamps for years and was thrilled to find some extra rubber in my craft cupboards so I could make a special stamp (and prints!) for MAKE&GIVE30. It took about four seconds to figure out what I would carve. (Predictable is my middle name.)
For this stamp I used this rubber but here's a kit that includes what you'll need.
If you're making your own text stamp (which I highly recommend!), trace the rubber on paper to give yourself a guide for how much space you have to work with. Then draw your design with pen. I used a Sharpie to write my message and then increased the letter thickness.
When working with text, we have to carve the image backwards. To transfer to the rubber, I went over my letters with pencil and then pressed the paper against the rubber and rubbed the backside with my fingers. This left a faint impression that I was able to make more bold with pencil.
The next step is to carve! This is the best part of the whole thing and so therapeutic. I like to go around the letters first and then work out the larger sections of rubber. When you think you're done, cover your stamp with ink (using a brayer) and make a practice stamp. You'll usually notice that there are additional sections you need to keep carving (like the center of the "e" in the case above).
I experimented with different inks for this project (some craft paint, some oil based block printing ink and finally some water based printing ink). The best impression by far came from the water based block printing ink. I also found that because my stamp was so large, it was hard to get a really clean impression. I stuck it to a wooden stamp that I had on hand (using double sided tape) and I loved the impression that resulted. If you don't have a large stamp on hand, you could purchase a small piece of balsa wood from a craft store for cheap.
Today, I would like to give away five of these 5×7 prints. Leave a comment telling me what you are working on this week and I'll pick 5 random winners by 5pm tonight. Open to anyone, anywhere.
Thanks for entering! Winners are #41 – Mac, #73 – Jess A, #127 – Julie Coffman, #243 – Jeni, #324 – Tiffany…please email me (elise.blahaATgmail.com) with your mailing addresses!
Didn't win this giveaway? There are two other ways to get a print.
- All physical purchases from my shop through March 31 will ship with a print as a free gift. No coupon code needed.
- After March 31, I'll be selling them in the shop for $10 plus shipping.
See more MAKE&GIVE30 projects here and more paper projects here!
enJOY it 
352 responses to “PROJECT 3/30 : HAND CARVED STAMP”
This week I’m working on an exciting research paper! Also trying to get a few different craft projects I’ve been working on to the finished stage!
LikeLike
I am working on getting notebooks set up for my new foxy Dori traveler’s notebook.
LikeLike
I am getting my second round of California Birds products ready to send to the printers. Excited to have new products available soon.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/alicefroststudio
LikeLike
LOVE it!!
I am currently working on a chevron knitted baby blanket for my cousin’s son, lots of card making and photographing 🙂
LikeLike
This week I’m working on spring cleaning (in hopes that spring is coming soon) getting a box ready for the thrift store. And making a clay owl for the mantle to join two owl friends, a wax warmer and print from society6. Thanks for doing “make and give 30”!!
LikeLike
I need to try carving one day !! Yours is really nice !!
and so, this week, I’m planning and cooking for my thirtieth birthday, wich is coming on Friday, the 13 !!! Can’t wait to be on Friday and Saturday. A really big party is coming !!!
LikeLike
Love that print! This week I’m working hard to know All The Things for my microbio midterm! spring break can’t come soon enough!
LikeLike
I’m working on getting things together to return to work next week. AHHH. I do not feel ready to part with my little one for several hours a day, but at least I love my job. This would be a great little print to put up in my office! 🙂
LikeLike
I am working on a recruitment piece for the local Y, for whom I am a freelance copywriter.
LikeLike
Getting to work on spring cleaning this week! Hoping to get our office in a better and more organized state. Four months after moving in it’s amazing how much work is still left to go!
LikeLike
Love these! This week I’m working on clearing out a lot of stuff from our old bedroom so we can move into our newly (almost) remodeled & furnished bedroom here soon (so then our old room can become Baby #2’s room). Not particularly artsy in the traditional sense, but definitely a foray into the domestic arts this week. Thanks for sharing, as always, Elise!
LikeLike
This is too cute! I’m working on trying to get ahead in my blog. Struggling!
LikeLike
Working on picking up my happiness project again. I started it for a class last semester and slacked off now that it’s over, and have noticed a significant dip in morale since. Time for a change!
LikeLike
Love this!!! Makeandgive30 is going to be so great
LikeLike
Over the weekend, I visited a friend from college and got to photograph her family (of eight!). I’ll be working on editing those photos for her this week. I’ll also be hustling to finish my book club book — I’m behind on my reading! Eep!
LikeLike
Working on this week: My non-profit holds an annual conference, this year it’s the biggest on in the organization’s history (160! people). We’ll be in Santa Barbara and my coworker and I are the two people in charge of making sure everything goes smoothly. Fingers crossed!
LikeLike
working on re-developing a “vision board workshop” to be a mini/mom-focused version of the workshop. fun stuff! love this stamp and the resulting print and i am definitely intrigued with the stamp making process. awesome!
LikeLike
This week I’m sewing a tote bag as a birthday gift for an agent in my husband’s office. They have bi-monthly office meetings/birthday celebrations and I’ve been knitting the ‘Elise Gets Crafty’ cowl for the different birthday ladies but the season has definitely changed here so it’s time to switch up crafts! And yikes – I need to get to work, the meeting is Wednesday:-)
LikeLike
I’m working on ‘Project Life’ catch up and holiday mini book. Oh and making sure I’m prepared for parent meetings next week!
LikeLike
This is a great motivator to hang above my desk! Thanks 🙂
LikeLike
So cute! I don’t want one, but appreciate the tutorial and ink recommendation – thanks!
LikeLike
I’m working on updating my personal portfolio website!
LikeLike
This week I’m working on starting seeds for my first garden in my new home!
LikeLike
Awesome! What I’m working on: two hooked rugs, prepping for a Brownie meeting tomorrow night, starting the initial assignments due for my Research Methods course (working on my Masters degree part-time), planning and booking summer vacation, planning a meal for company this weekend, and doing my day job.
LikeLike
I just got a couple new Project Life core kits, so I am working on organizing them. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m finishng up a seed stitch scarf and catching up on a Project life. also de-cluttering along with Clean and Scensible. My OLW this year is intention so this print definitely speaks to me.
LikeLike
Love these! I am working on getting my apartment back in order 🙂
LikeLike
So fun your hand carved stamps! I’m working on birthday invitations for twins!
LikeLike
This is my first week back from maternity leave! So I am working on being a working mama! (And also pumping:))
LikeLike
Working on an office I share with my husband. Two visions…one doing the work. The worker gets her vision:)
LikeLike
So great – I have no choice but to GET TO WORK this week! I am working on grading final projects as final’s week at the college I teach at is next week – eek!
LikeLike
Hi Elise – This caught my attention on Pinterest today – I can’t wait to make one myself! This week I am working on an instructional manual redesign and gathering supplies for flower crowns for a bachelorette party in Cabo this weekend! Work hard, play hard 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win!
LikeLike
Building a new headboard for our bed using the boards from the privacy fence that we took down last fall. The wood has been pressure washed, cut and fitted, sanded, and pre drilled. This week is for staining and assembling! Love the stamp and am excited for the book!!
LikeLike
working on putting away all the christmas stuff sitting in the basement..haha!
LikeLike
Working on staying organized and meal planning. I would just LOVE this! Thanks, Elise!
LikeLike
I’m working on my tan and relaxing in Puerto Vallarta this week, does that count?!! 😉
LikeLike
Looks lovely Elise! I’m currently working on a pair of velvet palazzo pants, I’ve been lagging on the last finishing touches like hemming and trimming threads but there’s nothing like a nice reminder in the form of a pretty print to “get to work”! Thanks for the chance to win!
LikeLike
This week, I’m working on the fisrt half of the competitive exam you need to pass in France to become a teacher… One essay is seven hours…and the whole thing takes 4 days…
Thanks for the opportunity to win and this blog that is such a pleasure to read and to look at.
LikeLike
this week i have work and school!
on saturday im FINALLY getting a real grown up haircut after 27 years (meaning at one of those uber fancy places!)
im looking forward to the abm happy mail video that comes out tomorrow so i can start planning who im sending cards to this month!
LikeLike
Good to see the whole process. This week I’m working on trying to motivate Y11 students before final exams (they could do with a print!) along with balancing the rest of work and encouraging little seedlings to grow!
🙂
LikeLike
Financial Aid for my oldest’s first year in college!
LikeLike
I’m working on teaching art and creating my own at the same time. Ahh….the struggle.
LikeLike
I’m working on watercolour! I’ve always been a painter, but never in this medium, it’s time for a new challenge 🙂 Wish me luck!
Love Jemma x
LikeLike
This would look great in my office! This week I am finalizing a conference. It’s next week. Eeek! And I am working on my blog, as always.
LikeLike
These are dynamite, Elise! So cute! I love carving my own stamps. ❤
I’m a photographer, so this week I’m trying to finish up a client disc of a wedding I shot a couple of months ago. Also, I’m restoring some old family photos for my aunt which is always lots of fun! 🙂
Elaine Davis
Anderson, IN
LikeLike
This week I’m working on my blog and getting a good sponsorship program together and create a media-kit. And a lot of sewing and crafting as always :). Would love some art for our new apartment!
LikeLike
I’m working on (TPS?) reports at work this week. Lots and lots of reports. This print would be perfect to hang over my desk to remind me to stop getting distracted. 🙂
LikeLike
I love carving rubber stamps too !!! Right now i’m working on some abstract paintings. I already finished this one : https://instagram.com/p/z9n1txo8-p/?modal=true
And i’m working on another one for my dad. He asked for a painting in case it would be worth a lot of € one day !!!!
LikeLike
Unfortunately my week has started with sniffles, a cough, and a low grade fever. I’m taking it easy, sleeping as much as possible and reading. While on the couch I’m also editing photos on my phone. Here’s to a speedy recovery.
LikeLike
We’re working on decorating the new office/craft room we just redid and some Project Life pages. This would be perfect for my new craft space! Thanks for the tutorial!
LikeLike