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 am working on checking off items from the “list-of-places-to-alert-about-my-name-change-due-to-marriage”! It is such a long list!
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I am working on project life, training for a half marathon and trying to raise two awesome, independent little human beings.
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I love this print!
I’m working on two quilts this week. One is my first attempt at an intuitive block. I stacked 4 squares, cut into 4 random shaped pieces, then mix so each of the 4 blocks has all 4 colors. It’s scary and fun! Second is for Aiming 4 Accuracy II Quilt-Along at Miska’s Playground
http://mishkasplayground.com/2015-quilt-along/
One of my big goals this year is to take more time for accuracy in quilting. 🙂
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I’m working on cleaning up my desk and tying up loose ends! It’s college spring break so I’ve got a lot of quiet in my office!
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I am about to start my first attempt to make something with felt. I’ve been a scrapper/digital scrapper and am now willing to try new things. I am also working on healthy food, trying daily recipes.
This is a great stamp! Thanks for the chance to win it.
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I’m working on getting back into running and my teaching certification 🙂
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I’m stuck on knitting-hats for the NICU with an occasional dishcloth thrown in. One of mine is getting married in a few months and he needs to bep ready to help in the kitchen!
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Awesome stamp! This week I have some little presents to see for my sons birthday, but it might not happen. Both the kids keep getting sick.
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Working on exercising and getting in at least 10,000 steps a day. Would love the motivation to keep it going!!
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The prints do really look great! I am working on a paper for university that is due in the end of March and absolutely need to “get to work”. Also, I would like to continue knitting a cardigan I recently starte.
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I’m starting up my very own photography business! 🙂
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I’m working on journal pages for a journal swap where you create pages in different ladies journals then send them on to the next person, 13 journals all up! It’s been fun so far! Would love to win!
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I’m working on journal pages for a journal swap. You make pages for each lady and pass the journal on once you’re done! Fun! Would love to win!
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You are so crafty. This week I am reorganizing my closets and donating the things I no longer need or use!
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My role changed at work (not by choice) and while it “might” be a positive, I am wallowing in the change. As an aside, your posting of “Letting go has nothing to do with quitting. Ask yourself, “Am I sticking it out or staying stuck?” was primo timing of it. So I am working on changing my thinking and not staying stuck.
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I’m working on studying for midterms! Love the print and it would make for a great reminder!
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I am working on creating wedding invites for my son and soon to be daughter! Love this print!
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This is such a good reminder and would make a fun iPhone wallpaper too 😉
Working on so many things…a big data project at work, learning and practising new watercolouring techniques and preparing for salary negotiation!
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I have to get to work on reading that i have neglected this semester in time for a midterm next Monday! Not super fun, but needed!
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Cool print! I’m working on decluttering our flat.
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Love this print! I am working on week 10 of my project life album!
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Love this print! This week I am working on my February pages for my 2015 Project Life album.
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Working on covering the fridge with photo-magnets!
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Hey Elise! Happy birthday to me today (you are just a few weeks older!). This week I am working on using natural dyes on embroidery floss and reading some of the many books I have out from the library. 🙂
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i am working hard on a grant application to study sleep in undergraduates.
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I’m working on recovering from my birthday weekend!
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I wish I was working on my knitting project but tonight I’m working on grad school homework!
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I love this stamp! I’ve never carved letters before so might have to give it a go! Loving the projects coming from MAKE&GIVE30.
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I’m working on my project life album awaiting my new Messy Box subscription from A Beautiful Mess!
xoxo
Jerrica
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this week i am working on planning a camp for age 4- grade 6 students to keep them busy throughout March (spring) break!
also personally working on video blogs for my blog to encourage other women!
love everything you produce on this blog and would LOVE this stamp!!
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I’m working on finishing up two scarves… one for me and one to give away. Thanks for the chance to win such an awesome stamp!
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I’m working on making a pillow with a felt skyline.
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Love this print! Working on redoing our office and sorting old photos for an album.
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I am working on a few scrapbook pages to go into my Washington DC album. Thanks!
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I’m working on crossing some items off my to-do list. One of them is to organize my crafts so I can create more
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I love this. What a motivator. Working on my relationship with God and Bible Journaling.
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I’m crocheting a colourful blanket! 🙂
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I am attending a conference for work so I am working on learning. I am also helping my preschool son write thank you notes for his birthday gifts.
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I’m working on a 15 page research paper for class. So glamorous!
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I will be working on sprucing up the bedroom – painting (and hopefully installing!) some floating shelves/bedside tables.
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Hi so cool! This week I’m making a bunch of paper bird houses for a friends daughters wedding and knitting fingerless gloves and crocheting a baby blanket…
Jane
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So pretty! I’m working on being completely present when I’m at work – not getting distracted by the internet and organising social things – making this a perfect mantra!
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I am working on a crochet blanket!
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Working on my boys bedroom! Just moved them all in together, (three of them) and am now organising their clothes and decluttering etc! My hubby made a bunkbed, we bought new bedding and tallboy, and the space is starting to look great. Would love to win a print!
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A quilt for my cousin’s 21st birthday!!
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Packing to go camping for my birthday 🙂
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I’m working on teaching measurement in 2nd grade. Woo!
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Working on finding a new position where I can grow.
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What a cool process! I’m working on sewing two baby dresses this week for my new niece and my girlfriend’s new baby girl due in May 🙂
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So lovely! I’m working on plans for my new website and brand – inspired by you and your podcast! It’s a very exciting time so thanks! This print would complement this phase of my life perfectly 🙂
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