Making Patterns Using Stamps.
Cool examples of creative stamps and how to make your own.
January: PATTERN PLAY
Hello makers,
When I think of creating patterns, one of the first things that comes to mind are stamps. There is something quite comforting in pushing an inked up stamp onto a surface and seeing how it comes out (or doesn’t!). I’ve always only thought of stamps as being a piece of rubber or lino carved with a design that is stuck to a block of some kind. But wow, stamps are so much more diverse than that!
A stamp can create bold and beautiful shapes, delicate and delightful patterns. And the best part? You can make your own stamps from almost anything!
Some Stamps Ideas to Try:
Lino Stamps: Use linoleum blocks to carve your own bespoke designs. These are perfect for bold, graphic patterns and might be a great way to get started with lino cutting for bigger art projects (like these calendars).
Lino cut stamps by designer Jeanne McGee (printpattern.blogspot.com/2018/06/designer-jeanne-mcgee.html) Fruit & Veggie Stamps: I think we all know how to make a potato stamp, but let’s run wild with the fruit and vege bin! You might be amazed and what patterns you can create when you slice through an apple, a celery stalk, a mushroom, or a cabbage. Nature is the true master of pattern making.
Clockwise from top left: Citrus stamps by jessicawellinginteriors.com, vege stamps by gelliartsblog.com, artichoke stamps by my100yearoldhome.com and mushroom stamps by mothernatured.com Flowers & More: Speaking of nature, there are so many amazing other natural materials that you can use for stamping patterns onto a surface - seed heads, leaves, cut logs, shells etc.
Clockwise from top left: shell printing (completely-coastal.com), wood cuts (bryannashgill.com), leaf stamps (carolreatondesigns.blogspot.com), and poppy seed stamps (feinslieb.net) String Stamps: Wrap string or even rubber bands around a block or spool for some neat patterns or abstract prints. Play with thickness, overlapping lines, squiggles, or texture to create something new.
From left: rubber band stamp (www.urzadzamy.pl), string stamp (elizabethjoandesigns.com), and rope stamps (www.sewsewart.com) Found Object Stamps: There is pretty much no limit to what you can use to make a stamped pattern from. Think bubble wrap, bottles, bottle tops, keys, buttons, popsicle sticks, ice trays, batteries, nails, paperclips, q-tips, forks, corks, you name it!
Clockwise from top left: Ice tray stamp, wine bottle stamp and popsicle stick stamp by papernstitchblog.com, key stamp by scrap-tea.blogspot.com, screw stamps by picklebums.com, and button stamps by favecrafts.com
How to Make Your Own Stamps.
Stamp-Making Tools & Materials:
A base (like wood, cardboard, or an old cork)
Carving tools (for lino or rubber)
Glue if you are attaching objects
Paint, ink, or fabric dye
Brushes, rollers, or a brayer (a roller-type device that spreads ink or paint evenly)
Paper or fabric (or whatever your imagination thinks of) for printing on
Steps:
Create Your Stamp:
For lino, carve the design with precision tools.
For found objects, glue or arrange them onto a sturdy backing.
For fruit and veges, experiment with cutting them in different ways.
Prepare Your Surface: Ensure your paper or fabric is smooth and flat.
Apply Paint or Ink: Use a brush or roller for even coverage.
Stamp Away: Press your stamp firmly, then lift to reveal your pattern. Repeat as desired!
If you are a bit of a perfectionist you can always test stamp on scrap paper first.
Experiment with colour gradients for depth.
Mix and match stamps to layer patterns.
Clean up: Give your stamps a good clean so you can use them again and again, unless it’s a mushroom of course :).
Experiment and Stamp!
This month’s theme is all about playing with ideas, shapes and patterns so let your imagination pull you in whatever direction feels fun! Use stamps to create patterns for a handmade notebook, some bespoke gift wrap, wall art, or fabric for your next garment.
I hope this post has given you some ideas to try and I would love to see what you create this month! Let me know below, in substack notes, DM or on social media.
Happy making,
Esta
Seek to Make is an exploration of creativity and making. Each month, I share a monthly theme around making, showcase inspiring makers, share tips, tools and encouragement. Together let's get curious and immerse ourselves in the art of making!
Oh, I love using stamps in my bullet journal! Never accured to me to make my own though! I love the idea of fruit stamps and definitely want to try making my own using cork!
Wow! You have shown us some incredible samples of stamps Esta. It is really interesting to see all the different ways to make marks on paper or textiles. Wouldn't it be great to fill lots of these ideas in beautiful home made note books.