Stamp Making Workshop Notes

BEFORE WE BEGIN...

This workshop is about trying new things, using items that we already have, and using our imaginations! 

You can view the replay of the workshop over on YouTube. (Don't forget to subscribe and browse the other videos :))

I love that sometimes simple tools or materials that aren't viewed as art supplies can be used to make beautiful and interesting things. Sometimes it can inspire me even more, to see what I can do with it.

Experiment, observe the outcomes, and have fun!

Don't forget to plug in your glue gun and to unplug it when you're done using it :)

1. GLUE GUN STAMP

Stamps made using a glue gun can also double as a stencil!

Optional: If you'd like, you can draw your design out on paper with a black marker then slide it underneath white parchment paper so you have a guide. I do recommend trying this method freehand at least once :)

• Using your glue gun, "draw" your design onto your parchment paper/sticker backing paper.
  • Keep the gun tip off / above the paper to create an outline that isn't too flat.
  • Draw your shapes part by part. You don't have to do it in one go but make sure each part is connected to the other.
  • Make sure the glue lines aren't too thin (they may break / not stamp well). If you need to, you can fix this in the next step.
    
• Once you have created your shape, check to see if you want to add an extra layer to create some more height and make it easier to stamp and check for any lines that are too thin. If so, go over that line again with glue to make it thicker / the same width as the other outlines.
• Let it cool and harden. (If it's too soft, the design will warp when you try to pick it up.)
• Once the glue is hard, peel the glue off the paper. It should come off quite easily.
  • If it's getting stuck to the paper, run it under warm/hot water. It'll make the paper easier to peel off
• Remove any thin wisps of glue.
• Add ink to test out your stamp! If you need to trim any edges, you can do so with scissors.
• Optional: If you'd like, you can glue your stamp onto a piece of cardboard to create a backing making it easier to handle and stamp. However if you like the negative spaces it helps to create, leave it as is so you can use it as both a stamp and stencil.

2. STRING STAMP

Be sure to use string and twine that is thicker and not too flat. Experiment with different textures and types of string and trims.

Optional: Draw the design you'd like on your piece of cardboard before you begin as a guideline.

There are 3 ways to create this type of stamp.

• Take the piece of cardboard you'd like to use as your backing. Cut a 1/4" inch or so into the edge of one end and one at the other.
• Place the string into that notch then start wrapping around the cardboard until you get to the other notch. (The notches help to keep the string in place while you wrap it.) Trim any excess string but leave about a 1/2" - 3/4". 
• On the back of the backing cardboard where the excess string is, tape or add some hot glue to it to secure.

OR

• Apply glue to your cardboard backing in the shape of the stamp you want to create.
• Place the string onto the glue.
• Make sure the string is secured well / glue has dried or gotten tacky before stamping

OR

• If you're not sure what design you'd like to make or want to play around with it, cover the cardboard backing with a layer of tacky glue (not hot glue gun, the glue should stay wet for a while.)
• Start putting your string down and adjust it as you like. You can take it off and adjust as well with this method. If you need more glue once you finalize the design carefully lift up the string to add more.

3. RECYCLED MATERIAL STAMP

There are 2 methods to try for this stamp:

• Have a cardboard backing and glue items onto it to create a stamp
  • Be sure the height of the objects you're gluing down are the same to ensure it stamps evenly
  • If gluing plastic, white glue or super glue works best (plastic, such as a bottle lid, will come off of hot glue and not stick)
• Apply ink/paint to your item and stamp it directly onto the paper

Try different things and gather different materials such as: bubble wrap, packing popcorn, wooden chopsticks, disposable utensils, soda can tabs, bottles and lids, etc. 

TIPS / THINGS TO TRY

• Use your stamps to create wrapping paper or to decorate gifts bags
• Layer your stamp and use it both vertically and horizontally to create different shapes and spaces
• Repeat your stamp to create a pattern
• Use different types of ink pads and paints

PHOTOS

Glue gun stamps pictured below. Used as a stamp and as a stencil.

For the floral design, the stamp can be used once or it can be stamped twice to create a full floral shape.

From left to right, going clock wise from top to bottom:

Stamp made from cut pieces of wooden chopsticks, two bottle caps, wrapped string stamp, glued string stamp, bubble wrap and coregulated cardboard stamp.