Super Hand-carved Stamp collection

These are some of my recent, hand-carved stamps. Most were created during the printmaking challenge that I had in July. The other ones were carved during my own, personal time.

Carving really isn't that hard at all. Besides a basic carving kit + paper, all you need is patience mixed with enthusiasm + you're well on your way!

Now, I want to take you through my process of carving out the large flower stamp. (I guess this is kinda like a tutorial, BUT I'll be sharing workflow tips + a general step-by-step.)

As you can see here, I've started the flower stamp without taking the initial photo! Ooops! The second piece of rubber on the right side of this photo is my alternating chevron stamp. The first step is to transfer your design to the rubber/linoleum. (The black pen marks are the parts that'll be carved away.)

DO NOT try to carve small details first! You'll only be working against yourself. Instead, carve away larger areas FIRST.

 

Once your design is carved out, cut the larger portion of the rubber block. Keep this piece to make smaller stamps!

 Now, we're ready to load the stamp with ink...but wait - let's admire our handiwork, first....*sigh* Isn't she lovely?! Ok, back to business!

I'm using an old phone book as my "inking plate". Roll out some water-soluble, block printing ink. The consistency should be very smooth. This basic stamp carving kit has everything you need.

The ink is distributed evenly across the entire surface of the stamp. Does yours look like this? If not, take your brayer and roll off the excess paint, then apply excess paint to a piece of scrap paper.

Time for a test print! Burnish (or gently apply pressure) to the back of the stamp.

My rubber stamp is pretty thick in size (half an inch), so, I'm able to lift it and stamp it onto a piece of scrap paper with a fair amount of ease. Another option is to mount the stamp onto a block of wood, for easier handling.

What a beautiful impression! This test print is helpful when determining what areas I need to carve away. I think the center area needs a little more attention...carve more hairy lines and it's a wrap!

So, there you have it! Not too bad, right?

Now, I'll need to figure out what projects to create with my *brand new* large flower stamp.

Comment below to leave me your suggestions!

SHOP THIS TUTORIAL:

** BASIC STAMP CARVING KIT **

** PRINTMAKING PAPER **

Printmaking Unleashed: Catch up #3!

Hey, hey, heyyyyy! This is the final catch-up post for #printmakingunleashed! Yayyy! I made it all the way through the 31 day challenge. Man, that was kinda intense or what?!

I had a TON of fun, though, so NO complainin' here, my friend. I hope you enjoyed each days' creation.

Please feel free to SHARE to your Pinterest boards, on Facebook, Twitter...whateva social platform you like.

All I ask is that you properly credit me (you'd better know my name, by now! And yes, spelling does count, thank you!) and link back to this blog ( http://www.uneekart.blogspot.com )  
Thank you in advance :)

Day 26: Dimensional paint

I just love how this turned out! It has a strong tribal feel to it: the colors are so alive and the surface explodes with all kinds of texture...

Media: gelli print with acrylics, oil pastels, white China marker, and dimensional paint on phone book and vintage pattern tissue paper. To me, it looks like a dancing flower!

Enjoy the close-ups...

Another one I created for the same prompt (dimensional paint). Bold markings and basic colors...reminds me of the classic style of graphic novels...

Day 27: Feathers
Total time to carve this stamp: 15 minutes...not bad! The more I carve, the better I get!!

"Let's Fly"...My hand-carved feather stamp, gelli print and bookmark.

 Day 28: Painted Face

Here's a cute little girl I named "JOY". I created her in Mindy Lacefield's "Sunday Mornings" online class. It's very different from my regular work; a great reason why I took this particular class!  

I loved working in this style...primitive, intuitive, loosely painted and drawn; mixed media love! (I'm thinking about adding this cutie to my boutique...what do you think?)

Day 29: Hand Lettered

These are details from "30 Illustrations in 30 Days: A Mixed-Media Artist's Soiree", an illustration challenge I created back in Nov. 2011::::(you can still find each illustration in the archives!) ::::

Featured here are: "Majestic Evolution" & "VIVA!"

from left to right: "Seal Your Destiny with FAITH", "...wings of Nostalgia", and some tickets I created for an art buddy

Only two more days left in the #printmakingUnleashed challenge!!!!
Thank you for cheering me on and leaving so many positive comments :)

Know that I appreciate every word, xoxo

Organic patterns

Patterns, patterns, patterns!!! I love all kinds of patterns, especially those that are fluid, organic shapes. So raw and natural in form; not too complex (but can be). I often look at nature for inspiration on patterns that resonate within me.  

Architecture is my other favorite place to find the most exquisite designs...which can, actually, be found in nature, too!

Here are a couple of patterns that I've been drawing and painting, repeatedly, in my sketchbook:

teardrop-shaped circles and a vintage inspired flower and leaf foam stamps

This is a monoprint created with a personal foam stamps. Acrylic paints on paper.

Take a closer look...it's almost hypnotizing! I like following the curvy lines with my eyes.

Flower Printing

Today marks day 5 of Traci Bautista's Printmaking challenge! The creative prompt is: "Flower".

I'll show you how I incorporated a flower into my printmaking. 

 I took a piece of lightweight paper and rolled out some white, Pthalo blue, and light blue paint with a soft rubber brayer. Next, I laid down a palm leaf on top of the paper and spray painted with Krylon Yellow (Sunshine Burst). 

I had a few rough cut-outs of three ovals and just laid them down, too. I gave these oval shapes some life by transforming them into the petals of an iris. (Loosely drawn; I wasn't trying to be too representational, here!)

Take a look!

Iris & Palm Leaf---Mixed-media: acrylic, spray paint, water-soluble pencil, graphite, spray glitter, oil pastel and embroidery floss on paper.

I used white oil pastel to heighten the rough texture that was created with the acrylic and spray paint. (Those little speckles are glitter!)

I added embroidery floss to frame the iris and, also, to make the yellow more vibrant. (Adding complementary colors will do that!) Plus, yellow is one of my favorite colors...