The best ideas for making DIY stamps include tips about materials, designs, and safety. There are many different ways in which a person can make stamps himself, but carving is likely the most popular. Almost any material can become part of a stamp, but linoleum, rubber, and potatoes are very common. It is possible to represent many different designs through stamps, but some will be clearer than others when printed. The best tip overall for making DIY stamps is to practice, because practice will allow a person to figure out how best to create a desired effect.
When making DIY stamps, it is very important to exercise appropriate safety precautions. This is particularly true when making stamps with children. Most stamps involve some form of carving or cutting, which may involve sharp tools. With linoleum carving tools, for example, making sure the blade is oriented away from the body and that a person has control over the tool itself is essential. Securing the stamp itself using a clamp or simply by placing it against a surface on which it cannot move is also a good idea.
Tips for making DIY stamps may prescribe a number of different materials, including linoleum and vegetables. Potato stamps or stamps made from other stiff vegetables are excellent for short-term use. Linoleum stamps are more durable but can also be more difficult to print with, because sometimes the ink does not transfer very well. Rubber stamps, made either from rubber bases or materials like erasers, can be an excellent middle ground, though these stamps do wear down over time. Choosing the correct material for a stamp requires thinking about what type of project the stamp is for.
Designs for DIY stamps can be extremely varied, but it is usually best to use few fine lines when starting out. A linoleum print can be highly detailed, but it is difficult to accurately and attractively convey detail in a stamp without proper tools. As with all stamps, the design must be carved in reverse in order to print the image in the intended way. It can be helpful to use a computer to reverse the image when making stamps.
Although it is helpful to look at tips when making DIY stamps, using unique strategies can yield highly interesting results. For example, fabric can add texture to a stamp, and making a stamp design in multiple parts can be useful when working in several colors. Trial and error is an excellent way to discover the best way to create the finished product a person desires.