Carving a Stamp - video

As promised, I have recorded and uploaded a video showing how I carve rubber stamps.
Here is the video:



It has also been added to my Video page (see tabs under the blog title.)
While the video was processing in the computer, I completed carving the Flower stamp that I showed in the video.
Here is a stamped image from that stamp.

Don't be surprised if this image shows up on some fabric.
Later I plan to do a picture and words tutorial on using rubber stamps to embellish fabric.

Stamp Carving - Tools and Supplies

In preparation for the video on carving stamps to use on fabric, I am going to show you the tools and supplies I use.
First of all you will need some carving tools. 
My favorite is a Speedball Lino Cutter. I bought it with a blade assortment, but I typically only use two of the blades.

This is the larger of the "V-grooved" blades.  This blade is great for removing sections.  The smaller blade like this is my choice for getting into corners and tight spots. 

Another tool you can use is an exacto or hobby knife.

I have the cheapo version from a discount store.  It came with two handles and several blades.

Another option is to find some cheap wood carving tools. 

My friend who carves cypress knees says that these are useless for wood.  However, they are good for carving stamps.

You will also need something to carve into a stamp.  My favorite is the MasterCarve block. It comes in several sizes.

There are other options such as "SpeedyCarve and SpeedyCut" by SpeedBall.  

Or you can carve a rubber eraser.  The white ones do pretty well.

I have carved many stamps over the years.  Here are some of mine:

Notice the  self portrait stamp, I sometimes use that on envelopes just for fun.  The tree stamp, near the middle, was used in the painting in the previous post. (you can see the stamped version fo the self portrait HERE)

I have also used these stamps to imprint polymer clay for making jewelry.

Of course, since we will be printing on fabric, we will need some type of textile paint or dye.

I bought this pack of Jacquard Textile colors.

There are of course other options.  You can just search for textile paints or even use acrylic paints if you thin them with textile medium.  However, I find those to be just a bit stiff in the finished product.  I did a test piece with the Jacquard colors shown above and was VERY happy with feel of the fabric after it dried. 

As soon as I can, I will record the carving video and post it.

Dreams and Daisies

Hi, welcome to a glimpse at some of my past work.  I thought that today I would show you a couple of paintings that I sold during my painting days.

First is an abstract that I painted with soft washes.  I added images from hand carved stamps (that I carved) and then added more color washes over it to add depth to the image. I also used a masking technique to add color spaces such as the "pink doorway" on the left.  I call this painting "Soft Summer Dream."  It was sold via my website - Art by Gene Black

I have learned that it is possible to use my hand carved stamps for fabric painting also.  Hopefully I will have time in a few days to show you some fabric I have embellished with my personal stamps.

Is anyone interested in a video tutorial on carving stamps?

Next up, for those of you who just don't like abstract (Pat!) is a painting called "Daisy Dance." This painting is acrylic (my personal favorite painting medium) on a synthetic paper called Yupo. This paper has a smooth texture that allows the paint to "slide around."  This results in a much look that is much more free and less contrived.

This painting was donated to a fundraising auction and sold nicely.  I have another version of it hanging in my bedroom. I guess you could say I painted a short series of two.

I have learned that it is possible to use my hand carved stamps for fabric painting also.  Hopefully I will have time in a few days to show you some fabric I have embellished with my personal stamps.

Is anyone interested in a video tutorial on carving stamps?

Quilted in Pieces

I am working on the Tumble 4 Ya quilt again.  I have now quilted all three sections.  Here is the layout with all the Tumblers together.  The blue lines are where the joining strips will be.

Then if you turn this over, here is the other side.  I find it hard to call it the back. 

This part was made with leftovers - bits left from other quilt projects, trimmings, etc.  I sometimes use test blocks in the pieced backing.  I think these are so fun and totally unexpected.  It is two, two, two quilts in one!

Of course while it is still in sections, I had to try flipping the middle section just to see how it would look.

Side one 

AND

Side two. 

Now I just need to cut the joining strips, sew it all together and bind it.  

In other news, I was tired of sewing on my friend's dining room table when I am visiting.  It is a bit too high and makes my shoulders get tight too fast. So,  I ordered an Arrow Gidget sewing table to put at his house so I have a place to sew when I am visiting. This is a sturdy little table. 

Due to the bed height of this machine, I had to make a little alteration. I cut a piece of drywall (In the South we call it Sheetrock, which is a brand name - and yes we call all sodas "coke" because we are delightfully quirky! heeehee) 

I was thinking I might need to get an insert to fit the hole around the machine but I found out that I don't need it. It is perfect for me to sew and quilt on just like it is.  PLUS the table folds up and will slip under a bed or stand in a closet without taking up much room.