Stamps are a great addition to every creative toolbox. They can be pricey to accumulate unless you're willing to explore some simple techniques for making your own unique stamps.
We love making our own wrapping paper and patterns using stamps - great expanses of open space along with total freedom of color and shape make for an easy recipe for success. Here are a few fun techniques to try with or without your kids:
Foam shapes make a great rubber stamp substitute. They won't last as long as the originals, but they offer a quick solution with super results. We used an empty tape roll and added foam circles of varying sizes for a polka dot pattern. You can carefully roll the tube down the paper or wear it on your arm for a fast tread of dots (a favorite with my crew).
For the smallest hands, we added some star shapes to a ball that can be rolled around for patterns and stripes. Rolling in ink is all kinds of messy fun!
For the more detailed oriented, grab a basic pink eraser or a stamp compound, and trace a design for your stamp. We transferred a simple ladybug image onto the stamp using tracing paper and a pencil.
With a carving tool, remove the part of the image that you do not want stamped. The ink will only adhere to the shapes that remain. Press your new stamp into an ink pad and repeat in random or ordered patterns! Enjoy the imperfections that come as you continue the process.
We love creating our own stamps! Have you ever tried it?