| me back to “Creating Rubber Stamps: Not All | | | | want to mount it on a piece of wood or other hard |
| Methods Created Equal.” In parts one and two | | | | surface. This will promote the longevity of the stamp |
| of this three-part series, the advantages and | | | | and keep it from suffering too much “wear and |
| disadvantages of the laser-engraving and | | | | tear” while stamping. Mounting the eraser will |
| photopolymer rubber stamp-making processes were | | | | also help the user to stay away from the ink while |
| discussed. In this final installment, you will learn how to | | | | stamping. Another advantage of using a mounted |
| make custom rubber stamps and art stamps from the | | | | stamp is the guarantee of a hard surface and quality |
| comfort of your very own home! | | | | impression with every imprint. |
| When making stamps at home, a chemical or | | | | Although making a stamp by hand is an attractive |
| non-chemical process can be used. Whether chemical | | | | option, it requires extensive hand-customization and |
| or non-chemical, for homemade rubber stamps and art | | | | allows little room for error. If the carver makes a |
| stamps, a flat eraser will become the artist’s | | | | mistake, they must adjust the image for the mistake |
| palette. To use a non-chemical process, take a pen | | | | or, in a worst-case scenario, start completely over. In |
| and outline on the stamp the image to be etched. Using | | | | addition to the extensive time required, there are also |
| a sharp item, such as a box cutter, steak knife or | | | | costs that must be incurred for each stamp created. |
| linoleum cutter, etch away the non-inked eraser so that | | | | For example, to create a 1” x 1” |
| all that is left is the raised image that the rubber stamp | | | | wooden-mounted stamp, the costs would be |
| will impress. If you are not confident in your drawing | | | | approximately: |
| skills, you may want to use a piece of tracing paper | | | | $0.75 1” x 1” wood block |
| and trace the image you would to place on the rubber | | | | $0.50 rubber eraser |
| stamp. Once the image has been traced, flip over the | | | | $6.00 Small utility knife and/or linoleum cutter |
| tracing paper and rub the outline onto the stamp. A pin, | | | | $2.00 acetone |
| fork, or other hard surface can also be used to make | | | | $9.25 TOTAL |
| indentations of the traced surface. This may not give | | | | In comparison, the average cost for a 1” x |
| the most precise image; however, it will provide some | | | | 1” stamp online is $4.00-$6.00. While the carving |
| guidance for artistically-challenged individuals. | | | | tools and acetone may last for quite a while, the other |
| If more precise guidance than tracing paper is | | | | costs, lack of precision and hassle-factors may prove |
| preferred, a chemical process can also be used. First, | | | | incentive enough to purchase stamps from an online or |
| a clear black-and-white photocopy of the image will be | | | | retail store. |
| needed. Wet the image with acetone using a cotton | | | | Whether you’re laser-engraving, creating |
| swab or ball, and press the dark side of the image on | | | | photopolymer molds, carving rubber stamps by hand |
| the eraser. As acetone is highly flammable and may | | | | or shopping for rubber stamps online, take the |
| irritate skin, stay in a well-ventilated area and make as | | | | knowledge from this three-part series to make your |
| little contact with the chemical as possible. Remove the | | | | decision! If you are looking for the precision of |
| paper from the eraser; the ink will have transferred to | | | | laser-engraving, the economy of photopolymer, or the |
| the rubber eraser. Using the box or linoleum cutter, | | | | homemade look of erasers, each stamp-making |
| carve away the non-inked areas of the eraser; this will | | | | method has something to offer. Remember that, when |
| create a rubber stamp out of the raised surfaces. | | | | it comes to art stamp and rubber stamp customization, |
| After the rubber stamp has been carved, you may | | | | the possibilities are endless! |