Carving Stamps

I am really into personalizing. I try to make most things I use. I have been carving stamps for over a year. This same technique can also be called "linocuts" or "block printing". I reserve those terms more for large scale artist prints. Which can be very detailed and amazing. Although making my own stamps is amazing, I like to just call them stamps.

I like to use Speedball products. I picked them up at the Michaels store that I work at.
I am sure that these tools can be purchased online if you have trouble finding them.

Supplies:
Paper
Pencil
Speedball carving tools
X-acto knife
Carving block (these can be brown, pink, white or ivory)
*****You can also carve those white vinyl earasers
Stamp Ink

Step #1
Decide the size of your stamp. Sketch the design in pencil on a piece of paper.
***NOTE: you can draw directly on the block, BUT it will be reversed when its used AND its hard to erase if you mess up.

Step #2
Cut out the design. Use the back of the carving tool to burnish the design onto the block.

Step #3
Use knife and gauge to carve out the negative space. I like to work with a piece of paper under my block so I can easily get rid of the scraps. It can get messy. Rinse your block to wash off all tiny bits.
***NOTE: you can also carve out the positive space for a more solid block effect.
******NOTE: do one or the other

Step #4
Ink the stamp test it. There are may be more you need to carve away that you won't see until you test.

Step #5
Enjoy!!!!