stamping tools

Stamp some marks

Why I like to work with tiny foam stamps:

They are fast and easy to make. You just need sticky back foam sheets and something to stick it to. I like to use recycled styrofoam produce trays. But you can use sturdy thin cardboard too.

supplies for making foam stamps

The stamped image can be simple but still impactful. Sometimes geometric shapes and patterns are enough. I like to keep the stamps small so they are easy to ink and print.

It can be addictive to make piles and piles of stamps. And yet they take up very little space and are quite easy to store.

tiny foam stamps by linda germain

I like to keep a sample book with a record of stamps that I have already made especially the word stamps.

They are easy to ink and print. I like to use broad nibbed markers. This avoids the need to buy a bunch of stamp pads that just dry out too fast. I can even use more than one color at a time.

foam stamp image

It is easy to make impressions of different values rather quickly. This can add depth to the print.

And they dry quickly and support the flow of working in my sketchbook.

foam stamping in sketchbook

I invite you to explore tiny stamp making with me. Read all the details of the new Stamp Making and Mixed Media Workshop.

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Video – Simplify – online printmaking class

I wanted to share this quick video, so you could get an idea of the skills you will learn in the Simplify – Powerful Gelatin Prints class.

In this class we will:

  • Use limited colors to ease layering
  • Modify and choose stencils to create delicate impressions
  • Explore stamping tools to create texture
  • Play with Mock Cyanotypes

READ all the details on the printmaking workshop page.

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Space and Time – art making

I have been thinking about space and time these days.

sunset rye beach nh

Often open space and grand vistas can create a happy peaceful feeling. I think that is why I am drawn to the ocean’s edge and mountain top views.

view Mt Major NH

But even on a much smaller scale, I use the space of a breath to sigh with relief.

gelatin plate print wit text

In my printmaking, I do think a lot about the division of space. And I try to create interesting negative space. the open space around objects.

Often it is easy to fill the print with marks and impressions very quickly. And then we struggle to get back some open space.

make marks with simple tools

Quiet, light areas of a print give the eye a place to rest and time for the viewer to add meaning. So if you can leave some open space, your viewers may enjoy your work longer.

Time

I like to do things that make it easy for me to take time to print.

  • Organize my work bench
  • And leave supplies out and ready to use
  • Know that even 20 minutes of mark making supports my practice

leave space set up for printmaking

If you would like to take some time and explore mark making, while creating space for your viewer, then check out the workshop, MAKE MARKS.

If you think you are too busy, then it may be the perfect time to take this 3 lesson workshop. Taking time to make marks can be a great way to support your mental well being.

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Find and Make stamping tools for gelatin Printmaking

Stamping tools are one of the 2 main tools that I use in gelatin printmaking. The other is stencils.

Watch the video and get a look at some of my favorite stamping tools.

I use stamping tools to lift off ink and apply in to the gelatin plate. Delicate marks can be made with these tools because of the malleability of the gelatin plate.

stamping tools for gelatin printing

We will find stamping tools like, caps, bubble wrap and cut glass.

handmade tools for stamping on the gelatin printing plate

And we will make tools with cardboard, foam and string.

found stamping tools to use with gelatin printmaking

To learn more about using stamping tools with the gelatin plate check out current online courses on the workshop page.

 

mark making tools for gelatin printing

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Simple Printmaking Technique

Sometimes simple is the most powerful and has the most impact. Think of famous logos, Nike, Apple and Amazon.

tiny hand made stamps for repeat printing

I like to use inexpensive and everyday items in my printmaking process as well. So for this easy printmaking process I used:

  • set of smooth sided alphabet blocks $1
  • Sticky back foam
  • scisosrs
  • pencil
  • waterbed colored markers

sketchbook to develop ideas for printmaking

I traced the block and did a bunch of sketches while I was watching TV. But these sketches were to complex for me to cut out of the easy to use sticky back foam. I had to go even simpler!

Hand stamped pattern

I learned a lot about simplifying my marks:

  • Use the edge of the block for reference
  • If it is too complex, just remove the foam and start over
  • Think about shapes
  • Think about how they can fit together
  • Use the negative and positive shapes.

homemade foam stamp

If you would like to explore added stamped marks to your papers or prints and creating some printed gifts, then check out the details of the new online printmaking course, Printed Gifts, get the Free origami Box tutorial too.

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