Impressions
I started crafting with stamps almost 8 years ago when I stumbled upon a generous lady in our church who wanted to host a baby shower for me when I was pregnant with our second son. My best friend knew her well and spoke of her often but I had yet to spend a lot of time in her company. That right there should tell you she is special. Not many people are willing to give of themselves to those they do not know. After she threw me a gorgeous baby shower I found that we had so much in common. She was crafty, resourceful and one of the most tender-hearted individuals I have ever met. She invited me over to stamp Christmas cards that year. I sat at her kitchen table as she brought up tray after tray of brand new wood-mounted stamps. Here to find out, she owned a stamp shop in the previous decade. That day I went home with a bag of stamps. I remember thinking I would never start crafting with stamps because I knew that it would be a collection that would be expensive and addicting. You can see how well that turned out! I am not sure if it was the stamps that drew me in, but I have a feeling it was the tea, fellowship and mutual interest that created my love for stamps. Whenever I think about my sweet friend, I remember the laughs and many happy hours we had together stamping and going to stamp shows.
It saddens my heart that we are in different states. We don’t talk often due to the constant nursing care she provides for her dear friend, but she is never far from my thoughts. She came into my life when I needed her the most. And even though God has seen fit to keep us at a distance for now, I still feel blessed to call her friend.
The Carving
Inspiration
I have wanted to try my hand at carving since I have seen so many beautiful hand-carved stamps online. I am very inspired by block stamps. And my favorite collection of eye candy is by Gwen LaFleur. So, after stalking her photos I decided to quit lurking and give it a try. I checked this book out of the library, raided my little boys stash of erasers and grabbed my
Speedball Speedy-Carve Rubber Stamp Making Kit .
I started with a inspiration picture in the back of the book and then sketched it directly onto my eraser back.
I carved around the outside before starting in on the details. I found this to be a lot more difficult then one would think. I also forgot that the image gets flipped when you stamp it. As you can see, my mushroom would have looked better if flipped.
That same night, I tried cutting out a lotus design that I saw on a necklace from Etsy. My lighting was poor and I was tired so I might have cut off some of the lotus leaves. I need a lot more practice, especially before I can tackle a large detailed image. I have certainly grown a appreciation for all those amazing block stamps made in India. The detail is stunning and can you believe those are all done with wood and a chisel. I can see now why they are so expensive.
My sweet hubby gifted me this book and carving block for my birthday. I am so excited to give it another go. You know what they say, Practice Makes Perfect! Hopefully soon I will have some more hand carved stamps to show you.
If you have hand-carved your own stamps and would like to share them, I would love to see them. Please leave a link in the comments.
Happy Weekend,
Kate
Bleubeard and Elizabeth said:
What a wonderful post on the eve of Mother’s Day. This lady was obviously a surrogate mother to you. Your stamp carving is actually wonderful. I love that mushroom. There is nothing like owning a stamp that no one else can buy or has. It’s a true beauty.
I admire you. I’ve never been able to stamp very well, and when I do grab a stamp, it’s often with disastrous results. Again, I am in AWE of what you have already carved. So lovely and pleasing. And your birthday gift is genuinely heartfelt and more than likely worth every penny your husband probably paid for that book.
Valerie-Jael said:
Lovely stamps. I often carve stamps, perhaps you have seen them on my blog. I find it a very soothing hobby! Have a great weekend, Valerie
MakaArt said:
Great job! So beautiful own stamps! ❤
froebelsternchenfroebelsternchen said:
Fantastic stamps – I am sure you will come up with just treasures of stamps now ! I am looking forward to it! Hugs, Susi
Marjan said:
Somtimes things happen because it has to be… at least that is what I believe.
Your carving is wonderful, I love stamps, but think I would not do a good job carving them, you do!
Astrid Maclean said:
It is amazing how life just lets us meet those that will be special in our future, and this lady certainly sounds like a very special friend!
I am in awe of your stamp carving! In recent days I have been admiring Valeries carved stamps too, – you ladies are so clever, – I look frward to seeing more!
Let's Art Journal said:
Wow, your stamp carving is amazing! I think your mushroom looks fab both ways, if you want to flip it though you could just stamp it onto tissue paper and then turn the tissue paper over – I often do this when I want to reverse a stamped image …lol 😉. Wishing you a happy weekend! J 😊 x
Erika Nelson said:
You have been having fun!!! And I think a big bag of stamps is far more lasting than any baby shower gift (well her giving the shower is the most impressive and lasting thing because now she means the world to you). But baby’s grow up and baby shower gifts disappear, but stamps, now those last for a long long time. Happy mother’s Day. Hope it’s a great one Kate. Hugs-Erika
kampysgirl said:
Lovely story about your dear friend Kate!
Your stamps are so cool- I love the Lotus even if you think it is missing parts! heehee Well done!
Jackie
kathyinozarks said:
This is really awesome-making your own stamps-love it!!