Sometime back in 8th grade art class, we did block prints with blocks of rubbery stuff that we carved with these spiffy little carving tools. I loved it, and have always wanted to try doing it again, but didn't know where to get or even look for the materials. Michelle and her latest crusade have shown me the light.
I looked for local suppliers that might have the carving blocks I needed, and sure enough, they were there all along, at my local store. Stupid me. Friday in a mad whirl I stopped there after work and bought a few blocks and a carving tool that's got all the blades and the spares can be stored in the handle (how cool is that?). That night I set to work, and now I have my first two handmade stamps!
First stamp:
And on the back of the block, the negative image, carved on Saturday morning:
And really, are you surprised at what they are? Seriously.
I have so many images that I want to turn into stamps! I'll definitely be working on more soon. A little strapped for time at the moment, as I've got to put together a lecture on the St. John's Bible for my old high school, but as soon as that's done, I'm back to the carving! And I haven't even thought about stencils yet... In the meantime, click the button at the top of the post and check out the stuff other people are cutting. They're awesome!
31 comments:
You KNOW I'm loving this Maltese - AND that you used the back for the negative. SO CLEVER. This rocks Carrie!! Here's a DUH for you - use this same image for a stencil because when you cut out the image you'll get a stencil AND a mask too. Oh we love when we can get a positive and negative with one cutting. Thanks for sharing with the team!!
this is a neat stamp. your carving is a thing of beauty.
How inventive! I might never have thought of this icon for a stamp, but look how cool it is! Thanks for sharing this.
Hi Carrie
what an AWESOME stamp you made.... And putting the negative on the back, COOL & HANDY. ThanX for sharing!
Hedwig
What a great stamp, I just love it! Must.. not.. look. Can't afford another hobby!
What a great idea to do a positive and a negative! Why didn't I think of that? very nice stamps.
My middle name is Michelle. My last name is Ward. So at first I very, very confused.
Awesome stamps. Very gorgeous.
These are wonderful. I've always liked this symbol but I don't really know what it means. Where does it come from originally?
Wonderful stamps, love the positive & negative, and the fact that you put them both on one piece of rubber! Now you will always be able to find both of them at the same time! :)
Carrie,
Positive and negative in one block! Making the most of the latest obsession. Nice carving work. Ariel
How clever o use both sides of the block ! it looks great !
Im would have never thought to carve the negative of an image. So very clever! Guess I have to pull out all my supplies and get back to work again. Thanks for sharing your great idea!
Best-
Ingrid
Your stamp is fantastic and your post brings back such great memories! I remember carving in art class also. And, then not too long ago, I remember my daughter carving also. Thank you for sharing with us all. - Nicki
I agree with everyone else! FANTASTIC image and wonderful idea for the pos/neg!
Carrie, you crazy person you, you're going to make me want to pick a new hobby! Actually Michelle Ward will, but it started with you.
BTW, where did you find your nifty supplies at? Like which store. Would Michael's or Hobby Lobby possibly have this sort of stuff. Cause if so, I know where I'm going tomorrow.
Great idea to put the negative on the back, that way you'll never lose one! Thanks.
I like the way you left border to stamp. Yes! Thank you for sharing. Nice that you dropped in my blog.
Wicked...I love these...so cool. I love the idea of using the back for the negative...excellent!
Great stamp - love how you thought to do the negative on the back - I'll have to find some thicker cutting blcok to do that myself! Looking forward to seeing more of your carvings.
Beautiful image, and I love the pos/neg. Can't wait to see more of what you do. -Kim
I love the 2 sides. How great is this stamp.
I love how the carved stamps look after they've been used!
YES! A maltese cross! My favorite too! I carved a tiny one, as you spotted on my blog!
Ooh, you made a positive and negative of the same image AND on the same stamp -- brilliant! I couldn't help noticing your reference to St. John's Bible. What an amazing work of art that is. So moving and inspiring. Glad you mentioned it.
Great carvings, Carrie! I'm curious to know what the material or maker is, of the rubber you used... really beautiful! And the armwarmers... SO cool! I'm jealous of your talents and your youth... I hope you don't mind! Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment on my site... all my best, Kathy.
Hi ! What and eclectic, renaissance woman you are ! Maltese crosses, rubber stamps, St. John's Bible, museum archivist, and knitted arm warmers ! You rock ! I will be checking you out often now that I have found you. Sounds like you have a fascinating life. Thanks for stopping by my new blog home and leaving such kind comments ! Take care !
I enjyed your blog and liked seeing your carvings! Thanks for sharing! I buy yarn and never use it. Sometimes I just take it all out of the drawer and lay on it! Ha! :-)
Have a great hair day! Becci
very cool to have the positve and negative image. Great stamp :)
Love the idea of having a dual stamp like that, especially with coordinating images. And for not having carved since grade school, you've got some mad skills.
awesome maltese stamp, really!! how clever to carve positive and negative. thanks for sharing!!
It's great that you jumped right in with such a big stamp - looks fab. And those arm warmers ROCK!
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