Saturday 15 March 2008

I have found a new (addictive) hobby - thanks Michelle!




So Michelles challenge this month is to 'cut it out'... make a stamp or stencil. Thinking I would again be way out of my depth I still wanted to take part in this challenge so off I trotted to my local arts and crafts shop to see if I could get hold of any supplies. I came home with some lino and cutters. It seems most people use an eraser block but anyway, at least this meant I could make a start.


I have to say this is seriously an addictive hobby!! It has dominated my evenings recently...I started with this




and then moved on to this...



I had a mishap in between as well which was a great learning experience. I was only using an offcut of the first stamp I did so it wasn't very big but anyway somehow it cracked right through the middle. Thankfully it hadn't taken me long to do as it was quite small...it was then that my son told me that I should have warmed the lino up first...ah well its good that we have kids to educate us...doh!


Another challenge was getting the design onto the lino and after much googling (never saw your updated post at that time Michelle!) I used gel medium to transfer a photocopy. It was a little trial and error but hey I got there in the end! I am really pleased with the results although it was hard to ink up the bigger one and get a decent image...might try acrylic paint next time.


I have it in my mind to do a dice next so watch this blog for updates. I am sure this isn't the last time I will do this. I must see if I can get a uk supplier of that blender pen and the eraser block first though!


19 comments:

michelle ward said...

Whoa Julie - check you out! The first image is great....then I scroll down and see the second, OH MY! You were certainly ambitious to take on this one with a high level of difficulty - and it rocks! Don't you love using these? THEY ARE YOUR OWN! Fab!! Thanks for sharing with the team.

susan w said...

Wowie zowie. That second sheet is fabulous. Just upped my inspiration now - I think I'll go carve some more... What fun!

Pocket Size said...

Oh my... oh... oh my.

Your stamps are so beautiful, you're making the rest of us look bad ;) All kidding aside, those (especially the second one) are BEAUTIFUL. Fabulous. Wow.

Dymphie said...

Gorgeous stamps. I'm really in awe of the second one, it looks so complicated.

inge said...

yes, I completely agree with the other ones ... the second one is very, very beautiful.

In the past I also used lino, but it is very hard to cut in it ( even if you warm it).You can feel your fingers for days...

I think the best thing you can use is the "block of ethching material". Mine is from Artemio ( you can find it on www.hubihobby.com), but maybe you find the same material of another trade mark.
i don't know it it's a sort of plastic or rubber, but
it cuts so very smooth, you never want to use lino anymore....
No more painful fingers afterworths...so you can keep on making new stamps...

greetings
Inge ( from Belgium)

moi said...

wow; that second image is rocking. boy you must have the patience of a saint! nice to see it stamped out too. acrylics might dry out before you get it all inked. try daubbers.

Ursula Clamer said...

These are fantastic. I love these images, so versatile. With the bigger one - have you tried using a brayer to apply ink or paint, it will cover the large area quicker so hopefully it won't dry out, I also think brayers are great because they tend to give an even coverage of paint/ink.

Linda said...

WOW Julie! You have some absolutely fab work here. I love the stamps you have made, especially the swirls one. And your little art journal is gorgeous!

JBMolina said...

Amazing stamps! I especially love the big one, but I know what you mean about it being hard to get an image with ink on the big ones. I think one half dries out before you get the rest on! But I still think it looks great!

Julie Corfield said...

Blummin amazing work Julie :D Have you tried using a brayer with the larger stamp? You can get fast even coverage with it. Oh, and can I have one of the swirly stamps please?!!! xxx

carin.c said...

Ohhh I'm envious of that second stamp... so rich looking. I need to take a little more risk I think!!

Jeane Frizzell said...

Nice job! Your second stamp is urging me to try a more complicated design.

Kim Tedrow said...

Wow. Your carvings are inspiring, thank you! -Kim

Chris said...

These are really great! I love your page.

forcryeye said...

OMG! That big lino cut is AMAZING!!! You are so talented! I have many to post, but haven't gotten it together yet!

Kat W said...

Your stamp carvings are beautiful, and the second one is so big - you did a fabulous job on both! :)

Commuter's Journal said...

I'm amazed that your wonderful stamps were carved out of linoleum. Talk about a high degree of difficulty -- and terrific results!
-- JeriAnn

Roberta said...

OMG, I can't believe you carved the big stamp! It's amazing, looks really great. Looking all these wonderful images of stamps is just making me more addictive.

Anonymous said...

I love your first stamp and the second one is awesome. I am in awe of the size of it and all the details to it. Just fabulous :)