Hand Carved Stamping

I have the day off from work today as a holiday. I love days off! I had planned on sleeping in, but Mister Farley had other plans for me. He woke up EARLY and needed to go out. So, out we went. Half an hour later, as I was just getting back to sleep, Mister Farley's tummy contents decided it was time to evacuate.

Thank goodness I could get him to the bathroom floor before he up-chucked all over the bedroom floor. Gross...  Thanks for the nice start to the day, Farley!

Since I was up, I decided to clear my mind and simply stamp. Or maybe it's stamp simply. I hand carved a few stamps a week or so ago, and this little house next to an apple tree is one of the stamps I carved. I like the rough quality of images stamped with hand carved stamps. They're primitive...

I'm sure I was channeling the creative genius of Heather while I made this card. I can't use white ink and kraft paper without thinking of Heather and her delightful creations.

If you've ever carved your own stamps, you know how challenging and fun it can be! And, if you've never carved before -- well, I can tell you it's CHALLENGING and fun. *grin*

I recommend using Staedtler Mastercarve carving blocks. You can get them in all kinds of sizes, and they really do carve beautifully! I ordered mine from DickBlick. I also recommend using carving tool and blades -- you will want to have sharp blades. I use the smallest blades most of the time, saving the larger blades for larger areas/blocks. I've tried a few different kinds of stamping inks with the carved stamps and while most inks work ok, I like the look of heavier pigment or chalk inks the best.

Happy Friday!

Comments

[Viv (VivLyn)]

You are one talented lady!! This is so cute and I love the apple tree!!!

[Debbie Fisher]

Very cool! I think this would make a perfect gift for my son.

[Shellie Daniel]

Cool! You are so talented, that I swear you can do anything you set your mind to. Both of these hand-carved stamps are so cute!

[Lisa Hjulberg]

Hi Anna! How fun that you're getting into stamp carving. You might want to check out this girl's Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5180073

I've bought a few of her cute hand carved stamps in the past. Perhaps you'll start offering a few of your own on Etsy?

[Michelle Adams]

I bought a carving tool set & some blocks a year or so ago...you wouldn't believe my lame results! They were only fit for the trash!!! Yours are so cute. Maybe I'll get enough courage to try again someday...Maybe..sigh...LOL

[Erika M]

Pretty cool - Do you plan on selling these?

[Rachele Funk]

So cute! I somehow missed your first post before! LOVE the stamps you've made and the projects are so cute too!

[Carol Dee]

YUCKY Mr. Farley... nice way to start the day...NOT ! The poor sick smiley is FUNNY.

I love the simple card with the handcarved stamp. You are So Very TALENTED.

Have a wonderful 4th of July Weekend. Hugs...

[DK Wight]

Youza! My guess is he ate...... Nah, I am not going there. The block looks like the material that I used in Miss. Millers' Art for "Smart Alik Boys" class in Jr. High School! But that can't be the same stuff,that was in the stone age. The block looks so "impressionistic" I'm very impressed too. Love, Dad

[Gabriela (Gabi With An Eye)]

OMG - that little vomitting Smiley cracks me up! However, your story of Mr. Farley's stomach disorder did not. I hope he's feeling better now. Love your primitive carved stamp and card. Wow! That's just incredible. Those tiny grass blades and how 'bout THEM apples?

[Valerie]

Fun! Brett's teacher did an art lesson where they carved gum erasers in linear patterns for stamping....I should use it to make a card! They stamped in repetitive patterning in a large sheet of paper.

I can't do white and kraft without thinking of pine, either! Have a great day off!