Stamp Carving 101
Intro · Materials · Images · Photoshop · Transfers I · Transfers II · Carving · Mounting · Conclusion · Samples
Gathering the Materials
Carving blocks and tools used to create rubber stamps
To carve a great stamp, you're going to need the right materials.
- Carving blocks: We'll use Speedy Carve (a.k.a. "the pink stuff") in this tutorial, but PZ Kut and MasterCarve are also popular choices. Do NOT use Speedy-Cut! Speedy-Cut is easy to find in craft stores, it's cheaper, sounds a lot like Speedy-Carve, and you'll be tempted. Don't do it. It crumbles far too easily for our purposes.
- #1, #5, and #6 nibs & a carving handle: The #1 nib is for detailed carving. The #5 nib takes out large areas quickly. The #4 nib can also take out large areas quickly, but I prefer the #5. Use the #6 nib (or an X-Acto Knife knife) to cut large chunks of carving material into smaller chunks of an appropriate size. The Speedball nibs fit into a Speedball handle for carving. Technically speaking, they call these 'linoleum cutters' and any brand will do, but Speedball and Staedtler Mars are the most popular options. I use Speedball for this tutorial.
- Tracing paper: Any brand of tracing paper will do. You can even find it at drugstores and supermarkets many times. The easier it is to see through, the easier it is to trace.
- No. 2 pencil: If you trace your images, you'll need a #2 pencil. There are several methods for transferring an image, but this tutorial will focus on the simple (but effective!) tracing, and you'll want a pencil to do so.
- Pencil sharpener: For clear, crisp lines, you'll want to keep your pencil sharp. Pick your favorite sharpener and use it often!
- Ink pads: When you're done carving, you'll need to test your stamp. Have some ink pads nearby! Scrap paper to stamp on would be nice too, but you can always use your skin if there's nothing else handy. ;o)
Each of the six available nibs have their advantages and disadvantages. I prefer using the #1, #5, and #6 nibs almost exclusively, but try them all and use what works best for you.
This carving kit includes a carving block, the #2 and #4 nibs, a handle, and tracing paper—a good place to start!
I like to have three handles—one for each nib I use (#1, #5, and #6). The plastic handles available from Speedball have an end that comes off allowing you to store extra nibs inside it.
The Speedball Stamp Carving Kit (retails around $12) includes a carving block, nibs (#2 and #4), a handle, and tracing paper—a decent starter kit if you need it.
Intro · Materials · Images · Photoshop · Transfers I · Transfers II · Carving · Mounting · Conclusion · Samples