Stamp Carving 101
Intro · Materials · Images · Photoshop · Transfers I · Transfers II · Carving · Mounting · Conclusion · Samples
Transferring the Image: Part I
It's time to transfer the image to your carving block. Here we'll describe one of the oldest , easiest, and cleanest methods available: tracing.
| Step 1: | Get your selected image ready by putting it on a hard surface, sharpen your #2 pencil, and get that tracing paper ready! For our purposes, we'll use the images provided in the Speedball Stamp Carving Kit—in particular, the ladybug. The image is simple and will be easy to trace. |  |
|---|---|---|
| Step 2: | Lay your tracing paper on top of your image. If your image is on paper that readily takes pencil well such as newspaper or a printout from your computer, you might be able to skip the tracing paper altogether and trace directly on the paper. Keep in mind, however, that it will ruin the paper if you do this, and if you make a mistake, you'll need to acquire another copy of the image to try again. |  |
| Step 3: | And start tracing! Fill in any dark areas of the image. I usually trace the outline of the image first, then go back and fill in the dark areas as if it were a coloring book. Sharpen your pencil as often as necessary for clear, sharp lines. You can use tape to keep the tracing paper in place if you find it helpful. |  |
| Step 4: | Now you have a tracing identical to the image you want to carve. At this point, you can return to step 1 and add additional embellishments to your carving as necessary. In our case, for instance, we could put the ladybug on a flower, or add the name of the letterbox or location of the letterbox to the carving. We won't add anything extra to the image here, but now is the time to do so if it's necessary. |  |
| Step 5: | Set your tracing face down on your carving block. Leave about one-quarter inch of carving block around your image. It's important that the tracing paper does not wiggle around on the carving block to insure clear, sharp transfers. If holding the tracing paper in place is hard or distracting, tape it down. |  |
| Step 6: | The moment of truth—transfer your image to the carving block by rubbing your fingernail or other blunt object over the back of your design. Again, be careful the tracing paper does not wiggle to ensure a clear, sharp transfer of your image! |  |
| Step 7: | Pick up one edge of your tracing paper to look at the transferred image. If you missed any spot or it came out too light in some areas, carefully replace the tracing paper and rub the back of your design again until the image is fully transferred. Looks like we've got a clean image to carve now! |  |
NOTE: While designing a stamp, remember that the image you carve will be a mirror-image of what the stamp actually prints. With pictures this isn't much of an issue—the picture will be facing left instead of right. No harm done. With words the issue can be a serious problem if it's done the wrong way—the letters will turn out backwards! Fortunately, this process of transferring the image to the stamp will automatically create a mirror-image of your original design for you!
Intro · Materials · Images · Photoshop · Transfers I · Transfers II · Carving · Mounting · Conclusion · Samples
Leaf Transfer Example
Sun Transfer Example
Speedball Tools Transfer Example
I include this example for two reasons. First, it's considerably more complex than the previous designs—the point being that regardless of how complex a design is, it ultimately boils down to tracing, and the process is exactly the same whether the design is simple or incredibly intricate.
Second, this image did come from the Speedball Carving Kit—however, it was never intended for people to carve! The image was part of a series of illustrations in the instruction booklet explaining how to use the carving tools in the kit. I happened to notice that it was a simple line drawing which is particularly easy to trace and decided to carve it. Keep your eyes open for stuff to carve! Artwork for carving is all around you—including places that you probably wouldn't think to look or consider. For your first carvings, though, I suggest starting with simpler designs than this one!
Intro · Materials · Images · Photoshop · Transfers I · Transfers II · Carving · Mounting · Conclusion · Samples