artmaking tools: carved stamps

Written by

in

Yesterday I was reminiscing with Mom about May Day activities in our old neighborhood.  We would make (and receive) handmade paper baskets and cones filled with flowers cut from the garden – usually nearly-expired tulips or daffodils, wrapped with a wet paper towel and tin foil, or a handful of leftover Easter candy.  Ding Dong.  We'd drop our offerings on the front step and run for cover.  Did you do that too?

My doorbell did ring yesterday, but it was the mailman with an armful of deliveries too big for the mailbox.  Included was the latest issue of Somerset Studio.  It remains a thrill to be included in my favorite publication.  My Make it Your Own column has me standing on soapbox to encourage you to carve some rubber. 

MWcarvingarticle

Here is a better view on the first piece – metallic doesn't show up very well in print.  Made for Shannon.  We all think of her when we see pink roses, but sunflowers were one of her favorites. 

MWsunflowersshannon

MWcarvingsamples

I included my journal pages but I always find it interesting to see the thought process of an artist at work.  Here are what my process pages typically look like while I'm working on other surfaces.

MWcarvingpage1

MWcarvingpage2

And as I said earlier, and in the article, I've assembled previous posts about carving onto a tutorial page – not meant to be a comprehensive how-to, but you might find it useful, or motivating.  See HERE.

MWtutbannerCARVINGSTAMPS

Comments

18 responses to “artmaking tools: carved stamps”

  1. Lisa Hoffman Avatar

    Grabbing my throat and staggering backwards at the continual gorgeousness of your work. Now I too will think of Shannon when I see sunflowers. We ALL will. I’m gonna buy that Somerset. Yes I am. BEAUTIFUL Post.

  2. Judi Avatar

    Michelle, I have always (well for years) celebrated MayDay in that way. Each year, I make a different type of basket and note. It is such fun to sneak around and leave a lovely for neighbors, friends and co-workers. A nice break. Thanks for the carving info – I have the stuff but just never get around to doing anything!

  3. Terri Neggers Avatar

    I’ve never quite been tempted enough to take on stamp carving, til I read your article in Somerset- I’m looking forward to trying. As usual you inspire me!

  4. Kathryn Dyche Dechairo Avatar

    Gorgeous work and a great feature, congratulations. I have a feature in the Artful Blogging magazine this quarter. So excited.

  5. teri Avatar

    Gee, I’ve carved stamps, but the outcome doesn’t quite look like yours! I love the distressed backgrounds and the way the metallics are layered. Beautiful!

  6. Julie Avatar

    No May day for me….but if you’re in the area, please drop comes by.
    This artwork is beautiful. Since I saw your art in NY at the panel, I am looking at it with fresh eyes….you are so fancy!!

  7. Julie Avatar

    CONES. Drop CONES by. Crimany.

  8. Robin Orewiler Avatar

    I’m giggling at the “crimany” in the above comment. We did May baskets at children at school, but didn’t go door to door handing them out – sounds like a nice tradition. Michelle – as always, love your work and your stamp carving article is awesome. Love the colors. Happy Spring!

  9. Carrie Avatar

    We never did May baskets of our own, but downtown there has always been a May day basket competition. It’s lovely to go see all the baskets of flowers, especially on the historic buildings 🙂
    Mom had gotten me a copy of Somerset when she was up at our favorite stamp/mixed media shop over the weekend! I got it from her yesterday, love the MIYO article. I did notice the inscription on the sunflower piece and thought of Shannon. Very beautiful tribute. Beautiful work in the whole feature, really. I really should get my carving stuff out again…

  10. Coral Lee Avatar
    Coral Lee

    Just got my Somerset yesterday. Your colour combinations are beautiful as always and I love the idea of putting your artwork in picture frames. Really makes them pop. Just had hubby make me some shelves for photo frames so may have to make some artwork to put in them. Beautiful as always.

  11. jill zaheer Avatar

    What a beautiful post Michelle and am so inspired to try to make a stamp now! So glad you have this wonderful article published- well deserved! Such a touching tribute! xo

  12. frivolitea Avatar

    WOW. The work pictured in this post is gorgeous! I have not bought somerset studio in a while but I am going to buy this issue!!! Can’t wait.

  13. Barbara M Steele Avatar
    Barbara M Steele

    May Day basket giving was so much fun as a child… thanks for the memory. I saw your article and am always amazed at your lovely and creative artwork which speaks to the depths of me! Thanks to you and your GPP Crusades, I have attempted to carve rubber, make a stencil and put paper to paint. It’s a liberating feeling to step out of the box even if the finished product is crude! Thank you for your contributions, Michelle… I’ll miss your crusades.

  14. Chris Avatar

    Okay, What?! I just now told you about Somerset Studio and here you are, already blogging about it!! What next?! My fabulous new idea for putting Strawberries and M&Ms in a cereal bowl and eating them with a spoon?!?
    I’m going to go see if you’ve mentioned that yet.

  15. JeriAnn Avatar

    I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to see the link to your stamp-carving tutorials. Not only are they brilliant, but we had such wonderful fun as a community making them. I did notice you forgot one thing — carving stamps is super addictive. No one should start without a fair warning!
    Now I’m just counting the minutes until I’m off work so I can figure out what I did with my stash of rubber blanks. The carving bug is calling!

  16. Rose :: Fine Craft Guild .com Avatar

    your work is fabulous. no wonder they are featuring you. congrads, and well done.

  17. autumn hathaway Avatar

    Bravo again Michelle. Well done, I am totally addicted to carving my own stamps too. As usual your own unique style inspires me. On my way to buy that issue.

  18. Pat P Avatar

    Thank you for always sharing your work. Anytime I need inspiration, I look at your journal pages. I have always loved intricate carving, but you have inspired me to make carve some leaves and play to my heart’s content! Thanks!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *