Rubber stamping is one of my many obsessions. It all started when I was 16 and my High School art teacher taught us how to carve stamps out of erasers. I was fascinated with the patterns I could create by just repeating the stamp on paper and fabric. Thanks to Mrs. Thornton, patterns and textiles became my life’s work… I am always daydreaming about patterns, patterns, patterns.
This past year I have been creating my own rubber stamps. I eventually want to print fabric with them, but for now I’m just fooling around on paper to see what I can come up with. These gift tags were easy and so fun to make (for me, at least).
Here’s what you need (some are affiliate links):
Rubber stamps (Paper Source has some good ones)
Ink pads (by Colorbox
Ribbon (see sources below)
The key to a good pattern is all in the cropping. With a more organic shaped stamp, make sure to turn the stamp in different directions. It’s ok to overlap colors. With a geometric stamp you could either do a random pattern or try something more structured. When the ink is dry, use scissors or a cutting board to crop the sides. It’s amazing how the pattern comes to life after you chop off the sides. It tricks your eye into thinking it’s part of a larger pattern. So cool!
Thread ribbon from the back, then through the loop and tighten. I find my ribbon from many places: Sundance, Etsy, and wholesale at May Arts and Renaissance Ribbon.
I went a bit crazy with this project so I decided to make little packets of tags for hostess & teacher gifts. I’m glad I stocked up on glassine bags
Go ahead…try it!
xo, Bar
Leave a Reply