Printing your own Silicone Stamp

Isn’t there something nice about receiving a ‘one of a kind’ card?! ‘A tangible piece of art that can’t be deleted by the stroke of a key, that has a texture only mother nature (and you) can make. ‘How’d you that?!’ Will be the question when they see & touch it. Go, dig out some paper and envelopes… for Printing your own Silicone Stamp

In my last project we made our own stamps that we will be using. You don’t need fancy printing supplies here. I had marvelled at all the ‘products’ for sale at Michael’s lately as it’s great for those who need help, but I find it makes for less creativity, not including how quickly the total costs will add up. (Or, maybe, it’s cause I always like a challenge…)

For this printing you will need:

• your silicone stamps (as made here)
• printing ink that is made for block printing
• a brayer
• a small smooth hard surface (glass, tile, or mirror)
• surfaces to print on like paper, envelopes, cards, fabric etc

When trying to cut straight edges that are indeed straight, I always use an xacto knife and metal ruler. The cork back prevents it from slipping and the metal can’t be gauged. Cutting mats prevent your desk from being cut and also allow reference lines to keep things square. Take your time and be precise, it pays off in the long run. If you like a more rustic look ripping the edges along the ruler makes it look like the rough deckle edge of handmade paper which is quite nice too.

When folding I like to use my bone folder. It gives a nice crisp fold without smudging from your fingers.

Printing with Ink:

Once you have your papers etc, it’s time to print. Place a dab of ink on the smooth glass.

Using the brayer, distribute the ink, rolling back and forth and crosswise.

This ink is meant to be spread quite thin as it is made for block printing. It is quite sticky and has a fair amount of working time.

You don’t want to apply it too thick so roll until thin and even.

On some scrap paper, roll the stamp until it is evenly covered.

The ‘tops’ of the stamp surface will have a nice coating of ink.

Place the stamp where you want your image

Press it down firmly over entire surface being careful not to move it. Lift, and be proud! After a couple stamps you will get the hang of it and how much ink. I like less ink as it shows the details better. Don’t be too obsessed as this IS handmade and should look that way.

A darker background paper works well with this as the veins are then darker. That’s just the designer in me…

I also love the metallics, even though this ink comes in other colours. I tried regular acrylic paint but it didn’t work as well. This is artist printing ink and not that expensive. The one dollop printed about 30 leaves.

You can be creative and add some to the envelopes as well. Or print your type/words with your printer and then add the ‘artsy metallic’ leaves as embellishment.

‘How’d you dat?!’ Wedding invitations? Christmas cards? Customized Stationary gifts? Simple elegance…