How to Make Personalized Stamps

Do you like stamp art, but can't afford the often high prices asked for every teeny stamp you need? Here's how to make your own, using items you probably already have on hand!

Simple Method

1. Place the items you will need in a well lit and well ventilated workspace.
2. 

    Draw your shape.
   Trace or draw the pattern you want onto the eraser.
   • 

      Example.
     Write any words backwards before carving. See picture at right for an example of a stamp created with this method.
3. 

    Cut vertically
   

    Cut horizontally.
   Carve away everything except the design.
4. 

    Personalized stamps attached to wooden block
   Attach the eraser to a wood block for longevity and ease of use.
   

Advanced Method

1. Obtain a photocopy of the design you want.
2. Wet the photocopy with acetate (fingernail polish remover).
3. Place the wet photocopy on the eraser for several minutes. The ink will transfer.
4. Remove the paper and allow the design to dry (the acetate will evaporate fairly quickly.)
5. Carefully carve away everything except the design.
6. Attach the eraser to a wood block for longevity and ease of use.

• Edged tools can cut you as easily as they cut rubber. Be careful.

• Utility knife or Exacto knife
• Large eraser(s)
• Pen
• Photocopy of design
• Fingernail polish remover (acetate)