August 31, 2013

Homemade Rubber Stamps

Months ago I took part in a homemade rubber stamp swap and meant to get the photos up here for everyone to see, but then I couldn't find the thumb drive I had put them on. Doldin cleaned everything out from under the couch today and guess what turned up! lol

My first attempt was meant to be a simple peace sign. I guess it turned out okay for a first try, but I wasn't happy with it.


My final attempt before making one to swap as a simple moon and stars design that got out of hand. It looks like mincemeat until you stamp it. I absolutely love it! It is a bit fragile though, so I made a paisley one to swap and kept this one.

In this photo you can see the tools of the trade (woodcarving tools from Wal Mart) as well as the stamp itself.


Looks dreadful, right?


I got too much ink so it turned out a bit rough in this stamping, but I am still very happy with the way this stamp works, even if I think I did make the Big Dipper backwards!



To make your own unique rubber stamps from cheap rubber erasers, see the links below. It's tricky and you probably will cut your fingers at least once, but it is a lot of fun! It could even become habit forming!

This shows how to make stamps using polymer erasers(not the kind I used but should be better) and better tools than I had, but if you are just wanting to give it a try, you can use wood carving tools as I did or go ahead and invest in linocutting tools.



Here is one of the sources I used when making mine.
How to Make Eraser Stamps

And here is the other :)
DIY Eraser Stamps

If my post inspires you to give stampmaking a shot, please let me know in the comments! I'd love to see your creations!




August 29, 2013

Autumn is Coming!

The rain has finally stopped here in "sunny" Florida and now it is hot and humid and miserable again. And yet, there is a hint of something new in the air--that indefinable something that means autumn is on its way. Fall is my favourite season, the one from which I draw the most energy and inspiration. Without it I think I would go crazy, even though it induces something like a glorious madness in me each time.

My first autumn-inspired project was to make a fall artist trading card for a Swap-bot swap.


The argyle paper I used to make borders is some left over from making scrapbook pages about waiting in line at midnight to get the final Harry Potter book. I thought it was appropriate for the season.

I am already getting excited about fall! I will have a two-year old's cowgirl costume to get together and lots of decorations to put up, and this year The Precious will really be able to enjoy it all with me. So bring on the cool air and bright blue skies, the few leaves that actually turn colours here, and the wonderful electricity that defies explanation!

I'm ready!

August 26, 2013

Spotlight Monday: Liz and Laurie

I am happy to announce that this week's spotlight goes to Liz and Laurie, a cool pair of sisters with very different talents. Liz sews adorable clothes, costumes, and toys for children and also makes cute items for kids with sensory and attention issues. If you have kids, she has something for you!


Girls Cotton Pajamas Custom Created Size 2 Through 8 AND for That Special Doll


Halloween Witch Costume With Hat and Bloomers

I LOVE this dress!

Cowgirl Dress Western Style Denim and Gingham Dress-up Costume

I had never heard of weighted vests but this is an awfully cute one.

Weighted Vests for Children

Laurie is into glasswork, and makes lovely windchimes, bowls, and more.


Decorative Fused Glass Bowl

I love that these neat Christmas tree ornaments are made from recycled wine bottles!

One of a Kind Handmade Glass Ornaments

This mod windchime would make a great gift.

Multicolored Windchime with Glass Chimes

So check out Liz and Laurie today and give them lots of love!