Make unique, handmade stamps used to create patterns with printmaking.
To create these super fun painted rocks we will be using a few different materials.
You will need:
- wooden blocks or thick cardboard pieces, 3" or smaller
- thick paint (I used acrylic)
- heavy duty tape
- yarn, string or twine
- scissors
- paper to print on (I painted my papers with watercolor to give a texture under the stamps.)
We will be creating stamps to be using to create patterned prints. This type of printing is called relief printmaking. When printing using the relief method, the ink or paint is applied to the raised part of the stamp and then transferred to your paper to print or stamp.
The stamps we will be making with blocks or cardboard pieces will be completely unique from each other which can make for some awesome results. Feel free to get creative with this project! Printmaking has endless options so please try different variations to your stamps and printing methods. Try making a few finished pieces rather than just one like we normally would.
To start, tape an end of the string to your block or cardboard. Make sure it's really stuck on there so it doesn't unravel while printing.
One you're sure your string is stuck to your block begin to spin it around the edges, overlapping previous layers as you go.
After you've gone around the block a few times and have accumulated a good amount of string, cut and tape the end of the string to the same side you taped the first end to.
I made two different stamps so that I can easily alternate between colors as I'm printing.
Now get your paint ready by spreading a thin layer out on a paper plate or extra cardboard. Begin by dipping your stamp in the paint and pressing it evenly so the whole surface gets covered.
Carefully pick the stamp up out of the paint and press it onto your paper in the upper corner.
Alternate your stamps, paint colors and the direction you press them to create an interesting pattern.
Keep going til you fill the page continuing to alternate the direction of the stamps.
Try using some different colored paints on a new piece of paper.
I also found a different shaped object to wrap string around to make a new shape to print.
You can even overlap different stamps to create an even more abstract pattern. Be sure to display your prints in an artful way near each other so you can look at the variety of patterns you’ve created!
St. Lawrence students, please send a picture of your finished artwork to stlawrenceartclass@gmail.com so I can display it on the school’s website!
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