Been Crafting Away...

over these last few weeks. Forgot all about blogging. I was just drawing/doodling, painting, playing with art supplies, making stencils, carving stamps (my new favorite hobby).

Rubber stamp carving has become one of my new favorite pastimes. I do it mostly while watching shows or listening to music. It's very zen. If you haven't tried it yet, start with something small like a pack of erasers. If you enjoy it, spring for a few carving blocks. I started with nothing but an eraser and an x-acto knife, though it's much easier with a lino cutter. Now I carve almost everyday, and I have a lot of fun with it. I use Pentel Hi-polymer white erasers (they cut like butter), Pink Speedball Speedy Carve Blocks, and Blue Speedball Speedy-Cut Easy Blocks.

Here are some of my stamps

My little one loves stamps as well. Upon request I made a flower, leaves, a birdie, and a pony to name a few. My little one loves art, and enjoys using the stamps in his art journal.

Here is the pony stamp.

Here is the birdie stamp.

Making stencils is rather fun also. I use old cardstock ads from craft stores or the gas company. They are a great thickness for carving. I just draw my design, and then proceed to cut it with an x-acto knife. They're not as perfect as they would be with proper stencil cutting materials. But they're unique and they work just fine. After cutting, I cover them with a few coats of gesso. Let it cure for at least 24 hours. Then they're waterproof and ready to use. Handmade stencils are 100% unique and so much fun to use, especially with Dylusions Spray Inks.

Some of my stencils.

I've fallen in love with Dylusions Spray Inks by Dyan Reaveley for Ranger. The colors are rich, lively, and fun. I started with the Vibrant Turquoise & Crushed Grape. Then I picked up the Fresh Lime & London Blue. I just ordered Cut Grass & Lemon Zest and Pure Sunshine & Postbox Red. Can't wait to try the new colors. So excited.

I still have to pick up Funky Fuschia, Cherry Pie, After Midnight, White Linen, Melted Chocolate, Black Marble, Polished Jade, Bubblegum Pink, Squeezed Orange, Pomegranate Seed, Dirty Martini, Tangerine Dream, Ground Coffee, Slate Greay, Calypso Teal, & Chopped Pesto.
So many colors, can't wait to collect them all. Thank you Dyan Reaveley for your awesome products.

Some of my art journal backgrounds featuring handmade stencils and stamps, and Dylusions Ink Sprays in Vibrant Turquoise & Crushed Grape.

Here is another art journal background made with my stencils, acrylic paint, and charcoal.

I made a fun box to hold my stamp carving materials and ink pads. I used an old shoebox, covered it in scrapbook paper, and touched up the edges with washi tape. As of now, it also holds my hand carved stamps. However, with the amount of stamps I'm accumulating; it's no longer possible to store them in this box. I'm going to pick up a few of those mini drawer organizers sometime soon, so I can store them better. Wouldn't want to stack them and risk them sticking to each other. That could damage the designs. We wouldn't want that.

Here is the box.

I'm moving sometime in July. So, in between carving stamps, making stencils, and playing with art supplies; I've been packing (another reason for not blogging much lately). Trying to take care of all the stuff we don't use often. Then when the time comes, finish up the rest. It makes things a bit easier.

Until next time, Embrace your Creativity.