There are a variety of ways to create personalized stamps, from using online services to designing and carving your own stamps by hand.
Online stamp-making services typically allow you to upload an image or design and have it turned into a custom stamp.
Hand-carved stamps require some skill and materials such as carving tools and rubber blocks. Check this how to make personalized stamps tutorial on your own.
I’m trying to get into the habit of making cards rather than buying them. I started when I sent my sister the Make a Wish Birthday Card. Now that Valentines day coming up, I thought it would be fun to create my own stationary for the occasion.
With some corks and paint lying around my house this project was both easy and free. Ready to make your cork stamp?
Here’s how to make your own cork stamps
You can choose any shape you’d like. Simple shapes are best because they are easier to cut out of your corks.
In this tutorial I choose a heart because I thought it would be sweet for Valentine’s Day. This bunting idea from Pilli Pilli is super cute, and I’m saving a Christmas tree version from Feathers and Freckles for next Christmas.
The first step is to find a good sharpie that isn’t too thick. A fine one ought to do. An ultra-fine sharpie might be a littler harder to use and see on the textured ends of the cork.
Once you have your outline, it’s time to trace and “dig” it out with your sharp tool of choice. You can use a small, but very sharp, knife here. Just take your time.
I know you know, but just a quick note to be careful and not to rush in any of your steps. Cutting corks for the sake of arts and crafts can be serious business. Not only do you want your designs to turn out well, you also don’t want to slice a finger!!
There really is no end to what you can do with this project. The design ideas are endless and so are paint colors. Of course, I’m using old wine bottle corks, so there is a limitation to the size of your stamps.
And, that’s all there is to it. Now, go ahead and stamp your heart out. 😉