Stamps and Stencils and Color, Oh My! -Briana

Hello Creative One! This is Briana from Orange Spiral Arts.

I have a question for you today. How do you feel about rubber stamps? Do you think that trend has come and gone?

Perhaps after this post, you will fall in love with your old rubber stamps all over again (if you aren’t there already).

This week, I visited my local thrift store, and I found a baggie of rubber stamps for a few dollars. I didn’t love all of the stamps in the bag, but there were two that I could not wait to try.

I decided to make a handmade greeting card, which is one of my favorite things to do.

First, I stamped the guy holding the coffee cup in the middle of the card. Next, I stamped stars all around him. Sometimes I’d stamp twice before re-inking, to give the background some variety. I used my go to stamp pad, black StazOn. (The Ranger Archival Ink Pad is also a great choice.)

As you can see, I’ve got my stencil at the ready. I love the irregular rays on this Sacred Hearts: Immaculate stencil from the Sacred Hearts Series stencils.

Using a ballpoint pen, I traced the rays around the guy holding the coffee cup. I also went around the stars, rather than putting a line through them.

Here’s what the scene on my table looks like so far. (Sometimes it’s nice to see a visual of the supplies used.)

Next, I used the colorful, water-soluble Caran D’Ache crayons to add some pop!

I started with oranges, yellow, and lime green.

Next I added light blue.

With a wet paintbrush, I pulled the color out from the center, to the edges of each ray.

I had tons of fun making this card.

TIP: If the card is buckling a little from the water, place a piece of wax paper over the art; then set a stack of books on the card to help it dry flat.

As you can see, rubber stamps are fun to play with. I especially like combining stamps and stencils together in my art journals or handmade greeting cards.

What are your favorite art supplies for stamping, printing, and stenciling? What do you like to use for adding color? We’d love to hear your preferences in the comments below!

For more art inspiration and ideas, you’re invited to visit Briana’s site at OrangeSpiralArts.com

Blessings to you! Happy creating!

-Briana

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