Wednesday, January 25, 2012

WOYWW 138

For a couple of years now, I have been wanting to learn how to carve my own rubber stamps. I bought the materials, but that was as far as I got. I didn't know where to begin, so I put it aside, until now.

I came across this class, taught by Julie Fei-Fan Balzer, and I signed up as quick as I could. I dusted off my box and pulled out my supplies and started watching the first and second video's. Now, my goal is not to become an accomplished stamp carver/designer, but more wanting to carve simple/unique stamps for my own use. I just need the techniques to be able to do that and I think that this is what this class will give me.

Again this week, I joined Julia over at the Stamping Ground, along with others from around the world, to show you what is on our work desks. If you have the chance, go and visit some of their spaces. It just may inspire you. Okay, onto my desk. It is all of my carving tools, pens, and blocks that I need to carve the stamps. And a lot of little, rubber shavings.


The stamps below are from my first two lessons on carving. The heart was fairly easy and I was able to carve two sizes in about 45 minutes. Not bad for my first try.


The second lesson was a little more complicated. This is my second attempt and I still don't have it right. The lines are supposed to interlock for two tone stamping, but I can't get that to happen. I guess I need more practice, but it is a start, and I feel like now, this is a goal that I can accomplish.


And lastly, here is the card #3, from my 52 card challenge. The colors are a little more pastel than they are showing up, but it has been very cloudy here these last few days. The stamp is another Studio G from the $1.00 bin. It feels good to actually have a reason to use these things.

Card #3

Thanks for stopping by-

Dani

23 comments:

Mary Pat Siehl said...

oh wow what an interesting class!! sounds like fun!!
great card!

Diana Fisher said...

I love the stamps you've been working on! And the "HI" on the card is fabulous! I need one like that! :)

Brenda B said...

What a great idea, sounds like a lot of fun! I've also just spotted the sewing machine in the background too, didn't see that last week.

Hugs
Brenda 99

Danielle said...

Brenda, it is my favorite space in the room, other than my desk. My husband added the desk height shelf to the closet, took off the doors, and I popped in some sheers and a chair. Love it!

Pamela said...

I've never made my own stamps before...but I want to sometime! And I love your card!!! :)

Stephanie said...

Very cute card! That's great about the class. I tried making my own foam stamps once using computer fonts and it went OK, but it was SO tedious.

May said...

I have never made my own stamps looks like you are doing a great job, Have a fun week, Hugs May x x

Mary Jo said...

such a cute, cute card!
A group of friends and I actually were getting together for a while for craft nights. We would take turns hosting and "teaching" a craft or technique.
One time we learned how to make these rubber stamps!
Lots of fun. I made three stamps that night.
But I never invested in the tools myself.

Jingle said...

How fun that you are creating your own stamps! I've only done eraser ones...yours look fantastic! Super cute card, too!

Enfys said...

Fabulous post Danielle, I don't think I would have the patience to carve my own stamps, but yours looks great! Have a happy WOYWW and a busy creative week
hugs
Enfys

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Stamp carving! That is very ambitious of you but I think you've got some good starting. I'm with you about needing to use those $1 stamps from the bins. They are easy to pick up and buy and they work great so I don't know why I just don't get around to using them. I'm trying to be better about it.

Karen said...

A great post and a really beautiful card :)

Have a great WOYWW, Luv Karen #80

Asia King (aka Joanna K) said...

Happy WOYWW and good luck at carving your stamps, sounds like a really cool thing! Hugs, Joanna #123
Ps. And you have a new follower now, too! :)

Lou said...

Oh Well done, carving your own stamps looks very cool, great card, A wonderfully inspiring desk full of crafty goodies, hope you lovely week hugs Lou E #82

ScrappnBee said...

It is so cool that you are learning how to carve your own stamps! That is awesome! When you are a famous stamp designer, I will be able to say that I knew you when...Thanks for sharing and happy WOYWW! -Amanda 36

LuLu said...

Howdy and Happy New Year!

I'm back at WOYWW after being MIA since November.

Your tidy desk looks superbly efficient! you've inspired me!

Would love for you to stop by my blog when you have a moment or 2.

Peace,
LuLu
http://lulu-too-beaucoup.blogspot.com/2012/01/woyww-01252012-happy-new-year-image.html

Becky said...

How cool! Your stamps look amazing, and I love your card too!

Tracy said...

You have been busy. Looks like your stamps are turning out beautifully. I made my own before, but with foam. A lot easier, teehee.
Your card is so fun.

Lou said...

Hi Danielle Thanks for visiting my blog, i am glad you liked the colouring tip book, please feel free to use the idea, i hope it helps you too Have a great week Lou x

Tammy said...

Oooo, how fun! That looks really interesting. Thanks for pointing out that class - I hadn't heard about it. Looks like you are off to a good start! :)

Katie said...

I love that you are making your own stamps! I love the card you made also! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog :)

Happy WOYWW (on Thursday!)
Katie

Kyla said...

Well done on carving your own stamps, its a great feeling knowing that its totally unique to you. Looking forward to seeing what you make next.

thanks for visiting my desk earlier
kyla #38

Julia Dunnit said...

Oh my, you are very precise in your carving! They worked out really well, do more, do more!!