Introduction: How to Make Foam Stamps
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This is the easiest way I've found to make foam stamps - they work pretty well for minimal effort, too. It's a great craft to do with kids because it all comes together so quick. Instant gratification foam stamps, yay! :D
I used these foam stamps to print on both fabric and paper, and it worked well on both - but the fabric looked a little nicer.
I used these foam stamps to print on both fabric and paper, and it worked well on both - but the fabric looked a little nicer.
Step 1: What You'll Need:
- adhesive craft foam sheets OR
- foam craft stickers like these
- scissors and/or an x-acto knife
- cutting mat
- water based paint (I used these - they're great!)
Step 2: Stack Ready Cut Shapes
I used some foliage stickers out of a dinosaur set.
You want the foam three deep for best results. Peel the backing off two of the shapes and stack them on to of one another. Press them together firmly and make sure they're lined up well.
You want the foam three deep for best results. Peel the backing off two of the shapes and stack them on to of one another. Press them together firmly and make sure they're lined up well.
Step 3: Attach to a Foam Backing
Peel the adhesive off the bottom foam sticker, and press the stack of stickers onto another piece of foam.
You could also use a bit of cardboard - you just want it to be pretty thick.
You could also use a bit of cardboard - you just want it to be pretty thick.
Step 4: Repeat!
As you can see, I got pretty excited. :D
Step 5: Making Your Own Shapes
You can also stack (and stick together!) the rectangular pieces of plain craft foam three deep and make your own stamps.
I drew on the foam with a pen and then cut it out using an x-acto knife. It's pretty easy to do so long as you have a steady hand. :D
Once it's cut out, attach it to a foam backing like before.
I drew on the foam with a pen and then cut it out using an x-acto knife. It's pretty easy to do so long as you have a steady hand. :D
Once it's cut out, attach it to a foam backing like before.
Step 6: Printing
After a little trial and error, I found the best way to get nice prints. :D
You want to brush the paint onto the stamps - you don't want a thick coating on the stamps, since it tends to glop up around the edges and make things look funny. I used sponge brushes and paper plates and it went really well.
I also had better results after the paint sat out for a little while on the plates and firmed up a bit!
You'll get the best print by using a thin layer of paint and a good amount of pressure. You can see the results I got trying to dip the cat head stamp into the blue paint - dipping the stamps resulting in too much paint and lots of swirly raised lines.
It worked MUCH better on muslin fabric than it did on construction paper.
You want to brush the paint onto the stamps - you don't want a thick coating on the stamps, since it tends to glop up around the edges and make things look funny. I used sponge brushes and paper plates and it went really well.
I also had better results after the paint sat out for a little while on the plates and firmed up a bit!
You'll get the best print by using a thin layer of paint and a good amount of pressure. You can see the results I got trying to dip the cat head stamp into the blue paint - dipping the stamps resulting in too much paint and lots of swirly raised lines.
It worked MUCH better on muslin fabric than it did on construction paper.
Step 7: Setting the Paint on Fabric
To set your paint, let it dry to the touch and then iron it wrong side up using a dry iron for thirty seconds or so - no steam!
I laid a piece of muslin down on the ironing board before I put the printed fabric on top.
I still would not recommend washing items printed on with the majority of water based paints, but this will at least keep it nice and colorfast for daily wear and tear. :)
I laid a piece of muslin down on the ironing board before I put the printed fabric on top.
I still would not recommend washing items printed on with the majority of water based paints, but this will at least keep it nice and colorfast for daily wear and tear. :)