Eraser Stamp Carving - Part II
Six months ago I put together an Eraser Stamp Tutorial that used the end of standard pencils to create cute little stamps to adorn gift wrap, tags, and more. It was a lot of fun, so I thought I'd keep the eraser theme going and put together a simple stamp carving project for you today: Eraser Stamped Gift Ribbons!
The great thing about this project is that you don't have to hunt down any fancy stamp carving tools or supplies. I just used Pentel Hi-Polymer Erasers, found in a 3-pack at my local Target for only a few dollars. The erasers are also available for purchase online right here. The brand does matter for this project. I purchased another set from a different manufacturer first, and the stamps were really hard to carve. You'll also need a craft knife (or stamp carving tools if you have them), scrap paper and a protective work surface covering (such as cardboard or an old magazine), pencil, pigment stamp ink (I like Encore and Color Box brands), and ribbons such as these seam binding ribbons (or strips of natural fabric to repurpose as ribbons).
Step 1: Cut your eraser down to the block size you'd like to work with. Using your pencil, lightly (so you don't scratch the surface of the eraser) sketch a simple design. Remember that the portions that remain after cutting will determine your final stamped look.
Step 2: Using your craft knife (on top of your protected work surface) slowly begin to remove potions of your eraser by cutting around your sketched design. It is easy for the knife to slip so please use a lot of caution when cutting your eraser. You don't need to create an intricate design to end up with a lovely stamp. Some of my favorite stamps are just rectangular blocks with small irregular lines and dots cut out of them (those take only seconds to make). Optionally you can also use mini cookie cutters to cut shapes from your eraser into instant stamps - this version is kid-friendly (with supervision of course).
Step 3. Place your ribbons (or fabric) on top of your scrap paper and begin stamping your pattern. You can stamp the entire length of ribbon or just the ends for a pretty effect. Set them aside to dry (drying time will depend on your type of ribbon and stamp ink). Tip: It is easiest to pre-measure your ribbon for each gift first before stamping. Just wrap it loosely around your gift leaving enough length for a bow and snip it.
Step 4: Wrap your gifts!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving to all of you who celebrate. I'll be spending time with family over the next few days and will see you again next Monday. And starting next week I will have even more holiday projects and freebies to share with you! Have a wonderful week/weekend, and I'll see you soon. xo Ez
36 Lovely Comments | Email Article | found in D.I.Y. + Projects, Gift Giving / Wrapping Ideas, Holiday Inspiration/Projects, Tutorials Print Article | Share This | 
| by Ez Wednesday, November 24, 2010 
Reader Comments (36)
great diy, and it looks easy to do (i hope)!
thanks for sharing, ez. :-)
so clever!! Love the blue ribbon and the little deer too cute!!
Thanks ladies!
Angie - it really is so easy and fun. I hope you'll give it a try soon. Even if you just stamp with little square blocks you can still end up with a really darling effect! :-)
xo Ez
This is so awesome!!
What a clever idea. Thanks!
I just love this blog.
This is a wonderful tutorial. Thanks so much.
Beautiful, thanks!
I am so impressed and inspired! Stamps are shamefully underrated.
so cool! happy thanksgiving!
I have never seen anything like this before...what a great idea, thanks for sharing!
that makes me smile! i was just about thinking of a way to create a simple stamp with my own logo to put on the back of Christmas cards i would like to make... the white eraser of course...wow! seems to do well on ribbons too!
Great tutorial and wonderful photos!
Really ... how clever are you? So fab, thanks heaps for the wonderful idea
Such a great idea, I've tons of ribbon. I'll put this ideas to work for sure
I always LOVE your tutorials. So easy and practica and always gorgeous. Thanks :)
Excellent! You're so creative. Thank you for sharing!
It's Thanksgiving day and we are all piled up watching the parade. So, I have the perfect time to drop by and visit favorite blogs. I wanted to tell you that one the things I am thankful for today is blogging and the way it has made my world so much bigger. Thank you for the inspiration I have found here. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
This is such a wonderful tutorial, thanks so much for posting it! Love the acorn and twig packaging too :)
these are so simple, yet so beautiful!
what a clever idea.
Justine
man! rad idea. never, ever would have thought of it. which is probably why i love your blog...you think of all these rad little projects i would NEVER even think of.
awesome!
happy thanksgiving!
yes! love it.
thanks ez!
xo!
Oh... wonderful tutorial again. Thank you Ez. Have a great weekend.
xoxo,
radostina
What a cool idea! thank You for sharing!
wow, excellent idea! makes me wonder though - can this be used as stamps also for polymer clay? if yes, this seems like a better (and cheaper) way to create personalized stamps or texture sheets :)
Love this post, so cute these stamps. Stamping is a great way for non crafty people to get started. I can't wait to try some. Thanks :)