Rubber stamp making and printing

This video blog post will review, and demonstrate in action, Japanese stamp carving blocks, also known as eraser stamps. The green block I am using here is 10cm by 7.5cm, and is approximately 1cm thick. I purchased this block from the online ‘Handprinted’ store.

On one side the block has a green colour coating and the rest of the block is white. It is made out of rubber, and you can draw directly onto the surface with pencil or pen, or trace an image easily onto the surface.

The block is very easy and smooth to carve into, and I actually really enjoyed using it, as it was very satisfying to carve out the design using my metal Pfeil tools, and a basic craft knife from Hobbycraft. The rubber block is so thick that you can carve into both sides, but I like that carving away the green top layer reveals the white underneath, which makes it much easier to see what you are doing.

The water-based printmaking ink that I used was Schmincke printmaking ink, and it was easy to apply to the surface of the block. I also found that it transferred to paper well, with minimal pressure required on the back of the block.

You can see in the video that I experimented with gradient ink rolls and repeat patterns, I think these stamps are perfect for repeat patterns, and the rubber should not degrade with use over time.

These stamps would be good for crafters, printmakers, and scrapbookers, and would be a fun project to do with kids as-well, who I am sure would love to ink and press these stamps. Overall I am a fan of these products and would definitely use them again.