tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39979410351070759592024-03-08T08:23:55.416-08:00Green Garden StampsHand carved rubber stamps, digital stamps and clip art, handmade craft supplies and paper goods by Jessica Torrant.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-76382742468705860822011-11-10T15:10:00.001-08:002011-11-10T23:21:22.757-08:00Make Your Own Christmas Cards - Rubber stamp set tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85826958/diy-christmas-cards-hand-carved-rubber" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8V7n5thtBU/TrxaKMURpwI/AAAAAAAADSQ/ozuYAsxANi8/s640/DSCN5532.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am so excited about these new stamp designs - all you need to get super crafty and DIY this Christmas! Today I will share with you how I have created a multi-colored impression with my favorite inks by <a href="http://www.clearsnap.com/products.cfm/18/ColorBox-Petal-Point-Option-Pad" target="_blank">ColorBox</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2iAVCaZAcg/TrxaFdsdfaI/AAAAAAAADRg/xIqbYCdZcgY/s1600/DSCN5522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2iAVCaZAcg/TrxaFdsdfaI/AAAAAAAADRg/xIqbYCdZcgY/s640/DSCN5522.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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The petal-point set of ink pads is the best because you can pull each ink pad out. I began with the light blue to ink the bird, lightly tapping the ink pad evenly over the surface. The rounded end arches in such a way that you don't have to get any ink on the tree but obviously, the border gets inked. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OG7xpL4_rE/TrxaGdbCC-I/AAAAAAAADRo/J9V2Afv5J6U/s1600/DSCN5523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="601" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OG7xpL4_rE/TrxaGdbCC-I/AAAAAAAADRo/J9V2Afv5J6U/s640/DSCN5523.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wiped the ink off of the border with slightly damp tissue paper.<br />
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I used the pointed tip of the green to do the top of the tree and otherwise used the rounded edge to my advantage working within the border. Follow up with red around the border, and you're ready to stamp!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Rh1T_XExQ8/TrxaIkM3swI/AAAAAAAADSA/NAt6OB2lnlY/s1600/DSCN5528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Rh1T_XExQ8/TrxaIkM3swI/AAAAAAAADSA/NAt6OB2lnlY/s640/DSCN5528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The matching little bird stamp works the same way - starting with the blue, wiping it away, and then finishing it off in red. Of course, the colors you'd like to use are up to you - I just happen to love this color combo!<br />
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All green looks cute too - I imagine simple black on brown kraft paper would also compliment the folksy design.<br />
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Here's the little bird on the back of an envelope. I can see it used on stickers and gift tags as well as making your own gift wrap.<br />
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Following the folk art feel, this leaping reindeer stamp is going to be a big star in my own handmade Christmas crafts this year!<br />
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Nothing says Christmas like red and green, but I also love the look of cool winter blues and purples. This stamp set includes three snowflake stamps and a large "happy holidays" stamp - imagine the possibilities! Click on the photos/links below to be taken to each Etsy listing for sale.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85826958/diy-christmas-cards-hand-carved-rubber" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8V7n5thtBU/TrxaKMURpwI/AAAAAAAADSQ/ozuYAsxANi8/s200/DSCN5532.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85826958/diy-christmas-cards-hand-carved-rubber" target="_blank"> DIY CHRISTMAS CARDS SET</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85827537/extra-large-christmas-tree-and-little" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UuDMfyymKO8/TrxaK1GICdI/AAAAAAAADSY/VYw8FhI-HR0/s200/DSCN5534.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85827537/extra-large-christmas-tree-and-little" target="_blank">LARGE TREE STAMP</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85832324/little-bird-in-a-frame-hand-carved" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rUwPq-0o0PU/TrxemtMrXXI/AAAAAAAADTM/Bpcs2XpctYc/s200/DSCN5548.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85832324/little-bird-in-a-frame-hand-carved" target="_blank">LITTLE BIRD STAMP </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85828252/reindeer-leaping-hand-carved-rubber" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXTlDEEkzFU/TrxaNqBF6uI/AAAAAAAADS4/_HydB57XJKw/s200/DSCN5553.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85828252/reindeer-leaping-hand-carved-rubber" target="_blank">REINDEER STAMP</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85829917/happy-holidays-snowflakes-hand-carved" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5-sq6jeVM2I/TrxaOIfiJcI/AAAAAAAADTA/4646gCcry3g/s200/DSCN5564.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85829917/happy-holidays-snowflakes-hand-carved" target="_blank">HAPPY HOLIDAYS SNOWFLAKE SET</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-87679506968961483792011-07-21T09:53:00.000-07:002011-07-21T10:13:05.436-07:00Custom Stamps<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikgn0bQrLv0/TihbVa-o1SI/AAAAAAAADLM/UvddoOsgSHc/s1600/lime.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikgn0bQrLv0/TihbVa-o1SI/AAAAAAAADLM/UvddoOsgSHc/s400/lime.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631851757604230434" border="0" /></a><a href="http://limeriot.blogspot.com/2011/05/perfectly-personalized-stamps.html">Custom stamps for Lime Riot</a><br /><br /></div>One of my favorite aspects of being a stamp carver is when someone contacts me to create a custom stamp. Sometimes the customer knows exactly what they'd like, other times they have an idea of what they'd like and then I work up several sketches to choose from.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ww8ST1jsOfg/TihaNeGNR8I/AAAAAAAADLE/diclI28pncI/s1600/limeriot.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ww8ST1jsOfg/TihaNeGNR8I/AAAAAAAADLE/diclI28pncI/s400/limeriot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631850521490704322" border="0" /></a>This stamp was probably one of the most challenging ones I've had to carve. It was an extra large logo stamp that came out even better than I had hoped for! My customer blogged about her purchases on her super fun and crafty blog - after you've <a href="http://limeriot.blogspot.com/2011/05/perfectly-personalized-stamps.html">read this post</a>, but sure to check out her other posts for lots of crafting ideas and projects!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9btzRDupEXM/TihaJGGFsnI/AAAAAAAADK8/DJvr2RkHUn4/s1600/flowerstamp.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9btzRDupEXM/TihaJGGFsnI/AAAAAAAADK8/DJvr2RkHUn4/s400/flowerstamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631850446328279666" border="0" /></a><br />All of my stamps begin as a sketch that will be transferred to the rubber to carve.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28wBIcJ9bvI/TihaEWgntAI/AAAAAAAADK0/-KhYYk8FoBM/s1600/customflower.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28wBIcJ9bvI/TihaEWgntAI/AAAAAAAADK0/-KhYYk8FoBM/s400/customflower.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631850364835181570" border="0" /></a>This one was on par with the Lime Riot stamp as far as difficulty. Sometimes I feel like I'm holding my breath until the last bit is carved away. One wrong move, and all of your work is for naught, so patience and concentration is key! This design came from my customers wedding invites - the large stamp will be used on her envelopes and other wedding related items.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VcfYXdq-AZo/TihZ-z2UEAI/AAAAAAAADKs/7sKdIsVsYck/s1600/callas.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 345px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VcfYXdq-AZo/TihZ-z2UEAI/AAAAAAAADKs/7sKdIsVsYck/s400/callas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631850269631582210" border="0" /></a>For this customer, they found my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69422209/large-calla-lily-hand-carved-rubber?ref=v1_other_2">calla lily stamp</a> but wanted it to arch to the side with leaves. She approved one of the sketches I made up for her and that's how these two (one big, one small) stamps came to be.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RJ1GDWSz8v4/TihZ6VOnvuI/AAAAAAAADKk/pXDzA4hdMpw/s1600/wing1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RJ1GDWSz8v4/TihZ6VOnvuI/AAAAAAAADKk/pXDzA4hdMpw/s400/wing1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631850192692559586" border="0" /></a>This was for a friend from my hometown. Wings are her favorite symbol, having wing tattoos and being engaged (now married) to a rock and rollin' musician. I actually carved two of these, facing both directions, and they used one on the table cards for women and the other on table cards for the men. They also had a huge projection on the wall of the reception hall of the wing - which was very cool to see! I can thank facebook for that sneak peak into their big day. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BXK8qVlJyCE/TihZyuNHIoI/AAAAAAAADKc/5iX5qsOV46c/s1600/taradawnstamp.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BXK8qVlJyCE/TihZyuNHIoI/AAAAAAAADKc/5iX5qsOV46c/s400/taradawnstamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631850061958161026" border="0" /></a>This was for a lovely fellow Etsian who wanted a unique way to package her beautiful jewelry. This stamp is to be used on the gift boxes she packages her wares in. You can find her shop at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/taradawn">http://www.etsy.com/shop/taradawn</a>.<br /><br />If you are interested in commissioning a custom stamp from me, please feel free to contact me on Etsy in my shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenGardenStamps">http://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenGardenStamps</a> or email me directly at jtorrant@aol.com.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-32110774018306815272011-04-28T13:59:00.000-07:002011-04-28T14:20:11.801-07:00HOORAY FOR GIVEAWAYS!!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65942556/strawberry-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 345px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g20lhDSqwmI/TbnWA8nCjNI/AAAAAAAAC58/_1wtGWsD1zE/s400/DSCN4239.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600742923370138834" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65942556/strawberry-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">Strawberry hand carved rubber stamp</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63994538/personalized-heart-hand-carved-rubber"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFxz7k0-3tE/TbnVN3YZy0I/AAAAAAAAC50/vYBc-e88edU/s400/DSCN4578.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600742045793241922" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63994538/personalized-heart-hand-carved-rubber">Personalized hand carved rubber stamp</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm celebrating my birthday with a give-away! Everybody loves free stuff, right? I'll be getting spoiled on my bday (May 12th) visiting with my best friend, so why not share the love? Here's how you can enter to win either of these stamps. The heart stamp will have whatever two initials you'd like.<br /><br />* Leave a comment here on the blog saying which stamp you'd prefer - 1 entry<br />* Follow the blog >>> - 1 entry<br />* Follow Green Garden Stamps on Facebook here <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GreenGardenStamps">https://www.facebook.com/GreenGardenStamps</a> - 1 entry<br /><br />In your comment, let me know if you also followed the blog and/or my facebook page. If you are already following either, let me know and that will still count as extra entries. For each of the above, I'll include your name in the hat. So let's say you do all three, I'll put three slips of paper with your name on it into a hat. You can better your odds of winning by doing all three.<br /><br />PLEASE NOTE: I'll need some way to contact the winner, so please include your email or a way to contact you (for example, if you have an Etsy shop you can leave that link and I'll send you a convo through Etsy).<br /><br />I'll choose the winner on May 13th and I'll let you all know here who the winner is. Best of luck and spread the word to your crafty buddies!<br /></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-74642974999720080462011-04-22T12:54:00.000-07:002011-04-22T13:06:44.584-07:00Signs of Spring<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72698933/bouquet-in-vase-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLRlMuw4_ZI/TbHdV4emjfI/AAAAAAAAC4E/5YLrIancR0g/s400/DSCN4814.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598499179805969906" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72698933/bouquet-in-vase-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">Bouquet in vase hand carved stamp</a><br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHytCEMhoOk/TbHdSooniVI/AAAAAAAAC38/iXohLmKcL3I/s1600/DSCN4811.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHytCEMhoOk/TbHdSooniVI/AAAAAAAAC38/iXohLmKcL3I/s400/DSCN4811.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598499124013402450" border="0" /></a>This new stamp of a bouquet in a vase was inspired by this hand built, raku fired vase I made in art school. I've always been a far superior 2 dimensional artist, and most of my efforts in 3 dimensional art ended in disaster (you don't even want to know the ridiculousness I produced in my sculpture class). But this vase, out of all of my pottery work, was and still is my pride and joy. I love it most when it is filled with forsythia which happens to be in full bloom!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72697461/lady-slipper-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sCvenDUYpTE/TbHdOR17LyI/AAAAAAAAC30/n3NDn-CwA5E/s400/DSCN4808.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598499049175723810" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72697461/lady-slipper-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">Lady slipper hand carved stamp</a><br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FF7GomLyUdY/TbHdIJ85dEI/AAAAAAAAC3s/QqYM7p0mcx8/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FF7GomLyUdY/TbHdIJ85dEI/AAAAAAAAC3s/QqYM7p0mcx8/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598498943978271810" border="0" /></a>The lady slipper is one of my favorite flowers because it is so elusive. Spotting one in the woods feels like discovering a rare prize. This lady is a true independent spirit - try and transplant her out of the woods and into the garden and she'll put up a fight (or downright refuse).<br /><br />Along with the forsythia and the lady slippers (who are quietly emerging in woodlands unseen by human eyes), the daffodils and hyacinth are up, the crocuses are singing, the robins have returned and the peepers peep at night. Spring has really sprung - it's official!<br /><br />Visit the shop for more hand carved rubber stamps at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenGardenStamps">http://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenGardenStamps</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-14943108730556490802011-04-20T13:57:00.000-07:002011-04-20T14:23:50.929-07:00My Crafty Customers - Kay's Kreative KornerKay of <a href="http://kayskreativekorner.blogspot.com/">Kay's Kreative Korner</a> is what I would call a "master scrapper". Some people (who don't know much about it or how it has evolved) might still be thinking of scrapbooking as a kitschy project to do in a weekend. A few photos here, a few stickers there, some pretty background paper and you're done. Well, not Kay. Her designs are truly inspired works of art. She sells scrapbooking embellishments in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kaylori77">her Etsy shop</a> like these gorgeous butterflies you see below.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69992324/butterfly-embellishments-moonlight"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pdBXq3jMzG8/Ta9KNeshGzI/AAAAAAAAC3k/AtHc7Is4fPA/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597774457283353394" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69992324/butterfly-embellishments-moonlight"><span style="font-style: italic;">Butterfly Embellishments Moonlight Serenade</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In her <a href="http://kayskreativekorner.blogspot.com/2011/04/bird-chaser-layout_19.html">latest blog post</a>, she shares with her readers this remarkable layout featuring her adorable dog Toby who is, apparently, quite the bird chaser! There are so many design elements and techniques used in this one page that I encourage you to read her <a href="http://kayskreativekorner.blogspot.com/2011/04/bird-chaser-layout_19.html">blog post</a> to find out more about her process.<br /></div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kayskreativekorner.blogspot.com/2011/04/bird-chaser-layout_19.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdHfK7KiKKE/Ta9KFeHyfTI/AAAAAAAAC3c/CbOGuDU-bb4/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597774319690349874" border="0" /></a><br />Kay purchased several of my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenGardenStamps?section_id=7959895">DIY flower garden stamps</a> including this pretty petal stamp.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70749976/large-striped-leaf-or-petal-hand-carved"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 348px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_W5QozaGMew/Ta9JfwDrg9I/AAAAAAAAC3U/zeG2gxFKboc/s400/DSCN4664.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597773671669924818" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70749976/large-striped-leaf-or-petal-hand-carved"><span style="font-style: italic;">Large striped leaf or petal stamp</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Below you'll see a close up of how she used this stamp. Isn't it gorgeous? Here's a bit of information about how she used the stamp in her own words...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"I stamped the petal stamp with <a href="http://www.stampington.com/html/stazon_ink_pads_cleaner.html">Staz-On ink</a> on a transparency, cut it out & then with a white gel pen I added white dots along the inside flower design. I then cut the petals in a bit more & bent them upwards for added dimension. I finalized the flower by adding a black <a href="http://www.melissasamuels.net/store/Prima%20Flower%20Centers%20Sultan%20Gem%20Black%20535063">Sultan Gem by Prima</a> in the center. I also tucked a bit of dried <a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/babiesbreath.html">copper baby's breath</a>--also known as gyp underneath my flower embellies."</span><br /><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EkHzd0ubd3c/Ta9JXCA1ZcI/AAAAAAAAC3M/D694mBpz0IE/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 351px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EkHzd0ubd3c/Ta9JXCA1ZcI/AAAAAAAAC3M/D694mBpz0IE/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597773521871005122" border="0" /></a>I can't wait to see what other creative expressions she comes up with in the future with the other stamps she purchased! Many thanks to Kay for being such an inspiration and for being a great example of how scrapbooking has exploded into an intriguing and stunning mixed media art form.<br /><br />Please visit Kay's shop for scrapbooking supplies and embellishments and be sure to visit her blog to see her latest creations.<br /><br />Etsy - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kaylori77">http://www.etsy.com/shop/kaylori77</a><br />Blog - <a href="http://kayskreativekorner.blogspot.com/">http://kayskreativekorner.blogspot.com/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-55867596475566298262011-04-19T21:00:00.000-07:002011-04-20T14:31:33.987-07:00April Showers<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72102083/umbrella-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SM9PYljv_8Y/Ta5b5WFrJNI/AAAAAAAAC3E/2EdlU9UGy6Q/s400/DSCN4789.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597512427608155346" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72102083/umbrella-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><span style="font-style: italic;">Umbrella</span></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72102381/rain-drops-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBj2yTQhTDg/Ta5bjmdFigI/AAAAAAAAC28/JRes1loLzr0/s400/DSCN4787.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597512054044199426" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72102381/rain-drops-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><span style="font-style: italic;">Rain drops</span></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72102561/fluffy-cloud-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 369px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ItN9R4olfJY/Ta5bKPIHUKI/AAAAAAAAC20/mNwqbjJkrYA/s400/DSCN4783.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597511618285490338" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72102561/fluffy-cloud-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><span style="font-style: italic;">Fluffy cloud</span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72103546/rainy-day-hand-carved-rubber-stamp-set"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NFPbreeFusI/Ta5ahhfA1iI/AAAAAAAAC2s/wHfJFS-kNco/s400/DSCN4776.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597510918838736418" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72103546/rainy-day-hand-carved-rubber-stamp-set"><span style="font-style: italic;">Rainy Day hand carved rubber stamp set</span></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">This time of year, I welcome the rain because I know it's setting the stage for healthy, vibrant spring gardens in May! There's just nothing like the first inklings of spring - the tranquil sounds and moodiness of rainy days, the daffodils and hyacinth blooming, and the robins fluttering about.</span><br /><br />To purchase any of my individual stamps or rainy day sets, please visit my shop at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenGardenStamps">http://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenGardenStamps</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-54446535140978194842011-03-23T18:50:00.000-07:002011-03-24T10:04:59.263-07:00Etsy Favorites - SeasonsGleanings<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67020285/locavores-dream-spiral"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2SLyizcodIg/TYqkC17CpOI/AAAAAAAAC2U/rksfC7plf2I/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587458656447931618" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67020285/locavores-dream-spiral">Locavores Dream Spiral</a><br /></div><br />"Farm fresh card designs" is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SeasonsGleanings">SeasonsGleanings</a> tagline, and their garden inspired greeting cards are just too cute and clever to keep to myself! I love this shop for a variety of reasons. The first is obvious - I have a love for all things gardening and the beauty of the harvest. The second is because I've always loved playing with natural materials and making patterns. Be it at the beach with shells and different colored sand, to quiet woodland moments arranging leaves, acorns and twigs in various patterns. The desire to arrange natural forms really resonates with me. I also appreciate this seller's efforts to be green, not only with their thumb ;) but with their packaging and processing. Be sure to check out their shop and buy a card or two for the green thumb in your life! <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SeasonsGleanings">http://www.etsy.com/shop/SeasonsGleanings</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67016484/asparagus-mandala-card"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WSfpK0LjCmg/TYqlrVDKveI/AAAAAAAAC2k/sbjV1cNCjK0/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587460451509911010" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67016484/asparagus-mandala-card">Asparagus Mandala</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66812970/hap-pea-birthday"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 251px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSfT06eP_Gc/TYqlGcp7IrI/AAAAAAAAC2c/uVy6Sq2SMBY/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587459817896354482" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66812970/hap-pea-birthday">Hap-pea Birthday</a><br /></div><br />In their own words: <span style="font-style: italic;">"While growing up, my mother never had to coax me to clean my plate. Never a picky eater, I was BORN loving food!</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> I'm particularly fond of all types of fresh produce, whether growing it, preparing it, sharing it, eating it or photographing it; I am unabashedly obsessed with garden and farm grown food!</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> I've grown much of our own food for over 30 years, and worked on several organic farms in Whatcom County in Northwest Washington state for the past 15.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />A slight detour from farming during those years led me to start a local gleaning effort, which turned into Small Potatoes Gleaning Project, which I ran for about 8 years, after which it became a program of the Bellingham Food Bank. This combination of experiences inspired me to create unique card designs using fruits and veggies to spell out messages for all occasions.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Season’s Gleanings cards are inspired by the vibrant diversity of crops that grow in Whatcom county in northwest Washington state.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Designs are created using fruits, vegetables, and other gathered plants from forest edge to river’s bank, then photographed to make cards that bring delight to young and old, for any occasion, all year round! I use the greenest materials I can find, including 100% green energy in our home office where my cards are made, and strive to use as many local services as possible in the production of my cards. The messages of Season’s Gleanings cards are enduring, and made with joy and a deep reverence for the planet that sustains us, along with the hope that cards will be kept or shared for years of continued enjoyment. Season’s Gleanings is committed to food justice and donates a percentage of profits to local projects working to strengthen our food system so that all may be nourished.</span>"<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67390777/peas-on-earth"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZmdrqqI-yY/TYqjtv5WhMI/AAAAAAAAC2M/UzjDA0pHZIk/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587458294052979906" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67390777/peas-on-earth">Peas on Earth</a><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-24669797633976399662011-03-20T20:26:00.000-07:002011-04-20T00:26:22.611-07:00Nate Luke's 2011 Seed Promo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sOvBlPEx32k/TYbI3aBqpqI/AAAAAAAAC2E/ZqFKMNJKr-8/s1600/nate.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNjK2DpXkO0/TYbFmAReZcI/AAAAAAAAC18/fHfLgC5py0I/s1600/SeedPromo20112.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 221px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNjK2DpXkO0/TYbFmAReZcI/AAAAAAAAC18/fHfLgC5py0I/s400/SeedPromo20112.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586369644498675138" border="0" /></a>I am in love with this amazing seed promotional package put together by the fabulous photographer, <a href="http://blog.nateluke.com/">Nate Luke</a>. You'll see he used my string beans stamp and, in the video, you'll see my carrot stamp was used on a muslin bag. I always love seeing how people use my stamps and this was a wonderful discovery! He was also featured on <a href="http://blog.noplasticsleeves.com/?p=2674">No Plastic Sleeves</a>.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/18654027" frameborder="0" height="225" width="400"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/18654027">Seed Promo 2011</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3851526">Nate Luke</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sOvBlPEx32k/TYbI3aBqpqI/AAAAAAAAC2E/ZqFKMNJKr-8/s1600/nate.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sOvBlPEx32k/TYbI3aBqpqI/AAAAAAAAC2E/ZqFKMNJKr-8/s400/nate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586373242004350626" border="0" /></a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-86300495533861717202011-03-07T17:41:00.000-08:002011-04-20T14:31:58.546-07:00Spring Fever!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69549328/flower-garden-border-hand-carved-rubber"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xiK52Alpkko/TXWJm2NxwCI/AAAAAAAAC00/f5SVzeyHf8s/s400/DSCN4470.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581518613676933154" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69549328/flower-garden-border-hand-carved-rubber">Flower garden border set</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69543403/large-robin-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_g-EQ4bP194/TXWJhvpjbII/AAAAAAAAC0s/ce2oXoYrX5Y/s400/DSCN4466.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581518526015040642" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69543403/large-robin-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">Robin</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69536534/hand-made-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 327px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hkrP7vE81Xg/TXWJc6s93mI/AAAAAAAAC0k/zgpCXmglMVc/s400/DSCN4463.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581518443082800738" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69536534/hand-made-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">"Hand Made"</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Any designs you'd like to see? Leave a comment and let me know!<br /></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-9300767238429394402011-03-06T17:14:00.000-08:002011-04-20T14:32:22.522-07:00New stamp designsLots of things growing in the garden for spring! Click on any of the images to be directed to purchasing information in my Etsy shop.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69424645/violet-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 319px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7c4kWewbUs/TXQzKjXrDkI/AAAAAAAAC0c/UFcVXDweMuQ/s400/DSCN4410.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581142094605127234" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69424645/violet-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">Violet</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69424776/large-sage-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 327px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZ7Xsc9VJ4M/TXQy6pMdwvI/AAAAAAAAC0U/c32bRWyM4ak/s400/DSCN4407.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581141821290824434" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69424776/large-sage-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">Sage</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69422961/large-stem-with-leaves-hand-carved"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5tEKPzvfvU8/TXQy2oXnGyI/AAAAAAAAC0M/4kqs3QkN2gw/s400/DSCN4416.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581141752349661986" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69422961/large-stem-with-leaves-hand-carved">Stem with leaves</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69423803/butterfly-flower-hand-carved-rubber"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VsofSX29WIc/TXQyzNTR3nI/AAAAAAAAC0E/6CoqjbepO_8/s400/DSCN4419.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581141693544128114" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69423803/butterfly-flower-hand-carved-rubber">Butterfly flower</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69423975/tulip-blossom-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 347px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EbXV5Ot1RCM/TXQywbJys1I/AAAAAAAACz8/C20F8mIxPxc/s400/DSCN4423.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581141645722825554" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69423975/tulip-blossom-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">Tulip blossom</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69424147/folk-art-flower-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bu0gAsJW_Go/TXQyrwDlkyI/AAAAAAAACz0/sOF44elFvPc/s400/DSCN4426.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581141565434598178" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69424147/folk-art-flower-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">Folk art flower</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69424326/folk-art-flower-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSl-zIxazgk/TXQymWyAWfI/AAAAAAAACzs/8Lt89O4pytU/s400/DSCN4430.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581141472750623218" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69424326/folk-art-flower-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">Folk art flower</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69424446/star-flower-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ER10N9KateU/TXQyhdlvmeI/AAAAAAAACzk/mhnKJBqChVo/s400/DSCN4435.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581141388678896098" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69424446/star-flower-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">Star flower</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69422749/tulips-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 389px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHDwrT2FWZc/TXQyZoQD0iI/AAAAAAAACzc/3cZu3GUfl0k/s400/DSCN4441.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581141254101783074" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69422749/tulips-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">Tulips</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69422524/large-strawberries-on-the-vine-hand"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q5wZ7tpWNA/TXQyVYiEoEI/AAAAAAAACzU/tYQTzm5WPkE/s400/DSCN4444.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581141181162889282" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69422524/large-strawberries-on-the-vine-hand">Strawberries on the vine</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69422361/large-sweet-peas-on-the-vine-hand-carved"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 388px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ooPpFVyOTsc/TXQyP1F8bgI/AAAAAAAACzM/yotUabb6Ai0/s400/DSCN4450.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581141085750324738" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69422361/large-sweet-peas-on-the-vine-hand-carved">Sweet peas on the vine</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69422209/large-calla-lily-hand-carved-rubber"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--IMMes7RMyM/TXQyD_i6swI/AAAAAAAACzE/kacrRzF5hRk/s400/DSCN4453.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581140882397770498" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69422209/large-calla-lily-hand-carved-rubber">Calla lilies</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69421607/large-cherry-tomatoes-on-the-vine-hand"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QRBugWX969w/TXQyADQ6ouI/AAAAAAAACy8/c4GPgslsAEU/s400/DSCN4456.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581140814676533986" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69421607/large-cherry-tomatoes-on-the-vine-hand">Cherry tomatoes on the vine</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69423592/rose-hand-carved-rubber-stamp-small"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0evXHKzneto/TXQx11newiI/AAAAAAAACy0/291rsGgvbh4/s400/DSCN4403.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581140639214387746" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69423592/rose-hand-carved-rubber-stamp-small">Small rose</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69423319/rose-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m0uWWt5-wM8/TXQxyKzTmPI/AAAAAAAACys/XbiK8y04Mrc/s400/DSCN4400.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581140576181655794" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69423319/rose-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">Rose</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-52061358824901579132011-03-06T16:19:00.000-08:002011-04-20T14:52:08.436-07:00My new favorite tool!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwTUadlnPEE/TXQkvU8Px8I/AAAAAAAACyk/N7NI-3gTgo0/s1600/light.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 328px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwTUadlnPEE/TXQkvU8Px8I/AAAAAAAACyk/N7NI-3gTgo0/s400/light.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581126233712740290" border="0" /></a>At night, without the aid of natural light it can be an eye strain to work on carving stamps. I can't believe it took me so long to realize the answer was right there on our bookshelf - a book light! I just thought I'd share this tip in case anyone reading is also a stamp carver. Cheers!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-58481653394566871842011-03-03T14:15:00.001-08:002011-04-20T14:32:45.794-07:00Flower Garden stamp set<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69284838/set-of-5-flower-shapes-hand-carved"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 319px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3uYS9cNxyco/TXATlPimW9I/AAAAAAAACyc/Bdwg8B5mcLA/s400/DSCN4396.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579981468859784146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69284838/set-of-5-flower-shapes-hand-carved"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 382px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7cHdQatAIKI/TXAThsrGRFI/AAAAAAAACyU/Y_nHu8ZSvrk/s400/DSCN4397.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579981407960581202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69284838/set-of-5-flower-shapes-hand-carved"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-me67Li838xk/TXATckE8WtI/AAAAAAAACyM/RZGJobpyHIU/s400/DSCN4391.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579981319753718482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69284838/set-of-5-flower-shapes-hand-carved"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 249px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h-cK0xAEOE8/TXATYTDa0AI/AAAAAAAACyE/R6u1dC16X8o/s400/DSCN4398.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579981246464446466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69284838/set-of-5-flower-shapes-hand-carved"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 397px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A27sMY9--K0/TXATTzpWspI/AAAAAAAACx8/epOuywFCZNg/s400/DSCN4393.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579981169314149010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69284838/set-of-5-flower-shapes-hand-carved"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgLgCQXHTl8/TXATP9fWwHI/AAAAAAAACx0/0OawFFdykVs/s400/DSCN4394.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579981103237087346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJ_37OAMYxQ/TXATLGiYu8I/AAAAAAAACxs/PgjS83yP2Rw/s1600/DSCN4396.jpg"><br /></a>This new set of five flower stamps is all you need to get you garden growing! Sets of 3 are also available for purchase. Buy them today for yourself or as a great gift at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenGardenStamps">Green Garden Stamps</a>.<br /><br />Click on the links below to see purchasing details:<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69284838/set-of-5-flower-shapes-hand-carved">SET OF FIVE FLOWER STAMPS</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69287964/set-of-3-flower-shapes-hand-carved">SET OF THREE FLOWER STAMPS</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-42774279651527747032011-03-01T18:08:00.000-08:002011-04-20T14:34:46.776-07:00Green Garden Stamps - 1 Year Anniversary and Lessons Learned<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65947381/large-folk-art-flower-hand-carved-rubber"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzZD0ptUwwU/TW2nO1qHL6I/AAAAAAAACw0/jTHiZlh7HkI/s400/DSCN4253.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579299386745630626" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65947381/large-folk-art-flower-hand-carved-rubber">Large folk art flower</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">2010 was a wonderful start for Green Garden Stamps. I opened shop in February with a vision in mind, changed course several times, learned tons of lessons, and by the holiday season I felt like GGS advanced from it's shifting sea legs to an established and growing business.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenGardenStamps/search?search_query=hungarian&search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5800259&shopname=GreenGardenStamps"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 354px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uT-AE0wJjoc/TW2yk_yLLdI/AAAAAAAACw8/Xe0QJZlEzro/s400/DSCN4255.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579311862048828882" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenGardenStamps/search?search_query=hungarian&search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5800259&shopname=GreenGardenStamps">Hungarian folk art collection</a><br /></div><br />If you've read previous posts, you know that I really wanted to make one of a kind stamps. It was part of my original vision and intention for the shop. Sometimes, though, what you think you want isn't what will actually work <span style="font-style: italic;">best</span>, and this was one of those times. Now that I have switched over to made to order stamps, I am thrilled! It's made things easier for me as a seller because I only have to photograph stamps once and I can just re-list sold items. In turn, that frees up time to focus on carving new designs. The artist in me wanted OOAK, but in reality, that only works with higher end items. For a low-mid price range the sage advice of seasoned Etsy sellers is to make/list items you can make over and over again. I'm so glad I took this advice as it has taken my business from a place of working harder than necessary for inconsistent results, to simplifying my process and gaining in sales and exposure.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68386302/large-iris-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9k-DBVISHXM/TW2zkhV3XlI/AAAAAAAACxE/jrF5SlNEBdM/s400/DSCN4359.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579312953388654162" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68386302/large-iris-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">Large iris stamp</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I must admit, there was a bit of stubbornness involved in why it took me so long to recognize the obvious and follow suit. "I want to be <span style="font-style: italic;">different</span>!". Well, yes, different is good. But I already <span style="font-style: italic;">am</span> different just in the way I carve and the sorts of images I design. I wonder if my stubbornness would have lasted longer if I hadn't made this stamp.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62453154/made-with-love-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 360px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MATGh0L_VKo/TW20ex0OzLI/AAAAAAAACxM/eRgUENnMa10/s400/DSCN3725.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579313954243398834" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62453154/made-with-love-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">Made with Love stamp</a><br /></div><br />I made this stamp before I opened up the GGS shop. Since I was at the time focused on OOAK stamps, this one was too "used" to sell so I made some gift tags with it. In my mind, the <span style="font-style: italic;">tags</span> would become the repeatable product. After the second, third, forth custom order came in for the stamp itself, I finally succumbed to creating my first made to order listing. Now it's my most popular stamp to date!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68386461/large-tulip-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G726zLSVKyU/TW228UgoH-I/AAAAAAAACxc/A8mnS1wxY0U/s400/DSCN4363.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579316660795875298" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68386461/large-tulip-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">Large tulip stamp</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I guess the great lesson learned, the same one learned in all of life, is to roll with it. You've got a great idea, you put it into action, and only then will you be able to know what works for it and what works against it.<br /><br />I PROMISE dear readers that I will be more consistent in my posting from now on announcing new designs and other fun things. Cheers to spring right around the corner and green things growing again!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68386186/large-sunflower-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 367px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEuMGOT50NE/TW25zuJ-ogI/AAAAAAAACxk/p7Yc_t0z4Tk/s400/DSCN4367.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579319811596263938" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68386186/large-sunflower-hand-carved-rubber-stamp">Large sunflower stamp </a><br /><br /></div>If you aren't already, follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Green-Garden-Stamps/365935598108">facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/GGRubberStamps">twitter</a>.<br /></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-56422932240871777602010-11-30T12:26:00.000-08:002011-04-20T14:52:38.922-07:00Getting in the Christmas Spirit - Family Craft Night<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TPVerwTPX5I/AAAAAAAACtE/Z4hEWwN6i1c/s1600/potstamp.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TPVerwTPX5I/AAAAAAAACtE/Z4hEWwN6i1c/s400/potstamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545442621969620882" border="0" /></a>Today, after carving some custom rubber stamp orders, I moved onto carving two snowflake potato stamps to make hand printed gift wrap. This is a really easy project that anyone can do at home. All you need is a firm potato (uncooked, obviously), a sponge brush (that you can pick up for pennies at any hardware store), acrylic paint (I like Basics brand but any craft acrylic paint will do), paper, and carving tools. Below is an idea for a great craft night for you and your family!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">FAMILY CRAFT NIGHT</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> - </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >HOMEMADE RECYCLED GIFT WRAP</span><br />The next time you're at the grocery store, ask for paper instead of plastic and be sure to have a sack of potatoes on your list! Other materials you'll need are acrylic craft paint OR finger paint depending on the kid's ages (the basic, festive colors of red, green and white should do), wide sponge brushes as seen above, and assorted cutting tools which could include a lino cutter (if you have one), metal cookie cutters, sharp pencils, paring knives, forks to create lines and texture, and anything else around the house that you could use to carve the potato.<br /><br />Start by cutting the paper bags to make flat sheets of paper, cutting away the bottom of the bag rectangle. On a clean table, lay down some newspaper and then lay the paper down to be printed.<br /><br />Cut potatoes in half with a sharp knife (not serrated). If you're using cookie cutters to cut out shapes, slice the bottom of the potato half off so you have a 2" slice. As you (the grown up) are cutting the potatoes, the kids can work on drawing out simple designs they'd like to make.<br /><br />The cookie cutter idea is great for little ones as they get to pick out the shape they want and you can do the cutting (metal cookie cutters are much too sharp for them to use themselves). Then they can get right to the fun part of stamping. Older kids that you trust with a paring knife, however, are free to explore their creativity either carving <span style="font-style: italic;">out </span>designs or <span style="font-style: italic;">around</span> designs. Remind them that the part they are carving won't have paint and you could make a sample stamp beforehand just to show them how it works.<br /><br />In preparing your paint, you can use a regular plate or paper plate if you prefer. Squeeze out a healthy amount of paint and keeping dabbing the sponge brush into the paint, working it until it's saturated with paint. You can experiment to find that perfect amount where it's not too much and it's not too little. Basically, the sponge acts as an ink pad and you want to dab your potato stamp onto it to get an even, not too heavy-not too light, layer of paint.<br /><br />Once you've got the "inkpads" aka sponge brushes "loaded" you can do a few tests prints on scrap paper to show the kids how you dab it onto the sponge, then press it down firmly on the paper, trying not to move it around (as that will blur the print) and then dab it on the sponge again every time before you print. This information will be useful for the older ones, the younger ones will surely just dive in and have a ball. If they are young enough to get messy and be covered in paint by the end of this exercise, you should use finger paint instead. It might not make as good a print as acrylic, but it's a safer paint for little ones to get messy with and when they're that little, does print quality even matter? It's just about the fun!<br /><br />Once they are finished stamping, everyone can go clean up, wait for the paint to dry, and have some cocoa. Drying time will depend on the thickness and saturation of paint on the paper. The paper I made above took about 10 minutes to dry, maybe less. But I've taught kids that end up with a sea of paint on a thin slice of paper, so anything's possible when it comes to making art with children!<br /><br />If you do want to use it as wrapping paper, you don't want the paint to be thick because it will crack and peel off, especially when you start to fold it. But I find projects like these to be launching pads for creativity. You may start out with the idea of wrapping paper but one child will decide they want to make a book cover or another will want to cut it out and make ornaments or bookmarks - you name it. Roll with it and have a great time!<br /><br />If you happen to try this at home, I'd LOVE to see pictures of your process and results and I'd love to share them here on the blog!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TPVelYV2mhI/AAAAAAAACs8/gt09aNMQFKg/s1600/DSCN3984.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 389px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TPVelYV2mhI/AAAAAAAACs8/gt09aNMQFKg/s400/DSCN3984.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545442512458914322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Hand stamped snowflake paper</span><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-70775025538832343182010-10-29T12:13:00.000-07:002011-04-20T14:39:25.606-07:00My true inspiration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69422961/large-stem-with-leaves-hand-carved"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TMsdSg54oyI/AAAAAAAACpk/ptOyRXrUz0w/s400/DSCN3671.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533548771062358818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69423975/tulip-blossom-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 323px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TMsdIYgIJhI/AAAAAAAACpc/H97ovLfjnvI/s400/DSCN3668.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533548597008147986" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69424147/folk-art-flower-hand-carved-rubber-stamp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TMsdECBJr0I/AAAAAAAACpU/apnuOUxyQz0/s400/DSCN3666.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533548522253168450" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click on the images above to be directed to their Etsy listings.</span><br /></div><br />This is the real inspiration for my stamp shop and something I wish to remind myself of whenever I'm at a loss for what I'm doing or why...<br /><br /> This shop is truly an ode to my grandmother Irma. She came from a family of Hungarian immigrants and married my grandfather who was part of a long lineage of a New England farming family. On this farm, a magical place that was the playground of my youth, she raised three daughters, canned and froze their harvest, tended to bountiful flower gardens, and in the meantime painted in her later years. She was a phenomenal painter. Not just in her still lives and landscapes, but also in her folk art applications to plates and pitchers, let alone her embroidered designs on linens. As a child, I was so enamored by her books about Hungarian folk art - they were bold, beautiful, floral designs that sang to me in a vivid color palette. This influence - the folk art of my heritage, the appreciation of gardening and art all contributed to making this shop what it is. I hope that her legacy of pure grace and simple beauty will live on through my creations in her honor.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-48426035753854276952010-10-20T21:59:00.000-07:002011-04-20T14:53:01.723-07:00Clear acrylic mounts for unmounted rubber stamps<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TL_JHwF51aI/AAAAAAAACn0/Rk4YhFeKBX8/s1600/mount.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 327px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TL_JHwF51aI/AAAAAAAACn0/Rk4YhFeKBX8/s400/mount.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530360002440189346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TL_I_48ZCKI/AAAAAAAACns/ye6Ex4CYR80/s1600/mount1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 340px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TL_I_48ZCKI/AAAAAAAACns/ye6Ex4CYR80/s400/mount1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530359867377256610" border="0" /></a><br />Clear acrylic mounts are a great tool to compliment my unmounted floral rubber stamps. With a little double sided tape, you can adhere stamps temporarily to the mount in a set pattern to be repeated as a border or intricate pattern. The best part is that you can use and re-use the mount as much as you want. It allows for more storage space for new stamps rather than bulky mounts. Another asset of acrylic mounts is the ability to see where you are stamping.<br /><br />How do you like to use rubber stamps?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-39279734401472275602010-10-04T19:05:00.000-07:002010-10-04T19:07:59.328-07:00Interview with Nuok<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nuok.it/2010/10/today-in-new-york-jessica-torrant/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TKqIGLH4tTI/AAAAAAAACjE/fOBBtJy7SQE/s400/Screen+shot+2010-10-04+at+10.05.00+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524377532569793842" border="0" /></a>Check out my new interview with the Italian website <a href="http://www.nuok.it/">nuok</a> about my stamps <a href="http://www.nuok.it/2010/10/today-in-new-york-jessica-torrant/">here</a>!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-7908863267546108532010-09-17T11:40:00.000-07:002011-04-20T14:53:27.645-07:00Working with unmounted stamps<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6ROM-hOaapM?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6ROM-hOaapM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TJO2bqxPnXI/AAAAAAAAChE/9BxpGv4dh54/s1600/DSCN1723.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 338px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TJO2bqxPnXI/AAAAAAAAChE/9BxpGv4dh54/s400/DSCN1723.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517954554912546162" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/43558513/grow-your-own-flower-garden-rubber-stamp"><span style="font-style: italic;">Grow Your Own Flower Garden stamp set of 8</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The more I learn about rubber stamping, the more I get into the usage end of things as well as the design and production. As you may know from <a href="http://greengardenstamps.blogspot.com/2010/08/take-my-poll-and-enter-to-win-free-set.html">previous posts</a>, I've been wrestling with mounts, trying to find the perfect one and the best way to print/varnish/etc. them. I am now discovering on message boards and stamp sites how many people prefer stamps to be unmounted for easier storage, less cost and usability. One woman used unmounted face stamps to wrap around her fabric doll faces (the effect was quite beautiful!). Another stamper talked about how she liked unmounted stamps because she was very particular about her mounts - in her case, they had to all be the same exact brand of wood mount. Many others liked to use them with acrylic mounts and <a href="http://sundayint.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=57">EZMount</a>. Looking into this technique, I see this would be a marvelous way to use my flower garden stamp sets like the one above. You can attach several stamps on one block creating a pattern.<br /><br />This makes me want to take mounts out of the equation all together. <a href="http://greengardenstamps.blogspot.com/search/label/Kristin%20Lee">Kristin Lee's stamps</a> were unmounted and I have sold several of the unmounted flower garden sets. (I need to make more!). Now I want to buy some acrylic blocks and play! My stamps are thicker rubber than the ones in the video and that extra thickness gives you the cushioning you need so you won't need that layer of foam. I could check out the EZMount, but I think that double sided tape will work just fine. In fact, I've got an <a href="http://www.framingsupplies.com/3M/TapeDispenserGuns.htm">ATG gun</a> and that will work even better because it sticks great then rubs off like rubber cement.<br /><br />Yay! So that's that. I've got some new one of a kind stamps to share and I'm going to be listing them unmounted. Some sweet stamps are coming soon - stay tuned!<br /></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-49321681760745286602010-09-17T10:48:00.000-07:002011-04-20T00:27:54.721-07:00Kristin Lee Cards - take two!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TJOqPZgY7BI/AAAAAAAACg8/v1XPCCOeaKo/s1600/card.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TJOqPZgY7BI/AAAAAAAACg8/v1XPCCOeaKo/s400/card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517941149980486674" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56553970/blank-card-clay-pot-and-abstract-design"><span style="font-style: italic;">Blank card - Clay Pot and Abstract Design by Kristin Lee Cards</span></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TJOqJXoiGHI/AAAAAAAACg0/yHdn66WNItM/s1600/DSCN3219.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TJOqJXoiGHI/AAAAAAAACg0/yHdn66WNItM/s400/DSCN3219.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517941046398556274" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://greengardenstamps.etsy.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Abstract flower stamp by Green Garden Stamps</span></a><br /></div><br />Here is another gorgeous handmade card created by Kristin of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kristinleecards">Greeting Cards by Kristin Lee</a> made with my stamp as seen above and another stamp by a fellow Etsy carver. It's always so much fun to see what people make with my stamps!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-59076894715037460242010-09-11T12:15:00.000-07:002011-04-20T00:28:29.859-07:00Greeting Cards by Kristin Lee<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TIvVhXkVx4I/AAAAAAAACfs/sc5Vo3G3XbM/s1600/card.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 376px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TIvVhXkVx4I/AAAAAAAACfs/sc5Vo3G3XbM/s400/card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515736937884141442" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56083911/blank-card-blue-and-green-abstract">Blank Card - Blue and Green Abstract by Kristin Lee Cards</a><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TIvVdMNqmWI/AAAAAAAACfk/NOekFek90JE/s1600/DSCN3223.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 383px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TIvVdMNqmWI/AAAAAAAACfk/NOekFek90JE/s400/DSCN3223.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515736866116770146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Round abstract stamp by Green Garden Stamps<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">It's always such a thrill to see what people are making with my stamps! Kristin of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kristinleecards">Greeting Cards by Kristin Lee</a> just contacted me to share this marvelous card she made with my round abstract stamp. Isn't it so lovely and fun? Be sure to visit her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kristinleecards">shop</a> for more beautiful, handmade greeting cards for a variety of different occasions!<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-51998551403085172192010-09-10T10:34:00.000-07:002010-09-10T10:38:13.249-07:00Green Garden Stamps Interview!Check out this interview I did with Janelle of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/NomadCraftsSupplies">Nomad Craft Supplies</a> - it's on her blog at <a href="http://anomadthatsupplies.blogspot.com/">http://anomadthatsupplies.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />Thanks Janelle! :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-66154495160095756072010-09-02T13:59:00.000-07:002011-04-20T00:29:00.377-07:00Handmade wedding invitation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TIAQw26gBFI/AAAAAAAACdU/hhaVWfghOnw/s1600/Finished_wedding_invitation_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TIAQw26gBFI/AAAAAAAACdU/hhaVWfghOnw/s400/Finished_wedding_invitation_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512424375462134866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TIAQXVqDbeI/AAAAAAAACdM/cGvLw0agpMI/s1600/DSCN3315.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TIAQXVqDbeI/AAAAAAAACdM/cGvLw0agpMI/s400/DSCN3315.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512423937038052834" border="0" /></a>The customer that purchased my custom sunflower stamp just sent me this image of her finished wedding invitation. Isn't it just gorgeous!? I always love to see what my customers are making and this was a real treat. Congratulations to you Ema and Devin! Here is a wedding blessing for you.<br /><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-family:Book Antiqua,Times New Roman,Times;"><b><i>The Way -- Unknown origin</i></b> <a name="7"></a> </span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Book Antiqua,Times New Roman,Times;">The way is long -- let us go together<br />The way is difficult -- let us help each other<br />The way is joyful -- let us share it<br />The way is ours alone -- let us go in love<br />The way grows before us -- let us begin </span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-10503247829068447392010-08-12T12:01:00.000-07:002010-08-12T12:22:19.664-07:00Take my poll and enter to win a free set of gift tags!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGRIWAw9nAI/AAAAAAAACYM/ufdxAyv3yso/s1600/bluebirds1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGRIWAw9nAI/AAAAAAAACYM/ufdxAyv3yso/s400/bluebirds1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504604187553274882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">TAKE MY POLL AND ENTER TO WIN A SET OF HAND STAMPED GIFT TAGS! </span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGRH5A7tcVI/AAAAAAAACYE/1C8rRf_NuH4/s1600/DSCN2915.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 388px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGRH5A7tcVI/AAAAAAAACYE/1C8rRf_NuH4/s400/DSCN2915.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504603689382146386" border="0" /></a><br />glass?<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGRGoe0yUzI/AAAAAAAACX8/ybfjphVw8IM/s1600/DSCN2075.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGRGoe0yUzI/AAAAAAAACX8/ybfjphVw8IM/s400/DSCN2075.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504602305836766002" border="0" /></a><br />or wood?<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGRFuluvlwI/AAAAAAAACX0/vJlcB21YZWk/s1600/DSCN2956.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 321px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGRFuluvlwI/AAAAAAAACX0/vJlcB21YZWk/s400/DSCN2956.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504601311258056450" border="0" /></a><br />glass?<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGRFOB2lGGI/AAAAAAAACXs/h36hYTKteas/s1600/DSCN1566.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGRFOB2lGGI/AAAAAAAACXs/h36hYTKteas/s400/DSCN1566.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504600751871432802" border="0" /></a><br />or wood?<br /></div><br />I really want to tighten up my product line and part of doing that is deciding between wood or glass mounts for my smaller stamps (larger stamps will remain on wood mounts). Which do you prefer? Your opinion means so much to me that a random commenter will get a set of free gift tags of your choice from my shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/greengardenstamps" target="_blank">http://www.etsy.com/shop/greengardenstamps</a><br /><br />Here's how it works. Leave a comment responding to my question of wood or glass mounts and enter to win in the random drawing. Follow my blog and your name will be counted twice (if you're already following, I will count you twice as well)! Just be sure to leave a way for me to contact you. Poll runs now through Monday, August 16th at which point I'll put all of the names in a hat (literally, my husband has a sweet hat collection! hehe) and choose one at random. I'll announce the winner on the blog. Best of luck to you and thanks in advance for helping me decide which one to go with!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-15721497594468450432010-08-11T11:20:00.000-07:002010-08-11T11:30:21.905-07:00Turkeys!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGLqYJjJhrI/AAAAAAAACW8/HFFhB5O3m4o/s1600/DSCN3320.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 156px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGLqYJjJhrI/AAAAAAAACW8/HFFhB5O3m4o/s400/DSCN3320.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504219395201271474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGLqQ-kC-KI/AAAAAAAACW0/YejAV9MP41s/s1600/DSCN3318.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 123px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGLqQ-kC-KI/AAAAAAAACW0/YejAV9MP41s/s400/DSCN3318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504219271993161890" border="0" /></a>The wild turkey babies are rapidly growing into young adults. They paid me a visit yesterday and were very happy that we've let the lawn go without a mow because they had a buggy feast back there! Thanks to this traveling tribe of bug munching fowl, we haven't seen a tick on our dog once this year (a first). They are a fun animal to observe - cautious, skittish (rightfully so, they are tasty prey and cars are no fun) but when they are in a secure place able to just graze and meander together, they are very peaceful and make the sweetest, soft coos and clucks to one another. It's like a zen meditation when they pass through - a daily experience of stopping what I'm doing to watch the turkeys. It's something I really look forward to and it takes me to a happy, peaceful place. Ha! That's country livin' for ya. ;) <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*gobble gobble*<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997941035107075959.post-54568503987672771462010-08-10T14:41:00.000-07:002011-04-20T14:53:55.824-07:00Step by step - hand carving a sunflower stampI was so happy to get a new commission to create a large sunflower stamp for my customer's wedding invitations. How exciting! Not only carving the largest stamp I think I've ever carved but mostly knowing that something I created will be incorporated into someone's very special day. I began with a sketch approved by the customer. It's roughly 3.5" x 3.5" square (or in this case, circle).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHIR81nFkI/AAAAAAAACWs/hVUs0TFDw4w/s1600/DSCN3307.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 389px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHIR81nFkI/AAAAAAAACWs/hVUs0TFDw4w/s400/DSCN3307.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503900430337775170" border="0" /> </a>I like to sketch in ink, so I've gone over the design with pencil to be burnished onto the rubber as seen above. Basically just trace your design in pencil on paper, flip it onto the rubber, then rub the paper with something smooth like a burnishing board or a smooth handle on a butter knife.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHIMzHrisI/AAAAAAAACWk/F3sbCXgzH3A/s1600/DSCN3308.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHIMzHrisI/AAAAAAAACWk/F3sbCXgzH3A/s400/DSCN3308.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503900341829864130" border="0" /></a><br />Next, I've carved out around the petals with an Exact-o knife.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHIIti-eqI/AAAAAAAACWc/OjaQd7Hi9WE/s1600/DSCN3309.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHIIti-eqI/AAAAAAAACWc/OjaQd7Hi9WE/s400/DSCN3309.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503900271614261922" border="0" /></a><br />Here comes the fun part, carving out the design with my Speedball carving tool.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHID6bA-LI/AAAAAAAACWU/pSfoyhpbBw4/s1600/DSCN3310.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHID6bA-LI/AAAAAAAACWU/pSfoyhpbBw4/s400/DSCN3310.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503900189171185842" border="0" /></a><br />Now to test the stamp - looks great!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHH9RXbs3I/AAAAAAAACWM/bMsrPV98FQs/s1600/DSCN3311.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHH9RXbs3I/AAAAAAAACWM/bMsrPV98FQs/s400/DSCN3311.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503900075071091570" border="0" /></a><br />Now I'm ready to glue the stamp to the back of a prepped wood mount. I have painted it this happy yellow in an acrylic paint and then spray varnished it. I use E-6000 glue for a really solid seal.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHH5I__U4I/AAAAAAAACWE/dXOlgwSZYqQ/s1600/DSCN3312.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 339px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHH5I__U4I/AAAAAAAACWE/dXOlgwSZYqQ/s400/DSCN3312.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503900004105802626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHH0pqpuxI/AAAAAAAACV8/cwSgORucySQ/s1600/DSCN3315.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHH0pqpuxI/AAAAAAAACV8/cwSgORucySQ/s400/DSCN3315.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503899926975331090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHHw8MhzHI/AAAAAAAACV0/RH8AJIkJ218/s1600/DSCN3316.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHHw8MhzHI/AAAAAAAACV0/RH8AJIkJ218/s400/DSCN3316.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503899863229779058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHHsZSIpBI/AAAAAAAACVs/m1LJ2qI9Gqs/s1600/DSCN3317.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 377px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4m1lwpJiZBY/TGHHsZSIpBI/AAAAAAAACVs/m1LJ2qI9Gqs/s400/DSCN3317.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503899785138578450" border="0" /></a>For the top of the wood mount, I've added a stamped piece of sticker paper and spray varnished it again (it will get a couple more coats when it's done). All that's left to do is lacquer the exposed wood in the back and it will be good to go!<br /><br />This will be going out to a very kind customer that's been a pleasure to work with but I think this may be the start of something as far as a prototype for over sized stamps. What other designs would you like to see in this large scale?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com7