Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Carved Mermaid Project & Giveaway!

It's been awhile since I've carved stamps, but it's definitely something I really love to do, and find it very relaxing. If you've never done this before don't let it intimidate you! It really is fun and easier then you think. Stick to a simple design the first time around. I use soft white or grey carving rubber that can be found online or at your local art store. There are several different types of cutters you can choose from. My suggestion is to pick one that comes with several different cutting ends. The one I have pictured here is made by Speedball.

Step 1. Draw with a pencil your design like I did above or you can trace a design you like onto the rubber using graphite paper. Its probably a good idea here to remind you NOT to do what I did and write your wording the right direction....what I meant to do was write it backwards, so when it's stamped it reads the correct way ( Obviously I was sniffing paint fumes when I was doing mine!), but not all is lost (see below).
2. Carefully carve your stamp (small cuts are better then big ones). Just in case you accidental forget to write your wording backwards like me LOL You can use an xacto knife to cut around your image like I did above.
Step 3. Next color your postcard background
using chalk inks direct to paper. Keep lighter
colors towards the center and the darker
colors towards the edges.
Step 4. Ink and stamp your stamp (I usually mist the
stamp very lightly with water to make it juicy before I stamp it).

Step 5. Using fine gel pens, paint pens or micron pens outline your stamped image and add detail to it (Notice how the detailing helped pop the stamped image).
Step 6. Next I added a piece of printed transparency over the image (it helps add depth). You can adhere with brads, two-way sticky tape around the edges, vellum tape or run it through your Xyron.
Finished Carved Mermaid Postcard

*Giveaway*
Would you like this Postcard sent to you?
Leave me a comment and include your EMAIL (this is a must or I can't contact you) and I'll have my son draw a name 2 weeks from now and whose ever name he pulls I'll mail you the postcard to YOU! :-)
Don't forget about OTM's Summer Sizzle Special
Click the link below for the coupon code:

52 comments:

  1. What could be better than a beautiful mermaid stamp! Great tutorial (as always) and wonderful stamp.

    Joanne

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  2. Well you know how much I love mermaids!! This is so cool! Thank you again for easy to follow directions (I have all those supplies in Alabama and have never used them!)
    hugs,
    jackie
    dixiespell@aol.com

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  3. Lovely design and great job carving it!

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  4. WOW...that is beautiful Aileen!!! I would love to receive that postcard!! You are sooo talented and I am sooo lucky to have found your blog!! Here's my e-mail addy just in case...

    wwilloww@yahoo.com

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  5. Great stamp!

    And since I have mermaids of various shapes and sizes all over my art room walls, winning your postcard would be devine.

    I also love your stamp. Care to sell it to me?

    Here's my e-mail in case you draw my name: cafeartiste@hotmail.com

    Thanks!
    Andrea

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  6. What a great stamp! I haven't carved for ages... I must do some more now you've created the urge!!
    I'd love this postcard - fingers crossed!

    Rosie (NGS)
    rrdianic@gmail.com

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  7. That is a great tutorial! I cant wait to try some carving myself! I would love to see your postcard in real! hugs, monique.verbeek@gmail.com

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  8. wow ... what a FUN mermaid! Thanks for sharing your tutorial.

    jan

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  9. hi aileen
    beautiful carving and great 'tut'e :) i remember doing this in high school and it was fun then-i am sure it still is:)
    thanks for sharing i would love a chance at your postcard
    enjoy your day
    tabby
    tjo196@aol.com

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  10. Aileen,

    As always your work is amazing. Thanks for sharing your talent!

    Sondra Jo
    marahet254@bresnan.net

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  11. Aileen, you always have wonderful tutorials and project inspiration. The mermaid stamp is wonderful. I am truly inspired and feel the need to run to Hobby Lobby and get more supplies to try this.
    Denise
    alphaneenee@yahoo.com

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  12. Aileen, that is just the coolest stamp!! I would love to receive that postcard.

    Note to Aileen's son: pick me pick me pick me!! (smiles)

    SLGoodloe@hotmail.com

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  13. Hi, The postcard is beautiful. I love the detail in the hair and tail. Thanks for the chance to win. utahdevines@gmail.com

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  14. This piece is outstanding! I have got to try carving my own stamps. You always give such great tutorials. I would love to receive this postcard.

    donna

    paytonsgramma@msn.com

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  15. ADD ME!!

    Deana
    deezart2008@aol.com

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  16. This mermaid stamp ROCKS! I'm so impressed with your writing, even if it needed to be backwards. Girl, you could design stamps!

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  17. Jaw dropping amazing.. love it.
    Judy
    judysheart@gmail.com

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  18. GORGEOUS! We are a bit mermaid and sea crazy in this house :-) Love this stamp... it may inspire me to actually pick up that piece of rubber and carving tool... thanks for sharing, as always.
    Lisa
    Mrscooz@gmail.com

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  19. Wow! I love the colors....... really looks inspired by the ocean. Fabulous talent, TFS.

    Penney
    penney.klaproth@cox.net

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  20. Hi Aileen,

    I have never carved a stamp but you make it sound easy. Love the look--I have an entire area of mermaid art in my workroom.

    Autumn Labbe-Renault
    autumn@dcn.org

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  21. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT Just like all the things you do. I really enjoy your web site. Keep up the good work.

    Kim Miner

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  22. This looks so easy. I must try it. Your mermaid turned out so pretty!
    Marilyn
    hrt2art@yahoo.com

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  23. She's so pretty. Thank you for sharing the tutorial, you make it look so easy! Please put me in the drawing!
    Amy
    atclong@yahoo.com

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  24. This is BEAUTIFUL!!!

    artbeth67@yahoo.com

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  25. By golly this sure looks like fun and something even I could do...You did a wonderful job in explaining your steps and the way you salvaged your stamp when you wrote the words the wrong direction gives me hope that if I screw it up I can call you for advice.
    Jean Carter jeancart@woh.rr.com

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  26. love your carving...I have done two carvings but just shapes and such...prefer your mermaid...just beautiful!!!!
    thanks for sharing it all~
    Ellie
    Jibaro6543@aol.com

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  27. I have seen good carving but your work is TOPS! Truly beautiful.
    Thanks for sharing.
    -Julie

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  28. Love the mermaid Aileen. I've tried to post here a few times with no luck...my message never comes up.
    Jane W.
    janewid@hotmail.com
    PS I think I should win as I knew all of the answers in the precious clay class. lol

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  29. aaaaaaaaaaaah it worked I never did the lettery identity thingy. lol
    Jane W.
    janewid@hotmail.com

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  30. Love the mermaid and all your other creations and tutorials that you post.
    Rena
    rossat@telusplanet.net

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  31. What a great inspiration. I've had a hunk of carving rubber and the tools for quite some time now. This was the inspiration I needed to get down to brass tacks and DO it.
    Beryl
    foodie14612@yahoo.com

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  32. Thank you so much. I have been dying to try and create a stamp and you are the first person to tell what supplies to use and your directions are easy enough for me to understand...which is really saying something if you knew me and how I feel about people's directions!!!

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  33. That was a fascinating look into how you made that and it turned out incredibly well! I could follow your directions to the nth degree and mine would still look like a kindergarten fingerpainting mistake. The postcard is beautiful and I'd have to frame it on my wall as a decoration in my scrapbooking room.
    doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
    Elizabeth

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  34. Thank you so much! I have a drawer full of erasers for carving. I have never found a good tut to use them. Where did you get the larger eraser for carving. I could only find one inch ones. Anyway, a beauiful Mermaid! You are a great artist!
    I really like the transparency added also!

    God bless.......Diana

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  35. I love the way the stamp came out and the postcard too!!! If you ever tire of this beautiful stamp, i would love to buy it from you.

    Brigitte

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  36. I would love to be in the drawing for the mermaid postcard. I love mermaids!

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  37. That is gorgeous. I want it. Did Morgan get that $20 I sent him?

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  38. I love this technique. Please include me in the drawing. eiggam44@yahoo.com

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  39. It's so pretty!
    leporeaz1@cox.net

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  40. Lovely Aileen. I want to pack up and go to the beach, along with stamp carving supplies of course =o) Let her know she will have a loving home here.
    Jeanette
    spudkitty4@hotmail.com

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  41. I just got back from the beach and i absolutely love this stamp!

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  42. Absolutely gorgeous! I love mermaids!

    Trish - zoella_2000@yahoo.com

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  43. Wow!! That is so cool! I see some new things I'm going to have to try...

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  44. Very Cool, I too carve rubberstamps, but not with such panache! (oh, I was also a mermaid in my last life) Keep up the good work. Claudette

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  45. I left the last comment as anonymous. now I am registered as claudette. Ta Da!

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  46. I really love mermaids and this turned out wonderful. I have never tried making my own stamp. Your directions look very simple that I think I might like to try this.

    Val

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  47. I love what you did with that stamp. I have always wanted to carve my own - I believe you have inspired me to try - Thank you - Sandy

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  48. Wow yes please I would adore that postcard
    never seen a stamp made before what a great idea
    Need site
    Pansy_28@yahoo.com

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  49. She's beautiful, and would look great hanging in my studio with other ocean-themed art from my online friends! Thanks for the tutorial!
    ericssonATchristianlivingDOTnet

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  50. Hi, Aileen!
    cool! she's lovely! i've been wanting to try to carve a stamp, and you made it look so simple! (but then again, so did my art teacher, and i dropped that class cause it was too stressful!! lol!)
    I want to carve the stones of CALLANISH, of course, since i've been unable to find a stamp.
    pick me and i'll play you a tune!! :~)
    denise
    goofypiper@yahoo.com

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  51. Aileen,

    How inspirational! I'm going to get carving...love the added vellum too. Wow girl, that's great.

    Carving words looks real tricky...glad you pointed that out.

    Take care,

    Lisa
    lpaulson@puc.edu

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