Welcome to Guest Designer Vicki Ross!!!
Hold on to your hats because Vicki has not ONE but TWO VIDEOS for you to see her process!!!!
Rubber Stamp Carving and Paper Casting
by Vicki Ross
Vicki Ross here! Sharing is something I really enjoy doing, and to do it here with StencilGirl is very special to me.
Most artists love to experiment to see how new techniques fit with their own style. Many of us do not have full art and craft stores just down the street and have to rely on ordering online. I am a fan of Amazon Prime, and with free 2-day shipping the ordering is not so painful…especially since I like instant gratification. Also being somewhat frugal, I hate to use expensive art supplies to experiment. Yeah, I know, what if I create a masterpiece on a piece of junk paper? I have reached a point in my artistic life where I don’t paint on cheap paper or canvas. But, mixed media? Sky is the limit…and I found a perfect solution for higher priced stamp cutting supports.
This material is rubber, same as rubber stamps, and you can buy it at home improvement stores in the plumbing department as gasket material or plumber’s pack for $2 a 6x6” sheet. Get the 1/8” thick. I also found it on Amazon in a 24x24” sheet for $14. It works GREAT!
Then I asked myself, why would anyone want to do a rubber stamp from a stencil design? This question ran through my head for several days and I finally came up with an idea to see if I could do paper casting using toilet paper. It WORKED!
I used a stencil by Maria McGuire, Doodle It Rose, and one by Seth Apter, Urban Outsiders. You need to choose a stencil with larger areas for the paper casting technique because the paper needs to be able to sink into the cut areas. By using two stencils, one a positive and one a negative of each stencil, I was able to create many different looks.
Here is the video of the carving process:
Can't see the video? Click HERE.
The videos show some steps of the entire process, but much is cut out to save you the boredom of watching me carve for hours. I’ve tried to show you the highlights, so forgive any rough spots. I also wanted to show you how I create spontaneously…with a general idea, but always willing to let my Muse take over. Sometimes even the goofs turn out great!
Use your imagination with these paper castings. They would make great journal cover embellishments, smooth surfaces for painting, or frames for special images. I would love to see what you create with them!
Materials:
Rubber Gasket material
Speedball linocut tools or wood carving tools
Scissors
X-acto knife
Toilet paper
Small stencil brush
Small foam roller
Turntable
Spray Bottle with water
Spray Bottle with water
Author bio:
Vicki Ross is focused on sharing her journey to art and how life events can shape us through creativity. www.Axully.com Vicki has always been involved deeply in the creative arts, from professional soft crafts publications (knitting/crochet/needlework) to French Hand-sewing, stenciling to macramé, oil painting to encaustics. Whatever your leaning, she believes in the healing power of creating.
You can see more of Vicki’s work at VickiRossArt or via blog posts HERE Solid. Useful. Beautiful
