Friday, August 17, 2012

Come Journey with Me

 
I had an itch today to carve a stamp.


I had to stop and think a minute how to transfer it onto the stamp. Xylene did the trick.
I also like the smell of it. It's like smelling gasoline---but maybe I am just weird.

 It is such an easy transfer. You have to have a toner based printer (I have a cheap HP one), then do your flip horizontal thing in an editing program, place the printed paper on the stamp eraser and coat some xylene on the back of the print with a paper towel. Go over it with a bone folder to crisp it up. It makes a very crisp transfer. 




It was rather tricky. I am not practiced up on my stamp carving skills but it was fun.
Nice change from the smell of my oil paints. I like that smell too.
:))
UPDATE:

Marjorie has commented that xylene is toxic, so just to be clear---
I am NOT recommending this product. 
She says it's also in Sharpies.

20 comments:

Vicki Holdwick said...

Hi Martha,

I've just begun stamp carving and am enjoying it immensely. I haven't tried text yet, but plan to. I sure wish I could write as nicely as you do. I guess that means I have to sign up for one of your classes this Fall, eh?

Love your blog,

xoxo

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

Tricky?? Yes! I am afraid to carve one of words, the whole backwards things frightens me!! This is fantastic, Martha!!! ~Kathy. PS Your newsletter was wonderful!

bluegiraffe (Sherry) said...

I love your stamp,Martha! I just finished Julie Balzer's stamp carving online class and am hooked. I'd enjoy seeing more of your hand-carved stamps.

Mary said...

I want one!
This is great!

bellefrogworks said...

My stamp carving supplies keep staring at me - they are speaking in husband prompts - "why did you buy me if you are not going to use me?" Actually - my husband never questions my purchases - he is a wonderful, supportive man. You are brave to try words - my brain really struggles with the backwards/frontwards thing!

jinxxxygirl said...

Okay i'm the only one to ask but how did Xylene help you get the image transferred?? :)

jgr said...

Wonderful stamp and thank you for the Xylene information!

Nancy said...

Interesting process... the results are great!

fran pascazio said...

I'm another person who would like to know how Xylene can help transfer an image? It would just be easier if you just sold a few of these beauties ;-} This is one of those "I just have to have this!" I guess I'll have to get out the carving tools and see how I can mess it up!!!

Be well, Martha and good wishes . . .

Peggy said...

Now I'm the third! How did you transfer the text with Xylene? Inquiring minds want to know...

Anonymous said...

OK, when will my stamp be ready? LOL! Wouldn't it be awesome if you taught a stamp carving class with just words...uh hum, hint, hint :D And omg your oil painting is really coming along fabulously! I've never tried oils but there is just so much out there to do...maybe one of these days... first I still need to take your poppies class, and then there is Brave Girl Camp online coming up... I am so excited I can barely sit still, LOL! Well, I've babbled on too much so for now,
Hugs,
Beth P

mauihumv@gmail.com said...

Love it:)

Unknown said...

You are not the only one who likes that smell- it's the main ingredient in paint pens, which I have always liked. I probably should *not* buy a can, although I love the idea of easy image trasnfer!

LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious said...

Thanks Martha for the instructions here for transferring and making/carving a stamp.
I am so going to try this.

♥Lee Ann

Wildflowerhouse said...

Love it. I must take your lettering class next!!!!!

Marjorie said...

I felt I should say what no one else seems to know- xylene is very toxic and is in sharpie markers for one that I know and glues. Anyway it causes me to have headaches and if you check you'll see it is not good for you. Sorry- there must be something else to use?

fran pascazio said...

Love your new blog header.....!!!

Kelly said...

Hi Martha; It's lovely to see your new art work and this stamp is so lovely. I hope you are doing well.
Hugs and blessings
Kelly

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