Q&A for How to Make a Stamp

Yes, there are a few ways to do this. One simple method is to use a pencil eraser. However, you can also get rubber stamp or printing blocks at most arts and crafts stores, as well as simple carving tools designed to easily slice through rubber. Draw your design on the rubber stamp pad, then cut away the rubber around your design.

Clear stamps are typically made of transparent acrylic or photopolymer. These stamps are made using a cutting machine, such as a Cricut or Glowforge. These machines will cut the stamps automatically using a digital image that you provide.

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably. However, stamps typically leave an ink mark, while seals often create a raised or indented design on paper or other surfaces (such as sealing wax).

The way I carve stamps is by using linoleum cutting tools which are either V or U-shaped. You use them to dig out small chunks of linoleum. People make them into extremely detailed pieces of art, such as those seen in a Google images search for "linocuts." It does take a lot of practice, so you should start out with a simpler design, but it is possible to add more and more detail.

There are many things you can use that look cool when dipped in paint and put on paper. Two examples are halved oranges and leaves. Experiment and see what works.