Wall Stamps

It Doesn't Get Any Easier Than This!

Decorative wall stamps come in thousands of designs.

And if you can't find one you want, I have included easy instructions here regarding how to make your own!

When used with murals, this technique is a form of decorative painting that can really save a lot of time. Consider using leaf designs for a tree mural, or fish stamps for a nautical wall mural. Or how about flowers for a garden mural?

I could keep going, but I am sure you get the idea!

Wall Stamping Supplies

When most people think of stamping, the popular craft of rubber stamping probably comes to mind. However, most wall stamps are made of foam, not rubber. If you can't find the style you want, you can also make your own (see below for how to instructions).

With that in mind, here are the supplies you will need for this project:

• foam wall stamps
• acrylic craft paints
• foam pads, foam rollers, and/or artist brushes
• paper plates

The Wall Stamping Technique

Wall stamps are easy to use, but make sure you practice the technique first. Also, experiment with your color choices. You are not limited to using only one color on the stamp at a time - different parts of the stamp can be painted different colors.

STEP ONE:

Pour the paint on a paper plate. Using the foam brush, pad or artist's brush, apply paint to the raised parts of the stamp. Avoid the temptation to dip the stamp directly into the paint - this wall oversaturate the stamp and ruin the design.

STEP TWO:

Carefully press the stamp to the wall, applying firm but even pressure. Lift the stamp away carefully. Do not let your hand slip or slide, because this can cause the design to blur. However, if you do make a mistake, use a damp cloth to immediately remove the painted design.

STEP THREE:

Repeat the first two steps until finished. When finished, you can use an artist's brush to touch up any areas that did not stamp completely.

How to Make Your Own Wall Stamps

Although there are literally thousands of designs, you may be unable to find a wall stamp in the motif or size you need. No problem! It's easy to make your own.

All you need is a paper, pencil, mouse pad, and scissors or craft knife. Yes, you read that right - a mouse pad. You could also use a compressed sponge, but mouse pads are inexpensive and easy to find. You may even want to check at a nearby dollar store or see if your local computer shop gives them away free as promotional items (just don't tell them what you are using it for!).

Draw your design on paper and cut out using scissors. If you need help with the design, find an artist in your family to draw it for you or take a look at the free clipart available online.

Trace the design onto the mouse pad and cut out with the scissors or craft knife. That's it - that is how to make your very own, custom-made foam wall stamps!

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