My new passion!

Who knew that erasers could be so exciting?
I finally got down to some serious stamp carving today, and once I started I couldn't stop! Several people online had recommended this brand of eraser for stamp carving. Magic Rub erasers. So, I dutifully ordered a box full from Amazon. I found them very hard to carve. It's easy to slip and cut yourself when you have to exert too much pressure on the carving tool, so I had to develop my technique to avoid holes in my fingers. But they worked okay once I got used to them.

 I also have some of these erasers which I bought at Walmart. These are really soft and nice to carve. I'll probably just use these once the others are gone. I may also order some larger sheets of carving material so I can do larger images. This was just a test to see if I really enjoyed carving stamps. I DO! Larger images would be good for stamping on greeting card size surfaces.

After my first attempt I was hooked!

Fortunately for me, the rustic look is trending in the stamp world. Ha ha! Actually, I've always loved the rustic look. They look more like old wood cuts. I did finally trim around the edges to get rid of a lot of those extra lines.

One thing led to another...

a wonky tree

a leaf

That was supposed to be another crow on the right, but it looks more like a pigeon...

owl, mushroom, house...

moons and stars...

a skinny house.

Here are all the stamps I made today.

Some I carved on both sides.

What will I do with them? These are a good size to use on ATC's. But maybe I'll make some to illustrate a book? I could even use this size if it was a tiny book. There are lots of fun possibilities! One thing I like about stamp carving is that it's something I can do in my lap without needing to use the computer for a reference photo. I use a large hardback book under a stiff, plastic notebook divider. It works well, and the book insures that I don't poke myself.

Well, enough of that for now! Maybe some reading for a change of pace?

Almost forgot! Here's my finished 6x6 canvas for the January canvas swap! I think the flying saucer is swooping down to pick him up for the work commute.

Keep up the good blogging, gals! I sure do enjoy looking in on your lives! I hope warmer weather is coming down the pike for everyone. Ours will climb a few degrees. Spring is on the way! :)

Shalom and love to all!