Thursday, November 17, 2011

oak stamps

Turns out this week is devoted to the oak leaf. I have been wanting to carve leaf stamps for awhile, but had always assumed I'd use one as model and free-hand it. Not what happened. I traced one!
leaf carving
Every leaf is so unique, and this one's "shape" will live on as a design after the original has decomposed in the earth.  As I investigated each leaf's details, I studied the complex map of veins reaching out from their centers in a new way. I painted the back of one to enhance the definition of this network of arteries. Still fascinated, I created a rubbing of one of the more delicate leaves.
leaf experiments
Whenever I carve a stamp, I transfer my pencil drawing by flipping over the paper onto the carving block and rubbing it with  pencil. So, why not do that with a rubbing, too? Double rub!
leaf prints
They look especially nice in a grouping so printing a bit of old fabric might be perfect, and I have another idea too... just need to find some time by the fire tonight to cut them all out.
Note: I used Staedtler's Mastercarve block for these stamps. Pin It
Posted by mayaluna at 11:45 AM Labels: , ,

19 comments:

  1. se7enNovember 17, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    Your oak leaves are simply beautiful. Your amazing creations never cease to uplift me!!!

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  2. MartiNovember 17, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    Unique stamps, I am looking forward to your next idea.

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  3. amyNovember 17, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    Great minds...I've been working with traced maple leaves!

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  4. UnknownNovember 17, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Very beautiful and stunning!

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  5. Jessica JoNovember 17, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    I'm not a stamp user but I do so love to carve them. Is this wrong? I also love to see other people's stamps and how they use them. I love your usage of stamps!

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  6. NicolaNovember 17, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    Wow! These are gorgeous - you always have have best ideas for fall decorating.

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  7. deanna7treesNovember 17, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    wonderful.

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  8. CarrieNovember 17, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    I love that you traced the oak leaves to make them. Accurate and beautiful!

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  9. AnonymousNovember 17, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    I knew it wouldn't take you long to get them carved. Love these, looking forward to some new oak leaf bags. xox Corrine

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  10. CinnamonNovember 17, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    I'm enjoying following along, watching your creative process Maya. I'm a bit stalled in my own creative endeavors (my sewing machine is broken and at the repair shop), but it's nice to watch others making.

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  11. JoeyNovember 17, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    They turned out great Maya! I love how one has lots of detail and one not as much, grouping them together looks very nice! I never would have thought to use black ink but I really like it with the red and brown! Looking forward to tomorrow's reveal!
    xoxo
    ~ joey ~

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  12. UnknownNovember 18, 2011 at 1:37 AM

    Just lovely!!

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  13. michelle gdNovember 18, 2011 at 6:38 AM

    these leaf stamps and prints are just lovely. i have been meaning to try my hand at this very thing..good to have your recommendation on blocks.
    hope you found time by the fire to cut them all out...

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  14. JessicaNovember 18, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    Those are seriously amazing. I hope to try making these - they look like fun to carve!

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  15. AnonymousNovember 18, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    Christmas always means something special. This is the event that every one keeps eagerly waiting for, and a rocking party is what that gives this event the due treat. It’s the sizzle hour that is approaching, and www.gifts2spain.com/Exclusive_Gifts.asp is ready for that.

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  16. Paula-JoNovember 20, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    What a lovely idea! These are beautiful. I'm definitely going to try this out!

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  17. GreteNovember 26, 2011 at 6:11 AM

    I love your stamps! They are so beautiful and so detailed. And the idea to make a copy of a real leaf is great.
    I just made some stamps. Here is the link if you´re interested: http://was-macht-grete.de/?p=1134

    greetings from germany
    Grete
    www.was-macht-grete.de

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  18. Lisa RenataNovember 29, 2011 at 12:04 AM

    so pretty. i really want to get into stamp making. you make it look so easy. where do you get your materials for stamp making?

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  19. mayalunaNovember 29, 2011 at 12:22 AM

    lisa- Blicks is always a good start!

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