Carved rubber stamps

How to make it

1. 

   1

   Draw the design

   Draw it on tracing paper in soft pencil. Bold shapes carve best.

2. 

   2

   Transfer it

   Flip the paper onto the rubber and rub the back. The design goes on reversed, which is right.

3. 

   3

   Carve the outline

   Use the small V gouge. Always push away from your other hand.

4. 

   4

   Clear the background

   Switch to the U gouge and scoop out everything that shouldn't print.

5. 

   5

   Test print

   Ink it and press on scrap paper. Carve away any spots that print by accident.

6. 

   6

   Trim the block

   Cut the extra rubber off around the design with the craft knife.