Have you ever heard of the term stencil? Some people even call it stamps in some parts of the world. Stencil or stamp is a sheet which is thin in nature. It can be made out of plastic, metal etc. Some people even engrave some patterns or letters on the metal or plastic sheet and use them as stencils. These stencils are used to produce many more designs on any required surface by just applying ink or paint on the stencil. Some people make stamps on wood also. The stamps have a long life if it is maintained properly.
The procedure for making and using a stamp: The procedure mentioned below can be used for art and craft purpose.
- Take a thin sheet to say a plastic sheet.
- Draw required shape or pattern on the sheet. Ensure that the outside of the pattern is neatly engraved.
- Now with the help of a scissor, neatly cut the stamp and keep it aside.
- Take a round or flat surface lid suitable for the stamps to be glued on the flat surface.
- Take a suitable glue and stick the stamp on the flat surface of the lid.
- Now your stamp is ready for use.
- You will need an ink pad to use these stamps.
- Take an inkpad having ink of your desired colour. Normally you will get inks of colours red, blue, black, burgundy etc. Now press the stamp on the ink pad.
- Shake the lid with the stamp to remove excess ink.
- Now place the lid with a stamp on a plain paper and see the magic. The impression of the pattern is printed on the paper.
This procedure can be repeated ‘n’ number of times but ensure that inkpad has sufficient ink in it. To get a good output from the stamps always ensure that your stamps are maintained neat and clean after usage. Any dust particle with disturbs the output of the stamp.
Making of a stamp is a lengthy process. Nowadays craft activities and ideas have increased so much that you find a number of manufacturers who make readymade stamps for you. All you need to do is to purchase suitable stamps with a desired coloured inkpad. Thanks to the innovators who have created this wonderful product and has bought a revolution in the minds of people especially children who have a special interest in creativity. Nowadays gifting this stamp along with an inkpad has become a unique gift idea. Children really like such innovative gifts. Parents/guardians should ensure that the child does not play with the ink much because it may sometimes harm the health of the child. However special precaution has been taken to maintain the quality standards of the inks as the kids mainly use it, a safety measure from the parent’s end is also a must.
Now let us know more about block printing on fabric using stamps. We would require the following items:
- Beautifully engraved designs on a wooden piece.
- Pure cotton cloth – for instance white in colour
- The colour ink of your choice for instance- Blue colour
- Wastes cloth to wipe your hands
- Piece of sponge
- A transparent liquid called fixer- Fixer makes the colour to remain permanently and ensures that it does not fade after washing.
- Binder- It is a combination of glue and water and becomes a good base. It ensures that the pattern does not smudge after washing.
Take two to three waste cloth and spread it out nicely to thicken the base surface upon which you place the cloth you are going to block print. If you feel the thickness is not sufficient, then add two to three clothes and spread it neatly below the cloth to be printed. Ensure that there are no wrinkles. Pin the cloth neatly on all four sides of the board and ensure that it does not shake while printing.
You should mix the paint according to the cloth measurement. If the cloth is big, then mix more colour else mix small quantity. Mix Blue colour dye – 5drops along with fixer of about four drops in 5 tablespoons binder and blend properly. Check the colour and if you find the colour is not as per your choice then add some more drops of ink to change the colour. After blending nicely, with the help of the applicator, apply it on the sponge and spread it evenly. Now place the wooden stamp on the sponge and press it lightly with your hand. You will find that the wooden stamps have got some colour on the engraved part. Now try it on the rough cloth first and see everything is fine.
Now you are ready to block printing manually. Repeat the process slowly and complete printing on the cloth taken. Now let it dry. Once it is dried your cloth is ready, and you will find it pretty good after designing.