Printing stamps

It’s easy to create these simple printing stamps to keep any child entertained on a rainy day.

Resene Toys and Games with Mark Rayner - Project 26

Difficulty level: Moderate

You will need: Artists’ paintbrush, Cartridge paper, Greaseproof paper, Marker pen, Old plate, Pencil, Putty knife (or similar), PVA glue (exterior) Resene FX Fluoro in Blue, Green, Orange, Pink and Yellow, Ruler, Sandpaper (medium), Saw, Self-hardening clay, Small piece of 50mm x 25mm wood, Small piece of plywood.

To get the look: Mark painted the work bench with Resene Enamacryl tinted to Resene Grey Chateau.

Other ideas: Use any Resene testpot colours with these stamps to create unlimited colour combinations.

Step one
Measure, mark and cut the piece of wood into five small sections, as shown.

Step two
Place a piece of greaseproof paper onto the plywood. Cut five flat rectangular blocks of clay, as shown, and place these on the paper.

Step three
Apply PVA glue to one side of each of the pieces of wood, as shown.

Step four
Press the pieces of wood (glue side down) onto the pieces of clay and cut off any excess clay with the putty knife.

Step five
Turn the pieces over and draw designs lightly onto the clay with a marker pen. Cut around these with the putty knife and use a pencil to make any other indentations. Leave the clay to dry thoroughly.

Step six
Place the piece of sandpaper onto the plywood and lightly sand the clay side of each piece to flatten the surface – don’t sand too much or some pattern may be lost.

Step seven
Apply one thin coat of PVA to all sides of each piece, taking care not to clog any of the pattern with glue. Allow to dry thoroughly.

Step eight
When children are ready to play with the stamps, pour small amounts of Resene Fluoro FX onto the old plate and dip each stamp into the paint before pressing down on a piece of cartridge paper.