Stamping is a simple and efficient way to create a modern art print for your home or office. More importantly, it’s fun!
Yarn stamping is one of the least expensive and most precise techniques to add a little more pattern to the typical stamping idea. Because of the simplicity and cost effectiveness, it is also a great family project. Kids of all ages enjoy playing with colorful paint, and parents can proudly hang the resultant pieces. Spice up a boring wall with this classy do-it-yourself modern art project!
STEP 1: Choosing the Body of Your Stamp
Yarn will determine your stamp’s pattern, but the body of the stamp determines its shape. For instance, during Christmas the body of your stamp might be a Christmas tree. Or for every day, the body of your stamp could be a simple square. Many stamping techniques use a wooden block as a stamp body, but you can also cut out a cardboard shape or find something else to wrap the yarn around. (Keep in mind, the body of the stamp will get paint on it.)
STEP 2: Adding Yarn to Your Stamp
Now that you have selected a stamp shape, it is time to design your stamp pattern. Simply hold one end of the yarn against the back of your stamp with your thumb. Wind the yarn around the stamp tightly. As you wrap the yarn around the block or cardboard, allow it to deviate slightly from simple vertical lines. When you look at the bottom of your stamp, it should have some lines of yarn that cross paths. When you are satisfied with the pattern, tie the yarn off on the top and tape it in place.
STEP 3: Applying Paint to Your Stamp
Choose a bright color (or few colors) of paint. Dip your paintbrush into the paint and begin by lightly sweeping the paint over the bottom of your stamp. Apply the paint in only one direction so that the fibers of the yarn lay to one side. If the paint covers the body of the stamp as well as the yarn, you are applying the paint too thickly. Rinse off, blot dry, and try again. The paint should cover the yarn but nothing more. Test the stamp by pressing it into a scratch piece of paper. Does the pattern stand out? If the pattern is clear, you can begin stamping.
STEP 4: Stamping
Using the correct amount of paint and pressure, press the stamp onto a clean sheet of paper or canvas. You can do this in a systematic way such as rotating the stamp 90 degrees for each time you stamp it, measuring out the distance between stamps, etc. Or you can stamp the pattern more chaotically, with overlaps and no set system. In this way, you will achieve clusters and additional shapes, almost like an inkblot image.
Whether decorating for a holiday, adding style to a wall, or just looking for a creative outlet as a family, yarn stamping is a simple and fun method to create a modern art print. When the paint dries and you decide where to hang your one-of-a-kind creation, don’t forget to add a complimentary frame. Frame Warehouse can work with you and your style to add the perfect finishing touch to your inspired design!
