PRINTING TOOL

Chipboard Letter Stamps

My affinity for letters and typography has led me to collect chipboard letters that I use as stamps and masks in my journal pages. I also love creating printing plates that mimic the look of letterpress type when printed.

Creative Toolbox

chipboard letters

adhesive craft foam

scissors

Collage Pauge matte

STEP 1: Arrange Chipboard Letters on Craft Foam

Place chipboard letters close to each other with letters facing in different directions. For a smooth print, it’s best to work with letters of the same height.

STEP 2: Finished Chipboard Plates

Here are a variety of chipboard letter stamps and plates. To create them, peel the backing off a sheet of adhesive craft foam and attach the letters to the sticky side of the foam.

Chipboard Tips and Ideas

• For easier printing, choose chipboard letters of the same height.
• Seal the chipboard with Collage Pauge matte and let dry before the initial use to help them last longer.
• To use with acrylic paint, brush on even coats with a 1-inch (25mm) foam brush.
• To use with stamp pads, place the plate face-side up and press the stamp pad onto the surface of the stamp (rather than pressing the chipboard into the stamp pad).
• Since the chipboard is hard, stamp on a soft surface to get a better impression by placing a piece of felt or towel underneath the surface.
• If the chipboard letters are different heights, place the printing plate underneath the substrate and use a spoon or printmaking barren to burnish the print into the paper.
• Don’t try cleaning the chipboard stamp in water or it will fall apart. Instead, continue to use the stamp until all the paint is used up. Then wipe it onto a clean-up sheet of paper or in your journal.
• After a while, the printing plate gets full of paint and adds great texture to the prints—enjoy!