PRINTING TOOL

Clay Stamps

Modeling compound is lightweight and there are many ways to mold and shape it into DIY stamps and texture plates. It dries to a spongy, slightly flexible consistency which is perfect for stamping and printmaking. Experiment creating your own printing plates and stamps!

Creative Toolbox

modeling compound

soft rubber brayer

comb

deli paper

STEP 1: Gather Tools

Make a variety of printing plates out of modeling compound. In this exercise I used Crayola Model Magic Presto Dots and a variety of plastic texture tools to draw into the surface and cut out shapes.

STEP 2: Mix Colors

Select a bit of two colors of modeling compound and mix into a ball by kneading it with your hands. I chose pink and white.

STEP 3: Roll and Punch

Place a brayer in the middle of the ball and roll back and forth until the compound flattens to ¼-inch (6mm) thick. Roll out into a smooth even plate. Use a small circle texture item to punch circles out of the modeling compound. Smooth out a second plate. Here I used green.

STEP 4: Make Stamp

Place the cut-out circles from the first plate onto the second plate. Secure them to the surface.

STEP 5: Add Texture

Continue to fill the second plates with dots from the first plate. Use tools like the bottom of a skewer or comb and press them into the compound to create textures.

STEP 6: Completed Tools

Here I’ve created both a stamp and another piece that can double as a mask/stencil or printing plate. Allow to dry completely.