An artist's carving block, which you can find in a variety of sizes in crafts stores and online, allows you to create one-of-a-kind designs.
Download our leaf template and print, enlarging or reducing size as desired, or draw your own. With a graphite pencil, trace design onto tracing paper. Place tracing paper, marked side down, on an artist's carving block. Rub the wide edge of a bone folder over the paper to transfer design.
Use a linoleum cutter with a V-shaped attachment to outline design and add veins as desired. Switch to a U-shaped attachment to carve out larger areas around the design, which should be raised about 1/8 inch above the background. With a wide brush, cover design with a thick layer of transparent water-based fabric paint that sets with an iron. Paint with uniform strokes (brushstrokes will be visible on fabric), avoiding any veins. If paint pools in crevices, soak up excess with the corner of a paper towel. Practice printing on scrap paper first, then print on fabric. Apply fresh paint each time you use a block. If using a new paint color, clean block first with a damp cloth and, if necessary, a mild, alcohol-free detergent. Let dry, about 15 minutes. Set paint with an iron, according to manufacturer's instructions. The pieces may be machine washed and dried.
There are too many cranky ladies leaving comments! I'm always inspired by MS.
the key is being inspired - be creative !
Martha's crew, kindly read the comments of your patrons! This craft was published Nov. 2006 and still the other leaf templates have not been added on!?!
When selecting a commercially-made rubber stamp, be sure to select one that has a lot of solid, unbroken, "positive" design. A stamp that is mostly lines, or has a heavily-pierced design, will not have the same effect.
I was disappointed that the template was only for one design. It would have been nice if all the leaves shown in the photo were included.
Weejee - I would think a brayer would be your best bet to keep the paint out of the veins because it would ruin the effect. This is actually not difficult at all if you use commercially made stamps. I made a stamp once back in high school and I'm not inclined to attempt that again because one slip with those linolium tools (which doesn't take much) and your project takes a change of plans. It takes a VERY steady hand and a lot of patience.
While making our own stamps would certainly make the project unique, I think this would also work with pre-made rubber stamps, for those of us who aren't inclined to make our own. The key is in the fabric paint and making sure you follow the directions for setting the paint so its washable. This is a lovely idea to make a table runner or kitchen towels to bring as a gift to the hostess of an autumn event or Thanksgiving.
you're kidding!
If you add veins, would the paint you brush on go into the veins and ruin the veining effect? Would using a brayer to apply the paint decrease this chance of error? I have never carved blocks before, so I've no experience with this particular craft. Any advice is welcome. Thank you.
Love the look of this. If you are motivated to cut your own stamp block please try it. However, I did something very similar to this years ago using the thick foam stamps. You have probably seen leaves in places like JoAnn Fabric and Michaels for much cheaper than the more detailed rubber stamps. Enjoy.--denise