How to Carve a Helix Eraser into a Stamp

Always one for a bargain and more "know how" craft skills, I was thrilled to figure out how to make my own rubber stamps from simple pencil erasers. The cost is cheap (about 1.00 per stamp) and the designs are limited only by the size of the eraser and one's imagination!

Here's what you'll need to get started

• Helix brand pencil eraser
• Pencil
• Black and white design scaled to the size of the eraser. You can print a design from your computer or draw your own.
• #1 Speedball brand linoleum carving tool, available at most craft stores for about $8.00
• Rubber stamping pad in a color and brand of your choice.
• Plain paper, or note cards

A) Begin by tracing the outline edges of your design with a pencil.

B) Next, flip the outlined image over onto the eraser. Hold in place while firmly burnishing / coloring the back side of the image with the pencil. This transfers the pencil outline onto the eraser.

C) Holding the Speedball carving tool like a pencil, begin to gently carve around the outline of your design, removing the parts of eraser that you don't want. As you carve, keep in mind that the areas that remain will be the areas that are inked and stamped. The Black areas on your paper design are what you should leave on the eraser. Carve everything else away.

The harder you press with the carving tool, the deeper the cuts. For this project, only the surface layer needs to be removed. It's perfectly o.k. to leave little bits here and there. It adds to the over all charm and resembles the look of an actual cut wood block.

D) Using an ink pad in the color and brand of your choice, apply ink to the carved eraser.

E) Stamp the eraser onto a piece of paper. It's Beautiful! If there are areas that you don't like, such as the areas I'm showing with my pencil, simply carve them away until your design is to your liking.

Carving erasers might take a little practice, but the technique is very easy to master and before you know it, you will have created a charming, one of a kind rubber stamp!

Super Dog

Shyla our Dog loves to go for rides in our truck.

It makes her smile.

When the truck starts moving, she sticks her nose out the window to check the direction of the wind.

Then suddenly, she points her paw forward and becomes Super Dog!

I think she pretends to fly. It must give her an incredible sense of freedom.

We call her "Super Dog Shyla."

P.S. Anna and Debi, this one is for you.

Oneonta Falls

Saturday was raining, gray and cold here in Portland. But the weather didn't keep us home.

We grabbed a cup of Starbucks and drove 1/2 hour up the Columbia Gorge for a hike to Oneonta Falls.

There is no trail for hikers to follow to the falls. Only the rocky creek bed itself.

According to our guide book, this massive log jam near the entrance of the creek indicated we were on the right trail to the falls.

The log jam serves as a natural barrier that keeps all but the serious explorers away. Climbing over it is a challenge and not one suited for the faint of heart, dogs, or small children. As we soon discovered, it's not the wisest thing to do on a rainy day either. One slip of foot and down you would tumble, through the labyrinth of logs, into deep pools of water below. I crawled over the logs on all fours clinging tightly for dear life. My daughter scampered over it standing straight up and dignified. Of course.

Once we made it over the slippery wood pile the reward was fantastic.

Steep walls of basalt covered in moss and ferns loomed up on both sides of a crystal clear creek.

There is no other way to reach Oneonta Falls then to walk straight through the creek. The water is so clear, the actual depth was deceiving and in some places up to our waist.

We saw plenty of wildlife: fish, frogs, and birds and the mysterious archways of basalt beckoned us further.

After 30 minutes of walking, we rounded a corner and saw this magnificent view of Oneonta Falls.

Oneonta Falls is truly one of Mother Natures miracles in the Columbia Gorge. We feel so lucky to live within 30 minutes of it.

Cute as a Button

Have any spare buttons laying around? Or maybe you hit the craft store recently and discovered those celophane bags packed full of fun colored buttons for sale? I know they always tempt me.

Here are some really cute ideas for using buttons.
Who wouldn't love to see their initial illuminated in a shadow box.

No need for sewing, just a lot of tacky glue. Cut out a letter from felt and glue to your hearts content.

Purchase a pre-made wooden framed mirror, or comb the thrift stores to find one. Hot glue buttons galore all over it and you've got a great accent piece for a little girl's bedroom.

Oh so sweet. These button hairclips are perfect to give to a special cutie pie in your life.

Trash to Treasure soda cans

Created by Tesscar Crafts, these two works of art saved several used soda cans from going into the dumps. I think they are fabulously inventive don't you?

And you can create this shark if your heart desires. Tesscar Aluminum Crafts provides free plans. Click here.

cool date

today is

9/9/09

Have a great Day!