Do you use stamps in your paintings? Stamping with a candle lid reminds me of what I want more of. Maybe not in heart shapes, but I want to make my backgrounds more interesting. Stencils are a lovely idea! I like the thrill of exploring tools and discovering something new!

Here are some stamping ideas to make lovely textures.

Stamp With a Candle Lid

This was a lid from a Bath & Body Works candle. This is the first time I have tried using stencils in my art. The lid didn’t last long due to rusting, but what a reminder to try new tools! I saw the pattern on the lid, and I immediately knew I had to do something with it. I need more stencils.

Stamping With Ink Stamps

Oh, I love stamping with these types of stamps. It just gets messy. I paint over the stamp, then stamp on the paper. Stencils would definitely be easier to work with.

Stamps Create Interesting Backgrounds

Here’s paintings showing what can happen when you explore stamps to create textures. You stamp your marks and then paint over them with watercolor, but I think this was an acrylic paint wash. The doilies are an interesting idea, but stamping with delicate paper created a mess. Oh, you can stamp over the paint. Explore.

The last stamp was created with a facial exfoliator. Yes, that reminds me I must try makeup brushes and tools like that. You never know what will happen. I like to say at least I will have loosened up, inviting that magic to unfold. You have to paint freely for those wonderful ideas to paint themselves.

There is an artist who uses stencils in her work. Let me see if I can find her. Found her! Seeing this artist at work reminds me of the feeling when you are deep in your process. You might go from I don’t to yes! You just keep making art.

I want to play more, create simple strokes, and just make beautiful flowers. I have some air-dry clay, and I’m going to make stamps.

How do you stamp? Do you have stencils? Time to get out your supplies and explore!

Thanks for being here.