I'm happy and sad to share the last of my #CarveDecember stamps with you. Happy – because I love to share them! Sad – because it means it's over.
The remainder of these stamps were carved while on vacation in Mexico. I love that stamp carving is a portable art form that you really can take anywhere!
The hexagon-circle stamp above was super easy to carve but has so much impact. I am reminded that simplicity can be incredibly beautiful! I didn't bring any colored ink pads with me, but I'm itching to print this stamp in color. I think it will create a multi colored patchwork that is just so pretty!
This next set of prints is the same stamp. After printing once, I decided that the pattern was too dense and so I added some white space.
Which version do you prefer?
I liked that hexagon-circle stamp so much, that I carved a variation of it!
I like the way the two stamps work together!
Really love how this one turned out. I carved more open empty spaces than I normally do. I like the strong contrast between the light and dark. The pattern really pops.
Next week I will share some of my favorite #CarveDecember stamps that other people posted. But until then, here are a few things I'm taking away from the experience:
- Your stamp is only as good as your original markings. It's worth taking the time to carefully mark your design. I feel like I learn this one the hard way every single time. I get lazy and just want to get to carving and then it takes forever to fix the problems, which could have been easily fixed with better planning. Sigh.
- Printing is 70% of the art form for me. What you print on, what colors you use, the angle, the repeat — all of that stuff is super fun and can really change the look of the stamp.
- My 100 day experience made me think that I might be burnt out on daily art making. But the fantastic news is that I'm not! I loved carving every day in December. In fact, it re-inspired me to commit to Art Journal Every Day. I mean, if I can carve and print a stamp and even record and edit and post a process video of that stamp every single day, I can certainly commit to ten-minutes-a-day in my art journal, right?!
- When I began the month by posting carving and printing tips along with each instagram post, I was concerned that I might run out of tips or get repetitive. But it didn't happen. In fact, I was amazed that — even after two online classes and a book on the subject — I had so much more to share!
- I will never tire of seeing people get excited by stamp carving! Carving is an art form that a lot of people avoid because they think it's going to be difficult or time consuming. One of the reasons I started #CarveDecember and that I believe in it so much is that it disproves those notions. Stamp carving is fun and easy and doesn't take an enormous amount of time. I love the sharing and community of #CarveDecember.
- Complicated and fancy stamps aren't always the most impactful. Sometimes you get more bang for your buck with simple and graphic designs.
- Rubber goes bad! Hoarders be aware! Even my beloved pink Speedy Carve gets hard and difficult to carve after a few years of kicking around. So, use it so that you don't lose it!
Finally, I wanted to create an easy way to view all 2017 #CarveDecember posts, so here's a clickable list:
Thanks for stopping by!
—
P.S. Did you participate in #CarveDecember this year? If you did, leave a link to your instagram account in the comments section of this post!
Hi Julie,
Hope you’re safe during this Nor’easter we getting in Mass!
I am always pleasantly surprised by the rubber stamps I make during #carvedecember! I learn so much and my family even participated a bit too. I’m really trying to think of stamps I can make that may be used in collage art.
Wishing you peace and health in the new year,
Donna
https://www.instagram.com/ddhurlbut/
Hi Julie,
Hope you’re safe during this Nor’easter we getting in Mass!
I am always pleasantly surprised by the rubber stamps I make during #carvedecember! I learn so much and my family even participated a bit too. I’m really trying to think of stamps I can make that may be used in collage art.
Wishing you peace and health in the new year,
Donna
https://www.instagram.com/ddhurlbut/
Hi Julie,
Hope you’re safe during this Nor’easter we getting in Mass!
I am always pleasantly surprised by the rubber stamps I make during #carvedecember! I learn so much and my family even participated a bit too. I’m really trying to think of stamps I can make that may be used in collage art.
Wishing you peace and health in the new year,
Donna
https://www.instagram.com/ddhurlbut/
Hi Julie,
Hope you’re safe during this Nor’easter we getting in Mass!
I am always pleasantly surprised by the rubber stamps I make during #carvedecember! I learn so much and my family even participated a bit too. I’m really trying to think of stamps I can make that may be used in collage art.
Wishing you peace and health in the new year,
Donna
https://www.instagram.com/ddhurlbut/
Hi Julie,
Hope you’re safe during this Nor’easter we getting in Mass!
I am always pleasantly surprised by the rubber stamps I make during #carvedecember! I learn so much and my family even participated a bit too. I’m really trying to think of stamps I can make that may be used in collage art.
Wishing you peace and health in the new year,
Donna
https://www.instagram.com/ddhurlbut/
Hi Julie,
Hope you’re safe during this Nor’easter we getting in Mass!
I am always pleasantly surprised by the rubber stamps I make during #carvedecember! I learn so much and my family even participated a bit too. I’m really trying to think of stamps I can make that may be used in collage art.
Wishing you peace and health in the new year,
Donna
https://www.instagram.com/ddhurlbut/
I loved carving again this past December. Thanks for sharing your tips and your stamps. They are an inspiration. I found having a soft fusion ( old mouse pad) helped me get a better impression especially with larger stamps.
I loved carving again this past December. Thanks for sharing your tips and your stamps. They are an inspiration. I found having a soft fusion ( old mouse pad) helped me get a better impression especially with larger stamps.
I loved carving again this past December. Thanks for sharing your tips and your stamps. They are an inspiration. I found having a soft fusion ( old mouse pad) helped me get a better impression especially with larger stamps.
I loved carving again this past December. Thanks for sharing your tips and your stamps. They are an inspiration. I found having a soft fusion ( old mouse pad) helped me get a better impression especially with larger stamps.
I loved carving again this past December. Thanks for sharing your tips and your stamps. They are an inspiration. I found having a soft fusion ( old mouse pad) helped me get a better impression especially with larger stamps.
I loved carving again this past December. Thanks for sharing your tips and your stamps. They are an inspiration. I found having a soft fusion ( old mouse pad) helped me get a better impression especially with larger stamps.
I followed everything you posted on Instagram Julie! So insightful and fun! I really wanted to participate in CarveDecember this year but I only managed to make 4 stamps in the beginning of the month. I’ll link to my instagram anyway 😉
https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.scheeren/
I followed everything you posted on Instagram Julie! So insightful and fun! I really wanted to participate in CarveDecember this year but I only managed to make 4 stamps in the beginning of the month. I’ll link to my instagram anyway 😉
https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.scheeren/
I followed everything you posted on Instagram Julie! So insightful and fun! I really wanted to participate in CarveDecember this year but I only managed to make 4 stamps in the beginning of the month. I’ll link to my instagram anyway 😉
https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.scheeren/
I followed everything you posted on Instagram Julie! So insightful and fun! I really wanted to participate in CarveDecember this year but I only managed to make 4 stamps in the beginning of the month. I’ll link to my instagram anyway 😉
https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.scheeren/
I followed everything you posted on Instagram Julie! So insightful and fun! I really wanted to participate in CarveDecember this year but I only managed to make 4 stamps in the beginning of the month. I’ll link to my instagram anyway 😉
https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.scheeren/
I followed everything you posted on Instagram Julie! So insightful and fun! I really wanted to participate in CarveDecember this year but I only managed to make 4 stamps in the beginning of the month. I’ll link to my instagram anyway 😉
https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.scheeren/
Thanks for sharing- I participated for the first time this year but only managed 18- mainly family/travel time. I totally love you hexagon & may need to make a few!
Thanks for sharing- I participated for the first time this year but only managed 18- mainly family/travel time. I totally love you hexagon & may need to make a few!
Thanks for sharing- I participated for the first time this year but only managed 18- mainly family/travel time. I totally love you hexagon & may need to make a few!
Thanks for sharing- I participated for the first time this year but only managed 18- mainly family/travel time. I totally love you hexagon & may need to make a few!
Thanks for sharing- I participated for the first time this year but only managed 18- mainly family/travel time. I totally love you hexagon & may need to make a few!
Thanks for sharing- I participated for the first time this year but only managed 18- mainly family/travel time. I totally love you hexagon & may need to make a few!
oh Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/karenbearse/
oh Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/karenbearse/
oh Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/karenbearse/
oh Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/karenbearse/
oh Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/karenbearse/
oh Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/karenbearse/
Hi Julie,
December carving here was a small school of fish as a belated Christmas gift for a fantastic friend / art buddy.
Your designs are so intricate and wonderfully execute they amaze me. I think you could be designing fabric from many of your prints! Thanks for so much inspiration.
Donna
Hi Julie,
December carving here was a small school of fish as a belated Christmas gift for a fantastic friend / art buddy.
Your designs are so intricate and wonderfully execute they amaze me. I think you could be designing fabric from many of your prints! Thanks for so much inspiration.
Donna
Hi Julie,
December carving here was a small school of fish as a belated Christmas gift for a fantastic friend / art buddy.
Your designs are so intricate and wonderfully execute they amaze me. I think you could be designing fabric from many of your prints! Thanks for so much inspiration.
Donna
Hi Julie,
December carving here was a small school of fish as a belated Christmas gift for a fantastic friend / art buddy.
Your designs are so intricate and wonderfully execute they amaze me. I think you could be designing fabric from many of your prints! Thanks for so much inspiration.
Donna
Hi Julie,
December carving here was a small school of fish as a belated Christmas gift for a fantastic friend / art buddy.
Your designs are so intricate and wonderfully execute they amaze me. I think you could be designing fabric from many of your prints! Thanks for so much inspiration.
Donna
Hi Julie,
December carving here was a small school of fish as a belated Christmas gift for a fantastic friend / art buddy.
Your designs are so intricate and wonderfully execute they amaze me. I think you could be designing fabric from many of your prints! Thanks for so much inspiration.
Donna
I did a few and love the simplicity of what I carved. Always enjoyable!
https://www.instagram.com/consie_atopserenityhill/
I did a few and love the simplicity of what I carved. Always enjoyable!
https://www.instagram.com/consie_atopserenityhill/
I did a few and love the simplicity of what I carved. Always enjoyable!
https://www.instagram.com/consie_atopserenityhill/
I did a few and love the simplicity of what I carved. Always enjoyable!
https://www.instagram.com/consie_atopserenityhill/
I did a few and love the simplicity of what I carved. Always enjoyable!
https://www.instagram.com/consie_atopserenityhill/
I did a few and love the simplicity of what I carved. Always enjoyable!
https://www.instagram.com/consie_atopserenityhill/
#CarveDecember was fantastic, as always!! Loved all your videos, stamps, and patterns, of course! What I noticed this year was there there were a lot of new people participating; a lot of them trying it for the first time. So, it was a really interesting month, not only for practicing and learning/growing, but also for finding inspiration in new artists (to me), and helping/encouraging people just starting out. It feels like a real community 🙂
https://www.instagram.com/martaharveyart/
#CarveDecember was fantastic, as always!! Loved all your videos, stamps, and patterns, of course! What I noticed this year was there there were a lot of new people participating; a lot of them trying it for the first time. So, it was a really interesting month, not only for practicing and learning/growing, but also for finding inspiration in new artists (to me), and helping/encouraging people just starting out. It feels like a real community 🙂
https://www.instagram.com/martaharveyart/
#CarveDecember was fantastic, as always!! Loved all your videos, stamps, and patterns, of course! What I noticed this year was there there were a lot of new people participating; a lot of them trying it for the first time. So, it was a really interesting month, not only for practicing and learning/growing, but also for finding inspiration in new artists (to me), and helping/encouraging people just starting out. It feels like a real community 🙂
https://www.instagram.com/martaharveyart/
#CarveDecember was fantastic, as always!! Loved all your videos, stamps, and patterns, of course! What I noticed this year was there there were a lot of new people participating; a lot of them trying it for the first time. So, it was a really interesting month, not only for practicing and learning/growing, but also for finding inspiration in new artists (to me), and helping/encouraging people just starting out. It feels like a real community 🙂
https://www.instagram.com/martaharveyart/
#CarveDecember was fantastic, as always!! Loved all your videos, stamps, and patterns, of course! What I noticed this year was there there were a lot of new people participating; a lot of them trying it for the first time. So, it was a really interesting month, not only for practicing and learning/growing, but also for finding inspiration in new artists (to me), and helping/encouraging people just starting out. It feels like a real community 🙂
https://www.instagram.com/martaharveyart/
#CarveDecember was fantastic, as always!! Loved all your videos, stamps, and patterns, of course! What I noticed this year was there there were a lot of new people participating; a lot of them trying it for the first time. So, it was a really interesting month, not only for practicing and learning/growing, but also for finding inspiration in new artists (to me), and helping/encouraging people just starting out. It feels like a real community 🙂
https://www.instagram.com/martaharveyart/
I loved doing Carve December. Like you, creating and posting the last one was a bit sad but I have some speedy carve left so I’ll probably do some more during the year. I posted all of my creations on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/misssofykoolaid/
Loved your little videos and tips this year! Thanks for that!
I loved doing Carve December. Like you, creating and posting the last one was a bit sad but I have some speedy carve left so I’ll probably do some more during the year. I posted all of my creations on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/misssofykoolaid/
Loved your little videos and tips this year! Thanks for that!
I loved doing Carve December. Like you, creating and posting the last one was a bit sad but I have some speedy carve left so I’ll probably do some more during the year. I posted all of my creations on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/misssofykoolaid/
Loved your little videos and tips this year! Thanks for that!
I loved doing Carve December. Like you, creating and posting the last one was a bit sad but I have some speedy carve left so I’ll probably do some more during the year. I posted all of my creations on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/misssofykoolaid/
Loved your little videos and tips this year! Thanks for that!
I loved doing Carve December. Like you, creating and posting the last one was a bit sad but I have some speedy carve left so I’ll probably do some more during the year. I posted all of my creations on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/misssofykoolaid/
Loved your little videos and tips this year! Thanks for that!
I loved doing Carve December. Like you, creating and posting the last one was a bit sad but I have some speedy carve left so I’ll probably do some more during the year. I posted all of my creations on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/misssofykoolaid/
Loved your little videos and tips this year! Thanks for that!
I really enjoyed CarveDecember. The most “likes” I have ever received on Instagram have been CarveDecember posts. I love the community of crafty people that support each other and cheer each other on.
http://www.instagram.com/maryjomullen
I really enjoyed CarveDecember. The most “likes” I have ever received on Instagram have been CarveDecember posts. I love the community of crafty people that support each other and cheer each other on.
http://www.instagram.com/maryjomullen
I really enjoyed CarveDecember. The most “likes” I have ever received on Instagram have been CarveDecember posts. I love the community of crafty people that support each other and cheer each other on.
http://www.instagram.com/maryjomullen
I really enjoyed CarveDecember. The most “likes” I have ever received on Instagram have been CarveDecember posts. I love the community of crafty people that support each other and cheer each other on.
http://www.instagram.com/maryjomullen
I really enjoyed CarveDecember. The most “likes” I have ever received on Instagram have been CarveDecember posts. I love the community of crafty people that support each other and cheer each other on.
http://www.instagram.com/maryjomullen
I really enjoyed CarveDecember. The most “likes” I have ever received on Instagram have been CarveDecember posts. I love the community of crafty people that support each other and cheer each other on.
http://www.instagram.com/maryjomullen
I had a lot of fun carving a stamp each day. I enjoyed the interaction with other participants at Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/annetspitteler/
I had a lot of fun carving a stamp each day. I enjoyed the interaction with other participants at Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/annetspitteler/
I had a lot of fun carving a stamp each day. I enjoyed the interaction with other participants at Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/annetspitteler/
I had a lot of fun carving a stamp each day. I enjoyed the interaction with other participants at Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/annetspitteler/
I had a lot of fun carving a stamp each day. I enjoyed the interaction with other participants at Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/annetspitteler/
I had a lot of fun carving a stamp each day. I enjoyed the interaction with other participants at Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/annetspitteler/
I loved CarveDecember. It’s the first daily challenge I (nearly) finished. It was great to see what everyone else was carving via Instagram. http://www.instagram.com/skaetz/
I loved CarveDecember. It’s the first daily challenge I (nearly) finished. It was great to see what everyone else was carving via Instagram. http://www.instagram.com/skaetz/
I loved CarveDecember. It’s the first daily challenge I (nearly) finished. It was great to see what everyone else was carving via Instagram. http://www.instagram.com/skaetz/
I loved CarveDecember. It’s the first daily challenge I (nearly) finished. It was great to see what everyone else was carving via Instagram. http://www.instagram.com/skaetz/
I loved CarveDecember. It’s the first daily challenge I (nearly) finished. It was great to see what everyone else was carving via Instagram. http://www.instagram.com/skaetz/
I loved CarveDecember. It’s the first daily challenge I (nearly) finished. It was great to see what everyone else was carving via Instagram. http://www.instagram.com/skaetz/