I've been inspired by the idea of using natural objects as stamps. One afternoon, Kinsey and I did a little experimenting in the studio with different fruits and veggies. Here are the results-
The technique could not be more simple, you chop fruits and veggies and then use them as stamps. We used acrylic paint and a brayer to roll paint on to our stamps. I've wanted to make an apple stamped pillow set (think Autumn decor) or possibly even a dress for a while and I was really pleased with how the prints looked using small granny smith apples.
We chopped the seed area out to define the shape more.
We tried making a flower stamp with an artichoke, but I wasn't blown away by the results (the imprint was very weak). Next, we tried the same concept with the leftover celery stock and it worked really well.
I liked the simple, geometric repeat pattern that this piece of celery created.
Potatoes can be used to create almost any simple shape. I like these natural patterns.
After experimenting with different produce and colors I wanted to make a wearable project. I chose the celery because I liked the small and simple design. I used gold Martha Stewart all surface craft paint with fabric medium mixed in. Here's the final product…
That was fun! Have you tried any other natural stamping methods that you loved? I would like to try a version with dye instead of paint next time. xo, elsie
We tried this with apples in my sped class . I thought it would be easy and it looked really cool! It did not work. I was wondering if I had cut the apples earlier and let the surface we would be using dry a bit., would it have worked better? Any thoughts on this?
What fabric gold paint doid you use to stamp celery on scarf? thats gorgeous!
Linda, Yes. If you plan to wash your item in the machine, you will want to use fabric paint. Be sure the read the back of the bottle and make sure it’s good for machine washing.
So happy you found the blog! Have a great week! Elsie
Great ideas! I found this post looking for group art projects for my kids’ classroom. Thinking of making a tablecloth. Question: what type of paint do you recommend for something that will get a lot of wear and tear and will be washed often? Will standard fabric paint work? Thanks!
wow! I love that scarf!!
A wonderful idea for entertaining the kids while creating your own fabric design at the same time. This one is a definite keeper!
How fun! We used to do this as kids!
I definitely love using the celery base as that is usually wasted and not eaten. I really don’t like using good food in a craft project, tho. Just a hang-up after seeing so much macaroni wasted when it was painted gold, I guess. I guess one end of a celery stalk isn’t such a waste, tho, when seeing the finished project! Thanks.
the celery works so well! the scarf is gorgeous.
The apple stamps look so vintage! very cute!
What a cool idea!
Xx
http://kendra-genevieve-rose.blogspot.com
Amazing!
woah. that’s amazing.
Hola Elsie 🙂
I can’t wait to try this out with fruit this weekend!
I just wanted to let you know that I’ve recently purchased your dream job e-course and bloglove course and am stuck right in to the both of them! I’m currently only a few weeks away printing a woman-centred local magazine (my dream job!) and your blog has been a great instigator for this.
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Thanks for making me excited about life again. xx
Laura
http://thecupthief.wordpress.com/
I love fruit stamping! I actually made a tote for a friend with apples once!
My Mom used to do potato stamping with me and my sister when we were little. I forgot how much fun that was! I’m going to add this project to my twin boys’ craft time! Fun post! Thank you!
Seriously cool. Shame the artichoke didnt come out properly, but maybe dry it out a bit and try again?
Cute scarf! I saw this in a magazine a while back (they used the artichoke and celery) and I’ve always wanted to try it 🙂
I lovet the celery scarf, it’s such an original idea. This looks like a really fun project.
http://fashionananthropologicalpointofview.blogspot.ca/
fantastic!!!
kisses
http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2955086/barbara-crespo