Sketchbooking with Handmade Stamps

Begin by getting to know artist and printmaker Jeanne McGee. She talks you through her journey to becoming a professional printmaker, as well as the artists who inspire her work. Then take a look at what you can expect from the course.

Learn how to set up your printing space and explore the materials needed to create your own stamp designs, from carving tools to ink. Jeanne then gives an overview of stamping and how different stamps can be used to achieve different results. Then, create a mood board of references for your artwork.

Dive into the first stages of the printing process. Learn how to transfer your design from paper to a carving block. Then, explore different carving techniques and start creating your stamps with Jeanne’s guidance. Learn about color choice, mixing inks, and how to test your colors before preparing your sketchbook for printing. Jeanne talks you through different stamping exercises you can do to practice your technique.

Start printing in your sketchbook using the knowledge from the previous units. Experiment with shapes, repetition, color, and overprinting to create unique compositions. Jeanne shares her own sketchbook and the stamps she carves, before discussing the potential and possibilities of working with stamps. Create your final print by combining all the exercises from the course. Then, wrap up by finding out how you can apply your knowledge of stamping to design everything from cards to pillows.