Technique Corner - May 2010 Challenge - Moldable Foam Stamps

Belinda Spiwak wrote

on 1 May 2010 12:23 AM

Hi all! Since I am getting a bit  of a late start, I am extending the challenge end date to Saturday, June 12th. This will give you time to get the Foam Stamps and give you time to play with them. These foam stamps are very versatile and so fun to play with!  You can use a substitute if you cannot get the foam stamps.  Some of the Art books and DVDs have substitutes in them.  Let us know if you have a good substitute!

I first discovered them at Quilt Fest when I saw Pokey demonstrating them.  She took a heat gun to a piece of the foam and made a stamp out of the foam a some found objects.  The best part?  She reheated the same piece of foam and she was able to create another stamp with it!  All you need is some paint and you are ready to go. So cool...

 Here is the link to the Moldable Foam Stamps:

http://shop.clothpaperscissors.com/Quilting/Merchandise/Moldable-Foam-Stamps-Sheet-Stock.html

Supply list:

Moldable Foam Stamps or suitable substitute

foam brush

Golden acrylic paints or fluid acrylics

fabric, paper, chipboard, or favorite background

heatgun

found objects

sharp scissors

Packaging - what the Moldable Foam Stamps looks like

 Sample of what I did.  Upper left was using some wire. Lower left was using ball chain.  Middle was using the end of a spool of thread to get the flower shape.   I then stamped the design on some fabric and ATC backs.

 Close-up of the stamp

 Close-up of the stamp with the ball chain. What I did was cut out a piece of foam slightly larger than the size of the ball chain I used.  I heated up the foam until it was malleable. I then pressed the foam into the ball chain and lifted. I trimmed the edges off to get a smooth imprint.  I used Golden acrylic paints and fluid acrylics. 

 I used the spool stamp on an ATC back. 

 More samples of the spool stamp on ATC backs. 

Samples of the wire stamp and ball chain stamp on fabric. 

I will leave the finished product to you. 

For the challenge, reply to this post. 

Remember, have fun!

Belinda                

Challenge:  Create a stamp(s) using the Moldable Foam Stamps (or substitute) and then making use of  that stamp.  You can post a pict of that stamp and what you did with it in the same post.                                                                             

Deadline date for May, 2010 challenge - 6/12/2010

ContessaKris wrote

on 1 May 2010 1:29 AM

I saw your post on Facebook and thought I would head over, join and see what you're up to. So, the challenge is to create the stamp or create the stamp AND artwork? Do we share pics here or what? I happen to have this very moldable block. I'll have to see what I can make with it.

Great challenge!

Belinda Spiwak wrote

on 2 May 2010 1:43 AM

Contessa Kris,

Sorry, guess I was not clear on what the challenge was.  The challenge is to create a stamp using the foam (product of the month) and to make use of it.  It's no fun if you make it and I can't see what it can do.

Belinda Spiwak wrote

on 2 May 2010 1:49 AM

lin52, It is really easy to use this foam.  Just heat up with heatgun and press objects into it.  You can also imprint with a something sharp like then end of a pen but that might remain permanent.  You can tell when the foam is getting warm. It starts to change colors slightly and gets a little glossy.  What I did was take two pieces the same size and melt one side to attach to another piece so I could have a thicker piece of foam to imprint. That gave me a thicker piece of foam to hold onto. 

SpockHenderson wrote

on 11 May 2010 7:41 AM

I just saw this post today Belinda and I have had some of this foam in my basement art room for probably at least 10 years now.  I remember playing with it a long time ago but I will have to get it out and play some more (hopefully, I can remember where it is stored--I seldom throw anything out from my art room).  It would be perfect for the projects I am working on now.  I'm in the process of creating my own hand-painted fabric and I'm using some store bought stamps and stencils.  I would love to use my own stamps or stencils that I have created.  I'll see what I can do in the next few weeks and post something.  Thanks for the idea.

Julie

Belinda Spiwak wrote

on 15 May 2010 7:51 PM

I can't wait to see what all of you come up with!

sha1non wrote

on 16 May 2010 3:44 AM

I love stamps and have been messing around with making my own.  So this is a great opportunity.  I probably can't find the actual product here but we'll see what I can find.

By the way Belinda I really enjoy your blog and work.

Shannon

Belinda Spiwak wrote

on 19 May 2010 4:50 PM

Shannon, where are you?  Email me, maybe I can send you a small piece so you can try it. If you love the stuff, you can always get it later on.

crazyartgirl@sbcglobal.net

BethanyKartchner wrote

on 21 May 2010 6:35 PM

I've never heard of this stuff! This is so cool! I'll have to get my hands on some and play. Now to find the time! Ack.

Quilnan wrote

on 25 May 2010 10:04 AM

Got the foam stamps from Interweave and here is what I've done so far. I used the lace runner shown in the photo to make the first stamp. More later.

I'm using the stamps in a journal for an online class I'm taking. I've also made stamps using a starfish with a texture plate behind it, a key and chain, potato masher, toothpicks. Will send pics later. This is all quite new to me, but lots of fun! Nancy

janthos wrote

on 25 May 2010 9:56 PM

GREAT challenge! I've had this blue foam block FOREVER! You just kicked my butt into gear. Here's my pic of my block & what I used, and the small card I made with it.

Thanks so much~

Jeannette

Belinda Spiwak wrote

on 30 May 2010 9:17 PM

 Nancy,

Great Idea.  I love the pattern.   A lot of detail came out in the stamp.

Belinda Spiwak wrote

on 30 May 2010 9:19 PM

Jeannette, great card. Who knew you could use that for a template? I never would have thought of that.  that looks so cool.

janthos wrote

on 22 Jun 2010 1:46 PM

Thanks:-)

Was a challenge winner ever selected?