In the most recent issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors there was a workshop article entitled “Faux Silkscreen” by Patricia Gaignat. It uses sticky back craft foam sheets to make stamps. I have used craft foam sheets to make stamps for a long while but I never thought of using them this way. I needed a card for hubby’s birthday so I thought I’d give it a try.

First I made a sketch of the card. Her hint to draw the focal point first and then add background elements worked well. You do have to remember to reverse your text if you are adding those as details. But if you are cutting out letters as part of the stamps, you don’t have to reverse them with her technique.

You transfer your design to the back of the sticky back foam (the paper side). Cut out the elements and then stick them to acetate or transparency sheets. I really liked how these stamps worked as you can see exactly where to align them when stamping, they are thin and flexible and work really well.

So I am trying out a landscape design with the same technique. I think I will stamp these on fabric and then add thread sketching and then sew it to a card.

Here I’ve transferred the design to the back of the craft foam. I haven’t cut this one out yet. I’ll show the results once I’ve completed a few cards. And hubby did like his birthday card.

Here’s the first barrette that I made from the drizzled felt of my last post.

I used a commercial fabric for the backing and hand stitched the barrette clasp on.

I like how this one came out so 11 more to go. I’ll be selling these at the store. Hopefully, they’ll be popular.

I have been doing a little work in my studio journal. These are shapes based on piece of bark from a ponderosa pine. I picked a bunch of these up off the ground on our small trip in June. They remind me of puzzle pieces.

Here I took one of my favorite shapes and made a pattern. I also have made some foam stamps of several shapes but forgot to take photos of those. I am planning on making several more and then will do some trial printing in my journal.

I can’t believe it is the end of August already. Football season starts next weekend. So we’ll be off to cheer on the UM Grizzlies. We have a new coach so hopefully, we’ll still have a good team and a winning season. Go Griz!