Technique of the Week: Ultimate Recycling, Part 1, by Marj Marion

Due to the popularity of the MISTI Stamp Positioning Tool, and the upcoming Stamping Platform by Tim Holtz, many of us are un-mounting our wood mounted stamps to create cling stamps that work well with these wonderful tools.  After we unmount our stamps from the wood blocks, what to do with these nicely cut (but slightly sticky) pieces of wood? Over the next two weeks Marj will share several fun and innovative ideas she came up with for repurposing these wood blocks.

FIRST IDEA:  Create paper covered wood block decorative sets for your bookshelves, side table or desk.  Follow these easy steps, using whatever decorative papers, stamps, die cuts and bling that you desire. Choose your decorative paper, or create your own with stamps and ink. Make just one block, or a set of three; whatever you wish. Make a set for each holiday of the year!  Or, spell out a word, with a letter on each block. They are small and easy to store and they make great gifts, too!

To remove the rubber image or the foam cushion glued to the wood, heat your stamp for 30-60 seconds in your microwave to soften the adhesive. Use a hot pad to remove them from the microwave. 

For stamps that have a clear film with the stamp index, sometimes you can peel this off and use it for the index in your Avery Elle stamp pockets or other storage.

1.  Marj chose Asian Washi Paper, but you can create any theme by varying the paper.

2.  Select your favorite glue:  Yes Paste, Scotch Quick Dry Adhesive, Scotch Craft Glue Stick, Liquitex Matte Gel or Matte Medium, or PVA glue are all good choices.

3.  Choose a paint color that coordinates with your decorative paper, and paint the top and bottom of your three wood blocks. I used Martha Stewart paints. Let dry completely. I mixed colors in a small plastic container and painted three coats of paint on the ends, using a Heat Tool to dry the layers for faster completion.

4.  Measure the front of the block, and add enough on both sides to wrap the paper around to the back of the block with an extra 1/2”. Because the top and bottom of the block are painted, you don’t need to cover them with paper. 

5.  Spread an even layer of glue on the front and sides of your wood block.  After getting these areas glued on smoothly, you can add a 1/2” of glue on the two back sides, and press the paper down. If your block sides are curved, be sure to press the

paper down securely into the curve.

6.  Use a squeegee, or a brayer, or any hard, smooth object to press the paper firmly into the glue.  You can cover the paper with a waxed sheet to protect it.  Try to avoid any wrinkles, unless you like a textured look.

7.  Let the adhered paper dry thoroughly.  Then measure the back of the block, and cut a matching paper to cover the back completely, and glue down.  Let dry.

8.  Now, you can stamp on the paper covered block, add coordinating die cuts, bling ribbon, or wood shapes.  Shrink plastic art pieces also make nice additions.

9.  Repeat this process on all the blocks in the set you want to create, and decorate as desired. If any of the block seem tippy, you can cover a small wood block with matching paper, and glue on the back to stabilize the block.

Be sure to check next week's "Technique of the Week" blog post where Marj will have three more ideas to share with you.  All of Marj's great ideas are also on display at Art 'n Soul.