Made at theCO with Katie Howerton

Rubber stamps are great for packaging, mailings, personalization, and more. This week we take a look at how Katie Howerton (Communications Manager for theCO) created her own custom stamp for the blog/magazine Our Jackson Home. Using the tools available in our co-working space and makerspace and by fol- lowing a few simple steps, she went from idea to object in a mere hour. 

Materials & Equipment: 

•  Laserable natural rubber
• Graphics editing software (in this case, Adobe Illustrator)
• Stamp content (image, text, etc.)
• Full Spectrum Laser Engraver
• Wood block
• Ink pad
• Adhesive (Rubber Cement, wood glue, etc.

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Step 1

After deciding on an image to engrave and the desired dimensions, Katie inverted the colors to create an inverted image to ensure the stamp would impress the image and not the background. Next she reflected the graphic using a 90-degree vertical axis reflection so that the stamp’s design would maintain the correct orientation.

Step 2

Katie used the laser’s software to determine the exact parameters for the engraving, adjusting the power and speed of the extruder so that the stamp's image would match the design

Step 3

Katie cut out the engraved image from the rubber canvas before using a wood-adhesive to attach the final stamp to a wood block. After applying pressure to the wood block, she had her final product and was ready to administer ink!