Ink pad and stamps laid out for artmaking

Building Stamps

Ink pad and stamps laid out for artmaking

Materials for the Art Center:

  • Paper towel rolls
  • Various foam stickers and wooden blocks or large bottle caps for the base.
  • String that may be glued onto a block to create a unique design.
  • Stamp pads in various colors.
  • Paper

Model for the children how to create various stamps using the materials provided in the Art Center. Allow young artists to explore the creation of stamps in the center.

Guiding Questions:

  • What does repetition mean?
  • What do you notice when you use the stamps over and over again?
  • How could you change your pattern?
  • What would happen if you added to your stamp? What would happen if you took something away from your stamp?
  • Do you notice differences in your stamp pattern when you use different materials?

TIP: Use a paint brush to paint ink onto the stamp for more even coverage.

Gather materials needed for the art exploration.
Young artists can attach stickers or wrap yarn around a tube or block to make their own stamp.
Use a washable ink pad and have young artists press their self-made stamp into the ink, then stamp on a piece of paper.
Encourage young artists to make a pattern with their stamps and compare and contrast how the different materials used show a variety of textures.

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