DIY Stamps and Ink Pad

This activity allows school-age children to create DIY stamps and ink pads with household items. This is a fun activity by itself, but can be the gateway to all new activities when you need stamps or an ink pad but don’t have any! This craft uses fine motor skills, eyes to search for household items, and creativity to think outside of the box! This activity encourages upcycling items from your home.

Supplies:

For stamps:

Stamps*, construction paper

*Use your creativity (and ask your parents first!) to find items around the house to use as stamps

Some ideas include: dice, plastic water bottle, plastic water bottle lid, empty paper towel/toilet paper rolls, buttons, pieces of cardboard, playing blocks, sponge, bubble wrap, foam stickers can be glued onto any of these items

For Ink pad:

Sponge, paint, glue, container for sponge, scissors

Activity Steps:

Step 1: First, remember to set up your workspace! This might get a little messy, so put out a newspaper or a paint sheet on a smooth, hard surface where you can place your materials. It would also be a good idea to have a washcloth to wipe your hands off if they get messy.

Next, begin searching around your house for items to use as stamps! Once you have collected a few, return to your workspace. Now it’s time to make your ink pad!

Step 2: Take your sponge and place it in the container. If it is too big, feel free to cut the sponge so it fits.

Step 3: Next, have an adult help you mix 2 parts paint to 1 part glue. (This depends on the size of your container. I used an ice cube tray, and used 2 tsp pain and 1 tsp glue). This can be mixed straight in the container with the sponge inside, so the sponge begins to soak with the mixture. (I suggest making more than you think you need, be sure to cover the sponge)

Step 4: Now you can use your stamping materials and press them into the sponge! Then place the stamp on paper and create a masterpiece with your new ink pad!

If you are planning to use your stamps again at another time, remember to cover the container with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. If the stamp does dry out, you can add a few drops of water to keep it

moist.