Have you ever made a stamp from a cosmetic wedge?
A few weeks ago I shared this art tip about how you can salvage paper scraps that are left behind on the art table, and I invited you to let me know here and on Facebook if this was a series worth exploring. Enough of you said “yes,” that I thought I’d launch this new series and give it a whirl.
Today’s art tip
Upcycle make-up sponges into easy, homemade stamps.
If you don’t have any cosmetic sponges in your home, they’re easily found in most dollar stores or the make-up aisle of the pharmacy. The wedges have a spongy texture that’s dense enough to hold ink or paint. I spotted this bag of 100 cosmetic wedges on Amazon for about $7.00, which is another option.
Because the wedges have a triangle shape there are only so many things you can do with them, but we found that they’re great for snipping up a heart-shaped stamp. One point of the triangle becomes the bottom of the heart, and then a few simple snips of the scissors will give you a nicely shaped heart.
All of mine came out a little wobbly, but this gives them handmade character.
For a more archival picture or card, you can roll out some water-based printing ink like we did, but the cosmetic sponge stamps will work well dipped in a thin pool of tempera or acrylic paint. Washable tempera is more finicky, but great for messy, little hands. Acrylic paint isn’t washable, but it’s a good alternative to printing ink for painting on fabric or something more archival.
So, do you have any cosmetic wedges that are itching to be turned into a stamp? Would you try this?
A question for you
Are there any areas of art-making that you wonder about or struggle with? What other art tips would you like to see covered here?
Love this! I’ve seen these used before, but have never tried it. I’ve never seen them cut up either. They also make great sponges for using with stencils.
Megan, That’s a great point that these wedges are fantastic for stenciling. I was trying to remember why I initially bought them, and that must be why! Thanks for the idea.
Love this idea!!!! Totally trying this in the morning! So glad you are doing this series!
Thank you so much, Megan! It’s so easy, especially if you already have the wedges on hand. I’m excited about this series too!
simply and perfect!
😉