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a is for alphabet month

Stamping Embroidery


This month, I thought I do something a little different with how I plan my posts. Each day will represent a letter from the alphabet, starting with A and going through Z (taking Sundays off, it comes out perfect!). I'm still not quite sure what Z will bring, but I'm ready for the challenge!

Stamping Embroidery

To get the ABCs started, I pulled out some ABC stamps to try an idea. Using regular ink, I stamped some letters onto fabric, then stitched over them, leaving a "ghost" effect in the background.

Stamping Embroidery
Stamping Embroidery

Because I was using regular dye-based inks, the colors are muted. (Although, the colors are stronger than these photos would suggest.) I think that if you were to use a stamp pad designed for fabric, you'd end up with much brighter colors. So depending on the look you're going for, or what the final use is, you might want to explore different inks. What I used was permanent though, and didn't rinse out.

Stamping Embroidery

After I stamped, I used a single strand of embroidery floss and added some stitching over the letters. It's just a bit of embellishment to what's already there. And depending on the font of your stamps, I think this could be done in lots of ways!

Stamping Embroidery
Stamping Embroidery

So now...what can you use this technique for? Here's the ideas I've been thinking about: Tags (name, gift, sewn-in labels, etc.), Wall Hangings (add quotes, titles, lettering within a design, etc.), Ornaments (perfect for adding names and dates!), or my personal favorite, a Banner (you can never have too many banners with messages!).

Of course, I went with letters for alphabet month, but really, there's no limit to the stamp designs you could use with this technique. Give it a try!

7 comments:

  1. So simple and clever ;) I'm so exited about the letter B...ach!

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  2. I adore those stamps - do you remember who make them and/or where you bought them?

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    Replies
    1. They are called "Vintage Alphabet Stamps" and the font is Breite Italienne. They were made by Chronicle Books, but I bought them about 7 years ago at a museum in San Diego.

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  3. Anonymous12:56 PM

    I love the alphabet idea! What a great way to do something different that also challenges you to try new things.

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  4. About the stamps.....I really liked them too. I went to the Chronicle Books site and they are no longer available. They were made by Redstone Stamps which has gone out of business. Maybe they could be found on Ebay, I didn't look as I don't shop there. Hope that saves some steps for anyone else who might have been a little serious.

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  5. Very cute!! Love stamps, and such a cute idea! xo Heather

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  6. That is so cool! I'm thinking about making my own stamps and do what you did with your stamps! Thanks for sharing :)

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