Model Magic Texture Stamps

by Brooklyntonia

5.9K786

Intro: Model Magic Texture Stamps

I once gave my kindergarten students a small ball of Model Magic to experiment with, and one of them pressed it up against a texture rubbing plate. This wasn't what I had in mind for the activity, but it turned out to be a wonderful way for my students to explore not only the clay but also texture. We were then able to look for physical textures around the room and create visual textures on our papers.

STEP 1: Making a Texture Stamp

Roll up a small ball of Model Magic. If you've never worked with Model Magic before, check out my Model Magic 101 instructable for tips on this particular clay's quirks and another fun project.

Press the ball onto an object or surface that has texture.

Lift the clay from the surface and allow to dry for 24 hours.

STEP 2: Texture Surfaces

These are all the stamps I made from various textures around my home. Don't worry about the clay getting stuck. It sticks very well to itself but not to other surfaces. As you can see, I even did an impression on a crochet blanket and a straw hat.

STEP 3: Stamping

Because ink pads are expensive and not very versatile, we use markers for our ink in my classroom. Color the stamp with a marker.

Press the ink side down on your paper.

STEP 4: Pretty

You can even put more than one color on the stamp before putting it on your paper.

I used the same color on each stamp when reusing to keep them looking pretty for pictures, but once the marker has dried on the stamp you can certainly switch to a different color.

STEP 5: Texture Drawings

My young students love making abstract artworks with these stamps, but you could use them for objective artworks as well. Add a scaly texture to a fish or reptile for example.

STEP 6: Have Fun!

Mix, match, and trade stamps for fun and learn about art and texture at the same time.

6 Comments

ThisIsMyNameOK 8 years ago

This is a great activity. Really creates an opportunity for exploration and discovery. And there are lots of creative ways to use the stamps. I remember using potato stamps at school when I was little. I wanted to make some when I got home, but mom wouldn't give me any potatoes. She said it was "a waste of good food". And she was right of course. This is a much better way of making stamps.

nancyCpants 8 years ago

So clever, never thought of this. I want to do some shibori dyeing and use that fabric to make a quilt, I think this is what I'll use for my stamps.

Brooklyntonia 8 years ago

Oh I would really love to see that when it's done! It sounds beautiful. Be sure to come back and post a picture.

BLASTFEMI 8 years ago

Wonderful idea! I love all the textures! I wonder if you could use a thin layer of watered down acrylic paint as the 'ink'?