Make your own alphabet stamps

January 13, 2021

A rubber-stamp alphabet is an essential part of any stamp artist’s box of tricks. Make your own set for a unique spin on this crafty staple, and use them to create one-of-a-kind artworks, prints, greeting cards and more.

Artist and illustrator Stephen Fowler explains how to create rubber DIY alphabet stamps using erasers and items found around the house.

The alphabet, stylised and stamped

What you'll need to make a DIY alphabet stamp set

Photocopied alphabet letters (taken from typeface books or online sources)
Masking tape
A bottle of acetone, e.g. nail polish remover
Paper towel
Teaspoon
Erasers
Scalpel

Step 1

Cut out each of the photocopied letters.

Illustration of the letter "A" printed on a sheet of paper next to an eraser

Step 2

Make a start with the letter A. Cover it with an eraser and hold it in place with a piece of tape.

Illustration of eraser set on top of printed paper

Step 3

With a little acetone on a paper towel, gently wipe the paper so that it gradually becomes transparent, taking care not to inhale the fumes.

Illustration of hand wiping the paper with a napkin

Step 4

Transfer the letter by burnishing the back of the paper with a teaspoon.

illustration of hand pressing down on the paper

Step 5

Now take your time and carefully carve the letter in relief. Incising a perfectly clean, sharp alphabet will be painstaking slow, but well worth it.

An illustration of the completed rubber stamp

Congratulations! You've now completed your first DIY alphabet stamp.

Now move on to the rest of the alphabet, or just the letters of a word you want to stamp often, such as "Happy Birthday" or your name.

For your next project, learn how to draw with this course and kit that includes all the materials you need, or have a browse through our other courses, including papercraft, ceramics, drawing and macrame.

Do share the things you've made with us and our community on Instagram - #yodomomakes - we love to see your creations.