My start with rubber stamps

I believe I've never mentioned how I got my start in rubber stamps. It was in 2006 when I worked in Japan as a teacher where I struggled with buying English teacher stamps for marking student work. To my surprise when I asked another English teacher what she used, that I discovered the art of carving rubber stamps. She showed me all the rubber stamps she carved out of rubber blocks and immediately got me in love with carving tools. I was inspired by my students to put a smile on their faces when they received their marked work from me. Even the "needs improvement" stamps would encourage those students to do better.

Here are a few examples of what I did in Japan. 

Carving rubber stamps is such a fun yet delicate art where there can be no mistakes. Once the block is scratched, you can't go back. It takes a lot of patience and concentration.

I actually didn't venture onto cardmaking and scrapbooking until I returned to Vancouver, BC from Japan. I wanted to continue with carving but ever since I went to my first Stampin' Up! open house, I couldn't go back to carving. Hopefully one day I can return to making my own rubber stamps. Perhaps start a new group to carve rubber stamps in Vancouver.

What was your inspiration? and what got you started with rubber stamping?

Reminder that the Stampin' Up! starter kit is $150 until March 31, 2012! It will return to the regular $215 after the Sale-a-bration promotion. Click here to find out more.

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