Stamping Art: How to Use Clear Stamps for Unique Textured Designs
Welcome back friend! I’m so excited to share with you today all about stamping art! I’ve been stamping art for years and I want to show you how to transform a thrifted canvas into stunning, peacock-inspired, wall art using decor stamps, paint, and a touch of gold. If you love DIY and unique home decor, this one’s for you! Who says you have to be an artist to create beautiful art?! Let’s get started.
Supplies Used When Stamping Artwork
Stamping Surface – Canvas, Wood Panel, Fabric (I’m using a 24×36 canvas)
Paints of Choice – I used several blues and greens, along with white paints from DIY
Paint Brush
Putty Knife (large and small)
IOD Pavo Stamps with masks
IOD Birds, Branches, and Blossoms stamps
IOD Kindest Regards Stamp
IOD Bohemia Stamps
IOD Misc Stamps with small design (For filler)
Golden Ticket ( a gold liquid patina)
Thin Mounts
Brayer
Misting spray bottle
Small artist brush
Clear Wax
Peacock Art Stamping Inspiration
So the plan for my design started with the Pavo Stamps from Iron Orchid Designs (IOD). IOD has a vast assortment of beautiful art stamps; perfect, not only for creating a typical art journal or card making, but for transforming ordinary items into show-stopping pieces that you can proudly display in your home.
I love birds of all kinds and couldn’t wait to create something unique using the Pavo stamps. I went to Pinterest for color inspiration and noticed many peacocks, in peacock paintings, were paired with cherry blossoms. That was my lightbulb moment! I knew I could incorporate my favorite Birds, Blossoms, and Branches stamp to bring in that delicate floral element.
The Pavo stamp consists of two sheets of clear stamps as seen below. Clear stamps, unlike rubber stamps or foam stamps, are one of the most versatile creative tools available with their unique ability to let you see-through for precise placement or stamping layered designs.
See all available stamps here. (Note: If a desired stamp is out of stock, it’s usually because it’s been discontinued. Contact me for help in finding one: info@weatheredwings.com)
Finding the Perfect Surface For Art Stamping
I knew I wanted to try something big! I found this large 24×36 canvas at a thrift store while at the beach. Yes, I actually took the time to go to the thrift store! You never know what goodies await! There were two canvases for just $7 each—what a steal! They already had images on them so I gave them a nice coat of white paint. Just like new!
Laying Down the Foundation Before Stamping Artwork
Before diving into the art stamping, I wanted to create a rich, layered background. I chose Sea Glass as my base color, applying it with a brush to get a smooth, even coat. Initially, I considered using my beloved putty knives for a more textured application, but for the sake of time, I opted for the brush first.
To add depth, I incorporated Vintage Linen, using a putty knife to scrape it in while the Sea Glass was still wet. This allowed the colors to blend organically, creating a soft and dreamy effect. Spritzing water in specific areas helped to further blend and soften transitions.
Next, I introduced Bohemian Blue, focusing it at the bottom where the peacock’s body would be placed. My goal was to have the peacock emerge from this deep blue space, with its tail cascading downward. I also added Monet’s Garden, a stunning emerald green, to provide contrast and vibrancy. Switching between a brush and putty knife, I played with the texture, loving the way the putty knife gave the surface a more dynamic feel.
Stamping Art Video Tutorial – Part One
Art Stamping Tips and Techniques
With the background in place, it was time to bring in the star of the show: the peacock stamp, aka Pavo! To help with proper placement, I first attached my clear stamps to “thin mounts.” Thin mounts are sheets of hard plastic that steadies stamps and gives you corners to hold on to when you’re lowering and raising the stamps. Another option is to use the plastic sheet the stamp comes on.
I also stamped one of the large peacocks onto craft paper to create a “mask”. A masking technique is essential when layering stamps to create depth and realism. (Note: All IOD Stamps now come with a set of clear masks!)
For more tips on using a stamp masking technique, join my free creative community to watch an in-depth tutorial: Plus never miss a project!
Stamping With Paint
Using a brayer, I applied paint onto the stamp and carefully positioned it slightly off-center onto the canvas. While many prefer ink for crisp details, I love using paint for a more organic, artistic effect.
Once the main body was stamped, I dried it quickly before moving on to the tail feathers. Here’s where the masking technique came into play: I placed my paper mask over the already-stamped peacock body, ensuring that the tail feathers would appear to flow naturally behind it. By layering different feather stamps, I created the illusion of depth and movement.
I carefully masked off sections and built up the peacock’s long, flowing tail. Since the tail feathers are a focal point, I wanted them to gracefully extend downward, even swooping slightly. I played around with different placements until it felt just right.
Stamping Art Video Tutorial – Part Two
Building Layers When Stamping Art
One of my favorite discoveries during this project was a discontinued stamp that worked perfectly for small feather-like details. I cut it apart and used it to add intricate designs within the peacock’s tail, further enhancing its elegance. Layering various stamps in different directions filled in gaps and added richness to the overall design.
I continued layering color with my putty knife, added branches and flowers using the IOD Birds, Branches, and Blossoms stamps, and also stamped with various other stamps to create more texture and interest to my background. I incorporated the IOD Kindest Regards stamp as well as the IOD Bohemia stamps. The raised areas created by the putty knife made a beautiful effect when highlighted with Golden Ticket.
Stamping Art Video Tutorial – Part Three
Fixing Imperfections When Stamping Artwork
As with any DIY project, things don’t always go as planned. Some stamps didn’t fully transfer because of the canvas texture, but I had a simple fix—an artist brush and a little paint to fill in the gaps seamlessly. Remember, it’s just paint! If you don’t like something, you can always adjust or paint over it.
Some of my previously stamped leaves were too faint, so I went over them again using Farm Fresh, a soft gray-green that added subtle contrast.You can always stamp images more than once, with different paint colors to build texture and give it a more organic look.
I kept layering, tweaking, and filling in areas that needed more balance. At this stage, it felt like putting together a puzzle, but that’s the fun of the creative process! It’s always hard for me to decide when a piece is truly finished because I love experimenting and adding details. But I knew when it all came together, I would absolutely love it. And I do!
How To Clean Clear Stamps
You’ll want to clean your stamps after using. When stamping with paint, I generally just use soap and water along with a soft scrub brush or sponge. If using ink, I like to clean with baby wipes.
Tip: If using the same stamp more than once, you’ll want to clean it after 2-3 uses; especially if using paint. If you don’t, the paint dries and builds up which will cause your design to lose clarity and detail.
Protecting Your Stamped Art
Once you feel your stamped art is complete, you want to protect it! The paints I used were clay-based, chalk style paints which work nicely with waxes. Once my paint was completely dry, I brushed clear wax over the entire piece. You may have noticed that when the paints were dried, they were lighter in color. That’s just the nature of the clay based paint. As soon as you seal the paint with a wax or topcoat, the striking colors come back to life.
For more Tips on sealing Chalk type paints, grab my free guide here:
This project has been such a joy, and I hope it inspires you to look at art stamping in a new way. Using stamps is a fantastic way to create Wall art, makeover furniture, or even create unique walls. I’d love to know if you’ve ever stamped art! Share your experience in the comments below.
Want more Art Stamping Ideas? Visit the Blog Posts Below:
DIY Stamped Coasters Using Wood
DIY Fabric Stamping
Stamping Books for Beautiful Home Decor
Until next time,
Love,
Joanie
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Email – info@weatheredwings.com
