D.I.Y. Underglaze Stamps
Discover creative and budget-friendly ways to make reusable underglaze stamps for the ceramics classroom! In this lesson, students explore pattern, repetition, and surface design by creating custom stamps from everyday materials and using AMACO Velvet Underglazes to build layered decorative surfaces on clay tiles.
- AMACO Velvet Underglazes, light and dark colors
- AMACO 6"x6" Bisque Tile
- AMACO Teacher's Palette Light glazes
- Adhesive Craft Foam (sheets or pre-cut shapes)
- Plastic, non-porous object with a flat surface (ex: 2 oz. Velvet Underglaze lid)
- Rubber Eraser
- PCV Pipe
- Felt
- Plastic Spoon
- Pan or Tray
- AMACO Fan Brush
Creating DIY Underglaze Stamps
Carve a rubber eraser, adhere premade craft foam designs to a 2 oz. Velvet Underglaze lid, or add craft foam designs to a PVC pipe to make a rolling stamp.
Applying the Base Color
Apply a base coat of Velvet Underglaze to the tile. Allow time for the Velvet Underglaze to dry.
Making a DIY Underglaze Inkpad
Place felt in the pan or tray. Using analogous colors, spoon small amounts of Velvet Underglaze onto the felt; this will act as a DIY Inkpad.
Loading the Stamps with Color
Press the various stamps onto the inkpad. Add more Velvet Underglaze to the inkpad when needed.
Building Pattern & Surface Design
Apply stamps to the tile, creating a pattern. Touch up the design with a detail brush and additional colors if needed. Allow Velvet Underglaze to dry.
Adding a Transparent Glaze Layer
Apply 1-2 coats of Teacher's Palette Light over the entire tile.
Saving the Inkpad for Reuse
Cover the pan or tray with plastic wrap to reuse the inkpad later.
Preparing Tiles for Firing
Label the backside of the tile with students' names. Glaze fire to cone 05 at a medium speed.
