Custom STAMP

STEP 1: FIND AN IMAGE FOR YOUR DESIGN

Find and download an image for your stamp onto your device.

Tips on selecting an image ~

If you are picking an image with lines, make sure that the lines are bold & clear.
Avoid any colored images.
No background (or white background)!
Black and white images are ideal.

A good search engine is Pinterest, search "(subject) flash tattoo" or "(subject) black and white icon."

STEP 2: DOWNLOAD & OPEN THE STARTER TEMPLATE

Download the template here (https://tinyurl.com/mry9vbm9)

This template is sized to be 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches. If you wish to make your stamp a different size, adjust the template accordingly.

Open the template in Adobe Illustrator by double-clicking on the downloaded ai file on your device.

STEP 3: PLACE YOUR IMAGE ONTO THE ART BOARD

With Adobe Illustrator open, locate "File" and click on "Place" in the dropdown.
After clicking on "Place," locate the image that you downloaded in step one. Double-click on this image file.
Click anywhere on the white artboard to place your image.
Resize your image to your liking by holding the "Shift" key on your keyboard and dragging the arrows on the corners of your image.

STEP 4: IMAGE TRACE & EXPAND YOUR IMAGE

Select the image trace tool.
Click on the preset "Black and White Logo" to vectorize your image into only black and white colored elements.

3. Click on the "Expand" button to separate your colors and shapes.

STEP 5: INVERT YOUR COLORS AND BACKGROUND

Click on your image.
Navigate to Edit → Edit Colors → Invert Colors

3. Change the background/square color infill to a TRUE black (all RGB values set to 0).

STEP 6: FLIP YOUR IMAGE

Click on your image.
Click on the flip horizontally icon.

STEP 7: ADD TEXT (OPTIONAL)

Click on the "type" tool on your toolbar (T Icon).

2. Type out your desired text.

* Tip: Use bold and thick fonts for the best results

3. With your text selected, click on “Create Outlines.”

4. Click on “Flip Horizontally" to invert your text so that it reads correctly as you use your stamp.

STEP 8: LASER CUT!

You're file is ready to be laser cut!

Follow the DCI Lab laser cutting tutorial to cut/engrave your own custom stamp using odorless rubber or plywood.

* Please note that the DCI lab does NOT sell odorless rubber; you will need to purchase your own sheet, create a wooden stamp, or attend a custom stamp workshop during the school year, in which odorless rubber will be provided for workshop attendees.

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