from Diana Trupiano
empty thread spools
bobbins
empty cone thread spools - these give you two sizes of circles!
the handles of paint brushes
the bristles of paint brushes
spatulas
potato mashers
various fruits and veggies:
*corn cobs with or without the kernels
*apples - cut in half horizontally and there’s a star
inside!
*oranges, grapefruit, lemons, etc. - cut in half horizontally and
lay cut side down on paper
towels for about a half hour. They don’t stamp well when too
wet!
*potatoes- remember potato stamping in scouts?
*carrots or any fruit or vegetable that naturally has an
interesting pattern to it, or that you can
carve into. Kids, please get mom or dad’s help with this!
*celery hearts- cut stalks to about 3 - 4 inches from bottom.
This makes a beautiful rosette
pattern. Be sure to load with a few different colors to get a
shaded effect.
*artichokes- same as celery, just a bit less known.
cookie cutters, plastic ones are best since
stamps need to be washed (no rust).
spice bottle tops- neat dot effect!
green produce baskets- neat grate effect!
citrus juicer grates- just plain neat!
dry pasta shapes - endless "pasta-bilities"! (sorry, I
couldn’t help myself)
tooth brushes
the tines of a fork
paperclips
staple remover teeth
keys
course sand paper - I’ve never tried this one myself, but I
hear it’s pretty great.
string
small toy cars (the wheels make neat paths, so lattice effects
are quick and easy!)
the cardboard center of tape, t.p. or paper towel rolls
adding machine tape cores - the plastic ones have a wagon wheel
pattern to them
the "petals" of a metal veggie steamer
various basket bottoms
an old car battery - just kidding!
Silk plant flowers and leaves
hair comb
old bicycle tires - the treads make great patterns, and you just
roll them all over!
YOUR BODY!
hand prints
finger prints
knuckles
feet
lips - be careful here, use only non toxic paints!
Use your imagination, be as creative as you can. Try to think of
some things not on this list. Then grab some paint and have some
fun!