Did you ever make crayon rubbings as a child? This is the same idea, but using sandpaper instead of a crayon. This easy technique creates soft images with a glowing effect that’s great on backgrounds. Follow the steps to make the sanded image, then step out and experiment with the basic idea.

SUPPLIES Stamps, clear or rubber, mounted or unmounted (Clear stamp shown, Layers of Color Under the Sea) Sandpaper, Fine or 180 grit Paper, colored with white on back side Or Canvas, painted with color
Place stamp face up Place paper on top of stamp Hold paper firmly on top of stamp, put sandpaper face down on top of paper. Pressing firmly with your thumb, sand the paper over the stamp in one direction. Repeat until entire stamp image shows on the paper.
Stamps with solid or detailed images work well. Light or dark papers work well. Solid cardstock or paper without a white back won’t have the same results. It’s the removal of the colored ink on the paper that creates the effect. The middle sample is on primed canvas that has a layer of acrylic paint. Sanding in a circular motion shows less detail. Experiment with a sanding technique that works for you. Try various papers, or apply your own color, then sand.
Stamp sanding technique using Under the Sea pufffer fish on polka-dot printed paper.