25 Everyday Objects That Make Great Stamps
One of my favorite things about mixed media and faith art journaling is learning to see ordinary objects with new eyes. I love that moment when something random catches my attention and I think, “I wonder what kind of mark that would make?” Once you start looking at your everyday life that way, almost anything becomes a potential tool. It opens up a whole new world of creativity and frees you from the idea that you need “real” supplies to make meaningful art. Good news, I can send you this list, so you have handy in your studio or creative corner, fill out the form at the end of this post.
If you’ve been feeling stuck or want to spark something fresh on your pages, try turning some unexpected objects into stamps. Instead of grabbing the traditional things everyone uses, take a look at the overlooked, oddly shaped, and sometimes downright strange items around you. They make the best marks.
Here are 25 everyday objects that make surprisingly great stamps, the kind that help you loosen up, play more, and discover your own creative vocabulary and mark.
1. Pencil erasers from regular or mechanical pencils
Pencil erasers are fun little dots, they can be irregular or crisp depending on what you use and how much you erase off the eraser! Mechanical pencils are smaller and sharper than regular erasers, making crisp little dots and perfect tiny circles.
2. The end of a wooden spoon handle
Creates organic, imperfect circles and smudges that feel earthy and hand-touched.
3. Kitchen Utensils
Peruse your kitchen drawers or grab up some rusty old cast offs from a garage sale, these stamps are large, interesting and fun to use.
4. Plastic strawberry or blueberry containers
The vent patterns make geometric grids and repeating shapes when you press them into paint.
5. The corner seam of a cardboard box
Dip the ridge into paint for instant distressed stripes. Really any part of cardboard is great for a distressed look. If you slightly wet one side of corrugated cardboard the cover piece will peel off exposing that fun texture that lies beneath.
6. Old keys
The tops stamp beautiful abstract shapes, and the teeth create great edge marks.
7. The side of a ruler (not just the end)
Drag or tap it into paint for thin, repeating parallel lines.
8. Hair combs
Use the spine, the teeth, or the side for very different line patterns. Perfect for mark making.
9. Silicone trivets or oven mats
They often have repeating patterns that transfer cleanly when used as stamps.
10. Chunky jewelry pieces
Pendant backs, large beads, textured bangles — all make unique impressions.
11. Puzzle pieces
Dip the edge or the entire piece. The odd curves make fantastic organic shapes.
12. The bottom of a pepper shaker
Those little holes create dotted clusters with one quick press.
13. Lace doilies, ribbon, or crochet pieces
Use them as stamp designs with a brayer application. OR – Instead of laying them down as stencils, use them bunched or folded as stamps.
14. Kids’ building blocks
The edges, corners, or textured surfaces give bold geometric marks.
15. Old drawer knobs
Great for big, strong circle impressions with a vintage flair.
16. The edge of a gift card
Instead of scraping paint, lightly tap the edge to make broken rectangular shapes. Yummy lined chaos awaits!
17. The base of a toothpaste cap
They come in the best weird shapes, and they make very clean stamp outlines. A personal fav of mine, seriously fun details with this one.
18. Cooling racks or wire shelves
Press straight down for a grid, or angle them for diagonal, loose patterns.
19. Curtain rings
Their thin edges make beautiful imperfect circles.
20. Crochet hooks
The handle ends create small dots or teardrop shapes.
21. The rubber soles of shoes
Treads make the coolest abstract stamps. You’ll never look at your sneakers the same way again. Just rinse them off quickly with warm soapy water and you should be good to go.
22. Cookie Cutters
The designs are endless and can add a vast variety of shapes and sizes to your work.
23. The back of a spoon
Pressing the bowl of the spoon gives soft, oval shapes perfect for layering.
24. Dryer sheets (used ones)
Wad them up and stamp them into paint for cloudy, mottled backgrounds.
25. Thread spools
Both ends make circle shapes, and the ridged middle adds interesting lines when rolled.
Once you start experimenting, you’ll notice yourself looking at everything differently. A walk through your kitchen or garage becomes a treasure hunt. A drawer suddenly looks full of possibilities. And the best part is that these objects help you create marks and textures no one else is making — which is how your unique artistic voice begins to surface. I’d love to hear if you have unique items you stamp with – tell me in the comments.
Creativity expands when you give yourself permission to play. So grab a stack of scrap paper and start stamping with whatever you find. Let curiosity lead the way. Want to print this list and save it? I’ll send it to you, just tell me where here:
