November 21st, 2011
My Indian Wood Block Stamp Collection
When I was growing up my mom went on some extended trips to India, and every time she came back her bags were overflowing with beautiful things for my sister and I. There were rugs, giant block print sheets, gorgeous notebooks full of thin pages, hats and saris- and eventually these wood block stamps made their way back to the Canadian prairies.
I used to play with them when I was younger, and you can still see the technicolor stains on the small ones that were my favourites. They make beautiful patterns and I wish I had a whole case of them that I could use! I love the carving details on the larger stamp and the tiny wild shapes of the small stamps. My favourite detail is the writing that’s on some of them. I’ve been saving them to use for a special client’s website or blog design someday, or to make a notebook cover with their patterns for myself. I can’t wait to really use them like they’re meant to be used…
I think my favourite detail is the writing that’s on a few of them- I wonder what it says, and if it’s a note from India or between my sister and I from forever ago. For now, I think that little mystery just adds to their beauty.
Ok, seriously, I have no idea how Kara came out, I meant to say Kyla! Sorry!
These are so pretty Kara!
i’m in india now and am bringing back tons of printing blocks with me – lots of small ones to keep in a bowl and a pretty big one that would look great on a coffee table or bookshelf as a nice reminder :)
i know you love the mystery of not knowing what the notes say – but since being here i’ve learned to read a bit of hindi so if you ever want it translated i can certainly try……
dear kay, can you tell me where i can get a lot of the printing blocks? thank you so much!
These are so beautiful and fun! I know someone living in India- perhaps I will have to see what they can do about picking me up some… hmmm. Like others have said, I can’t wait to see the designs that they create!
Holy moly. Love!
These are gorgeous, and I bet they were a blast to play with as a kid :)
Wow! These are so cool :)
What a sweet memory. I love these.
Wow, they’re so intricate and amazing! I can’t wait to see what their patterns look like.
The designs on them are beautiful! Plus I love that they’re made from a chunk of wood.
What a lovely little gift.
They are great! I have one such stamp (plus quite some henna stencils) and I love, love, love them.
Do you have any projects that you’d suggest making with them?
Those are so beautiful! I love the gifts that come from foreign countries! They have so much sentimental value :)
what a beautiful collection!!!
Those are so beautiful and I love how much they mean to you! :) I love that your mom traveled to India and brought them back – so awesome!
I LOVE those! What a wonderful gift, I love Indian art, it’s so detailed & colourful! I would have a hard time not using those on every little thing if I had something like that, I think. ;)