Letter Writing Project: Rubber Stamped Stationery

This project is suitable for children ages four and up. You may choose to complete this project in one sitting, or spread it out over several days.

Here's what you'll need:

two sheets of white paper for each child (this can be multipurpose paper, craft paper, drawing paper or construction paper)
rubber stamps (you can choose several different stamps or use just one)
blank ink pads
a ruler
a pencil with an eraser (or you may opt to use a gum eraser)
scissors
crayons
markers
colored pencils
newspaper or brown paper bags (to cover your work surface)
paper towels (for clean up)

Here's how you create your stationery:

Step one: lay newspaper out over your work surface. You may want to have smocks or old t-shirts on hand to protect clothing during this project.

Step two: gather your materials and lay them out around your work surface. When your children see all the materials they'll be working with, it'll help keep them excited, curious and inspired throughout the project.

Step three: find the center of your paper using your ruler by drawing an "x" from corner to corner. Then, place the ruler in the center of your paper and measure two inches away from the edge of each side of the paper. Connect the lines so you have to create a border around your paper. Be sure to draw all of the lines lightly so you can erase them later.

Step four: take out another sheet of paper and cut it to the size of the interior section of the framed paper you've just created.

Step five: place the cut paper in the center of your framed paper.

Step six: using the black ink and rubber stamps, stamp the framed part of the paper. The cut out paper will act as the template needed to keep the center of your paper clean. Don't be afraid to stamp beyond the edges of your paper to create a unique effect.

Step seven: remove the cut-out from the center of your paper and set the stamped paper aside to dry. You may wish to speed this process up by using a hair dryer.

Step eight: once the stamped paper is dry, erase the pencil marks you've drawn on lightly.

Step nine: using the crayons, colored pencils and markers, color in the stamped images. Be sure to use each medium to create a varied appearance in color.

Step ten: set the papers aside and clean your work surface and stamps thoroughly.

Now that your stamped stationary is complete, you can use it for:

(1) writing letters to family members
(2) writing stories
(3) creating covers for handmade books
(4) writing journal entries
(5) creating memory book pages