Store-bought stamps are perfectly acceptable, but creating your own design couldn't be easier. You can use a single image to represent your whole family, or let everyone create their own personalized stamps.To get started, first use a pencil to draw a design (the simpler the better) on a piece of adhesive craft foam, then cut it out. Peel off the backing and stick your design onto a handle such as a bottle cap, a plastic laundry detergent lid, or a small wooden block (found at craft stores for about $1 or less). You can add some tacky glue for better adhesion, if you like.
For one-stop shopping, the Speedy-Stamp basic stamp-making kit by Speedball (ages 10 and up; about $11 at art supply stores) includes almost everything you'll need to carve your own signature stamp. The 4- by 6-inch carving block is large enough to make several big stamps, and the included tools cut the block with ease. The only thing missing is a craft knife.
