I’m surprised with how many impressions I’ve gotten out of this one little cardstock stencil – 50 and still going. Way better than I was expecting. The stencil was made on a Cricut machine (I’m obsessed with it). You could also hand cut a stencil or carve a stamp. I’m gonna try both. Lot’s of possibilities to play with here.
These little charms are for an extra workshop I’m offering at Squam in September.
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A couple tips:
I sprayed it with clear acrylic sealer on both sides and let that dry thoroughly before I started using it. And when I’m done stamping I blot the ink off it with a rag. I think that has a lot to do with it’s longevity.
Use a stencil brush – I’ve had this one forever – you can find *something similar here. When you tap be sure to be straight up and down and not at an angle.
This ink pad is great. You iron it to set. *Find it here. I store my stamp pads in ziplock bags.
The printing is going much faster than I thought it would. This is excellent since this was a pretty spontaneous idea that I didn’t really explore at all before deciding to do it. I really lean into the summer campness of the Squam Art Retreat and a signature handmade charm fits right in. You can see the charm we made last year here.
I’m on the fence about the bead- what do you think?
ragdoll wardrobe progress
The pattern will be available in my shop and Etsy next week. She’s got a gown, chemisette and bloomers plus all the variations you can create with those patterns. Stay tuned.
breaking garden news
Pole bean drama… They were so easy last year. This year I’ve got a giant wall of unmanageable foliage and a smattering of beans. I’m considering pulling them out and planting mache in September.
the 2027 calendar
Pre-orders will open very soon. The hardest part is choosing the 12 paintings – it takes forever- I have to feel my way through it. So happy that’s done – I’m making a few tiny adjustments and sampling with the printer now.
She brought so much light and goodness. So long Dolly.
Oh my! I love that little charm! I’ll be missing Squam and you this year. Work complications for Daniel. Somebody make a little charm for me. Have a blast!
I’m sorry i want see you guys! kiss Vincent P for me and I’ll make you a charm.
Love the heart charm! I think the bead is a nice finishing touch, although not necessary. Thank you for the tips.
Thanks Mary!
Love the charms with and without bead. Maybe try a smaller bead?
Thank you for the beautiful tribute painting to Dolly. Lovely.
Thansk so much Susan – Dolly sure will be missed.
Those charms are as cute as can be! Like a little blessing everywhere they go!
Thank you – that’s a wonderful thought.
I absolutely adore these charms! They’re so sweet, and I love the printing process using cardstock stencils, it gives them such a beautiful, handmade character. I’ve never tried stamping on fabric, but it could be a really good idea! I’m definitely in favor of the bead! I think it adds such a lovely little detail and really completes the charm.
And I absolutely adore the entire rag doll outfit, it’s simply brilliant! I can’t wait to create new, elegant rag dolls using your pattern. Thank you Ann, you always inspire me!
Thanks so much Marilina!
Love the charms. I agree with smaller beads. Love the doll wardrobe and Dolly tribute too.
Thanks Kim! I like the smaller bead idea too.
Sometimes our beans don’t produce much when it’s too hot in the Summer and then in the Fall, when the temps come down…boom! Lots of beans! They look so healthy, I’d give em more time! 🙂
Thanks Porter – I will – there are lots of blossoms today so I’ll wait and see.
Such a cute idea! I like the bead, and agree with the suggestion to try something smaller.
Thanks Colete!
Hi Ann, I love your posts and I save most of them. I’ve been stamping on fabric for years. Some of my projects were featured in a few of the Stampington & Company magazines. In 2014, one of my stamping projects was featured on the cover. It is indeed one of the things I love to do. I’ve made party favors, wine bags, and sachets using stamps and muslin fabric. Muslin is easy to dye using onion skins or avocado peels. I love the colors that turn out. I actually used stamps on fabric when I made one of your dolls. I have a Clricut but I’ve never used it. You’ve inspired me. I have never planted matcha. I wonder if you can make a dye for fabric using the leaves? Perhaps a light green hue.
Hi Dalia,
Your projects sound great- so many possibilities for stamping on fabric. The Cricut is pretty interesting -it does take a while to get the hang of it there are lots of youtube videos that help – good luck with it!
Oh, and I love your little charms, they are lovely. Did you fill them with lavendar? They are nice with and without the bead. You are so fantastic at everything you’ve created. Can’t wait to see more. BTW, are you ever going to release your lion pattern?
Lion – Yes! very soon- along with the other circus friends. And yes on the lavender too – a little bit.
The printed charms are lovely! I hope to attend Squam someday. Nothing about your charm needs to change, but you might want to try a smaller bead and maybe a knot and see what you think. Love the tribute to Dolly.
Thanks so much Alexis – I hope to see you at Squam someday!
It’s completely charm-ing and I say keep the bead. Perhaps I should unearth my rubber stamp collection, this would be fun for patches too. Do you all do SWAPS at Squam like at Girl Scout Camp? (SWAPS stands for “Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere”) I’m thinking about sewing my own Dolly tribute, the loss is hitting pretty hard this week. And that tiny rose patterned fabric looks a little familiar to me? I’ve just planted a new crop of green beans because we can grow here into October and my earlier attempts were disappointing.
Hi Heather, I love “Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere” – thats perfect for Squam. Sewing a Dolly tribute is a wonderful idea. And yes- I bought tons of that calico before Joanns closed- I use it a lot. I guess I’ll stick it out a bit with the beans.
I love this! I’ve always been afraid of cricut -it seems complex! I love the idea though so may need to get over that!
Looking forward to Squam!
Hi Amysue! Looking forward to seeing you soon! We gotta talk about the Cricut – I think you’d love it.
The charm is absolutely adorable. Yes, the bead makes it so much better. Just the right amount of a little “something, something”. I am enjoying the 2026 calendar and look forward to purchasing 2027. Thanks for sharing your projects!
Thanks Pam! I’m super excited about the calendar.
I have a Cricut and everything but the fabric ink! Most Fridays, after I read your blog, I’m off inspired. I’ll play around looking at potential stamps while I wait for ink to arrive. (& I cannot wait for the doll wardrobe to drop!)
Thanks so much Lisa! I’m happy to hear it. And there are so many potential stamps lying around – I’m playing with some stamp ideas for halloween now…
I have a cricut. Do you and if so how do you use it? I tend to produce svg file in illustrator and import into cricut. I’ve cut paper. Made stickers. Cut fabric. I’m not cutting glitter cardstock for a friends homecoming mums.
Hi Mila – I’ve recently started using a Cricut – I’ve made stickers and some stencils – still have lots to learn and try.
I love the bead on the charm, you can’t find that in the shops.
And your doll is gorgeous with her little outfits, you would need so little fabric as well.
Your newsletter is always full of inspiration, thank you .
Thanks Pascale! I love that about the doll clothes too – you probably have enough scraps to make them.
I admired this charm last month in your post. So… I’m thrilled to see it again. I really like the bead. I’d probably add the bead with a silhouette related to the scene painted onto it.
Hi Sonya! Thanks! I think we should do this as a project in stitch club soon.
Wonderful, happy charms. The bead seems to be a distraction from softness of the image and charm. Maybe a tied knot in the cord to add a subtle definition and balance…
Have loved using a silhouette which was initially for making stencils on fabrics.
Started years ago using classic (butcher) freezer paper as it can be ironed on and peeled off after painting, but it had some big drawbacks. Having a machine that makes them is light years better!
Thank you for the continuous sparks of inspiration.
Thanks so much Jan! I agree about butcher paper – so handy for so many things – I’m never without it. And it is a great low tech stencil options.
Those little out fits and the beautiful rag doll are adorable! I have tried making rag dolls and they have wobbly necks but you don’t. I can see you stitch make the body and head separate and this clearly works better. You have the best email posts ever.
Thanks so much Rachel! That skinny neck was the most challenging part of creating that pattern. I do find the separate head produces the best and most consistent result.
It seems everyone in the world loved Dolly. Thank you for the gorgeous butterfly tribute. x
Hi Wendy – it really does – she was so special.
The patterns for the doll. Yes.
Hi Belinda- I’m excited to share it!
I don’t have a cricut, haven’t stenciled on fabric, and have no idea what Mache is. HOWEVER…now I must try to stencil and look up Mache. 🙂
Love the charms!
Thanks Jill! Mache is new to me too – I had it in France this summer and loved it.
I really like your charms & the bead is a nice add.
I have stenciled & the stiffer the brush is the better for me while stenciling.
Love your idea for sealing the stencil!
I can’t wait for the NEW Pattern!!
Yay!
Thank you Ann
Hi Joanie! Thanks so much. It’s amazing what a difference a stiff brush makes. I’m so glad you’re excited for the pattern!
Love the charms! I’d keep the beads and might I suggest painting a simple design on them in annwoodhandmade style just to break up the colour of the light wood a little?
Thanks Anna! I like the thought – I might also try a different color bead.
I would buy a small circuit cut charm stencil. I make lavender sachets for my fabric totes. Keeps the pesty moths out of the wool.
As a farmer, I would say, leave the beans. I always get a second crop in autumn.
The new wardrobe is fun. Mr. Socks is on my table. I have made so many of your designs. They are lovely.
Ann! I love the new wardrobe! Can’t wait to get the patterns!!! The dress is fantastic!!!!