Matching border stamps and basket or geometric stamps.

[bruce johnson]

It has been mentioned on the forum a few times but not as a stand alone discussion topic I can find. A friend and I were talking about this a few days ago. 

There was a somewhat standard back in the day shared with us by older guys who stamped production work for large shops. After looking a bunch of the older work from saddles to wallets, it generally runs true. It makes for a pleasing visual outcome. 

Basket stamping - The width of the border stamp should be the width of the end of the basket stamp. 

Geometric stamping - The width of the border stamp should be half the length of one side of the stamp impression. Two impressions per side. 

Larger border impressions overpower the stamp pattern and smaller borders lose effect. 

 

Whatcha think?

 

 

[PastorBob]

I think that is a good rule of thumb, but it also depends on the size of the project and the design or additional carving as well.  Also depends on how it is dyed too.

[chuck123wapati]

Very good information; it always amazes me at the ability of the human eye and brain to pick out subtle issues that make a design appealing, even though we don't notice or understand why. I use the rule of thirds a lot when designing stuff also. 

[rktaylor]

I think that is a good starting point. Chuck is right about finding things visually appealing. Some things just look better and some just don't seem right.

This is my 'medium' basket weave stamp and my 2 favorite border stamps.

Randy

Edited June 3 by rktaylor
Clarity

[MarshalWill]

Good information. I generally follow Bruce's rule(s) depending on other variables, of course.

 

rktaylor, my all favorite border stamp is the same Hackbarth one you show on the left. I have a few others but that one I use more than others.