Today I’ve got a little idea some of you might just try – choose a set of stamps to create a sketch from with the stamps as the main image! If you’ve taken any of my pencil drawing classes, this would be a fun exercise…with any stamp sets you can make a scene from.

Supplies for this project are linked at the end of this post. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.
I started this one by getting out an Aquabee sketchbook – a 6″ x 12″ one. The new Animal Nativity stamp and die set from Art Impressions is one I didn’t get in time to need for my Christmas cards, but a sketch seemed to be a good way to use it instead.
Video
I used a grey ink for the images, but you can certainly use black instead. I figured it would let me use my old college lead holder – a fancy name for a mechanical pencil! I found it this year, along with my old superheavy pointer (sharpener) – and it felt like being back in drawing class again! They seem to make the pencils in blue now instead of red. And the pointers are lightweight and much smaller nowadays!

The top of the drawing I kept simple since there was lots of detail in the main part of the scene. The little stars were erased with a stick eraser.

I added the city of Bethlehem in the background, but softly with using the stick and kneaded erasers—so they don’t fight the manger scene for attention.

Popup sale!
Since this is a drawing video, today’s sale is for 15% off any or all of these three with coupon code THANKS2020:
- Drawing 101
- 30 Days to More Confident Sketching (great for resolutions to start 2021)
- Casting Shadows
Supplies
Some product may be provided by manufacturers for review and use. Compensated affiliate links are here at no cost to you. If you choose to shop using my EH (Ellen Hutson) links, please accept cookies on that site in order to retain the link to my blog, or that compensation does not happen for me. I appreciate your support of my work with your purchases! Full affiliate and product disclosure | My trusted partners in art
- Animal Nativity, Art Impressions Clear Stamps —- EH | AI
- Aquabee sketchbooks
- Pencil:
- Staedtler Lead Holder (mine is red because I’ve had it since college!)
- Staedtler Leads
- Lead Holder Pointer (Sharpener)
- Erasers:
- Tombow Stick Eraser
- Kneaded Eraser EH | BLICK | AMZ
Merry Christmas !! You are an incredible artist and I feel so blessed to have gotten to see this on Christmas Eve…. Bless you and your family, today and always…. and thank you so very much for the incredible inspiration!!
Hi Sandy – what is the color of ink with which you stamped the images? Beautiful scene and incredible pencil work! It really glows. Thanks
Its a grey ink that’s discontinued by MFT.
I am in awe of this drawing. After the initial stamping (well done) the rest seemed to materialize out of thin air. LOVE watching you.
This is incredible
Sandy, that is the sweetest thing EVER! Love it!
Sweet stamp set – beautiful scene… I never realized all the different effects you can achieve with pencils. Love the soft sky background in this.