![](https://nathaliesstudio.com/app/uploads/2022/08/KalbachProductMiniFanFoamStamps.jpg)
Looking to make an impact in your art journal or current creative project? Think bold pattern! I love a strong pattern element as a background when I really want to grab attention. I like pattern so much in fact that a lot of my stamps are designed with that in mind. My Mini Fan foam stamp set is one example and a pretty fun set to play with.
![](https://nathaliesstudio.com/app/uploads/2019/07/KalbachProductAFMiniFan02.jpg)
The four different stamps in the set each have a different design inspired by historical architecture and interior motifs that have caught my eye through the years. (My Stroll Through the Hood series is where I get a lot of my inspiration for these types of things.) The set gives you choices and the chance to mix things up too. But first, let’s talk about pattern.
![](https://nathaliesstudio.com/app/uploads/2019/07/KalbachAJRest01.jpg)
The overall shape of the Mini Fan stamps is designed to fit snugly together and make a continuous field of pattern. You can get wild with color and using all the stamps in the set.
![](https://nathaliesstudio.com/app/uploads/2019/09/KalbachAJWhoYouAre03.jpg)
You can also use just one for a bit of intricate pattern in a page. The above stamp is a sinuous, Art Nouveau style that it is just the thing when you want something lovely in there.
![](https://nathaliesstudio.com/app/uploads/2020/06/KalbachAJBeLoud03.jpg)
Layering the Mini Fan stamps in a more complex way is another approach. The “more is more” technique is a lot of fun to create and is very impactful with different patterns and colors peeking through. When to stop? LOL that’s the hard question ;)
![](https://nathaliesstudio.com/app/uploads/2022/05/KalbachPDKoinobori18.jpg)
When you do keep things simple though, these Mini Fan foam stamps are very effective. It’s not an instant pattern like a stencil, but it’s a methodical, zen-like building process that can be a refreshing creative break. And for a project like these Koinobori wind socks, you can’t deny the Mini Fans resemblance to fish scales!
I hope you give some of these ideas a try. Here are some supplies used in these projects:
![](https://linkdeli.s3.amazonaws.com/public/placeholders/bd450cd7-8b2e-454f-85f7-a604c6341277.jpg)