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Monogram Stamp
Monograms are nearly as old as mankind. They can be seen on a
person's clothing, on a tattoo, in graffito, even on the inner walls
of a church, as with the ancient symbol for Christianity, the
Chi-Rho.
To provide an idea of just how old the concept is, the word itself
comes from ancient Greek, loosely meaning 'one symbol' or 'one
letter,' even though it is truly two or more letters or symbols
united as one. This unifying of two or more symbols or ideas is very
powerful to the human psyche as it shows a greater strength through
cooperation, a socialism of ideas and an implied epi-phenomenon of
action, all coupled with the ideas of the symbols themselves.
It is for this reason that the monogram stamp is so readily
available. These are usually rubber stamps which are pressed to ink
and from there, onto any surface where the double or triple symbols
are wished to be seen. A common application for this is as a
letterhead or beneath a signature, at the bottom of a letter.
Another place that the monogram stamp has been incorporated is on
walls, lamp posts, sign posts, and utility boxes. Another form of
graffito, monograms usually present a vandal with the opportunity to
express him or herself with not only expediency of time, thus
preventing detection, but also of having forged a symbol in the open
that often times may be akin to art itself.
This is as the monogram stamp can be quite elaborate or simple,
depending upon the tastes of the consumer. While easily ordered and
purchased at a print shop, if a consumer is unsure of exactly what
design to get most print shops have artists on call to aid in
designing a monogram, or other desired symbol.
If money is an issue, but a person absolutely must possess a
monogram stamp, the other great option is to make one at home. This
can be facilitated in numerous ways. One way is to carve a stamp out
of wood. This is much longer lasting than most other ways, save for
a metal version, which will last a lifetime. As well, to strengthen
a wood stamp, it can be covered in aluminum or tin foil, or some
other light metal, provided the monogram relief is still visible.
The other option, and a great classroom activity for younger
students, is to create a stamp from a potato. While it won't last
long, it's great fun!
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