Fun Chinese Character Stamp Activity for Children

Looking for a fun way to get kids excited about learning their names in Chinese? Try making Chinese name character stamps with clay!

This hands-on activity is a mix of art and culture, and it’s a fun way for kids to connect with Chinese traditions and the history of printing.

Materials Needed

• Air-dry clay

• Plastic sheet (you can cut up a sheet protector or use acetate sheet)

• Marker

• Toothpick

• Red ink pad or red paint

• Yellow paper (traditional color for stamping!)

• Foam board (optional, helps make stamping smoother)

My students finished their clay stamps and set them in trays to dry.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Shape the clay: Roll and flatten a piece of air-dry clay into a round stamp.

2. Write the characters: Use a marker to write your Chinese characters on a piece of plastic sheet.

3. Transfer the design: Press the plastic sheet onto the clay to transfer the writing.

4. Outline the stamp: Use a toothpick to poke small holes along the character outlines.

5. Let it dry: Leave the stamp to dry overnight.

6. Start stamping: Press your clay stamp onto a red ink pad, then stamp it onto yellow paper!

The first time our stamps didn’t turn out quite as well as we hoped, so we paused, brainstormed, and found a few ways to fix the problem. Here are some tips to help you (and your students) get great results the very first time!

Tips for Teachers and Parents

1. Keep it flat: Make sure the stamp surface is flat so it can pick up the ink evenly.

2. Build it sturdy: Don’t make the clay too thin. At least 1 inch thick is best, otherwise it may crack when you press down.

3. Add support: Place a foam board under the paper when stamping. The soft surface helps the stamp press evenly for a clear print.

Want to see the process in action? You can watch Mia’s full demonstration video on Instagram.

This project is not only creative and fun, but it’s also a meaningful way to introduce children to the invention of printing and connect them with traditional Chinese culture.

Try it with your students or kids—you’ll be amazed at how proud they feel when their very own stamp comes to life!

Read More Fun Chinese Cultural Crafts and Activities:

• Chinese New Year White-and-Blue Porcelain Vase Art Activity for Kids

• Best Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Activities for Children

• 5 Best Lunar New Year Crafts for Kids with Free Printables