Card Making Stamp Appraisal

Vintage Wood-Mounted Rubber Heart and Text Valentines Stamp

This is a rectangular wood-mounted rubber stamp designed for paper crafting and stationery use. The item consists of two primary components: a light-colored, natural-finish rectangular wooden block which serves as the handle, and a thick, reddish-orange rubber die adhered to the bottom. The wooden block shows natural grain patterns and appears to be made of a soft hardwood like pine or maple. The rubber die features a deeply etched design that is oriented upside down in the photograph. The design includes a central heart shape with fine horizontal lining inside, flanked by stylized, curved decorative elements that appear to be scrollwork or possibly animal silhouettes (like cats or dogs) facing inward. Below the central graphic, the text is mirror-imaged for correct stamping, reading 'Happy Valentine's Day!' in a bold, sans-serif, slightly informal font. The stamp appears to be in used condition, as evidenced by black ink residue trapped within the crevices of the etched design and slight staining on the surface of the reddish-orange rubber. The craftsmanship is typical of 1990s or early 2000s commercial craft stamps, with the rubber die trimmed relatively close to the artwork to prevent 'halo' ink marks when pressed. There are no clearly visible maker's marks on the sides of the block shown, though such items were commonly produced by companies like Stampin' Up! or Hero Arts.