Tool Time Tuesday!....Clear Mounting Stamps

Have you checked out the Clear Mount Stamps from Stampin’ Up!? I said “Clear Mount” not “Clear Stamps”. These stamps are the same quality Red Rubber Stamps that we have come to expect from Stampin’ Up!. They are just made to be used with a clear block instead permanent wood blocks. They are also a bit less expensive. They come in DVD size storage boxes, awesome! I can store 3 of these sets in the same space that it takes to store one wood mount set in. Think, tripple your stamp storage. You could have tripple the stamps without your husband catching on! lol.

 

When you get your stamps they will be in a sheet. You will punch out the stamps one at a time and mount the sticker on them.

It has a paper backing. Peel that off.

Now you can see these stamps already have a great foam backing.

This is the sticker sheet.

Peel the paper backing off of the image you are using. There is a slit in the middle of the paper backing on each sticker to make this easy.  Leave it on the sheet, just take the backing off.

Line your stamp up to the outline on the sticker sheet and press firmly.

Lift the stamp up and your sticker is mounted perfectly on the back of the stamp.  This side is what sticks to the acrylic blocks.   When you go to stamp it you can see the image through the block so you know just where it is going to stamp.

Now about the clear blocks, you can purchase them from Stampin’ Up! singly, or in a set.  Stampin’ Up also sells this awesome case to store your blocks in.

Images courtesy of Michele Zindorf

Smooch Spray Tips!

SMOOCH SPRAY TECHNIQUE TIPS

Before each use, shake vigorously until the particles are fully mixed. The sprayer can become clogged if particles get sucked up into the tube.

Spray in the direction of the arrow on the nozzle top. Be VERY careful to check this. I have been just a little off a couple of times and ended up spraying projects laying on my desk instead of the item in my Color Catcher.

For best results, spray six to ten inches from your project. I often spray from even a greater distance - twelve to fifteen inches. For a heavier application of color, spray closer to the project.

I find quick, but firm sprays result in a more "misty" application. If you use hesitant, or partial sprays, you will get a more splotchy appearance - which may be what you are looking for on some projects.

The Smooch Spritz bottles are made of glass. When using this product, place the bottles on a towel or cloth to prevent them from rolling and possibly breaking.

If the ink dries outside of the nozzle, remove the nozzle and submerge it in a household cleaner (such as Windex or 409) for 20 minutes. Rinse, replace the nozzle, shake well, and spray.

We have a great product that will help you use the Smooch Spray - the Color Catcher. Use the Color Catcher to catch color overspray from the Smooch Sprays (or Shimmer Spray made with our Shimmer Paints, etc.) that can splatter work areas. Just place your project inside the Color Catcher and spray--and don't worry anymore about cleanup. Plus it is easy to assemble and disassemble and it folds up compactly!

TIPsy Tuesday!

Tip of the week: SAVE your Sponge Daubers!

I was recently at a workshop and the ladies were telling me that they wish the sponge daubers were less expensive as they use them and then throw them away! YIKES!

I simply use a lable maker to label each of my sponge daubers and store them in a stamp case!

You can get multiple uses with your sponge daubers and you are not being wasteful!

Before you know it; you will have one for all 48 colors!