Conditioning Your New Stamps

Conditioning Your New Stamps

I wanted to take a few minutes to talk to you about conditioning your stamps.

 When I first started stamping, I didn’t know that you had to preparing your stamps before you use them.

 I was always so frustrated the first few times I used a new stamp, because the image was faded looking. 

It got better as I used the stamp more.

Then a friend told me that I had to condition new stamps.  This image shows you what I mean:

The image on the left has been stamped with a new stamp before conditioning.  The image on the right has been stamped with the same stamp after conditioning.  

 The difference is particularly noticeable with solid images, such as this one. The un-conditioned stamp leaves a blotchy image.

 Brand new stamps have a film or residue on the rubber as a result of the manufacturing process. This prevents them from absorbing the ink. 

 Here are a few different conditioning techniques I have heard about:

1. Rub them with a rubber eraser

2. Gently sand with a Stampin' Up! Sanding Block

3. Gently sand with a nail buffer (not a nail file

4. Rub them on your jeans.

5. Condition them with Stazon Cleaner

6. Clean with Stampin' Scrub and Mist

My personal preference is to:

1. condition with Stazon Cleaner,
2. then I clean them well with Stampin' Mist

It only takes a few seconds, and the end result of a nice crisp image is well worth it  !!

Warped Cutting Pads

Do you have warped cutting pads for your Big Shot?

Me too.  They still work.....but they do not lay flat.

Well today's tip will help you out.

  I recently read somewhere (I am not positive but I think it was a girl from Arizona named Sue Ann )  that you can take these pads and set them outside in the sunshine and let the sun heat them up.

Let them get good and hot.

Then bring them inside and lay them on a flat surface ( like your counter top) and pile textbooks on top of them.

Leave them overnight.

The next morning- voila- flat plates.

Now I am sure the same technique will work for cuttlebug cutting plates as well.

So don't be discouraged girls, summer is coming and so is the warm sunshine.

The first nice warm day my plates are going to land on my black deck and get a suntan!! ( he he he)
Hurry up Spring and melt away this blasted snow!!!

February Technique Class Cards

This month's technique class was a lot of fun!

We had Kathy join us this month and we sure hope that she enjoyed the class and comes back again!

The first tutorial was on distressing.  We used inks and sponges, a distressing tool, and embossing folders to distress the various parts that made up this lovely card.

This is a great card for any occasion- note that there is purposefully no greeting on the front.

Stamps:  Forever Young
Embossing Folder:  Vintage Wallpaper
Punch:  Eyelet Border
Accessories:  Antique Brad
Colors:  Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Real Red, Very Vanilla
Inks:  Stazon Black, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Tools:  Big Shot, Distresser, Paper Piercer, Bone Folder

The second tutorial was on Bouncing Brayer and Burnished Glitter,  We basically used two techniques on one card.  The bouncing brayer technique made the amazing background for our guitar player, and the shimmer silver star is made using the burnished glitter technique.

Now I know that the stamp and the cardstock we used were retired but when the girls specifically request a card for a teenage boy....sometimes you have to dig into your stash of awesome retired stuff to give them what they ask for. 

Stamps:  Extreme Guitar (retired) Happiest Birthday Wishes

Die:  Stars #2

Accessories:  dimensionals

Colors:  Brilliant Blue, Basic Black, Very Vanilla

Inks:  Stazon Black, Brilliant Blue, Black Classic

Tools:  Big Shot, Brayer, Bone Folder, Sponge

The third tutorial was the Quilt Card.   We used designer series paper and Tombow adhesive to make a "quilt" 

I love how the greeting is popped up in the center adding interest and dimension and the ends are clipped like a flag.  

Stamps: Messages For Mom
Die:  Top Note
Embossing Folder:  Square Lattice
Accessories:  Ruffled Ribbon, Everyday Enchantment Brad, Glue Dot, Dimensionals
Colors:  Pear Pizzazz, Calypso Coral, Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper
Inks:  Calypso Coral, Pool Party
Tools:  Big Shot, Bone Folder, Scissors, Sponge
Punch:  1 1/4" square

Little girls

I just read an email that I received from a dear friend who has just had a new baby girl.  What a wonderful blessing for her and her family!  Now she has three beautiful girls!

I thought I would share this awesome video I found about a very very smart little girl.....hope you enjoy it!

Join me tomorrow for stamping related posts.

Friendly Friday and the Brayer....

This is a card we made in October's Techniques class, using the brayer.  It was a lot of fun to create and was a huge hit with the girls.  It almost makes you think you are looking out the hotel window over the water!  I sure wish I was there right now instead of in Winnipeg and -22 windchills. 

I recently read this article from fellow demonstrator Joyce, and was so impressed by her info I decided it would be good to share this with everyone!  Here is what she said:

The poor brayer is one of the most neglected tools in our stamping supplies.  Most of us own one and it stays on the shelf in a box, often forgotten.  How often do you use your brayer?

It is a shame how we neglect this remarkable tool.  Most of us think of it only when we want to cover a large section of cardstock.  How many ways do you know to use your brayer?

1.  Use your brayer to ink your large background stamps or large solid images.  It is a great way to get an even coverage for these types of stamps.

2.You can use them to create a mirror image.  Ink the image on the stamp and run your brayer over it.  Then, roll off the image onto the cardstock.  Ink the stamp again and stamp on the cardstock.  Bingo!  The images are facing each other.

3. Use the same as above to reverse the image of a stamp when it needs to be facing the opposite direction in your design.

4. You can make a plaid image by inking the brayer with a Spectrum pad and rolling it across the cardstock.  Ink your brayer again and roll the brayer up and down the cardstock.  Now you have a plaid design.

5. Use markers and scribble lines on your brayer.  Do this by laying the brayer on its back and holding the marker still.  Roll the brayer until the mark is around the brayer.

6. When you are doing a resist technique, use the brayer for the inking after you have applied the embossing design.

7. Kissing!  Brayer over an inked background stamp and then roll the image on to a solid stamp.  Stamp the image on to your cardstock.

8. Put cheesecloth or a lace doily down and brayer over it.  Lift the cheesecloth and you have an interesting design.

9.  Ink your brayer using the Spectrum pad and spritz it with water, and then stamp on your cardstock.  It will give a watercolor effect.

10.  Joseph's Coat technique:  use a spectrum pad and brayer over your glossy cardstock.  Ink your images with Versa Mark and stamp.  Emboss with clear embossing powder.  Ink the brayer with black dye ink and cover the glossy cardstock.  Let this dry and then use a soft cloth and buff to remove excess ink and the ink off of the embossed images.  The color of the spectrum pad will show.

11. Use your brayer when you are applying paper with glue on to a lunch box, wood, etc.  Put the glue on the object to be covered and lay the paper on it.  Use the brayer to get all bubbles out and to secure the paper to the object.

So I hope her suggestions have motivated you, as it has me- to dust off your brayer and get creating!  I would love to see what you come up with!

Tool Tip Thursday- Adhesives

"What adhesive do I need to use?" 

   Stampin' Up! sells nine different  adhesive products - because  different projects require different adhesives.

Anywhere Glue Sticks 

  This type of adhesive is to be used with paper and fabric.  It is a permanent adhesive.  Due to the shape of the stick, it can get into corners with no trouble.  If you want to add ribbon to your project, just run a strip where you want the ribbon to be added.  Due to its shape you can add a thin strip of adhesive.

Tombow Multipurpose  Liquid Glue

This type of adhesive is for paper, chipboard, and  glitter.  It is permanent, repositionable if you allow it to dry first, and it is good for 3-D objects.

Snail Adhesive  Tape Runner

Use this type of adhesive on paper.  It is permanent.  This is double sided adhesive that rolls easily across the paper.

Two Way Glue Pen

                                                                                                                                                                    

 This adhesive is for paper and it is great for applying glitter.  It is permanent and it is repositionable.  If you put two pieces together when it is wet, it is permanent.  When you allow the glue to dry, it is repositionable

Mini Glue Dots

                                                                                                                                                                         

Use these on paper, ribbon, chipboard, buttons,  and window sheets.  They are permanent and work well on

3-D projects.

Stampin' Dimensionals Foam Dots    

                                                                                                                                                                        

Use these on paper, ribbon, chipboard, and buttons.  They are permanent and good for giving a 3-D effect to your projects.

Sticky Strip Tape

                                                                                                                                                                            This adhesive works well on paper, ribbon, chipboard, buttons, glitter and window sheets.  It is permanent and works well for 3-D projects.  This is a very very strong adhesive.          

                                                                                                                   

Dotto Glue Runner Tape      

                                                                                                                                                                               This is to be used on paper and it is repositionable.  This is very good for when you are planning layouts or for masking.  It is a temporary adhesive only.

Wacky Wednesday - Create Your Own Mosaic Background Stamp

CreateYour Own Mosaic Background Stamp



Today I am going to share a tip with you that I learned from another Stampin Up! demonstrator.  It is a recycle or upcycle tip, so to speak. 

You know the frames of left over rubber that you have after you have mounted your wood mount stamps.  Well don' t throw it away!!

 This is what can be achieved with those left-over frames. Isn't this an amazing background!!

Use your scissors, cut the rubber until you have a bunch of shapes to play with:

Since we are  using the rubber from the wood mount stamps, you will also need a wood block to mount them on.  Note that you can use the cling mount foam as well with a clear block.

Ink up your new "background stamp" and stamp your background.  I tried this one in soft suede as well as tempting turqoise- both of them made AWESOME cards. 

So don't throw your leftover stamp frames in the trash- upcycle them into background stamps!!

Tuesday Tip

Tuesday Tip....


Did you know that you can **SHOP BY COLOR** with Stampin' Up! online?

Just go to www.stampinup.ca and click shop now and choose me as your demonstrator. 

Just for example, let's check out the BRIGHTS Color Family:

You get a quick image of all of the colors in the color family.  Now let's click on one of the colors:

If you click on the photo above you can easily see both the textured  and smooth card stocks.

Now you'll have to go to the actual page to all off the offerings in Real Red.
Ribbons
Smooth Card Stock
Photo Albums,
Classic and Craft ink refills
Classic Stamp Pad
Stampin' Write Marker

Just for the fun of it, I checked out another color:  DAFFODIL DELIGHT

Click on any color, in any color family, and you'll be able to see everything that is currently available in that family.

 This includes the 2010-2012 and 2011-2013 In Colors.   

Then click on the individual color to see what's offered in that color.

Isn't it amazing what you can learn when you poke around-  Now it's your turn to go check these out!

Happy Family Day!

Different provinces are celebrating today as family day.  Here in Manitoba it has been named Louis Riel day. 

I found these two little video entitled the Joy's of Parenthood that I wanted to share with you today.  I hope you enjoy them.

Then, get out and enjoy your family today!

Just a Reminder.....

Just a quick reminder of upcoming classes this month:

Feb 18th- Free Crop- free to girls who regularly attend my classes.  Must contact me to reserve a seat. 1 seat left...Potluck lunch

Feb 19th- Drop In Card Class- 11 to 3- Make five cards of differing themes.  $20.00 flat fee or FREE with $30.00 catalog order.  Must contact me to reserve a seat.

Feb 20th- Holiday Potluck Crop- 10 to 4- Open to all. If you have no plans for the holiday come out and join us for a crop  Must contact me to reserve a seat. $10.00 flat fee or FREE with $30.00 catalog order.  You bring your own supplies and work on your own projects.  Big Shot, Cricut and Electric distresser will be available for your use.

Feb 21st- Cardmaking Techniques Class- 6:30.  Make three AWESOME cards learning three new techniques.  You will be given full page photo and step by step directions including sizes to take home with you. Cost is flat fee of $25.00 or FREE with $30.00 catalog order. Must contact me to reserve a seat.

Don't forget that it is Sale-a-Bration time!  For every $60.00 worth of products you purchase from any Stampin' Up! catalog you get to choose 1 item for FREE from the Sale-a-Bration catalog!  Choose from stamp sets, cardstock, wall decor, embossing folders, digital products and more!

February 2012 Scrapbook Class Part 3

This month's scrapbook class was a little different. Instead of having a sketch and samples, I purchased Simply Scrappin' Kits from Stampin Up!

Each person that attended this class got a package of 12 double sided designer series papers with coordinating Embellishment package! This was a lot of fun, everyone got to do their own thing and just play with the amazing products.

Here are a few of the pages....

February 2012 Scrapbook Class Part 2

This month's scrapbook class was a little different. Instead of having a sketch and samples, I purchased Simply Scrappin' Kits from Stampin Up!

Each person that attended this class got a package of 12 double sided designer series papers with coordinating Embellishment package! This was a lot of fun, everyone got to do their own thing and just play with the amazing products.

Here are a few of the pages....

Come back tomorrow for more samples!

Open House Door Prize Winners

Thanks to all the ladies who attended my Open House last week! I hope you had a good time exploring Stampin Up and I hope to see you at future classes.

There were three doorprize draws, and the winners were:

Sandy L.- Chocolate Chip Stampin Write Marker + ribbon and brad bundle + FREE Scrapbooking Class in Feb or March

Kathy W- Almost Amethyst Stampin Write Marker + ribbon and brad bundle +FREE Scrapbooking Class in Feb or March

Cindy P- Real Red Stampin write marker + ribbon and brad bundle + Free Scrapbooking Class in Feb or March

Congratulations to the door prize winners, please contact me to make arrangements to pick up your prize and class certificate

February 2012 Scrapbook Class Part 1

This month's scrapbook class was a little different.  Instead of having a sketch and samples, I purchased Simply Scrappin' Kits from Stampin Up! 

Each person that attended this class got a package of 12 double sided designer series papers with coordinating Embellishment package!  This was a lot of fun, everyone got to do their own thing and just play with the amazing products.

Here are a few of the pages....

Come back tomorrow for more samples!

2012 Jan Tech Class- Positive & Negative Die Cuts

This is another card that is easy to make....you just need to be very careful when applying adhesive to the embossed frame as it tears easily.  This card uses the new framelit dies and the Apothecary Art stamp set in the new Occasions Mini.  We watercolored the images with watercolor wonder crayons.  The ribbon is a FREE item from the Sale-a-Bration catalog.

January 2012 Scrapbook Class- Remember This

2 New Classes for 2012 & Open House Info

I have added two new classes for 2012.

Super Saturday Drop In Card Making- held one Saturday per month.  Email me and let me know you will be attending, then simply drop in anytime between the 9:30-4 that is convenient for you. Cost $20.00 or FREE with $30.00 catalog order.   We will be making five lovely cards of differing themes.  Must bring scissors and adhesives.

Super Sunday Drop In Card Making- held one Saturday per month.  Email me and let me know you will be attending, then simply drop in anytime between 11-3 that is convenient for you. Cost $20.00 or FREE with $30.00 catalog order.   We will be making five lovely cards of differing themes.  Must bring scissors and adhesives.

I will be hosting two Open House days as follows:

Wed Feb 8th 6-9
Sun Feb 12th 1-4

Come out and explore what Stampin' Up! is all about.  If you have never stamped before and would like to try, this is the perfect opportunity!

Free Make & Take card- Door Prizes- Free refreshments.

Lots of scrapbook and card samples on display.

Gather your friends and come join us!