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| Books | Stamping | Paper Making | The Muse |
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Date: 03/29/2005 Comments: For cleaning up after using Stazon ink or permanent markers (sharpies), you can use the expo dry erase white board cleaner. It works GREAT! Comments: I found two wall-paper books at the second-hand store for $1.00 each. although I could get some from a decorating store free, I didn't have to wait until they were out of style. Date: 04/22/2005 Comments: The printing company printed the wrong address on our business envelopes and were to be discarded. These were very nice white linen paper. I took them home, cut off the end without the printing with decorative and straight edge cuts and made pockets of them. I embellished with inks, stamps and various other things and attached them to my cards. They hold all types of little goodies. With some I cut windows to show what was inside. My motto is never, never throw away what could become something new. Date: 5/4/05 Comments: Save the corrugated inserts from boxes of perfume or aftershave for layering, some are coloured but mostly white - all different sizes. Email:
Stripped Comments: Date: 03/11/2005 Comments: I visited a craft shop recently and saw some tiles which you could use to stamp on, approx 1" square maybe less. They had little shards of gold through them and looked very pretty, but were about £2.50 (sorry don't know the exchange) for 10!!!! However, after visiting a local DIY store, I managed to find a whole sheet of 100 mosaic tiles for £1.50. The sheet contained multi colour tiles and shades. To add the gold fleck effect, I simply use a small scrap of sponge to dab fine lines across using gold ink. Hey Presto...100 tiles ready to use for a fraction of the price.. Hope this helps? Comments: jewelry tools such as needle nose pliers and wire cutters etc can be bought at the 99 cent store. Also I found some really good pens and markers at the 99 cent store as well as Glitter glue and glitter gel pens. You can also find some really cute push pins for bulletin boards and cut off the pin and just use the head as embellishments. for $10.00 I can get about $60- $100 worth of craft and stamping equipment. I have also found a craft supply store that sells ribbon from 5-15 yards for $1 these stores usually serve the wholesale community but will sell to anyone. small sheer drawstring bags are 10 for $1.50 I have seen those at Jo Anns or Michaels at 5 for $2.59 One such store is the Fabric Barn in Long beach Ca. CommentsGet a bottle of Future floor wax - use instead of Diamond Glaze to adhere tissue to the back of your acetate reverse-collages; put some in a spray bottle and add Pearl Ex, or add some to a dedicated water brush and use it to paint the Pearl Ex on - no need to seal! Rubber Gasket from Home Depot (less than $1.00)- draw or transfer a simple image and cut out with scissors, can be scored somewhat with an exacto knife if you wish. Make some more simple images (great fillers) with eraser carving - try it - it's not hard! Keep coffee filters and Swiffer sheets near at hand - I use the filters under anything when I dump on embossing powder, pearlex or glitter, then to return it easily to the container use one of the pleats as a spout. Use a Swiffer cloth for stray glitter, etc on worktable or card. I also use the filters alot to place over my card as I press down layers(o heat set the glue with my hand. I can see through the filter, keeps cardstock clean, and it seems to absorb stray glue on the edges without streaking the cardstock. Final "non-stamping" favorite: I have two 12" floor tiles from Home Depot - one under my work area for a more solid surface (somewhat spongy card table top)- just don't hammer on it! And the other I use for polyclay, with a piece of that non-slip carpet stuff under it - easy to clean and keeps me off my counter top - you can move it into the refrigerator if your clay gets too sticky.
CommentsDollar Tree has this Dish rack ( make sure to get the smaller one). You can stand it up, leaning it againist thewall and you can store your Stampin Up Ink pads in the slots. It can hold I think 9 or 10. Franz Oliver Stampin' UP Demonstrator foliver17@yahoo.com
CommentsAny old "el cheapo" hairspray works exactly the same as the more expensive "fixative" - just spray it over a glittered area to stop it falling off every time it gets touched; works to hold chalks; forget gum arabic, just use the pearlex and spray with hairspray - even smells ok!
CommentsSave those berry baskets! I store my unmounteds, ribbon spools, and wire spools in berry baskets lining a shallow roll out drawer. They are great!
CommentsWow what great ideas..here is one I have used. I have tons of unused X-stitch material. I spray painted some with Metallic copper spray paint from Michaels..also silver. I cut this and used as background material. The copper color looks especially nice for Southwest stamps. I did not stamp directly onto the material...just for backgrounds.I love the look.
Commentswhile saving candy wrappers for future projects be sure to check out Hershey Kisses foil wrappers they come in a great varity of colors. You can use them to cover frames , like gold leafing sort of. and use them for various background projects.Stamp on them with staz on ink. You can also stamp on velumn, clear acetate, shrink plastic, ect. and back it with foil.
CommentsWhile having the munchies ..I was eatting Creme Savers Soft Candy /strawberries and creme and noticed the wrappers..otherside of wrapper has bright silver! I ate half the bag and saved all the tiny wrappers and will use them for a future project...Anyone got any M&M's? (wink)
CommentsFor really badly stained rubber stamps, I found that baking soda with a little hot water, applied with a toothbrush, will help in most situations.
CommentsMy idea is similar to another but when you go to the home remodeling type stores go directly to the paint area. They often have square samples and now they have some that are textured and and have lines already in them in so many beautiful colors! Use those for precuts to stamp on for layers or background colors! The best part is that this is free paper!!!!!!
Commentstake all of your wife's change out of her purse when she's asleep.
CommentsOh, and by the way . . . Those little sample chips of countertop at your favorite home builder stores are excellent stamping surfaces for stazon type inks. There's already drilled and make cute pins & tags. Lauri
CommentsLOVE THIS SITE! But, I hate foam core. Many, many, many of my cards and scrapbook embellishments are shaker boxes of some sort. I even shake my photos. I use foamie. Either 1-2 thin sheets or one 6 mm sheet that I run through my die cutter or sizzix. When I cut foam core, I get shivers like fingernails on a chalkboard but foamie is silent and forgiving. If I want it a little smaller than my window opening, I've heated it on a cutting board with my embossing gun and it draws back a bit. Sorry to ramble on... Lauri
CommentsI scan in old hankies with pretty things embroidered on them and use clip art that I have scaned in for a vintage look.
CommentsYou can buy double stick foam tape at a glass store. You get a huge roll for about $5.
CommentsAt christmas cut the box the crackers come in for glossy gold silver or coloured card, this often has stars etc on it. Also keep any 'motifs' that are attched to the cracker, they look great on cards. If you purchase the more expensive cracker the cardboard the cracker is made from is often glossy gold or silver and can be used for cutting small or oblong card.
CommentsKeep old birthday,get well and xmas cards. These are often highly coloured and glittered. Cut out any little pictures (you can get many from one card) You often get a miniture picture of the front of card on back. Cut with shaped edge scissors and use for 3D or layered effect. Cut carefully the 'poem' inside which is often in silver or gold for use. I have a large stock of these 'Pictures' and poems for use.
CommentsAnother light box idea...i bought a touch light at the $1 store and put in under my clear Pyrex brownie dish...just have to avoid the raised info on the bottom.
CommentsI work at an eye doctors offie and we get some great advertisement from manufactors, I use the id tags from frames Glossy PAPER yahhoo,silver paper, great name papers, fossel,kate spade, etc. ladies you'll find tons of great papers at work, insurance binders, dividers are usually glossy paper, veliums,safe those manila folders!!!!!!! make great card stock, use your ink pads -- dircet to paper method and you have custom paper!!!!!! repair tool kita were order, when empty make great storage for eylets, reuse those small eye glass cleaner pump bottles clean out use for mixing paint and water or bleach, you now have mini spray bottles. O yes go thru your work, spouses work, the paper that is tossed is amazing, the windows envelopes that CD come with great for using as card or to send thru mail with you card in side.
CommentsWant to make some shadow stamps that are already cut into nice shapes, then use make up sponges made of compressed foam and mount onto wood to make cheap shadow stamps. In Oz, you can get 5 shapes, there are three of each in a pack at Woolies. Glue to wood using Selleys Quik Grip.
CommentsHow many of us through out our film canisters when we get our photos developed??? I use them for beads and any small craft items I have. They are wonderful! I mark on the lids what is in them. :-) Happy stamping :-) Kiwi
CommentsI took old business cards home that were being thrown out and were a nice beige color. They are great for stamping or decorating on the back side and attaching to other cards.
Commentshello i use old calendar pages and make envelopes out of them. try to find ones that have good picture in the begining of the year and if i find some good ones that is that they are free hand out ones, i go back and get more so that i will have them when i need to make more. nora
CommentsLight box booster. There are several great ideas already posted for making light boxes. I found a really inexpensive one at a stamping convention for $13. But I had 2 "issues" with it. #1 The light wasn't bright enough. So, I took a piece of cereal box cardboard the same size as the bottom of the light box & covered it with aluminum foil shiney side out. I taped the foil in place & put the whole sheet under the light box. Result? Double the brightness! #2 Paper kept sliding off the end of it. So, I took 2 popsicle sticks and put double stick tape on one side of them & stuck them directly on to the light box. This would work really well with a little ruler. Final result? It all looks pretty tacky, but it works great!
CommentsLight box booster. There are several great ideas already posted for making light boxes. I found a really inexpensive one at a stamping convention for $13. But I had 2 "issues" with it. #1 The light wasn't bright enough. So, I took a piece of cereal box cardboard the same size as the bottom of the light box & covered it with aluminum foil shiney side out. I taped the foil in place & put the whole sheet under the light box. Result? Double the brightness! #2 Paper kept sliding off the end of it. So, I took 2 popsicle sticks and put double stick tape on one side of them & stuck them directly on to the light box. This would work really well with a little ruler. Final result? It all looks pretty tacky, but it works great!
CommentsWhen you cut paper with the fancy scissors you can use the little pieces to glue on the envelope or add to the front of the card. Very cute.
CommentsLightboxes...look around for a clip board made from clear plastic...you can use a large square torch to prop it at an angle for working..and every body has a torch! Look around for reasonabley priced stationary...I use this to line my cards using the theme of the stationary for the front of the card...and you have a ready made envelope to match too...eg...I have dolphin stationary which i have matched with embossed shape of dolphin on an interesting back ground...using paper punches, glitter and sand with jak paper... Peta
CommentsSave those long twist ties that are used to hold toys into their packages....strip the plastic off them and use with beads, etc.
CommentsI love this idea board! Great tips. Here are the one's I've discovered over the past few years. ------------------------------------------- SPICE RACK: Reuse an "old" rotating spice rack (w/clear bottles). Perfect for small items like micro beads, confetti, etc. CHEAP GLITTER GLUE: In a small airtight container, mix Aleene's CLEAR tacky glue & a small amount of ultra fine irridescent glitter. To make colored glue, add a drop (or less) of re-inker fluid. You can also add PearlEx or Powdered Pearls. Apply with brush or put in a bottle with a tip. CHEAP PEARLY POWDERS: Too cheap to buy Powdered Pearls??? Look in the cosmetic section of discount stores (Family Dollar). Anything that is made of TALC & MICA that looks powdery & shimery can be used like Powdered Pearls. I found a package of 3 little bottles of powder for $1! Also look for cheap cosmetic brushes to apply these shimmery powders. Pressed powders can be re-powdered by scraping it with a toothpick into a small container. CHALK SUB: Cheap eyeshadow makes a great chalk substitute for the "financially impaired". You can find compacts with multiple colors for real cheap. EMBELLISHMENT STORAGE: Use clear compartmental vitamin containers to store eyelets, brads, etc. PAINT STAMP PAD: Use a few layers of felt, work paint in until it stamps how you like it. DRYWALL MESH TAPE: This one is fun! Can be used as a layering embellishment, brayered & embossed, or just sponge brayered (remove the tape for a reverse pattern). It has just enough tackyness to be removeable or to stay somewhat perm. Use those useless "hanger straps" from new clothes (the loops you have to cut off) as a fiber embellishment. If a gift bag rips beyond reusing, salvage the handle & any other part of the bag that can be reused. Paint or emboss old puzzle pieces. Cut off the point of thumbtacks & hot glue to centers of flowers, etc. I have found MANY cheap, but neat, ideas just browsing through the office supply section of Big Lots or dollar stores.
CommentsThe Cheapest Mono-Adhesive you'll find is at the Dollar Store in the Tool Area. It's called Carpet Tape and it's worth its weight in gold. To use it, Cut thin strips and apply to piece that you are adding by pressing down smoothly & firmly around the edges. Then just peel the other side up and press into place - It will not easily move again, so make sure it's in the right spot.
CommentsFor cleaning stamps. I keep a small spray bottle with water and a teaspoon of vegetable oil in it. Shake it and spray it on and wipe stamp off.
CommentsI have something to share if you deem it worthwhile: Since double sided tape can be "pricey," I use double sided carpet tape which I buy at hardware stores or even the hardware department of WalMart, etc. It only costs about $4 for a roll which is yards and yards long and about 1-1/2 inches wide. You just cut it to size and it goes a long way and holds things down really well. When your scissors get gunky, just use some baby oil or goo gone to clean them. -- Luci Maestas
CommentsI use the liner paper of envelopes. I save them and punch out shapes while I watch TV. I keep them sorted in an egg carton. I always have a good supply of confetti and embellishments.
CommentsI have a web site that I created, it has many,many,many things, to try, look at and links to my fave sites! Check it out: http://www.expage.com/sotstampers
CommentsBaby wipes are great for cleaning your stamps - but make sure to use alcohol free wipes!
CommentsRemoving shanks on decorative buttons for crafting? I have seen products for 19.95 listed for just this purpose, but I discovered an old nail clipper works just great!
CommentsMy version of a rubber scrubber! I have mounted a painting pad (the bristle type) on top of my travel baby wipes container with double stick tape, after I snapped off the curved ends of the pad. When it is time to clean my stamps I open the lid and dab my stamp on the wet wipes then close the lid and scrub it clean. The small travel size fits in my 'to go' kit nicely. Cleaning stained stamps! I found a way clean dark ink off your stamps by accident on day. I was going to stamp several cards using my versamark pad. I stamped the first background with a previously stained stamp and then set the stamp back on the versamark pad to await the next card. When I went to stamp the next card the the blue stain had loosened up and stamped on my card. So now if I have a stamp that needs some extra cleaning I give it a quick stamp on my VM pad then let it set aside off of the pad to loosen then clean as usually. I also have a question. I would like a recipe for stamp cleaner, like the type in a bottle with a small scrubber top. You have to use this type of cleaner to clean off versamark ink good. - thanks Deb
CommentsI use an old confectioners sugar shaker and dump all the excess ep (embossing powder) into it. I have several, one for blues, greens, blacks and so on and so for.. So then I add some holographic ep to it.. And there is a brand ep for you to use..JoAnn
CommentsI'm a HUGE Storage fan, always looking for new and inventive ways to store my stuff. Well, Costco and Sams both (most of them) currently carry a tackle box by Plano. Sounds ordinary, yes, but this thing has infinite space! It's $14.95 or something like that and has three internal plastic cases suited for long items (paintbrushes, pens, & longer) and small things (beads, rocks, gems, etc) and two different top storage compartments, one of which is very large for those hard-to-store items. Between the internal plastic cases (which are air-tight practically, nothing will fall out ever), theres space for scrapbook paper and other flat sheet type items. Anyhow, enough rambling. I just found this thing incredibly useful for the price. Something similar at JoAnns would cost $30+.
CommentsIt's not an idea, but I saw some things done with a rubber that is called, "Magic Rubber" Anyone know where to get this stuff? You use a heat gun to soften it for about 30-40 seconds and then take either a rubber stamp or any object to press onto the soften rubber. Then you can ink as usual and reuse and reuse over and over.... Thanks in Advance, Cheryl
CommentsIt's not an idea, but I saw some things done with a rubber that is called, "Magic Rubber" Anyone know where to get this stuff? You use a heat gun to soften it for about 30-40 seconds and then take either a rubber stamp or any object to press onto the soften rubber. Then you can ink as usual and reuse and reuse over and over.... Thanks in Advance, Cheryl
CommentsHome Depot has a briefcase like case which holds 48 stamp pads for only 9.95. It has an opaque lid w/ an orange slider lock and a handle. Can be stored flat or on end. Very convenient
CommentsAnother great recycle tip... Use pages from old magazines to make inner envelopes for your cards. Floral garden pages are so pretty! Debby Daudelin the grafxchick@hotmail.com Join my community and check out my site! http://communities.msn.com/RubberStampChick
CommentsI work for a company that uses greenbar (only ours is plain white) paper. It's the large stuff. Well, tons go into the recycle bin. They are ends and can't be used. I take piles of this stuff home and use it in pads for stamping on. All my friends love it! You can practice your layout on it to see if the colors look good, you can fall off your page and not worry about stamping on your table. I've even used it for making my own envelopes! If you have a source... get some and try it! Debby Daudelin the grafxchick@hotmail.com Join my community and check out my site! http://communities.msn.com/RubberStampChick
CommentsWow, lots of great tips here, thanks ladies! Here are two of my faves: Find out when contractor or architect pals clean out their blueprint stashes, and offer to haul them away. This huge paper is great to protect your work surface, to practice drawing or painting BIG, or to cut up smaller and use for scratch paper. My kids have it on their easel and I have all work surfaces covered with it in my studio. Use old silck magazines or catalogs when collaging. Paint your glue all the way past edges of item to be affixed, and after gluing it on, turn the page in the catalog or magazine to a fresh one. I used to use old newspapers for this and my fingers and artwork would get smudgy--slick paper solves that, and magazine/catalog size is a lot easier to deal with. Susan
CommentsMy hubby recently rescreened our screens with the limp plastic (not metal) screen cloth. This makes fantastic backgrounds!
CommentsOld cassette tape holder units make great storage for stamp pads. Since cassettes aren't very common any more, you can often find cassette tape holders very cheap at garage sales (or maybe even in your own basement). Also, check hardware stores for carrying cases for stamp pads, wheels, handles, markers, etc. The flat units with a handle that people can use to sort screws and other small items in often work great for this purpose. I found a great carrying case for my stamp wheels, handle and inks at a local superstore (Meijer) for only $5.99.
CommentsSince I am a beginner to this stampning world. All my friends have really great stamps which I can't buy yet. I borrow their stamps, emboss alot of thw words or images, and save them for whrn I need them for my cards.
CommentsOur local picture-framing service sells offcuts of mountboard [great for embossed tiles] - but if you go round the back, there's stacks of the stuff, albeit odd shapes, for free! I now have a huge stockpile of offcuts in case they wake up to the fact that they could make some money out of me!
CommentsI use the old calendar pages from my desk blotter to stamp on. They are large and keep my tabletop clean.
CommentsCheapskate textured stamps: Crayola makes a product called Model Magic (look in the kids' department). It comes in foil packs for about $3. Pinch some off, press it onto a textured surface, and let it dry overnight. The clay stays flexible (think of a dried marshmallow) and takes paint and ink very well. Once they dry, you can cut them into shapes with a pair of scissors or a tiny cookie cutter. You can make lots of stamps from one packet. When drying, don't let the pieces touch, or they will meld together.
CommentsDon't have the colour ink pad you want? Smear some acrylic paint on a pad of paper towel and ink your stamp with this. Immediate clean up is essential - but the paints are much less expensive than the ink pads. I use this method especially when I want a metallic colour - works just fine. I can also brayer on coloured metallics using this method.
CommentsBest source for blank rubber to make your own shadow stamps, or run through an Accucut for some great shapes---------Home Depot sells plumber's gasket 6x6 inches for 91 cents.
CommentsSave those little plastic bases on your daily tear off calendars. They make GREAT easels to disply your art, cards, etc.
CommentsAfter Christmas, I was cutting up all the cardboard stuff surrounding the kids toys. OMG!!! Do you realize what great glossy card stock you can get from this? I have about 15 or more projects I can make with this! Also the strong cardboard is great for shaker cards ~{:) Email:
CommentsI have been so frustrated with Gel Pens..I love them and the idea of them, but no matter which ones I buy, they clog!! I got the idea the other nite to try some Goop Off!! It worked!! You can either put a little in a cup and let just the tips soak, or put some on a rag and clean the tips. It didn't work on all of them, but 90% of them!! Beats throwing them out!! They do give good detail... Hope this helps someone as frustrated as I was!! We need to be HAPPY stampers!! Marsha Blum
CommentsCheapskate binder and finish: Future Floor Finish is perfect for rubbing over a finished polymer clay pin and also works great for acetate cards! Stamp image in black on the front of the acetate and heat-set, then flip it over and pour a puddle of Future on the back and mush it around with your fingers. Then sprinkle various colors of Pearl-Ex and gently spread them around. Crumple up a piece of white tissue paper and lay it over the Pearl-Ex and let dry. Finished art looks like foil! Sandy Franklin
CommentsCheap storage! The bottom of a Velveeta cheese box is a great way to store your stamp wheels. I can fit 6 in a box. Anne
CommentsHere's a site with some free clipart and free fonts to download.http://www.pccrafter.com/freebies.html
CommentsSave those broken cassette tape cases. the side shaped like an "L" makes a great mouting block for mosaic stamps. they also work well for making your own stamps buy gluing misc. stuff like paperclips and string etc.. in unique designs. The little lip works great for holding onto your new stamp.
CommentsWhen you or someone change careers what to do with all of the left over business cards? SAVE THEM - the unprinted side is perfect for stamping on and using on cards etc... for a gift tag just glue a piece of paper on the printed side for your "To and From". The colors are endless but mostly off white linens and white - perfect for stamping and layering.
CommentsMosaic Stamp--FREE!! Mount your own stamps? Save the discarded rubber (complete with the foam backing attached, cut them in random geometric shapes and glue them in a random pattern on a jar lid or on the bottom of any surface in a mosaic pattern. Makes a lovely background stamp (similar to a shadow stamp!)
CommentsI made a holder to use while embossing with UTEE by taking an old paintbrush and attaching an aligator clip to the end where the brush used to be. Works great, cost about 15 cents.
CommentsUse baby wipes to clean your stamps and let the resulting colored paper dry for cool background paper. Also, if you are not too squeamish, you can put "used" wipes in the washer and use them all over again to clean your stamps. While they are still damp, but them back in the container. If they dry, dampen them with stamp cleaner or plain water.
CommentsCheapskate Embellishments: Charity run thrift stores (here in Australia we call them Lifeline or St Vinnies) usually have an ample supply of ear rings, bead necklaces etc. Sometimes I have even bought a handful of jewellery stuf for 50 cents! Just break the back off the ear ring and glue it onto card. I have also found great fibers in their miscellaneous bits and pieces.
CommentsThe box from a 20 oz. box of Jelly Belly jelly beans is useful to stampers. I use both the top and bottom of the box to store stamps (just the right height). I label the edge with what is in the box and stack them, open, one on top of the other. THe plastic insert with 40 little compartments that held different flavors of jelly beans is great for storing beads, buttons and other embellishments. It has a clear plastic lid that sits on it. OR, forget stamping and use the plastic insert to store your earrings!! Best price on this box of jelly beans is $8.99 at T. J. Maxx. ronnie
CommentsI made a stamp aligner out of a clear plastic cassette case. I just took it apart, laid it flat on the table, and glued it in an L shape. Viola! I can align my stamps when stamping.
CommentsAnother option of lighting a light box is by using one of those touch lights they sell for closets that operate on batteries. They are even small enough you can use more than one if they are not bright enough. I heard they work real well for this.
CommentsLightbox - take two 8 x 10 pieces of picture frame glass and one piece of plain paper. Sandwich the paper between the two sheets of glass and run a narrow band of duct tape around the pieces of glass. Use a compact under-the-counter fluorescent light fixture. I use four large old antique blocks to balance the glass above the light fixture. Wood scraps would do just fine. The plain paper keeps the light from being too bright and the glass makes a great cutting surface.
CommentsBaby talc makes excellent anti-static powder. Sprinkle some onto a flat surface (saucer, lid from empty ice-cream tub etc) then using a cotton wool ball, pick up a small amount of talc and wipe it over the surface of the card, making sure there is no residue before stamping your image.
CommentsI save paper scraps from everywhere--some stores have nice patterned shopping bags, good for backgrounds; colored tissue paper can be embossed on for a neat effect; wallpaper samples are great backgrounds; sometimes magazine ads or catalogs have a vellum sheet with very little printing on it. For lower prices on stamps--check auction sites such as e-bay or rubberstampauction.com
CommentsHomemade wipes to clean stamps(baby wipes) Get VIVA paper towels, cut in half. have a plastic container with lid. combine 2T of baby wash + 2T of baby oil to 1 1/2 cups of warm water. add to one section of paper towels( looks like a soggy roll of toilet paper) Take out the cardboard middle and wipes will pull out one at a time. These are safe and smell great and only cost pennies.
CommentsOne more lightbox idea: At a yard sale or Home Depot find a "drawer" that is not too deep (utensil size), glue plexiglass on top, cut a hole in one side to insert a light bulb and cord. Drawer pull makes it easy to carry.
CommentsI have made friends with a local printing company who lets me take away any appealing paper left over from other people's jobs, which would otherwise be thrown away. I have all types, colors and weights of paper, most of it high quality. (It helps that I give the company some business from time to time!) Another wonderful source pf material is the dumpster behind a framing shop. I have TONS of mat board from this, both large and small pieces.
CommentsMake a quick and easy rubber stamp for backgrounds and borders by putting rubberbands of differant widths around a wooden block. Try not to overlay them on the inking side, if you want an even effect.
CommentsFor 3D mounting, go to a picture framer's and ask for off cuts of mounting mats (the coloured card they put around the picture before the frame). You can mount your image and cut right to the edge or leave a margin if thecard colour is appropriate.
CommentsPaper Supplier: I use my local newspaper office. They have a great selection of colors and papers and allow me to place fairly small orders. Their prices are also much cheaper than buying prepackaged paper. They will cut to any size and will even score your card stock (although this will cost extra). They give me my scraps as well so I don't waste any of what I have paid for.
CommentsRubber Stamp Cleaning Brush: I like to use a denture brush. The large side is good for general cleaning. The pointed side I use for more detailed stamps especially when using metalic inks.
CommentsInstead of doing 3 or 4 layers of the more expensive coloured UTEE, do 2 - 3 layers of clear UTEE then do the last layer with coloured embossing powder. This not only saves you $$$, but it opens up more colour possibilities. - Deb Gray
CommentsYou can use those Rubbermaid liners in the mesh designs in your card or, lay it under cardstock, roll an inked brayer over it for an interesting design for a background for your card.
CommentsI go to the local home center stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot, in the paint section they have sample cards in a fantastic array of colors, free, and great for layering, some are even marbled, metallic, small pieces - but looks great on cards. Sue Haines NGGHaines@cs.com
CommentsCheap stamp cleaner: I use paint edgers (used for painting along ceilings etc.), I keep it in an old take out salad container (from Wendy's) or a TV dinner type plate would work. Just wet the edge pad and rub your stamp over it. Be careful where you do this because the pad may cause the dirty water to spray!
CommentsWhen making scrapbook pages and you want the border a different color, use your paper trimmer to cut out the middle, making a frame. Then glue your white or other color to the frame. Use your cut out middle for the frames of your photographs instead of cutting a brand new sheet.
CommentsCheapskate fibers: Visit the local thrift store and buy sweaters with fantastic yarns! Take them home and rip them apart while you - watch TV?? I've found tons of nubby, boucle and chenille at less than $2 per sweater. Gives me enough to do tons of projects and very generous RAK's. - - Rae Wooten
CommentsI'm very new to stamping but have found a WONDERFUL source for paper. Go to your local paper suppliers and ask them for "Swatch Books". THEY GIVE THEM TO YOU!!! You have rainbows of paper, reams ( LOL ) of different sizes, textures and types of cardstock that can be used for layering. Some of the pieces are large enough to make cards or postcards!! What a find!! Ginni Walker
Note: Be sure to use boiled linseed oil as a binder, not raw linseed oil which will not dry after application. Add a few drops of "Boiled Linseed Oil" to some metallic powders (such as Pearl Ex or Powdered Pearls), mix to a thick, paste-like consistency. Store in a small jar with a tight fitting lid. To use, apply to desired surface with a soft cloth wrapped around your finger or use a cotton swap for smaller areas.
2 parts clear embossing powder : 1 part glitter
1 part glycerin mixed with 2 parts water
For 1 ounce bottle fill Put in dropper bottle.
Warehouse Stores: SAM'S CLUB is good for
some papers and pen sets and paper trimming scissors in sets.
Hardware stores: foam tape (for 3-D mounting), tack cloth (for cleaning up glitter -- thanks, Barbara), caulk (for paper tole), wood combs (for use with textural paints), Velcro (for mounting UMs, for making a handle on a wood block for ink pads, for indexing UMs), hinges (for making bookettes), paint thinner (for cleaning brushes), Goop (for attaching pin backs to convention pins), etc. Grocery stores: ruler, glue stick, crayons (for melting into backgrounds), markers, colored pens, chalk Art stores: gum arabic (for working with Pearl Ex), stencils (for sponging), stipple brushes (for blending, stippling and coloring), structural paint (for textural interest), gold leaf (for gilding), faux finish kits, exotic paper, paint brushes --Christine Cox
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Handmade Rub'nBuff Cream (Sheryl
Davis)