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Post by freeatlast on Apr 3, 2022 17:10:08 GMT
When I am done making a card, it gets placed along with an envelope in a card sleeve. It then goes in a divided storage organizer bin (just like I use to store my stamps and dies} behind its appropriate divider (birthday, thank you, sympathy, encouragement, get well, etc.)
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Post by freeatlast on Apr 3, 2022 15:28:21 GMT
I used to use a product called EZ Mount. It came in two versions - thick and thin. Thick was for bare rubber and thin for stamps that still had the foam cushion left on. I'm not sure if it is still available.
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Post by freeatlast on Mar 28, 2022 19:33:48 GMT
Wow! What a weekend! Boy, did I sleep good last night. It's exhausting to craft so much.
First time attendee here. I was amazed at the box of supplies we received. So much goodness in there. The classes and instructors were top-notch. I've been stamping and making cards for over 25 years and I still picked up a tip or two in every class.
I went into this knowing I'm not a good "craft along with me" type. I knew I would not finish during the allotted time because I want to change a color or use a different sentiment from my stash or add some extra embellishments. Or I make a mistake and have to start over. Also, because all my cards are for donations, I hate to make one card at a time. So I made 8 of the LDRS cards and 8 of the TE cards. I'm working on 8 of the Spellbinders cards. There will be several other designs I will mass produce.
The only homework I did was organizing the supplies by day. That was a mistake. Next time I'll be better prepared. And there will be a next time. Well worth the time and money!
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Post by freeatlast on Mar 22, 2022 16:36:49 GMT
Ryann beat me to the answer. I was looking for the same thing yesterday and found it at the Ranger site.
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Post by freeatlast on Mar 21, 2022 21:06:39 GMT
Fiskars Procision. the self sharpening blade was the deal maker. This is my favorite trimmer. I looked back on Amazon and I bought it in 2015. It's still going strong. I also like the measurements, lines and markings on it.
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Post by freeatlast on Mar 19, 2022 23:54:08 GMT
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Post by freeatlast on Mar 18, 2022 22:17:17 GMT
Lots of good advice here.
In terms of ink to stamp pressure, when I was learning I was taught to "pat, pat, pat the bunny", not "squish, squish, squish the spider". Gentle application and then look at ink coverage. Apply more if necessary.
Same for stamp to paper pressure, especially for photopolymer stamps. Close the stamp positioner and tap your fingers lightly across the sentiment. Sometimes that's all it takes to get a good impression. I also use a pressure tool. Stamp companies are selling all kinds of fancy ones; mine is just a dry board eraser. The felt on the back just glides over the stamp positioner and applies even pressure.
For years I used a cheap heat gun from the craft store. I recently upgraded to the Wagner heat gun (got mine from Amazon but Simon also sells it). Made a world of difference. Make sure it's hot (just a few seconds of run time) before you go to paper. Sometimes I'll heat the underside of the paper before starting to melt the embossing powder.
In terms of the powder itself, I only use detail or fine/super fine embossing powders. And I only use gold, silver, white and clear. Black can be very tricky. Check to make sure there are no errant bits of powder before getting that heat anywhere near your project. Knock them off with a small paint brush.
For inks, I only use Versamark (for silver, gold or white embossing powder) or Versafine Onyx (with clear).
Keep trying. It does take some practice. And even after all these years, some of my attempts end up in the trash.
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Post by freeatlast on Mar 18, 2022 12:28:16 GMT
Keep it, MichyM! It's gorgeous. The embossing will get easier as you learn what works in your machine.
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Post by freeatlast on Mar 13, 2022 12:15:48 GMT
Send me her address, joblackford. I'll make a card and get it in the mail early this week.
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Post by freeatlast on Mar 13, 2022 0:19:40 GMT
Plastic sleeves for stamp and die storage work for me. I started with the thin plastic sleeves but have upgraded to the thicker Ellen Hutson brand. I also use her magnetic sheets. For the larger 6x8 stamp sets I use Tim Holtz stamp refill sheets (Amazon). All those sleeves are stored in various sizes of Fridge Binz (also Amazon). I use the deep split bin most often but the 8"x8"x6" works really well, too. Jennifer McGuire has several Youtube videos showing this storage system. I basically copied hers, right down to the dividers in the bins. www.jennifermcguireink.com/2014/07/video-small-large-clear-stamp-storage.htmlAs for online places to shop, Simon and Ellen are my favorites. I often buy directly from the manufacturer, especially at release time. For inspiration, I follow the Instagram accounts of all my favorite stamp companies and card makers.
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Post by freeatlast on Mar 9, 2022 22:59:28 GMT
I was super interested and tempted by the auto-feed, but I am one who likes to build my die sandwich on the platform of my Vagabond. I even took the side guide flaps off of mine to make it easier for me to do so. This is impossible to do on the Switch. You have to build the sandwich and then pick it up and put it into the machine. No big deal, just not my workflow. Did not consider gemini for the same reason. Also, I am still trying not to buy Sizzix, except of course the Tim Holtz dies I have to have. Yes, as much as I would like the auto-feed function, not having a platform to build a sandwich on is a big deal for me due to arthritis. I tried a friend's Gemini Jr. and had problems picking up the sandwich and feeding it in. I hope my Vagabonds continue to function so I don't have to face this decision.
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Post by freeatlast on Mar 7, 2022 0:16:47 GMT
I'm a first timer for this event. My thoughts so far (no spoilers!)
1) My box arrived on Thursday and, since I have no restraint, I opened that big box up. Lots and lots of stuff. I was very pleased with the quantity and quality!
2) The vast majority of the stuff is to my style and taste. I expected that, given the manufacturers involved. I will get my money's worth out of it.
3) The wire bound book for the Saturday and Sunday classes is great. Thorough instructions and lots of photos.
My only disappointment is that there were no instructions provided for the Friday make and takes. I hope they will provide links for those of us who are not on Facebook.
So far, so good. I'm excited!
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Post by freeatlast on Mar 2, 2022 22:57:47 GMT
I love C&9th but I don't love all of their products (the ones I do love are my absolute favs though) so I'm a little torn. I'm wary of mystery supplies, I very rarely even enter giveaways because free supplies still take up space and I'm picky, so paying for unknown items is risky. This is exactly where I'm at. I either love or really dislike the stamps/dies so I'm torn too. Ditto.
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Post by freeatlast on Mar 2, 2022 11:53:59 GMT
$5 off with code TWEET42
Because someone is always looking for it. Including me.
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Post by freeatlast on Feb 28, 2022 17:43:02 GMT
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Post by freeatlast on Feb 28, 2022 0:51:41 GMT
My card is at the post office.
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Post by freeatlast on Feb 27, 2022 0:58:25 GMT
My experience is limited to the hinge-type stamp positioners. My favorite is no longer sold in the US. My second favorite is one you haven't mentioned - Stampin' Up's Stamparatus. It's a little bit more expensive than the 2 you are considering but it has 2 "doors", meaning you can put your image on one and your sentiment on the other. Very handy for mass production and layered stamps. Here's a link www.stampinup.com/products/stamparatus-(imperial-measurements)I did not have a good experience with the owner of the Misti so I won't recommend her product. The only thing I've heard about the Precision Press is that the pegs can get loose which impacts your ability to get the stamp back in the exact same place if you are trying to fix an incomplete impression. Hope this helps. A stamp positioner is a game changer.
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Post by freeatlast on Feb 22, 2022 0:31:33 GMT
So glad she is enjoying receiving the cards. Happy to send another in March if you'd like. Me, too.
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Post by freeatlast on Feb 20, 2022 13:49:56 GMT
I've been struggling with the light on my craft table for a while. I was using 2 Ott table lights that I bought on sale at JoAnn's years ago. They never got the light where I wanted it. If the light was in the right place, there was little room to craft.
On the recommendations of the peas, I bought a Phive lamp. I just got it and I love it. It clamps to the table and the extension arm gives me the ability to put the light in the exact right place.
Thanks for the reviews and recommendations, peas. You've helped me tremendously!
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Post by freeatlast on Feb 20, 2022 1:00:12 GMT
I'm in! Thanks for hosting again, tc.
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Post by freeatlast on Feb 19, 2022 21:00:20 GMT
I made a big order from Simon Says Stamps - a couple of gorgeous dies and paper, paper, and more paper (as well as a few other things) the other day. After not really papercrafting for such a long time (15+ years), I want it ALL. I've never been much into stamping, but the positioning things that closes like a book is pretty cool. I need to find some good, general classes and/or online videos about basic cardmaking/stamping. Any suggestions girls? I'm all ears! There is so much cool stuff out there now, it is hard not to want it all! Re general classes, there's always Jennifer McGuire. Her videos are very good but sometimes her definition of "easy" or "quick" does not match mine. And I have been stamping for over 20 years. Is there a particular style you prefer? I've found that following the stamp companies I like is very helpful. Both Taylored Expressions and Honey Bee Stamps have really good videos that go through all the steps in the construction of a card and all the supplies needed. I seem to always pick up some tidbit from every video of theirs that I watch.
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Post by freeatlast on Feb 19, 2022 20:51:57 GMT
Im completely jealous you have a local store! Me, too!
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Post by freeatlast on Feb 18, 2022 11:19:33 GMT
I didn't get mine mailed until Wednesday. Hopefully, it will be there to brighten her day shortly.
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Post by freeatlast on Feb 17, 2022 18:59:44 GMT
Anyone else thinking ahead to spring cards and what those might look like? I *may* have bought a book of postage stamps in anticipation.
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Post by freeatlast on Feb 15, 2022 22:30:05 GMT
Michael's Recollections brand has a 110# white card stock that is just a tad shade greyer than the Neenah Solar White Classic Crest that I prefer. It's still white, but not quite as white. I use it for card bases. I've used all my stock or I would offer to send a tester. MichyM, if you look at my card from the Valentine's exchange, I used the Michaels 110# as my card base.
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Post by freeatlast on Feb 13, 2022 21:47:27 GMT
I just got my Mini Dash this week specifically to make pickle chaffles. Heat the griddle until the light goes off. Spray with cooking spray. Cover the bottom of the griddle with shredded cheese (I used cojack, about 1/4 c), add 4 or 5 hamburger dill slices (patted dry) and cover with more shredded cheese. Cook until done, about 5 minutes. Remove and place on paper towels to absorb extra oils. I liked them and will definitely make them again.
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Post by freeatlast on Feb 10, 2022 21:04:37 GMT
I'm just seeing this post. Is it too late to send a card?
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Post by freeatlast on Feb 8, 2022 14:46:20 GMT
My last batch of cards hit the post office this morning. I hope they all make it in time!
Yesterday was a good mail day - 4 cards in my mailbox! So fun!! I'm saving them to open on the 14th and, for now, just enjoying all the envelope art.
If there are additional card exchanges, I'm all in.
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Post by freeatlast on Feb 4, 2022 18:33:53 GMT
I bought a Brita when we couldn't get the large bottles if water when covid first hit. I'd fill the top and it would run through in 1 second. I don't know if that is normal, I didn't think that was the way they were supposed to work. How could it filter so quickly? I've found that if the filter is not properly seated, the water goes through pretty quickly. Remove the filter and reinstall.
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Post by freeatlast on Feb 4, 2022 15:56:04 GMT
Thank you for the link. I made a donation.
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