Frugal Storage tip: Storage of clear stamps!

How do you store your clear stamps? I have a penny-free way to store you stamps without spending a dime!
I purchased two new stamps.

 The clear plastic sleeve that each stamp comes in is the key. The glory of modesty stamp comes in the sleeve with a hang hole at the top, the free flight stamp does not. Both will work. Take the stamp and the thin cardboard sheet out of the wrapper. Grab a pair of scissors and cut off the hang hole above the crimp mark. This is the bottom of your pocket. 

Open the top of the sleeve, and cut off the fold to make the opening of the pocket. Slip your cardboard and stamp back into the pocket, and store them upright within easy reach and poof, you have a easy storage solution that did not cost a penny!

 I store mine in a little wooden box. I am quickly outgrowing it.  :) I love having them at arm's reach, and pulling them out of the sleeves helps to clean up quickly!

New Stamp Tip: This is going to make you CRINGE!! (but it works!)

     Have you ever bought a clear stamp, only to find that the image is grainy and not as you expected? I have seen so many ideas on how to fix this.....but not mine! It works everytime, I know, the thought of doing it this way is going to make you cringe, but trust me, no harm will come to your stamps!

     STEP ONE:  For example, I have a penny black set, allegro with a few unused stamps in it. I am using memento ink black, it is my must have basic black ink. I took the flower stamp from the set.

This is the grainy type image you get on that very first stamp with a clear stamp. If you are a avid stamper, you know what I am talking about. It bugs me everytime I buy a clear set of new stamps.

STEP TWO: Be prepared to cringe: Take a piece of sandpaper, or I have found a VERY fine nail file sponge to work as well. Rub it vigorously across the surface of your stamp until a light white film is visible. Yes, that is a light layer of your stamp coming off. But it removes the slippery layer on the surface of the stamp too. IT DOES NOT EFFECT the image.
                      
STEP THREE: Very important, clean off the surface of your stamp. Remove the "sand" you have removed from the stamp. Clean it well. Then stamp again. Take a look:

Here is another example: Again it is an unused stamp from Penny Black's Allegro set. I have not used it once. I stamped it with tuxedo black as is. The image is grainy and light.

 I sanded it with my yellow nail file, cleaned the stamp, and stamped it again with the same ink. See the difference? AMAZING! It still makes me cringe to know I am sanding my poor stamp, but I assure the image is not affected. This works on red rubber stamps as well.

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I wanted to share my two cents. I have no idea where I got the idea of sanding my new stamps, but it is better than some of the other crazy tips I have read on the internet to work with new stamps. Try this and leave a comment on what you think! It would make my day!  See you soon.

Featured: With Gratitude

Happy Thursday!
     I had the itching to play with my embossing powders. I honestly was just playing around when I looked up again, the card was complete!

      I love the fiber I used. It is the perfect embellishment for this simple card. I bought a whole box of fibers when I was a scrapbooker. I didn't know at the time that I would be an avid card maker down the road. I think EVERY card maker needs fibers. I hardly ever see other blogs with cards using fibers. So, I am spreading the word....use FIBERS EVERYONE! or not....mine will stand out that way! :) Enjoy!

Featured: Set of Matching Water color Cards

What a beautiful day!
     It is gorgeous outside, summer is here. I am keeping busy this summer with all my current passions. Card making, teaching, playing Skyrim, going to the gym and losing at Texas Hold 'em. Yeah, I am a strange bird. God didn't know what to do when he made me other than scratch his head and ponder.

     I have been looking forward to this weekend. Stampfest is having a conference in Orlando this Saturday and Sunday. I have not spent a penny on any craft supplies in 4 weeks to save up for the day! (big grin)

     I got inspired by Darlene to play with a watercolor set on watercolor paper. I know my creations have no similarity to hers, but the premise of water coloring technique is my inspiration. Take a look.

     I know, I know, I have no sentiment on them. I just couldn't decide on one...or many or ...where to put them. So I left them without one. I just simply couldn't decide. I tied twine around the base of each to give more detail. These pictures don't do them justice. I followed the same technique as Darlene in her video, if you want to watch it, click here.

     I will let you know how the conference goes! I am sure I will have tons of new toys to play with! Enjoy, and see you soon.

Featured Technique: Blending with Masking Card Set

 I am beginning to think I have a hidden "clean and simple" style yet...I really love the simplicity of this set. The colors just pop. I chose flowers from three different sets with different sentiments. The bluebells are from Local King Stamps (Chicks), the set of 2 flowers is from Penny Black (Allegro) and the dandelion set is from Hero Arts (Wildflower Garden). This is going to make such a great gift. Enjoy!