Happy New Year…part #3
On January 1st I posted this post….a unique post as I do not have a card to share with you…rather I am sharing with you some of the Stampin' Up! products that I love and "works for me"…
Today is the 3rd of the 3 posts of sharing with you some of my all time "keepers"! I could go on and on about all sorts of things and today I wanted to randomly pick some of my favorite products that we have at Stampin' Up! and give you the "why's" I love them so much as well as some "tips and tricks" that I have found with them!
Here you go…these are not in any particular order of my preference! Read to the end as you will see you will have the opportunity to win some blog candy!
I am purposely not putting in specific stamp sets…the solid papers…our marker collection…and the Big Shot…as to me – these are the staples…(bread & butter) to our fabulous collection of products!
- Tombow Multi-Purpose Glue – To me this is "white gold" BUT…there is a learning curve to it! I would not be without it for several reasons….and this is why I love it!
- It is a SUPER strong hold…it is a very small bottle (easy to tuck in a bag) and it is SUPER affordable = just $3.95!!!
- Remember…A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY…so this is the learning curve I am talking about…you need to use it sparingly as if not…you will have one sticky and yucky mess on your hands!
- I love to use it in place of a tape runner many times when making cards…to me – it is a stronger hold…it is easy for me to use…and my cards stay together perfectly. (I am a "stickler" to having the paper lay nice and flat all the way to the edges – to me it is a much more professional look)
- It has 2 ends….one for a fine line of glue (I use this side 90% of the time) and then a broad base one that works great it you are needing a larger area to be covered!
- I also love this on placing pieces that I might want to "wiggle" around a bit before it "sets up"
- Ink Refills – This might seem like a silly "Things that I love" BUT it is one thing that I think many of us forget about! Here are some of my thoughts about why I think these are so vital to paper crafting!
- Most of use purchase the Ink Pads as naturally that's what we need to stamp with…makes perfect sense right? Well we do….then we fall in love with a specific color of stamp pad and use it over and over again and to start to get stamped images not so clear and crisp….then you get frustrated and push harder and harder on your poor innocent ink pad when all you need was a refill that is just $2.95!
- You can purchase a color collection "like a Bright or Regal Collection" and when you purchase it like this, as a group – they are even less!
- I like clean and crisp stamped images when I make projects – this product in my opinion is over looked as most of us feel that if we have the ink pad – that should be good for a L O N G time – many times this is true especially when you do not use a color a bunch but it is a different story on your "go-to" colors!
- Look at this image below, it was from a post several days ago….I made this card for a PALS swap and I made 30 of them…now do you think my image would be this clean and crisp if I did not have a re-inker!?!? I realize that this specific stamp has a large area to cover ink…but there would be no way that my 30th would have looked as good as the 1st one without me re-inking the pad!
- I often get asked – "How often to you need to re-ink?" That's a hard one to answer but you will know when it is time…when you do – simply take the refills and put drops all over the surface – Less is best as if you go too crazy – you'll have the opposite problem!!! I then take an old kitchen spoon and use the back side of it and go back and forth like I would ice a cake…wipe off with a paper towel and DONE!
- BIGGEST TIP I CAN GIVE YOU: When you do use a re-inker – make sure that you let the pad sit for in my opinion at least 20-30 minutes to allow the ink to evenly distribute in the pad. If I know I am going to do a specific project like the above picture…I re-ink it before I go to bed….this way I know it will be perfect for me! Sometimes planning ahead is key!
- Basic Pearl Jewels – This is one of those secret weapons that can make a "Plain Jane" card…go to a WOW card with a simple Pearl (or also a rhinestone) – I am more of a "pearl girl" as after all – they are a girls best friend!
- I love the fact that you can get this great assortment of pearls in different sizes…you get a total of 150 pearls for just $4.95!
- To make sure that you "lift" the adhesive off with the pearl…use the paper piercing tool or the paper snips – (both of these were in my previous favorites…you can get right underneath the adhesive and get perfect placement every time.)
- If I make a card…and look at it and feel like something is missing but I do not want it to be too fussy, I find a couple of pearls or candy dots will do the trick (remember I had them before on my favorites!)
- Sticky Strip – I am sure that many of you knew that this would be on my list…to me – this is a MUST have in your work area especially when making 3-D projects and this is why!
- It is a SUPER STRONG hold but you need to make sure that you have it lined up to where you want it as it is very unforgiving…once you peel off the red tape and stick it….it is STUCK!!!
- It is convenient that it is on a roll but you do need scissors to cut it….but it's worth it – when I say it is a must have for 3-D projects – I am saying this because these take stress opening and closing etc..
- TIP ALERT: – If you are like me and using this a bunch for a project…you can get very annoyed that the red tape sticks to your hand…I have found if I have a damp paper towel…it clings right to that!
- I will admit that it is a bit pricy – but it is worth every penny as I loke the "instant" hold that it gives and not having to wait for the Tombow Glue to dry!
- Aqua Painters – This might be another product you might be say…."Really ….Susan?" One thing I am not and never will be is an artist but I LOVE watercoloring and these gems are perfect and fun!
- In our Stamp Collection we have many wonderful stamps that lend themselves to water-coloring…now I am here to tell you if I can do this YOU can do this! It is kind of like using the stamp-a-ma-jig….practice, practice and practice!!!
- I do "preach the sermon" to use watercolor paper as this is what it is meant to have happen to it….water!!!! It will absorb and take in the color but it will remain flat. If you were to use regular paper, your end result would not be as polished looking!
- My Dad uses them to seal his envelopes – another great way to use them!
- I know that you think that you can just use your markers to color in areas…but once you use these gems and also see the beautiful effect it gives….you will say – why didn't I use this technique before? It gives a BIG wow to a very simple card!
- TIP ALERT: – True there is a learning curve as to how to use them….but have a paper towel handy to blot your brush and just play around with the amount of ink and water mixture you have in the brush….you'll get it…..I know you will!!!!
- Envelope Punch Board– This is one BRILLIANT Tool and one that is a MUST HAVE FOR SOOOOO MANY REASONS!
- 1st – this mega must have is just $19.95 – now I ask you ….where can you get a products that does soooooo much for this price!
- Say goodbye to not having the right size envelope for your projects – no more excuses!!! It is so easy to use as the guide is right on the base!
- I think that the corner rounder is much better than the same in the punch – to me….there are no ridges and it is one less thing that you need to remember to have or bring to a workshop!
- You can line your envelopes with this too! Also if you goggle 3-D project made from the Envelope Punch Board – you are going to me WOWED by the responses!
- Punches – I know that this borders the items that I said are "given" in our Stampin' Up! Collections that I was not going to touch on….BUT……
- I am still amazed at how many people will go to the "Big Box Stores" and purchase Punches there because they have a super coupon only to have them do a couple of things – NOT HOLD UP AND NOT GIVE A CLEAN PUNCH and also NOT MATCHING MANY OF OUR STAMPS!!!
- For over 10 years, I used to be affiliated with a scrap-booking company that also had a CA-ZILLION punches, and I kept them all (now they are gone as I saw the light) and I used to think – why should I but a Stampin' Up! Punch when I have one….well as many of you know – once you get used to the quality of our punches and products for that matter – you'll never buy another one else where!
- TIP: – I realize that they can add up quickly – I have 3 suggestions for you…(1) – become a hobbiest demonstrator and be able to get them at cost…(2) – have a class or stamp -a-stack event and earn some from your hostess dollars (remember we can do this via internet) and (3) – buy the basic shapes 1st….make a list and add to a collection….they truly are the best and such a life saver!
WHEW…..this was LO N G….I have been typing away as I am flying to Houston! (Love Southwest Airline and their internet connection)….I hope that you have enjoyed these series of posts and I am excited for the lucky winner!
Since today is Wednesday and you all are receiving this later than usual…I am going to leave this open until Friday night 9 p.m.! It is going to take me some time to calculate how many responses and emails I have received and on Sunday as I fly home…I am going to let you know who won plus respond to many of your comments and ideas you have shared with me over these 3 posts!
Now here is a way for you to WIN some fun! Please leave me a comment or send me an email and I will put your name in a "pot of gold"...and after all 3 posts…I will pick one person from random.org to make it fair for everyone and you will have the chance to win in honor of the NEW YEAR….
$20.00 worth of Stampin' Up! products of your choice
PLUS 14 handmade cards and envelopes from me = did you get it???
2014
This way you will have 3 chances to win if you follow my blog everyday
…WOOT-WOOT!!!!
I thank you for popping by today and I truly wish you a Happy New Year…again!
Remember to leave me a comment and you could win the 2014 blog candy for the start of the NEW YEAR! If you are a SUD that follows my blog….please leave me a comment – we all work together and I to go to your blogs for inspiration!
If you left me a comment on the 1st post….please feel free to leave a comment again….better chance to win the "candy"! Here are the links to Post 1 and to Post 2 if you missed them before!
I will be BACK ON TRACK tomorrow with the 3rd Valentines Day Card….I think it is super sweet….I have about 30 minutes before I land in Houston – SOOOO darn tootin' excited!!!
Until tomorrow!
I heard a rumor you can refresh your SU markers with the matching reinker as well. Truth or fiction?
I would love to win your handmade cards. How awesome would that be!!!
Thank you for the tips you gave regarding your favorite products. I use most of them and couldn’t live without them. Your re-inker tips gave me some new ideas. Thanks for all you share!
I love the items that you listed. I am trying to get more reinkers as I order other items. I am still wondering about buying the envelope punch board. Thanks for a chance to win. Enjoy Houston. Blessings to you and your family.
Yes, the products you have mentioned in your post are the ones I like also. Great information!!! TFS
Love your list of favs…..I agree with the punch tip…definitely not worth it to buy at a coupon store….start out small and add on…eventually you will have every one! Have a great time in Houston….your exhilaration spills over to all of us!!
Yes the products you talk about are my fav’s also. Have fun in Texas.
Just thinking of you with all those SU friend!, how terrific! ?
another great set of tips.
Hi Susan: I know you are having a GREAT time in Houston.
I have most if not all of the items you listed. The ink refills are not usually on my mind, but I agree I should have them. I have some older stamp pads that are low on ink and I am in hopes I can still get the ink refills.
Wishing everyone Good Luck on your “pot of gold items” what a thoughtful gift.
Thanks.
I’ve never tried the Tombow glue – will have to give it a try because you suggested it.
Love them all, hope to win
I LOOOOVE my envelope punch board and I don’t know if I have ever made an envelope with it! LOL Punches rock and couldn’t craft without my Tombow. Your choices were all on my list of favs, as well. Thanks for listing the “must-haves”, Susan.
I have loved these posts of “must haves”. I have a lot of these and definitely agree they are “musts”. Have a wonderful time in Houston.
Well Susan, up until today I have had most of the products you showcased and have agreed with your selection of must haves. Today you have convinced me to finally try the Aqua Painters and Sticky Strip. The Aqua Painter has intimidated me but I’m going to be brave and give it a whirl!
Thank you for all your great tips. I’ve never used the Tombow glue, but am thinking seriously that it is an item I need. I would so love even one card that you made! I love your clean style! Thanks!!
Your favorite products today hit the nail on the head, those are all great products, although I’m still struggling with the aqua painters. How do you keep from getting to much water?
Susan, really appreciate your tips and tricks. I would not have thought of the re-inkers as something to buy or have on hand but I’m sure you are correct saying that the colors are better that way. Do you store your ink pads upside down so the ink will come to the top of the pad? I’ve been doing this for years and it really helps my pads to be “ready to use”. Have fun!
Thanks for the reinking tip, as I did not know that and just now getting to the point where I have ink pads that should be re-inked. And thanks for the chance to win blog candy!
Envelope Punch Board is on my wish list for 2014. Thanks for all the chances to win some blog candy. Happy New Year.
Thanks for all the great tips and the time you give to share them!
I’m wondering about re-inking the SU markers as well. The writing tip of several of mine are drying out and I don’t even use that side of the marker very often. Any other suggestions? Have fun in Houston and thanks for all the great tips!
Have a great time at Leadership Susan. Every item you mention, I say “ditto.”
Thank you for so many wonderful tips. I will definitely use them.
Your favorites are my favorites especially Tombow multi Glue and Pearls. Couldn’t be without them.
Susan, I love the image you have at the top of your page with the 2014 and all the words. Is this a stamp that is available for sale or is this something you did, using several stamps? I would love to duplicate this for a thank you card. Can I purchase this from you?
Brenda Foster
bfoster40@cfl.rr.com
I have started using the Tombow glue a lot on my cards because I find if I use the snail in a card class and put the card aside afterwards that many time the card parts will loosen. Not good if you are sending them to someone. I would prefer to be on the safe side and have everything stay together when I’ve gone to so much trouble to make a card!
I have just started using aqua painters and need to spend more time with them. I love all of your tips – they are so helpful! Enjoy Houston! Share all of the great ideas.
So funny…I just ran out of the Tombow glue this past weekend when I was helping my son glue down his science project on the poster board. Once it dried, he was AMAZED at how well it held everything!! Thank you for all these tips!
Love your favorites today! I have most of them but will be adding a few more! Thanks for the chance to win! And have a great trip!
Thank you Susan, for all you ideas and mostly for making me smile every day , love all your projects
Thanks for sharing ,
Hugs frenchie
Have enjoyed reading your reasons why and tips to your favorite things!
Have a great time at Leadership! Thank you for a chance to win some blog candy, would love to win your cards!!
Enjoyed all your favorites and your tips on each one. Wish I had know about using the Agua Painters to seal envelopes. That would of been a big help with my Christmas cards. Enjoy your trip. Thanks for sharing.
Hey, I’m loving learning which products are your favorite!
Thank you for your tips. I never thought of using an old spoon to spread the ink on the stamp pad. CLEVER!! I love your blog, your great designs and enthusiastic style. Happy 2014, Susan!
I love you website and look forward to open it daily. Thanks for all you time and effort.
I agree with your list! I make a lot of little treat boxes for the different holidays and I learned the hard way that you definitely need sticky strip!
I totally agree with your must haves! I make a lot of treat boxes for the different holidays and I learned the hard way that you definitely need sticky strip!
I love everything you love. Stampin’UP products are the best. Thanks for the chance to win more product.
I love everything you love. Stampin’UP products are the best. Thanks for the chance to win more product.
Thank you for all your tips. I am also a Tomboy multi glue user…great glue. self sticking gems are another thing I seem to reach for to decorate my cards.
stamping sue
http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/
Thank you for the tip on the Tombow Multi-Purpose Glue! I have always wondered about that! Love the thought of winning your cards! WOW
thanks for the great tips with all this cold weather I am getting inspired to create I love the su punches all of them
Susan, you are too kind! Love your list of must haves and if I had to add another, it would be the stampin dimensionals!!! Couldn’t live without them, they take a card from blah to ohhh in an instant!
Enjoy Leadership, maybe one day I’ll make it to that level!
Great tips~again. I have just started using the Tombow multi glue, always thought it would just be to messy, and I love it, love it, love it!
Thank you for the product tips. I have some of the products, but
not all yet. I also like looking at all the beautiful cards you
make, and the “tips you give us” about making them.
I have owned a stamp-a-ma-jig for a while now but rarely use it. I read your post and say, “I should really use that.” Today I stamped an image and part of it did not come out. Since it was direct to cardstock, I couldn’t toss it and thot of the s-ama-j. It worked like a charm as I stamped again over the incomplete image and it was perfect. Thanks for convincing me – I’m a believer!
I would just love to win your cards!
patpionkeathotmaildotcom
I agree with so many of your “must haves”. You’ve given me a few new ones too. Thanks so much for sharing these posts. They were very helpful.
I don’t have the envelope punch board yet but that is on the list. I don’t have many reinkers but they will be needed too. I definitely love my red sticky tape! It is a must for 3D projects. Love the tip about the wet paper towel. I also love my punches!!! Hey, did you tell the people you can color the pearls with a marker? I love the aqua painters but I haven’t used the blending pen very much. I must work on that more~ Have fun at the sip and swap tonight!
I’d love to win your cards Susan. The envelope punch board is my new favorite tool. It was a gift from a friend & it can make so much more than envelopes. It’s been a blast to craft with. I’ve really enjoyed these posts. Thanks!
The Envelope Punch Board is next on my list! Thanks for all the tips!
Love all your wonderful tips. I must admit I am beginning to see why you like the Tombow Multipurpose Glue so much. I am starting to go to it more and more — it’s great having some “wiggle” room. Thanks for letting us in on your thinking and for sharing what you love!
I will have to try the Tombow glue – thanks for the tips and a chance to win!
Hopes that your time in Houston will be FABULOUS. Looking forward to hearing about what you learn and experience. The tips are such a big help and I do agree with you on many of them. Stay safe and enjoy.
I learn something new almost daily from following you. Thanks for all your “tips” they are life savers. I love the Tombow Glue, can’t work without it. Keep up the good work.
I don’t have the aqua painters but have watched many videos of people using them. I think that is something I will have to try soon!
Thanks again for the product recommendations and a chance to win some blog candy! I’m a pearl kind of girl too!
Hey, I’m loving learning which products are your favorite!
Another great batch of must haves and I agree with all you whys. You are right about punches, I only use SU punches. Have fun in Houston! Deb
The products you have listed are some of my favorites too. Would love to be a winner.
Stampin’Up has so many wonderful products…I don’t think I could list all my favorites and the many reasons I love them!
Your favorites are and should be most of our favorites too! The new envelope punch board is now an essential!
I’ve been using Tombow much more, lately. I agree with you on the quality of the punches!!! I still have some that aren’t made by the same company, but I don’t use them much. Pearls are my favorites, too!
Thanks for your hints!
I have not gotten the aqua painter yet–do you really think it is that much better than using a blender pen. I was also surprised that you use tombow more than snail. This post was very helpful even if I don’t win the candy, but I hope I do! Thanks!!
The envelope punch is on my want list. I too love the sticky strip! It’s my favorite glue for those special projects. I have never tried the Tombow glue and will put that on my list to try. Thanks for all of your fabulous ideas!
I too, love the Envelope Punch board! Did you know you can make the “fishtail banner” using the Envelope Punch Board? It’s much prettier than using the hexagon or square punch. Enjoy your
conference and learn lot of new things to teach us. I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE
your blog and check it daily.
Carol C.
Thanks for the tip about Tombow Multi Glue! I have it but don’t use it because it makes a mess!! Well not anymore! I like liquid glue for the hold & WIGGLE room! =) I usually use Crystal Effects for adhesive.
The aqua painters & envelope punch board have been on my buy list for awhile now! I will have to get them soon!! I recently got a blog started (still learning of course!) but come check it out!
http://marysstampinmoments.blogspot.com
I love all these ” must have items”! Thanks for sharing your list and your “why’s” for each item!! 🙂 The TomBow Multi Glue is a must have of sure and I recommend this highly to everyone! Have a great trip to Houston!
Oh Yes, Love the glue,dress up any card with pearls, wouldn’t be without sticky strip, SU punches can’t be beat, I have the Aqua painters, but need to practice more with them – do like them though, and I have the envelope punch board at the top of my next order.
I love your blog and the helpful hints you offer. Would love to win your 2014 selection! Clever lady!
Thank you for the tips and advice on your favorite products – it really helps those that may not have thought of things like this – I never purchase the re-inkers but now I will 🙂
No you can not “refresh” your markers – what they came out with was an alcohol based product!
Hi Cindy…..you will not regret having the re-inkers ready when you need them – it is soooo frustrating to be in the middle of a project and not have one!
I HOPE YOU WIN….because if you do I HOPE YOU ORDER the Punch Board…cause’ I cannot imagine not having it!
I LOVE the way you think….sooooo true! We have the BEST punches out there and I know sometimes it is hard to get stampers to understand this….but once they get it – they get it! Thanks for the comment!
Please let me know if it is a discontinued color as I will be happy to give you mine if it is a retired color….I only try to work with our current colors!!!! Email me!
You will love it….so glad that you are going to give it a whirl!
I really look forward to your tips. I so agree with what you said about buying other punches other than stampin up. It can be a waste of money to buy others. I have had some that would hard to push down on to use. But when I started out stamping I didn’t know this until I bought my first stampin up punch..I was in aww with how easy it was to use. Keep it up with the tips, for me it’s a great help. Thank you for a chance to win..
Well, I am late responding to this post because it just arrived in my mail box!! I have been waiting and waiting for the 3rd blog concerning your top picks from SU…
I love Stampin’ Up and almost all the products they offer! The best thing I love about SU are the people you meet and grow to love and respect – like you, for example!
Hope you have a safe trip home after a fabulous weekend!!
Post 2 is so informative . I love how you explain why you like the products you suggest are a must have. I especially like your hint about using the paper-piercing tool to put your adhesive dots or dimensionals on your project. Always getting these stuck on my fingers. Think I am going to get that little tool. What are the best types of ink to buy? Such as dye ink, pigment etc?????
Thanks from a new stamper for all your helpful hints. Happy Stamping.