3amStamping Pad

Glamorizing Glass

I played with some of my Rub-Ons the other day and tried them on a glass holder from a jar candle. The holder was smooth, untextured, and not too heavy to hold with one hand while I put on the Rub-Ons. I was applying a long strip of flower images to a curved surface, so I had some challenges.
I found that snipping the paper close to the image worked better than leaving a lot of paper margin. I also found that clipping the paper where you're curving it around the glass container makes it easier to lay flat. Just like the old sewing trick to clip the curves!
Tape the images to the glass with your basic household tape to hold it in place before you start rubbing. I didn't do this at first and - believe me - it works much easier with tape.
The cool thing about Rub-Ons on glass is that you can press really hard to get the images on and there are no depressions like you sometimes get with paper. The Empressor Stylus with its large ball end works better than the craft stick, too.
The holders came out looking great anyway. I did 3 different sizes and the smallest was the hardest to handle.
You would need to coat the decorated glass with a clear sealer to allow it to be hand washed. Otherwise, gently clean with a damp cloth if needed.
Have you tried using Rub-Ons on glass? What did you discover? Let us know what your experiences were in the comments.

Instant Notes

Here is a fast and easy recipe for a handmade card that tucks inside a regular household envelope: 1/4 page of double-sided Designer Series Paper, folded and creased to make a 3" x 6" card; 1 greeting or image or combination stamped on neutral card stock; 1 or 2 pieces of card stock in coordinating colors; parts of your favorite rub-ons.

Tip: Use a light print or pattern for the inside so you can stamp or write your message in a jiffy.

Challenge: Try out this idea and e-mail me a picture to post! Images (c) 1990-1008, Stampin' UP!

It's Just Like You Greeting Card 03-08-08-2s

This pre-made card is good for a Thank You, a Thinking of You, or a Friendship greeting. It comes with a vanilla envelope that accentuates the warm olive, chocolate and guava tones. The card features the phrase "it's just like you to be so nice" from the Just Like You stamp set and coordinating eyelets, accented with chocolate and olive twill ribbon.

Images (c) 1990-2008, Stampin' UP!; design by Mary Varley

Price: $5.50 including shipping & handling.

To order the Ready-to-Send card with envelope plus the list of items used and instructions so you can make it yourself, click here:

Western Sky All Occasion Card 03-18-08-1s

Send a greeting with a dash of Western flair in this ready-to-go card done in shades of blue-green with warm red highlights. The card features the "Wanted" stamp set, Western Sky Designer Series Paper and matching eyelets. It comes with its own white envelope.

Images (c) 1990-2008, Stampin' UP!; design by Mary Varley

Price: $6.50 including shipping & handling.

To order the Ready-to-Send card with envelope plus the list of items used and instructions so you can make it yourself, click here:

Ready-to-Send Cards

I am starting a new service for those of you who can't make it to my classes or live outside my local area (I figure local to be anywhere within a 2 or 2-1/2 hour drive from Santa Rosa) and don't want to miss out. I will be making the cards we do in the Sunrise & Sunset Stampers clubs available for you to purchase. The pre-made card will come with its own envelope so you can mail it out if you like. You will also receive the list of products used to make the card and an instruction sheet in case you want to make your own.

Check out the "Ready-to-Send" category of posts which will start on Saturday, March 8, 2008.

Mounting Stamps-Aligning Sticker Image

A great way to get your design sticker mounted directly over the rubber image is to use the Stampa-Ma-Jig and some Dotto.  After you've mounted the image, ink it up and stamp it on the positioner mat, making sure it's snug against the positioner.  Remove the mat and leave the wood block.

Then, line up the sticker image on the bottom of the mat and adhere it with a little Dotto.  Remove the backing carefully and place it on top of the wood block with the mat squared to match the stamp.  Press the sticker in place and gently remove the mat.

The Dotto rubs off easily from the sticker and the mat, so your positioner is again clean.  If the adhesive gets stubborn, you can use the Adhesive Remover or some Stampin' Mist (let it sit, then clean off the adhesive).

You can use this technique to line up the 2-step stamping images, too, if the wood blocks are the same size.

Try it and let me know how you did.