Embossing Buddy - The Maine Stamper

Retirement List: You Will Be Missed!

April 24, 2020

Stampin’ Up!’s Retirement List

The Retirement List, sounds lovely doesn’t it? The words evoke desirable activities you would like to do when you retire. You know, like sleep in, play with the grandkids, craft more…

On To Adventure Stamp Set, Retiring List 2019-2020 — The On To Adventure Stamp Set, item #149334, is retiring after one season.

Except this Retirement List by Stampin’ Up! is not usually lovely. This is a parting of ways that many lament sadly. A long winded documentation of products that will no longer be offered for sale, with an urgency to purchase before they are sold out!

When someone retires from their job or career, there is usually a grand celebration to mark all of the wonderful deeds that person has accomplished. It is a great opportunity for a walk down memory lane, to express wistful emotions of “you will be missed”.

So in honor of the current Stampin’ Up!’ Retirement List, I am hosting a party to celebrate my Top 10 You Will Be Missed items. Afterward, I need to stock up before they are gone…

Top 10 You Will Be Missed

1. Glimmer Paper

Glimmer Paper, retirement list 2019-2020 — Gold Glimmer Paper, item # 146958. Not pictured, Rose, item # 146959, Silver, item #146960 and Sparkle, item #146957. Soon the glimmer will be gone.

Along with the Gold Glimmer Paper, Silver, Rose and Sparkle (white) are also on the retirement list! This paper provides glitz and glam, even when used in tiny increments on cards and projects. If you are a fan of shiny and flashy, you will want to stock up on any or all of this glimmer fabulousness! We will not see its like in the next catalog.

2. Metallic Brads

Metallic Brads, retirement list 2019-2020 — Metallic Brads, item # 146929, are retiring and leaving us brad-less with sad-ness.

I have been a fan of brads for a very long time. An original style of embellishment, they were once available in lots of colors, shapes and sizes. With a quick piercing of paper, these things are held fast by the pliable arms. No adhesive backing that can come unglued!

For a short time, Stampin’ Up! removed brads from their lineup. When brads came back to the catalog, brad lovers rejoiced. Now, it seems like the party is over. No more brads…so if you want any, this is your last chance opportunity!

3. Whisper White Solid Baker’s Twine

Whisper White Solid Baker's Twine, retirement list 2019-2020 — Whisper White Solid Baker’s Twine, item #124262 will not be featured in the new Annual Catalog.

This is a craft room staple: solid white twine. The description in the catalog reads “perfect for tags, trimming and tying”. Baker’s twine is a simple and easy to use addition on cards and projects. The color white goes with everything. Sure, there are always lots of colors, widths and material makes of ribbon in the Stampin’ Up! catalog, but nothing like baker’s twine. It’s hard to believe this one made the retirement list, I can’t imagine my card making world without this handy item.

4. Black Embossing Powder And More

Black Embossing Powder, retirement list 2019-2020 — Black Embossing Powder, item # 146956, as well as Copper, item #141636 and Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter, item #133751 will be embossed no more.

Heat embossing turns stamped images into glossy raised images. Homemade cards are all about layers, textures, embellishments and the like. This is not the first time Black Embossing powder made the retirement list, but it made a much needed come-back.

I am sad to see it leave again, as this powder brings a great boldness to cards. I am also not ready to stop using Copper, the earthy metallic, or give up use of the incredible shimmer of Dazzling Diamonds. Add more to your stash while you still can!

5. Embossing Buddy

Embossing Buddy, retirement list 2019-2020 — The Embossing Buddy, item #103083 is a physical product, not your stamping friend, Jane.

Hand in hand with heat embossing is the use of the Embossing Buddy. I always reach for this simple tool before I add Versamark Ink to my paper and sprinkle with my favorite embossing powder. A quick swipe of this puffy powdery pillow keeps the embossing powder from sticking in the wrong places and creating splotchy heat embossed images.

In fact, I have 2 of these marvelous products, and would not give up either. This inexpensive, useful item is a must have if you are heat embossing. I see a lot of unhappy future embossers once this product is sold out.

6. Stampin’ Pierce Mat

Stampin' Pierce Mat, retirement list 2019-2020 — The Stampin’ Pierce Mat, item #126199 is among the retiring.

This foamy, springy mat is useful in a variety of ways. As the name indicates, it can be used for piercing. Pop your cardstock on top, pierce a hole and add a brad. This is also great to protect your surface when using a piercing template to create a pattern of tiny holes on your project.

If you are having a hard time getting a stamp to leave a perfect image, place your paper on this mat and stamp away. The soft surface provides even pressure for ink coverage. Perhaps the loss of this product is justified with the expensive Stamparatus tool, but if you are just starting out or looking for a quick helper, this one is key!

7. Stampin’ Blends Singles

Stampin' Blends Singles, Retirement List 2019-2020 — Stampin” Blends are available in Light, Dark or Combo Packs. In the new catalog, they will only be sold as a Combo Pack, not individually.

I love my Stampin’ Blends! These artist-quality, color blending markers are fantastic to use. When Stampin’ Up! first released them, it was wonderful to have the ability to buy just a light or a dark single Blend. This also makes it easy to purchase replacements without having to buy a combo pack.

Fast forward…Stampin’ Up! reviews how the Blends have been purchased over the past couple of years. They see that most people purchase the Combo Pack. They decide that this is how they should sell them. Unfortunately for us, we haven’t gotten to the point where we need to replace just one yet. Now, going forward, we will not have that option.

8. Washi Tape

Washi Tape, retirement list 2019-2020 — Follow Your Art Washi Tape, item #149490 and Pressed Petals Specialty Washi Tape (not pictured) item #149585 are being washed from the catalog.

Washi Tape, love it or hate it? This is another one of those quick to add embellishments, just rip and stick. It is easily re-positioned too. Washi was once available in a multitude of colors and patterns. I would know, I have them all, and they make a fabulous display in my craft room. Decorative and functional.

Not to mention, washi tape is so useful to hold your metal dies over a stamped image while sending it thru the die cutting machine. There are techniques for washi tape projects galore, making washi very versatile. And soon, no longer offered by Stampin’ Up!.

9. Half Wide Stamp Cases

Half Wide Stamp Cases, retirement list 2019-2020 — Half Wide Stamp Cases, item #127552 will no longer be available.

Perhaps not the most glamorous of product offerings, but a workhorse indeed, is the Half Wide Stamp Case. Let us review why this product originated: Once upon a time, Stampin’ Up! offered wood mount stamp sets in plastic clam-shell casing. Some of these wood block sets were smaller or singular stamps and their housing reflected this size.

As crafters were moving away from clam-shell cases to the newer upright and stackable cases, wooden stamp sets were shifted into happier homes. Stampers also realized that 5 ink refills fit into a single Half Wide Case perfectly (this is how I store mine), as well as this case’s use in securely containing other crafty goodies.

The larger Full Wide Stamp Case, item #127551, and the Standard (DVD size) Stamp Case, item #119105 will remain available.

10. Circle Punches

1" Circle Punch, retirement list 2019-2020 — The 1″ Circle Punch, item #119868, and the 1/2″ Circle Punch (not pictured), item #119869 will be punched away.

Can you cut a perfect circle using your scissors? Do you need a small circle, but don’t want to get out your dies and run the paper thru your die cutting machine? This job calls for a punch, and I love my punches!

I am sad to see punches retire. It is understandable that builder punches with elaborate and specific shapes would retire with a coordinating stamp set. But seriously, basic shapes and sizes, like the circle punches and scallop circle punches, should never leave. They are always useful. And they will be missed.

Sorry, Not Sorry!

One Thing I Will NOT Miss

Snail Adhesive is double sided, permanent tape. It is easy to apply and refill. — Snail Adhesive, item #104332 and the Refill, item #104331 will be leaving its (not so) sticky residue behind.

If you have been following me or watching my card making videos, you may have noticed that I am a “green glue girl”. I always use Tombow Multi Purpose Liquid Glue, in the white and green bottle. The glue is not green, by the way, it’s nickname ‘green glue” comes from the color of the bottle endcaps.

I find that Snail Adhesive, whether it is Stampin’ Up! product or a tape runner from any other store, does not permanently hold paper together (as the fine print falsely claims). Maybe a year or two, or more, but not forever. I have older projects in a shamble of pieces that prove that theory, and friends who say the same of theirs.

Now, the ease of use of a tape runner is glorious. And you aren’t as likely to have sticky fingers using a tape runner. But when you want all the hard work you put into your project to stay connected, liquid glue is the answer.

In the upcoming Annual 2020-2021 Catalog, we will have the ability to try a new kind of tape runner, one that hasn’t been seen before. I am anxious to try it, and will be happy to report on my experimentation. Until then, this green glue girl is very happy that the Tombow Glue is sticking around. Now, if it only came in larger bottles…

Before It’s Too Late!

Make sure you check out the complete list of retiring products, as can be seen in pdf format via my April Calendar Page. Or for visual as well as up to date availability, head to my online store, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net. From the homepage, choose “Shop Now” in the upper right, then “Last Chance Products” on the left of the next screen.

Keep in mind that retiring products may sell out before the expiration date of June 2, 2020. Inks, papers and embellishments, as consumable products, as well as tools, including punches and dies, will go quickly. Stamp sets are made to order, and are guaranteed until May 22 2020.

As a bonus, many of the retiring items are on sale, between 20-85% off. With this kind of savings, it is easy to get those items you not only need, but really want. Happy (Retirement) Shopping!

No Matter The Weather

March 27, 2020

Card made with Paper Pumpkin March 2020 kit

We’re In This Together

The March 2020 Paper Pumpkin kit has been a huge hit! We are all facing difficult times. The stormy clouds, adorable rainboots (let’s try to be fashionable in arduous situations!), and uplifting phrases like “wishing you brighter days ahead” and “I believe in you” are a much needed breath of fresh spring air to our tired souls.

Paper Pumpkin kits include supplies that are both consumable (like ribbons and embellishments, use them up!) and non consumable (stamp on my friends!). The kits are a great way to build up your stamp collection, and the stamps are intended to be used once all the consumables are gone.

In fact, today’s featured card uses just the stamps from the March 2020 Paper Pumpkin kit. Bonus: this embellishment-free card is flat and easily mailed! What is not missing is… the wow factor.

If you would like to print or pin the card recipe with dimensions and a list of additional supplies I used, click here.

My Creative Process

Following are some pictures of assembly, useful tips and insights in the making of this lovely card, and alternative suggestions in creation. Please read on for more details!

Embossing Raindrops

VersaMark Ink, Emboss Buddy and Emboss Powder

To make raindrops on the watercolor paper, I took the following steps:

Run Embossing Buddy over Watercolor Paper.
Using VersaMark Ink Pad, stamp raindrops from the March 2020 Paper Pumpkin Kit on Watercolor Paper. (I stamped 3 images, then sprinkled with embossing powder, tapped off excess powder and repeated the process. In this way, I could see where my raindrops would be, and where I might want more of them.)
Use the heat tool to heat set the embossing powder. I experimented with both Clear and Silver Embossing Powder in my creative process.

Heat Tool — I find that a regular paintbrush is a great way to remove excess dry embossing powder from my project before I apply the setting heat.

Pigment Sprinkles

Prepare to be amazed….and very messy! Pigment sprinkles create super unique backgrounds, no 2 will ever be the same. So therefore, instant art! Here are my steps:

Using protective tray (or box, paper plates etc), lay heat embossed watercolor paper down and spritz with water to wet randomly. Don’t over-saturate here, you will be adding more water.
Sparingly tap pigment sprinkles over wet paper. These tiny particles have a mind of their own, just remember less is better and more is mud. Watch the colors run, it is so cool!
Add additional spritzed water to help pigment sprinkles blend. It is helpful to have a paper towel on hand to absorb excess water/color, especially from the sides where it tends to pool up.
Need to add more pigment sprinkles? Do so now, but be careful not to over blend.
When satisfied with outcome, you can place a clean paper towel over your watercolor paper to absorb liquid and speed drying time. Baby wipes are useful for your messy hands!
Allow watercolor paper to dry completely. Placing it under something flat and heavy helps to keep the curling paper manageable.

Fussy Cutting

Rainboots

Fussy cutting, the use of scissors to trim an image in close capacity, is not typically first choice. But sometimes it is necessary, and practice makes…if not perfect, maybe close enough? Regardless, Stampin’ Up!’s sharp little Paper Snips make the job easier.

Stamp the rainboot outline from the March 2020 Paper Pumpkin Kit on a scrap of Whisper White Cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink.
Use the floral filler stamp from the same kit, and Pineapple Punch Ink, lining up with the outline image.
For an additional pop of fun bright color, I used the Dark Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Blend and colored the boot label, boot straps and outlines.
Time to fussy cut! This one isn’t too bad, you can do it.

Grass

Here’s how I created the grass inserts for the rainboots:

Stamp the grass image from the March 2020 Paper Pumpkin Kit on a scrap of Granny Apple Green Cardstock using Granny Apple Green Ink.
Next, add Garden Green ink to the grass stamp and apply, overlapping the first image. This will give you thicker, greener grass. Who doesn’t want that?
Time to fussy cut. This one is a bit hard, once you get it sliced in half. I recommend first tackling the sides (make sure you leave a nice base at the bottom for handling), then when ready to do the grass fronds, snip downward from the top. Making little x patterns or spear shaped cuts is helpful.
After I fussy cut the grass, I applied the grass stamp with Granny Apple Green ink to each half to overlap (again) the previous grass. The illusion here is that you are really good at fussy cutting!
With the White Stampin’ Chalk Marker, I added tiny dots to the top of the grasses. This brightness adds the look of dainty flowers.

Sentiment

No Matter the Weather We Are in This Together Stamp

You are not alone in this. This card speaks comfort. To create the embossed verse, here are my steps:

Using your paper snips, flag the end of the Bermuda Bay Cardstock. I start at the bottom corner and cut straight toward the middle, stopping there. Next, I start at the upper corner and do the same, meeting in the middle to remove the triangle cut away.
Run Embossing Buddy over Bermuda Bay Cardstock to prevent embossing powder from sticking where you don’t want it.
Ink stamp saying form the March 2020 Paper Pumpkin Kit in Versamark, apply to cardstock.
Immediately sprinkle White Embossing Powder over Versamark image.
Tap off excess embossing powder and heat emboss to set.
I love sponging to add interest and depth. I added Bermuda Bay ink to the outer edges of the flagged sentiment piece using my designated sponge. (Yes, I am that person, designated sponge.)

Putting It All Together

All the hard work is done! Now it is time to assemble your card layers. As mentioned earlier, this card is flat, and easily mailed. However, if you choose to add dimension or embellishments, get creative!

Quick Tips

I used Tear and Tape Adhesive to attach the watercolored paper to the Whisper White Cardstock. This great holding tape really secures the heavy paper with its tendency to curl.
I used (Tombow) Multi-Purpose Liquid Glue to tuck the grass fronds into each boot. The wiggle room you have with this glue lets you move the grass around a bit to get the best angle.
Play with the placement of your sentiment piece. Depending on your creative outcome from the pigment sprinkles, you may need to adjust the height as you desire.
The process for heat embossing on this card is optional. If you have raindrop embellishments, use them instead. Craft Whisper White Ink can be used to stamp the sentiment instead of heat embossing it, and will look similar.

I hope you enjoyed my tips and techniques in the making of this card using the stamps from the March 2020 Paper Pumpkin kit! Be sure to sign up for my email newsletter, where I share more tutorials for free.

And if you need any of the supplies to create this card in your own stamp studio, shop my online store, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net, anytime.

No Purple Posy Ink Pad, No Problem

February 21, 2020 1 Comment

The Lack Of Purple Posy Ink Pad

In my previous blog post, The Purple Posy Collective, I spoke of the numerous crafty items that are available in the 2019-2021 In Color, Purple Posy. You can get paper, ribbon, embellishments, stampin’ write markers and stampin’ blends. However, there is no Purple Posy Ink Pad; I will show you how this is no problem.

So, you may be wondering, how you would use this beautiful color without an ink pad? After all, the ink pad is what you use to make color as you stamp. Now it seems like a big part of the puzzle is missing. Actually, you will find that it isn’t.

There are so many ways, when stamping, to replicate a specific color without actually using that specific color. And in this post, I am going to show you some methods. Read on, and prepare to experiment with Purple Posy.

Make Your Own Purple Posy Ink

It is easy to stamp on Purple Posy Cardstock using VersaMark Ink to create a tone on tone look. VersaMark gives a perfect watermark effect. No matter what color paper you use, VersaMark images pick up the same hue. Purple Posy is a very light color, so the VersaMark ink re-creates the subtle hue.

Very Versailles Stamp Set with VersaMark

Be sure your VersaMark pad is well inked for best results. It is always best to have re-inkers on hand for every stamp pad you own. I apply the re-inker drops liberally and spread them into the foam pad using the back of a plastic spoon. You can also use your bone folder for this, keeping in mind darker ink will stain it.

Stamp an image on Purple Posy Cardstock using VersaMark, then add clear embossing powder and heat emboss. This technique creates the tone on tone look as well, but adds depth, volume and shine.

I really like the way the clear embossing powder darkened the overall look of the stamped image. Take care not to overheat your embossing powder. Also, use of the embossing buddy before stamping keeps unwanted powder off your paper.

Stampin’ Spritzers can be used to spray color saturation on your paper. Add 6-8 drops of Highland Heather Ink Refill (darker in color than Purple Posy, but a light purple tone as well) and dilute with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing Alcohol is preferred to water, since the alcohol base dries quicker.

Shake your spritzer well before each use to avoid settling or separation. Before using it on your project, you may need to flatten your color-spritzed paper. Watercolor Paper or Shimmery White Cardstock work nicely with these wet procedures. And don’t rule out Glimmer Paper for extra sparkle.

Sponging is one of my favorite coloring techniques. Again, use Highland Heather ink, then choose from the Sponge Brayer, Stamping Sponge or Aqua Painter. By applying ink in this manner, you create a softer look, making the darker Highland Heather look more like the lighter Purple Posy. Apply a little or a lot, you are the artist.

When using the aqua painter, I like to place a drop of ink refill directly onto my clear stamp block. I pick up the color with the dampened aqua painter brush, and add more water to my project by squeezing the barrel to release the contained water thru the bristle ends. Practice makes perfect.

Stampin’ Write Markers are great for coloring directly onto red rubber cling stamps. This method allows you to apply multiple colors of ink before stamping an image as well. After applying the marker ink(s) to the stamp, huff (exhale breath to moisten) the red rubber, then stamp. By holding the stamp to the paper longer, more ink is transferred for a darker saturation.

Lastly, use the Stampin Blends in light or dark to color stamped images. Stamp your image first using Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, then blend away with the high quality, dual tipped markers. The specialty alcohol ink in the blends creates a deep rich artistic color. Make sure to color on a protective surface as these markers bleed thru paper.

Putting Purple Posy Together

Creating with Purple Posy is such a delight. This soft color lends delicacy and impressive elegance to your projects. Following are 2 cards that I completed using the parts and pieces of my above examples.

There are so many ways to incorporate this sweet shade into your next work of art. Take advantage of all Purple Posy has to offer while it remains active in the color line-up.

If you need any of the Stampin’ Up! products used to create with Purple Posy, visit my online store, https://www.juliemakson.stampinup.net. I hope you try one or more of these resourceful methods with happy success.