Chalkboard Technique

Supplies needed for this project:

Stamp Set: Heartfelt Thanks

Paper: Basic Black, Orchid Opulence

Ink: White Craft

Accessories: Stampin' Up! Pastels, Eyelets, Tool Kit

1. Start with Basic Black cardstock (or any dark cardstock).

2.Stamp your first image with White Craft Ink.

3. Pounce, not wipe, with your chalks (pastels). You can use the eraser that comes with your pastels to wipe off any excess chalk on your chalkboard.

4.Stamp the coordinating second step stamp on top, using the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig if necessary for

correct positioning. Use the white craft ink for this step.

5. Spray with your fixative of choice (I used hairspray for this step).

6. Finish your card as desired! I made my image into a 6x6 card, using more images from Heartfelt Thanks and the chalkboard technique. I also added three soft subltes brads.

Tips & Techniques - Cleaning Your Stamps

Here are some tips for keeping your stamps looking good and conditioned! Some of this information is from the Stampin' Up! Website, and some I found on another SU Demonstrator's blog. Here is a list of items that you probably already have in your stamp room, and here is how to use them:

1. Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (#102642) - 2oz #3.95 and 8oz refill $8.95
2. Stampin' Scrub (#102642) - $14.95
3. Bone Folder (#102300) $6.95
4. StazOn Cleaner (#109196) - $4.95


Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner

• Stampin' Mist is a specially formulated spray that both cleans and conditions your rubber stamps.
• For best results, clean stamp immediately after use.
• Dark ink may stain rubber. Stampin' Mist cleans stamps but will not remove stains.

Stampin' Scrub

• Stampin' Scrub is designed to be the washer and dryer for your stamps.
• Spray Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner on one side of the Stampin' Scrub for washing the inks off the stamp. Then dry them on the other side.
• A good rule of thumb is use the label side of the Stampin' Scrub as your washer and the other for your dryer.
• For best results, do not oversaturate the pad.
• Craft Ink - Craft ink can really dirty up the Stampin' Scrub. To avoid extra Stampin' Scrub cleanings, clean off each stamp before washing and drying with the Stampin' Scrub. Do this by spraying Stampin' Mist directly on to the rubber and rubbing most of the craft ink onto the paper towel or cloth.
• StazOn Ink - Apply StazOn Cleaner directly to the stamp and let the cleaner sit for 10 minutes before wiping with a towel. Repeat if necessary. This process can be used for any stubborn stains on your stamps. After using StazOn Cleaner, clean with Stampin' Mist to keep your stamps conditioned.
• Replacement pads (#101022) - $8.50

How To Clean Your Stampin' Scrub

Clean your Stampin' Scrub pad after heavy use, especially after using a lot of black ink.

1. Carefully (the pins can easily break) remove the pads from their case and rinse them thoroughly in hot water.

2. Squirt a few drops of dishwashing soap and scrub with your fingernails.

3. Repeat until the bubbles stay white.

4. For extra stubborn stains, make a paste with OxyClean and work into the pads fibers. Let sit for an hour or two. You can even let it sit over night.

5. Rinse throughly.

6. Use the Bond Folder to squeegee excess water from the pads. This helps the pads dry quickly.

7. When the pads are dry, carefully put them back into the holder.

8. NEVER place the Stampin' Scrub or pads in the dishwasher (they will warp)!

Hope this helps some of you! Credit to be given to Stampin' Up!s product guide, and mostly Stampin' Colleen, you can see her blog on the right hand side of mine, Stampin' & Scrappin' Room!

Happy Stamping!

Jen

Dimensionals Tip

I had a "Duh" moment the other day. I love getting these packages of Dimensionals from Stampin' Up! They are the neatest things to give your projects a little dimension. There are 3 sheets of dimensionals in each package I believe, for a total of 300 little pop ups. Well, I've gone through several of these packages since becoming a SU demonstrator last year. I usually just through away what is leftover on my sheet after I use up all the dimensionals, but my "Duh" moment was to use my scissors to cut up the leftover pieces on the side, and use them also! I know this may be obvious to some people, but it wasn't to me!! LOL! You can see in the picture on the bottom sheet what I'm taking about. One of my New Years Resolutions was to use up everything that I have in my craft room before spending any more money on stuff that will just sit here and not be used. This is just one more way to save a little and use up what I have!

I would love to hear how all of you save a little money on your scrapping/card making stuff! Please share your favorite tip with us all in the comment section. I plan to have a tip sharing post soon and will include everyone's tips in the post!

Happy Stamping!