Tips, Techniques & Product Reviews:

TIPS TO USING UNMOUNTED STAMPS!
Unmounted stamps are gaining popularity, and many people are finding it hard to make the adjustment from wood mounted to
unmounted.While there are many tips and tricks, and all of those who are proficient unmounted users seem to have their own preferences, I have a tip for those struggling with the transition. Obviously you need a variety of clear acrylic blocks. We suggest that you purchase enough TackNPeel to cover each block on ONE SIDE ONLY. TackNPeel is a transparent, self-adhesive thin cushion that has a special tacky surface. Adhere to one side of your block. When using CLEAR stamps, use the side that has NO TackNPeel. The clear stamps will adhere to the acrylic block by themselves. Putting them on the adhesive of the tack and peel will most likely cause them to tear, and the tack and peel is too powerful. However, since the stamps, block and TackNPeel are all transparent, that is what the bare side of the block is for. The TackNPeel side is for your rubber stamps. Put them on and take them off as needed. When not in use, put the clear protective sheet on the Tacky side to prevent contamination of the tacky side. If your TackNPeel loses its tack, simply wash with warm, soapy dishwater and let air dry. The tack should be restored. This is a very popular way of using unmounteds!! (added 04-09).

MIXING AND MATCHING DIES & DIE CUTTING MACHINES:
Peddlers Den favors the Spellbinder Wizard die cutting machine and dies, as well as the Cuttlebug. The GOOD NEWS is that Spellbinder dies can be used in most die cutting machines, and the Wizard can be used with brass stencils, and most other manufacturers dies. Following is a list of interesting links to video demos that really show you how this is done. This is a partial list of the possibilities.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54yzQ0h9U08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m51gPhNmywY
The following clip shows more ways of using the very popular Cuttlebug embossing folders.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPFXUZoRNBU&feature=related
08142008

DISTRESSING AND DIRECT TO PAPER SOLUTIONS 

Do you love the distressed look, but aren't sure what products to use? Do you want to use more vellum, transparencies and other embellishments, but don't know how? Have you had problems with the Colorbox Cat's Eye pads coming apart or drying out? POWDER PUFF inks are one solution. These ink pads are small, yet much larger than Cats Eyes and hold much, much more ink. They are made to be used as a distressing pad as well as a traditional ink pad, and therefore are manufactured to withstand more stress without coming apart. My favorite feature is their shape. They have an arch on the bottom, which creates 2 points designed to get into tight areas. POWDER PUFF inks are a fast-drying chalking inkpad that can easily be used on any project of any size. The larger surface area allows for fast coverage. Use Powder Puff inks on canvas, vellum, cardstock, chipboard, glossy papers, transparencies, acrylics and most other projects.

APPLICATION:
POWDER PUFF inks can be applied directly to your project, whether it is a card, page, canvas, vellum, etc. Use very light, smooth strokes. You can always add more color if you need to. Avoid "scrubbing" motions.

USING ON CANVAS:
•Chalk edges darker and the center or focal area lighter.
•Allow the texture of the canvas to show through.
•To mix colors, start with the lightest and work to the darkest color.
•Allow to dry at least 5 minutes.

USING ON VELLUM, CHIPBOARD, CARDSTOCK:
•Hold pad at an angle and use light smooth strokes on the edges.
•For a different look, tear edges before chalking and add ink by holding pad at an angle.
•You may ink the entire surface if you prefer, using smooth strokes. Allow drying time.

USING ON GLOSSY PAPER, TRANSPARENCIES, ACRYLICS, ETC:
•Pat the inkpad on non-porous surfaces and the QQ Big Honking Canvas Textured Embellishments.
•Allow adequate drying time.

USING ON DIE CUTS AND LASER CUTS:
•Hold chipboard or paper with a gentle bend to reach hard to chalk areas.
•You can also lay piece to be chalked onto scrap paper and rub ink pad lightly over entire surface for an even all over look.
•Delicate cuts may require a patting motion. Lay delicate cuts on a piece of scrap paper or typing paper and pat color on.

Information provided courtesy of Quick Quotes and verified by the staff of Peddlers Den.

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