Wheels to stamps--making your own

Whether you are "wheel challenged" like some of the stampers in my classes, or perhaps would just like to use your wheel stamps work more individually, I want to show you how easy it is to convert them from wheels to a "flat" stamp.  You may like the increased versatility and number of stamps that you can have, plus it will store more compactly than the wheel.

Wedding Words wheel 

Look at a catalog picture or roll out your wheel to see how you'd like to divide up the images or words. It might be tempting to cut it all up and make yourself lots of individual stamps, but watch out for places where some lines overlap others that would be better kept together.  Here I've chosen the Jumbo Stampin' Up wheel called "Wedding Words" (#125433). Since some loops of the "y" or "g" overlap others in places, I've decide to just cut the rubber in half to use as wide borders or backgrounds.  I can also ink individual words with a pen if desired later on.

Rubber cut from wheel, ready for cling foam 

Carefully cut along the glued seam of the rubber on the wheel with a razor blade or Exacto knife. Then use your blade to lift one side of the rubber and peel it from the wheel, being careful not to tear it.  It should come apart fairly easily, especially if your wheel is older and the glue is more dried up.
 Use thin sharp scissors to cut up the wheel as you've planned, being very careful not to cut into any images or words.  Place them onto the sticky, adhesive side of the Stampin' Up Clear-Mount Cling Foam (#124236, two 8 1/2" x 11" sheets) and cut around your images.

Index made for my "new" stamps

You can stop now if you don't mind looking at the reverse side of the stamp, and want to use the nice clingy side of the foam mount on your clear block.  But if you want to see an index that's right side up (not a mirror image), stamp the image onto sticker paper/labels or just white paper.  Mount these images on your storage case or cut them out and adhere each onto the cling side of the foam (sticker paper makes this really easy.)  If the index is on the stamp itself, protect it with packing tape or clear contact paper which allows it to stick better to clear blocks when you want to stamp (although you can also use double stick tape if it doesn't stay on.)  If you prefer all wood stamps, buy/make wood mounts instead, glue your foam to wood, then the index on top.

"New" stamps in clear case

You can use an SU Clear-Mount Stamp case (#119105, 4 cases) or SU Wood Mount cases (#127551, 4 full size, #127552, 4 half-size) to store your "new" stamps.  In this case (pun intended!) I've also added my cut up "Baby Tees" wheel stamps, #118621, which I like to use individually.  I've cut away all of the background dots from two onesies, but left the remaining three together to make a nice border.

Easy to make cards with flat stamps!

And just for fun, here are two cards I made using my "new" stamps, free Sale-A-Bration "Sweet Sorbet" Designer Papers (available through March), and some gold printed vellum. Note that the wedding card is a larger 5" x 7" size.  I can make a custom envelope from another printed gold vellum piece and add a "Sweet Sorbet" DSP liner using the Envelope Punch Board.  Such fun! Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Personalized stamps--how will you use it?

With this new, totally clear, personalized Circle Monogram stamp, you can make up your own "back stamp" for cards, address return label, stamp a personal sentiment for your gifts or goodies, or identify your belongings in a whole new way!  Here are a few ideas for customizing a stamp for yourself, or as a great gift fro someone else:

Address stamp Thank you From the classroom of (for a teacher gift) From the kitchen of Made with love This book belongs to From the desk of Just married Save the date Promote your business (add your name, website, and contact info)

Coordinates with the 1-3/8" Circle Punch (#119860),  Clear Block B (#117147) recommended; (purchase separately). Available in photopolymer only.

Order the Circle Monogram stamp #132852 for $23.95  before Mar. 31 and you are almost halfway to a free Sale-A-Bration item of your choice!  Contact me if you have any questions, especially if you want your order to count towards a FREE stamping class!

February Stamp Class Reminder

Just a reminder that the Deadline for this month's class "with so much love" is Tuesday, Feb. 4.  Everyone seems to like the vellum and wedding cards, hope you can join us!

Hip Hip Hooray Card Kit

Why shop for cards when you can have 20 beautiful cards ready to go in just minutes? And best of all, they'll be handmade by you!

With the Hip Hip Hooray Card Kit you can have another great way to make fun, great looking, easy-to-make cards at a great price: less than $1 each including coordinating envelopes! The kit contains everything you'll need (except scissors) to create 20 beautiful cards! And after you're done, you'll still have the 3 stamps, clear block, Basic Gray Stampin' Spot, and Foam Dimensionals to make more on your own!  This also makes a wonderfully unique gift for that creative someone you may know, and counts towards FREE SAB goodies! (See SAB info in sidebar.) Click on the link above to see the contents and details.  

February Stamp Class

This is the month so famous for thoughts of love, whether it's thinking of those who bring warmth to your heart or a valentine for someone who is dear to you.  With this in mind, we'll not only make cards that you can use for Valentine's Day, but also any future weddings, anniversaries, or special people in your life that really deserve a special card made by you!
The Thinlits card on the top left is an adaption of one shown at Convention last year that got thousands of "Ooo's", and with good reason! Unlock the little heart on the left and it flips open to reveal a happy string of more hearts and banners, plus some arrows to direct your attention to the sentiment of your choice. Showing off the free SAB Designer papers, this truly fun and dimensional card is a show-stopper for birthdays or any memorable occasion.

The red heart box is my own creation, easily made with our Heart Framelits and distinctive black and vanilla Designer Papers.  Great for small gifts or treats, this little project is super easy to make and can even be recycled and used again for another time!

The Occasions mini catalog has some beautiful vellum papers that we'll put to good use on the lower two cards.  Both the silver and gold vellum come in stripes, dots, and heart patterns, and look so special when used here as folded flaps or sheer card pocket.  Plus, notice how wonderfully the silver and gold twine, gold washi tapes, and gold sequin trim coordinate; they are a perfect match!

Sale-A-Bration starts Jan. 28!  Receive free SAB stamps or accessories with any $50 order!!

Class Dates:
Friday, Feb. 7: 7:00 - 9:30 pm
Sunday, Feb. 9: 2:00 - 4:30 pm (minimum 2)

DEADLINE to Reply = Tues., Feb. 4
Class Fee = $12, or FREE with any $45 order.  Get a FREE Class and FREE SAB goodies with any $50 order, yay!

Hostess Code: 2WF2B7CK
(See top tab on how to order online and get credit towards a FREE class!)

Completed Card sets:  $15 (if you miss class or want an extra set).

February Accessory Pack:

(Counts towards a FREE class; see top tab for details!)

6 -12" x 12" Modern Medley Designer Series Paper - 1 ea design

6 - 12' x 12" Gold and Silver Fancy Foil Designer Vellum - 1 ea design/color

2 yds. Gold Sequin Trim

10 yds Gold and Silver Baker's Twine - 5 yds. ea. color

2 yds. - 1/4" Blushing Bride Stitched Grosgrain ribbon (new color)

20 Basic Glimmer Brads - 4 ea of 5 colors

4  - 12" x 12" Primrose Petals & Real Red Core'dinations Cardstock
8 Mini Metallic Clothespins - 4 each silver and gold

Cost = $22.29 (not including tax and shipping)

Option: 2.5 yds  of 5/8" Ivory Crochet Trim = + $3.48

Early Spring Clearance Sale:  trying to make room on my shelves, you'll get first pick and great prices on some extra supplies and slightly used stamps before I send them off to the used-stamp sales!

Don't miss this fun class, and invite your stamping friends along too!