Friends and Company - Tips and Tricks

TIPS AND THINGS

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When dry embossing, place a piece of wax paper over the area you want to emboss. This makes the stylus tool glide making it much easier to emboss.
Host a magazine trade. Saves money and lets you see way more magazines than you can afford.
Thanks to Shelley for her great tip on how she dispenses her glitter. Glitter can be messy but minimize the mess by pouring it out from a salt or, better yet, a pepper shaker. Great tip Shelley!!
Do the kids have lots of energy and no where to go with it? Set up an art corner allowing them to make name tags for your Thanksgiving table or for their own holiday gift giving. Have them make their own tags for gifts given to them. Don’t worry about the mess. It’s supposed to be fun so make it fun!!
Can’t afford a Cuttlebug? The folders are relatively inexpensive so use a rolling pin instead (forget pie making) to do your embossing using only the folders. It’s a real workout but maybe you are trying to lose weight at the same time. It’s a double run!!
If you are unable to find the exact saying, have it custom made if you plan on using it a lot. Custom rubber stamps are affordable so look into it.
Still not satisfied with a custom made rubber stamp to satisfy some of your needs, put your computer to use or better yet, have someone who knows the computer well do it for you. The possibilities are endless including color choices.
Want to save some money on the cost of rubber stamps? Attend a used rubber stamp sale or trade with friends. This allows you lots of opportunities for obtaining new “stuff” at a reasonable rate.
Magazines are a continuing source of inspiration for many. Host a magazine trade group once a month where members trade magazines back and forth. This also helps to keep the costs down.
Need an inexpensive alternative to expensive waxes for any wax resist technique? Wax Crayons may be your answer. I prefer the name brand “Crayola”.
Blogging can be time consuming so if you discover a blog that has great ideas, not only share it, but bookmark it so you can get back to it easily. Don’t know what “bookmark” means? Ask any 12-year old. It’s highly likely that they will know. Hee hee.
Did you know that there are re-inkers for almost any inkpad on the market? Don’t buy another inkpad, just buy a re-inker. The inkpad should last a very long time. When you are required to buy a new inkpad for whatever reason, try to buy the reinker with it at the same time. This saves lots of time tracking it down when needing a re-inker.
Brads are a very cool alternative to eyelets in helping to keep a layered project together. They are very easy to use, look great, and come in many different sizes as well as shapes.
Can’t find that perfect ribbon to go along with your project? No problem. Simply cut a strip of contrast paper and use it instead. It’ll even add a different look if you deckle each edge or cut each edge with any of the decorative scissors that are on the market today. Way cool!
Need some inspiration? Join an existing group, start your own group, or just participate in various swaps that are happening at most craft stores and even on the internet. Being active like this will likely keep you inspired and also provide you with an outlet for your work.
Can’t find just the right star, cloud, flower, or whatever? Pick up some eraser carving material and carve it out yourself. There is nothing better than to see your own work in action.
If you are done rubber stamping for the evening and you do not have ink on your fingers or fingernails, then you need to start over and do it right. Inky fingers are happy fingers.o Having to do jury duty? Stamp everything ahead of time and bring your markers along with you. Keeps it interesting!!
Leave the inside of your greeting cards blank so that when you need a birthday card or a get well card, you can simply stamp the inside when ready to use.
Need to sand off a rough edge on paper? Use an emery board. Keep several in your toolbox handy
When buying an inkpad, buy a re-inker at the same time!
Always looking for an embellishment but in too much of a hurry to get one done?? Spend a day simply making embellishments of all sorts so that they are ready when you need one and are in a hurry. Have a friend join you.
If you are like many folks, having a “stash” of cards on hand is very desirable for whenever you need one. To avoid making too many birthday cards with birthday wishes stamped inside (or any other occasion card), leave the inside blank. When ready to use the card, select from the stack of pre-cut, pre-layered, and pre-stamped inserts that also have the double stick tape on the back (be sure to leave the backing on). You can have 100s on hand with various layers of color and what a way to use up all those scraps. Never be left without a saying again!! Spend a day making these with any of your groups and share the rubber stamp sayings. That will allow for lots of variety.
Got the winter blues? Wishing camping season were already here? Crank up the heat gun and make s’mores!! It’ll change those blues quickly into a chocolate gooey treat that’s yummy!
Always keep fine sandpaper in your toolbox so that it is handy to distress paper with or to clean up a bad paper cutter cut
When sharpening your colored pencils, be sure to sharpen from the end that does not have the name and/or number on it. This way when the pencil gets short, you’ll know exactly the color and number that you will need to replace it.
The Xyron sticker maker also works with ribbon and not just paper. Give it a try and run several pieces of ribbon through at the same time saving on adhesive
No plans for the kids on Saturday evening and they are bored? No problem – set out all of your holiday rubber stamps and let them make their own holiday tags for, not only their anticipated gifts, but for other family members as well. Don’t worry about the mess. It’ll clean up easily!
Want a special gift for your mother-in-law who loves rubber stamping and such? Give the gift of the Paper Connection for six months or even a year! They will think of you all year long.
Never throw out a Marvy Uchida Brush Marker again. When it becomes dry, simply remove the top with pliers and drop a couple of ink drops from the matching re-inker to rejuvenate the pen. Really extends the life of these pens.
Thinking of stacking but hate to cut? Then think punches. There are so many rounds, squares, ovals, and rectangles to meet most of your needs. They also come with scallop edges and cut very cleanly. Great way to embellish a card or project.
Don’t throw out your Krylon Pen when there is still ink in the well. Simply replace the old nib with a new nib rendering it useful again!
Create “inchies” and combine them with A Ranger product called “Inkssentials Memory Frames” to make a wall hanging, or to connect them to make a one-of-a-kind “inchie art” bracelet. Way cool!
If your Krylon pens get clogged up, don’t despair. Pull out the tip (nib) and clean it with alcohol ink. If it is really beat up, consider purchasing a new tip especially if the pen still has lots of ink.
When using colored pencils, color in the lighter colors first. A heavy hand to add color is not necessary. Just continue to softly add color until you are satisfied. Editors Note: Prismacolor pencils are our favorites here at the shop because they have a high wax content.
Need a quick fix for frayed paper? Simply use an Emery Board and sand the frayed edge lightly.
Make someone happy and send them a handmade greeting card!
Don’t forget that ribbon adds a special touch to any project. Great to keep a stash in the toolbox just in case you need some at midnight!
Have a favorite envelope size? Take it apart and use it as a template with all types of paper.
Use the head of a pencil to make dots. Experiment with it.
Use the bottom of a jar or can as a stamp. The effects are amazing and can almost mimic the vintage look if using the proper inks. Circles will not be perfect but at the same time will be perfect. Don’t be too critical – just keep it fun!
With summer here and kids “bored” with nothing to do, set up a craft table. Load it up with lots of your scrap paper and let the kids have at it with some Decoupage. They can make up lots of “new” paper by decoupaging scraps onto a larger sheet creating a whole new sheet of paper. Follow it up with a card creating afternoon using all their new papers. Store their treasures in a shoe box so that when they need a thank you card it is readily available for them. Instant success and tons of fun for everyone – including the recipient!
Marvy Matchable pen getting a little dried out? Using pliers to remove the top, add a drop of the re-inker into the well to rejuvenate the pen making it like new!
Need a one-of-kind saying that you’ll use over and over again? Get it custom made at a relatively inexpensive price. You’ll be happy to own a rubber stamp exclusive to you! Designs are also possible.
Did you know that embossing pens are available? The next time you want your project to “pop”, try using an embossing pen to highlight a balloon, a pair of glasses, a vase, or any part of the design that might need a lift.
Did you know that we have an AccuCut die cutting machine? Not many dies yet but the ones we have are fun! Stop in for a demo.
When using any leafing pen to edge cards, be sure to allow sufficient time for the leafing to dry. Applying light heat also speeds up the drying process.
When sharpening your colored pencils, be sure to sharpen the opposite end of where the name and number are on the pencil. Once the pencil becomes small, you will have the name and number easily available for a replacement pencil.
Need a lift? Sign up for a rubber stamp class today. It will not only lift your spirits by attending class, but you'll likely garner lots of camaraderie as well. It's just amazing how this industry can bring folks together. Also consider joining a swap. It not only makes you BE creative but lets you know that you ARE creative!
Spend a whole day playing and experimenting with how to create backgrounds. Shoebox them until you need a cool background for a special project. It’s a great head start for any project.
Did you know that there are replacement tips for Krylon Pens?
Did you know that there are daubers that can be interchanged with the spray tip on the walnut ink spray bottles from Tsukineko?
Have a hard-to-buy-for person on your gift giving list this year? Subscribe them to a 6-month membership to “The Paper Connection”. Takes care of your mother-in-law, sister, aunt, cousin, etc. What better gift to give. Don’t forget to put yourself on that list!
Join the Paper Connection for a fun surprise especially for you each month. We’ll even mail it if you are from out of town.
If you happen to slip using your Krylon Pen and the slip leaves an undesirable mark, let it dry completely and then, using a Staedtler Mars Plastic eraser, gently rub the Krylon mark off. Thanks Diane R. for that great tip!
When using a bone folder on your cardstock, eliminate the sheen it leaves behind by placing a piece of scratch paper over the top of the cardstock and then applying the bone folder to it!!

Host a “Punch Your Art Out” day. Invite all of your friends to spend an afternoon together along with all of their punches. Bringing at least one punch is their password to attending your event. All your guests can then punch their art out all afternoon from all of the punches so that everyone has a great stash for when the punched art is needed. Saves lots of money, unless, of course, you must have one of everything. Imagine that!!
Host a holiday event where your guests create some great greeting cards using your supplies and materials for their own personal take home “shoebox” stash”. Make it your holiday gift to them saving you lots of holiday shopping hassles and money to boot!
Tired of fighting your tape roll looking for the start of it. Use a tab from you loaf of bread and attach it to the beginning of the roll each time you use it. No more frustration looking for the start. Thanks Diane for that great tip!
Have a hard to buy for person on your holiday gift list? Subscribe them to a 6-month membership to “The Paper Connection”. Takes care of your mother-in-law, sister, aunt, cousin, etc. What better gift to give. Don’t forget to put yourself on that list!
Start a magazine club where members share their magazines. Saves money and allows members a greater range of magazines.
If you would love to have rubber stamps exclusive to you, consider custom made ones. They are inexpensive and fun to own. With the holidays just around the corner, what better way to get your holiday projects done with rubber stamps that are all your very own!
Add a hint of color to your project by using a coordinated color from the project along with a Tombow, Marvy Matchable or like marker and edge each side of your project. Adds the perfect touch to complete your project.
If you have lots of “stray” ribbon, use an empty paper towel roll to keep all these stray ribbons in one place. Thanks Camille for that great tip .
To make dots using a dauber (large or small), tap dauber onto your inkpad several times to get lots of ink onto it. Now “daub” your paper and to get a nice solid edge on the outside of the “daubed” spot, twist the dauber. A very uniform and attractive circle will result every time!
Inkpad dry? Don't throw it out. Most inkpads have re-inkers.
When using “wet” glue, be sure to lay the top that has been snipped off flat on your paper and pull towards you while squeezing lightly. This will insure a flat smooth line of glue.
A great tip for keeping your stylus from roughing up your paper when dry embossing came from Camille. Camille keeps a small votive candle in her basic kit so that she can tap her stylus into the wax when dry embossing. This is a very innovative approach, works well, and is extremely affordable. Thanks Camille.
When adhering micro beads, don't short change yourself. Be sure to use the red liner tape that holds them securely and evenly. Double stick tape simply does not work. Consider owning all widths of red liner tape to create frames and other fun stuff. o Invest in a magazine as a resource guide for creating, learning, and increasing your creative spirit. Well worth the money spent!
Looking for a really “unique” greeting card for a special friend on April 1 st (April Fool's Day)? Carol, a fellow friend and stamper came up with a brilliant idea to package up all the components for an April's Fool's Day card and send the card unassembled. What a hoot? We thought it was hilarious and just had to share it with all of you.
Don't be afraid to mix and match all your leftover alphabet stickers along with alphabet rubber stamps. They look terrific and as you may have noticed in many of the magazines currently on the market the look is really in.
Having a hard time keeping that New Year's resolution we suggested in our last newsletter? Register today, right now, for one of our great classes and don't forget to include a friend. Make it a point to call as soon as you receive our great newsletter.
Invest in a box of Gunk & Goo Remover Towelettes from the makers of UnDu for cleaning up residue on scissors, knives, and other cutting implements. Not only works great but it's fast and is perfect for any sticky situation!
Consider computer generated text when you cannot find exactly what you want said in a greeting card or… better yet, if you expect to use this unique verse often, consider having it made as a custom stamp.
Step out of your box and mix and match paper like there would be no tomorrow. It's amazing what works and works well.
Looking for unique options for posting photographs in cards and/or scrapbooks? Try using a sealed envelope by cutting all four corners the same size with decorative scissors. You can then simply slip your photograph easily into the clipped corner of the envelope. Attach the envelope corner with your favorite glue or double sided adhesive to complete your project.
Project looking a little flat? Sometimes we are our own worse critics but try adding a brad, or some ribbon, or maybe even eyelets as an embellishment. They will likely make a major difference. Did you know that brads come in sizes as large as 1-inch?
May appear obvious to some but did you know that most inkpads have a re-inker? You would be surprised how many folks come looking for a new inkpad because their current one is dried out.
Are you tired of writing your return address over and over again? Consider a custom, self-inking rubber stamp with your name, address, or whatever you would like, i.e., logo, on it. They are relatively inexpensive, last forever, and also make great gifts.
Have a design you would love to own as a rubber stamp? Consider having it made into a rubber stamp. These are also relatively inexpensive with no copyright issues attached so you can use them for business purposes as well.
Have electrical needs? Contact Michael MacDonald, the shop’s electrician at (206) 762-1183. He does "light" hauling also! No pun intended there!
Got a “sticky” situation that needs to be unstuck? Try using Un-Du adhesive remover. This product is truly incredible and really works. It is perfect for removing gum, Velcro, grease, tar, tape, stickers and so much more and can be used on paper, glass, plastic, walls, some clothing, and on and on and on. Do check it out!
Try using photo paper to rubber stamp on. It creates a totally different look and you can easily add color directly from an inkpad with a stylus tip or other tool to enhance the image or simply add color.
Sometimes when cutting paper, the paper cutter will leave a “rough” edge. Instead of cutting your paper smaller, putting it in the scrap pile or worse yet, tossing it, use a plain old emery board to “file down” the rough edge. Works beautifully. Thanks Janet for that fabulous tip!
When exacto blades have reached their life span, put used blades in film canisters before tossing.
Need a perforator for making faux postage? Check out the new addition to the shop. Rents for $10.00 per hour with great results.
Love making and sending wildcards but hate paying extra postage? Complete your project as planned and slip finished wildcard greeting into a regular envelope requiring normal postage. Could not be any easier!! Great idea for square envelopes also.
Bottle caps are a fun and inexpensive embellishment for any project. Imagine all those root beer bottles when growing up whose caps we all threw away!!
Did you know that the Krylon pens have two tips on them? Simply pull out the chisel tip and rotate it to the round tip for use with whatever project you are working on.
Need a perforator for making faux postage? Check out the new addition to the shop. Rents for $10.00 per hour with great results.
Need inspiration? Take a class and bring a friend. Lots of fun by rubber stamping together!
Need help with a finishing touch on a card? Don’t forget about ribbon, raffia, charms, eyelets, brads, and fibers to name only a few. They can really polish up a project and make it “pop”.
Challenge yourself by taking any rubber stamp you own and creating three different greeting cards from it. It will provide you with a great perspective for future projects.
Need to highlight a balloon on a project or anything for that matter? Use Glossy Accents by Ranger. This product holds true to form and does not collapse like some others do. In other words, it you put it down round, it will remain round.
Gift giving a problem? Start early and make up lots of boxed sets of greeting cards. No better way to boost your creative spirit.
Thanks Diane R. for a really great tip on mailing Wildcards from Wordsworth. Because they take extra postage for their odd shapes, simply slip your wildcard and envelope in a regular envelope allowing the postage to remain the same. Great idea!!
Why not take it a step further and mail square envelopes in a similar way. Simply select a larger sized envelope which requires regular postage and create a seal just below where the square envelope would rest. Sound confusing? Stop in and we’ll show you!
Did you know that the Hot Pot can also be used for melting bits and pieces of crayons? Do we ever throw anything out!!
Make a date with yourself and sign up for one rubber stamping class per month. You won’t be sorry and you will likely meet some great folks in the process.
Looking for a wooden stylus tool? Purchase a dowel and trim one end down at an angle or at a point. Perfect for use with surfaces that are not scratch resistant.
Scrunch up Saran Wrap, dip it into inkpad and then onto glossy paper. Great instant background
Don’t forget to use your handy non-stick craft sheet in other areas of your home as well as on your craft projects. Great for baking, ironing transfers, and lots of other great projects. Nothing sticks to it and it is very easy to clean-up. Do not fold your non-stick craft sheet. Folding will cause it to be less efficient and also crack.
Let the kids make their own name tags this Christmas. A fun memory making family event (don’t forget the popcorn)!
Magazines, single ply napkins, decorative papers and lots more all work great to make your own envelopes. Use your imagination and make it real fun.
The following was taken from an internet site. No credits were given for the original contributor but have a great time with it anyway!

ENVELOPE GLUE RECIPE

6 tablespoons white vinegar
4 1 oz. packets unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or any
flavor that you like)
Bring vinegar toaboil in a small pan. Add gelatin and stir until dissolved. Add extract and stir until mixed. Brush on thin layer onto back of an envelope flap. Let dry. Moisten to apply. Store excess glue in a sealed container and melt again for future use by putting in a pan of warm water.

When making a greeting card for a special someone, make two and keep one in your own portfolio for reference or if you need creative energy down the road.
Always be sure to keep an ultra-fine Sharpie in your toolbox. Excellent tool for repairing many undesirable stamping situations
Don’t toss out paper scraps. Scraps can be used for punch outs, bookmarks, layering, testing new products, and more. Consider donating paper scraps to a girl scout troop, elder care home, or to your own favorite organization.
Next time you finishing using all the sheets in a notebook tablet, don’t throw the cardboard on the backside away. Instead, use it to make covers for journals and books. It can be covered with some of the great papers available in the market today. It also works well as a cutting surface for paper or lighter weight products.
Create “faux” tiles by using Avery labels in varying sizes. Very appealing and who would know!
To rejuvenate a dry Marvy Marker, don’t put a drop of water into the well like most people do. Instead, put a drop of the re-inker into the well. The color will remain vibrant and not dulled by the water
Need a little something to spark a card? Try coloring some of the areas with glitter gel pens. This can sometimes add just that little something missing. Or, include threads, charms, beads, buttons, mounting an area, layering, or any other similar embellishment. It’s easy and fun.
Needing to get energized or reacquainted with your stamping area? Grab a pile of white envelopes and start creating. Very inexpensive and you can use the envelopes to mail bills or other things that will surely bring a smile to the post person. It will get you off and running in no time.
Looking for just a little Valentine treat for an associate, friend, or neighbor? Buy a Hershey candy bar and remove the outer wrapper. Cut card stock the same size as the wrapper and rubber stamp for the occasion. Reseal the candy bar and voila - makes a great conversation piece and small gift.
Try using photo corners on any of your card projects. You will be surprised just how much interest they can add.
Having difficulty using your punches? Use a block of wood on top of the punch to get better leverage. Better yet, invest in a Power Punch made exclusively for punches. They make punching amazingly easy.
Use Cut-N-Dry, in either foam or felt, to create your own inkpad palette. Use foam with pigment ink and the felt pad with dye-based ink. A great way to create a very specific look!

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