Monday, December 18, 2023

Favorite Tools Series - Part 2 - Bone Folder, Clear Blocks and Simply Shammy

Greetings!

It's time to share a few more of my favorite tools and why.

These tools are not glamorous but they sure make the life of a stamper and paper crafter much easier.  

Let's begin with the Clear Block.  I have seen many clear blocks and I have to say this is one item I would never use anything but a Stampin' Up! clear block.  They are designed for comfort as well as function.  The block is nice and thick so you can hold onto it and press your stamp onto your ink pad while keeping your fingertips far enough up on the block so you don't end up with inked fingertips.  


It also has a wonderful groove in the block on all four sides for you to easily grip and hold it without fear of it slipping out of your fingers.  The top and bottom edges are also rounded so there is no sharp edge for you to be gripping every time you want to stamp.  This truly is a very thought out design!  

The blocks come in an assortment of sizes so you can use whichever size works best for the stamp you are working with.  The stamps easily adhere to and easily remove from the block, so one set of blocks works for all of your stamps.  A great value!

Next, let's talk about the Bone Folder.  This tool is a must in my opinion.  You may notice when you work with paper that it pulls the moisture right out of your fingers - especially if you are using your fingers to press your cardstock flat for folding.  I always score my cardstock, then use the bone folder to run along the edge of the fold to give it a nice crisp fold.  The bone folder glides along the edge so easily, and with a slightly rounded edge to the bone folder, risk of tearing is extremely minimal.  It also does not leave a shine on the cardstock.  




Another thing I've found the Bone Folder to be very helpful with is pressing envelope flaps closed.  I use a little sponge with water to wet the glue strip on the envelope, then use the bone folder to folder over and press down the wet edge to the back of the envelope.  This another way to keep your fingers from getting so dried out when doing bulk mailings.

Lastly, the Simply Shammy.  This product is such a time saver!  I store mine in an empty Standard Stamp Case (sold in sets of 4 #119105).  These cases are the perfect size to hold the Simply Shammy, and this way it doesn't dry out between uses.  I can have it on my craft table while I'm stamping so it's readily available for cleaning my stamps.  By having it in the Standard Stamp Case I'm not risking leaving a damp area on my table, or sitting on paper or cardstock and getting it wet and wavey.  I also use the Simply Shammy to wipe off my clear blocks or my fingertips if I get ink on them while stamping.


The Simply Shammy absorbs the ink from your stamps so run it under the faucet every now and then to rinse out the excess ink.  The ink doesn't transfer onto the stamps, so no worries.

As you can see, my tools are well used.  

I know that without these tools, stamping and crafting would not be nearly as enjoyable.  

I hope you are finding value in the information I am sharing.  😊


Essential Tools:

These are the tools I recommend  for a positive experience with all of your paper crafting projects.  Having the right tools makes every project go more smoothly from start to finish.

Product List

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The time has come to say goodbye to select items from the September-December 2023 mini catalog.  Check out the LAST CHANCE PRODUCTS to make sure you get those items you have on your wish list but haven't ordered yet.  Once they're gone, they're gone.  Many are discounted so your procrastination was worth the wait ;)


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I LOVE being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for a variety of reasons!  If you love stamping and sending cards, getting together with friends and being creative, want a way to reach out to your community, earn some money doing something you love, or any combination of these things, and more, now is a great time to join! 


I am a member of Dawn Olchefske's DOStampers STARS community, so when you join my team, you are also part of this fabulous community where we share inspiration, creativity, support and education, as well as a whole new group of crafting friends!
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December Host Code:  FH2HBUV6

  • Place an online order of $65 or more (before tax/shipping) and earn a FREE Gift                        (FREE Gift sent by January 15th)
  • For orders of $150 or more in my store (before tax/shipping), do not apply the Host Code.  Use the Stampin' Rewards you will earn.  You will receive the Host code gift from me.
  • One Host code gift per customer, per month.

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Thank you so much for stopping by!  I hope you're inspired to gather your supplies and get creative!  

Have a beautiful day!  ðŸ˜Š  

Beverly J 

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