Stampers Best

I'm not sure if anyone has noticed the new little buttons I added to the blog last week but I wanted to share a little something with you today...

Possibly to help counter the sad news of several recent and current closings in the crafting market place I wanted to tell you about a place that in addition to selling awesome rubber stamps also offers an AMAZING deal on mounting foam and storage boards. 

That place would be Stampers Best! 

Now I originally found this site when I was searching for an alternative to EZ Mount Foam. 

My stamp evolution.....

Originally I started off stamping with only wood mounted stamps.  After a bit the storage of so many wood mounted stamps became an issue I decided I wanted to go UM so I bought EZ Mount Foam.  After taking all the time, $'s and energy to convert to EZMount I was sadly disillusioned because in addition to the foam being expensive, it was a real pain to mount (due to the sticky issue) and then after a year or so the darn stamps turned around and started to slide right off the foam!!!!  It was a disaster!

So I then went to plain rubber dies.  I still get good impressions with these plain rubber images but I had to use double stick adhesive on my stamping blocks (which is a pain because you have to clean and apply more adhesive often) and storage was a whole other issue.  I tried sticking them to my storage pages with a bit of double stick adhesive and they kept falling off whenever I moved my albums.  So most of my UM rubber dies have been sitting around in baggies...large ones for misc. stamps, medium and smaller size baggies to keep sets together, etc.

Fast forward to now...and my pile of baggies!  I really needed to find a better and less expensive solution.  So I went in search of and found this amazing place...  Stampers Best!

A bit about Stampers Best....(Taken from Satisfaction Guaranteed page.)

"We offer premium quality deep etch rubber stamps and high density cling cushion mounting foam at low prices. Producing and stocking large quantities enables us to pass the savings on to you.


You have probably used our art stamps and cling cushion already. We are starting our 8th year of private label manufacturing deep etch rubber stamps for many companies worldwide (see PictureMyStamp.com). We enjoy a reputation for excellent quality and superior customer service. Our rubber stamps are beautifully detailed and made with natural gum rubber. You will get fantastic impressions on a wide variety of surfaces using any crafting inks.


All StampersBest rubber stamp designs can be ordered as either UnMounted or ClingStamps. Cling cushion mounting foam is available in single sheet packs and bulk rolls. After you try our cling cushion, you will never overpay for so called 'brand name' cling cushion mounting foam again!


All products are proudly Made in USA, in stock and shipped at low rates within 1-3 business days. "

Now after reading this I was very excited to give them a try!  The first thing I noticed about the cling mounted sheets even before ordering was that they are significantly larger than the normal sheets of mounting foam.  Each sheet (except for the intro offer sheets) are 9x12" - 14.5 square inches more than the regular sheets at a fraction of the cost! That's alot of space to mount more stamps!!

I ordered the 20 sheet pack of mounting foams which with the flat $6.00 shipping charge works out to $2.05 a sheet ($1.85 a sheet w/o shipping).  A GREAT price when you consider a single 8.5 x 11" sheet of EZ Mount Foam is $4.95 w/o shipping!!

I have since mounted my stamps which went very quickly and cleanly compared to EZ Mount.  Of course I can't say anything about what it will be like in a year from now but at this point for the price, ease of use and over-all satisfaction I am very happy with this product.

If you would like to give Stampers Best a try I wanted to point their great

Stampers Best Introductory Offer -

$12.00 this offer includes...

2) 4" x 6" UnMounted deep etch rubber stamps / collections

1) Cling Storage Card - 8.5" x 11"

1) Cling Cushion Sheet (8.5" x 11")

Please note: This is the only listing where the cling sheet is not 9" x 12"

(It's 8.5 x 11 to fit the single sheet package.)

In addition to this wonderful offer if you sign up for a FREE Premium Membership and use the coupon code: Inkstains ~ you will get an additional 10% off your initial order!!!

*Note: There is no expiration date on this discount code but it is only good for your first order when you sign up for the Premium Membership (which is free).

All this and I haven't even touched on their Stamps!! 

More to come on that in the future as

I will also be doing a bit of design work for Stampers Best! 

Here are a couple sneak peeks at some projects in the works....

Now as an added little bonus I thought it would be fun to give away a bit of the mounting foam for you to try for yourself!

So, go over and check out Stampers Best and tell me what interests you....could be a stamp set, the foam, mounting sheets...etc..  Whatever it is, let us know what you're thinkin'!

You'll be entered to win  one of two 1/2 sheets of Stampers Best Mounting Foam!

You have until 5-30-11 to enter to win!

Good Luck Friends!! 

Addicted to Rubber Stamps Closing

If you recall last week I told you about Scrolls Work Rubber Stamps was going out of business.  Actually, as of yesterday everything is currently 40% off. 

I also found out last week (but forgot to post) that Addicted to Rubber Stamps ~ one of largest collections of stamp mfg and goodies in one spot is also going out of business.  All of their products are currently 40% off as well.

It's very sad that all of these great retailers and stamp designers are going out of business...hopefully this downward decline will end quickly so we can help keep the remaining designers and business around!

*Note - I have heard that the reason Addicted to Rubber Stamps and Addicted to Scrapbooking is going out of business is due to a lingering illness the owner suffers from.  Not sure beyond that what the illness is or the prognosis.  I'm sure they would appreciate all good thoughts sent their way.

Half A Million Visits - Give-A-Way Winner!!!!

First I want to thank you all for helping Ink Stains to reach such a lofty mark...I never would have thought that in a mere 3 1/2 years over half a million people would stop by to see what's going on here in my inky corner of the net.

I hope you've all enjoyed it as much as I have!

I really enjoyed reading all your comments and visiting the various places you've linked to.  Specially your personal blogs!  It's always fun to see what everyone has been up to ;)

Now, without further delay I have chosen the Giant prize package using Random.org. 

(I wish I could send you each a little goodie...maybe someday if I win the lottery!)

The winner is....

Creatology!!!!

Createology said...

Congratulations Roni. What a huge positive affirmation to your total creative talents. I love what you do and how generous you are sharing your techniques. This is an amazing giveaway opportunity and I would be thankful to participate.

April 28, 2011 11:02 PM

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!

please e-mail me with your snail mail addy so I can get your goodies in the mail!

 

Hope you all stick around for the 1,000,000 mark!

Vintage Postcard Sunday... Olean & Weston Mills NY

Today I decided to reach back over 100 years in my postcard collection and share a few cards from New York....Olean and Weston Mills.

Enjoy!

First...

Rock City near Olean, New York

(1911)

To the "Rocks" near Olean, New York

(1909)

 

back

High School @ Olean, New York

(1909)

Weston Mills, New York

(1910)

Weston Mills, New York

(1910)

Back

Distress Stain Winner

I have the winner of the Faded Jeans and Broken China Distress Stain...

which I chose using random.org...

and the winner is...

Carole RB

Carole RB said...

Hi Roni

My favorite distress ink colors are the blues. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to win!

Have a nice evening!

May 4, 2011 3:08 PM

Congratulations!!

please e-mail me your snail mail addy.

Just For Fun Friday - Cut Out Card Sketch

Happy Friday!!

(Note: not sure if this is going to show up on Friday 5-13-11 or not.  Blogger seems to be having some issues.  So, if it's not Friday, happy whatever!)

Today is of course Just For Fun Rubber Stamps Friday paired with one of my Ink Stained Card Sketches!  The sketch I have for you today is I think a fun one...something I've never done for one of my sketches...  A cut out.  It's pretty simple ~ just an oval but it's something different.

Here you go...

Now of course you can die-cut the oval which is what I did but you can also simply hand cut it.  Either way it will work great! 

 

And here are my examples! 

After I took this photo I added some Cinnamon Stickles around the oval...I didn't have a chance to retake the pic. but I will this weekend.  Also, I left the sentiment off so I could add it when I decided what I was going to use the card for.  I thought it might make a nice masculine birthday card or thinking of you, etc. 

And I love how my 2nd card turned out...very nautical :)

Don't forget to check out the Just For Fun Blog to see what the rest of the team created this week!

I will be back a bit later (if blogger is working) with the Distress Stain winner so be sure to check back then!

Get Inked - May 2011 - Vintage Paris

I wanted to share my May Get Inked Kit with you today which is available at Queen Kat Designs!

(Note: The reason April's kit was never added to the site was because it sold out before Vicki had a chance to add it to the site!  She has more kit components on order and should be up as soon as they come in.  There are still 2 of the March Kits - Vintage Steampunk - available if you're interested.)

May 2011

Get Inked

Vintage Paris

Now I don't know what comes to mind when you think of when Vintage Paris comes to mind.  For me, the Eiffel Tower is the first thing that pops into my mind...  The come can-can girls scantily clad in frills and lace with a pair of sexy button up boots.  Those elements are all included in this stamp set along with a vintage perfume label and a coupon to get into one of those clubs.  I have also included a few words in French for you to add to your designs....Merci, Bella, Bonjour, mere (mother) and Thanks in English. 

Here are the projects I've created using these stamps and the accompanying kit inks - Cranberry Adriondack Dye Ink and Colorbox Royal Silk Pigment Ink.

Mere'

(Mother)

Thanks (masked) Card

and finally

Bella Collage

I am very excited about this collage...it was so much fun to create.  I used a fun foundation for this collage...any guesses on what it might be (this may be too easy)?

For those of you who guessed it is a vintage Tart Tin you are correct!  Recently, I was lucky enough to acquire a treasure trove of them...all shapes, sizes and designs.  I have been having such fun experimenting and playing with them, they are almost an obsession!  I've got several projects planned to share with you all in the coming weeks and maybe even a chance to win a few tins for yourself ;) I can hardly wait!

For the time being though I thought I'd give away a set of May's Get Inked stamps.... 

Interested?

Well if you'd like to be entered into the drawing, just tell me the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Vintage Paris.

You have until 5-26-11 to post your comment!

Good Luck Friends

and 

Have a simply wonderfully Inky Day!! 

Liquid Pearl Candlewicking

If you can't tell I've been playing (and loving) the new Liquid Pearls.  The formulation of these new Pearls allows you to use them with techniques that you couldn't before.  Along with the awesome Brushed Embroidery I have been messing with another non-stamping technique ~ Candlewicking! 

Now I know this form of stitching has been around for a VERY long time but I first became familiar with it in the 70's.  A time when not only candlewicking but macrame, photo collage/decoupage and latch hook rugs were all the rage ;)  LOL!!  So I thought I'd drag this technique into the stamping world as well!

Now I know that traditional candlewicking is a white on white technique which you're more than welcome to try but with all of the beautiful new colors of Liquid Pearls I couldn't just use one color!

Liquid Pearl Candlewicking

Supplies:

Liquid Pearls - Ranger
Resist or Embossing Ink - Ranger
Rubber Stamps
Cardstock or Acetate
Candlewicking Patterns (optional)

Instructions:

Stamped LP Candlewicking:

1. Stamp desired image onto your cardstock using Resist Ink (or other clear ink).

2. Apply tiny dots of Liquid Pearls (using desired colors) over the image design.  To form a perfect dot you will need to hold your LP bottle vertically, dab a bit of LP onto your cardstock and lift straight up.

NOTE: You can follow the stamped design as closely as desired.  If some details are too small you can simply leave them off completely or make up your own design.

Here are a couple examples using this technique...

For this flourish design I varied the size of my dots and added a few solid "leaves" to help bring the design to life.

Printed Candlewicking Patterns:

Another technique I tried was to size and print out candlewicking patterns on cardstock.  This is a great way to incorporate some of the beautiful candlewicking designs that are available on the net. 

You will need to pay attention to the size of your design when printing.  I printed my initial candlewicking pattern out fairly small and it was a bit difficult to get a feel for the dot size and spacing at first as you can see....

With a bit of practice though I was able to work in this small size and achieve beautiful results....

And here they are side by side...first attempt and after a bit of practice...

Acetate Liquid Pearls Candlewicking

Another idea I had was to use a candlewicking pattern behind a sheet of acetate!  I simply used a bit of my ATG tape to adhere the pattern to the back of my acetate sheet and add the Liquid Pearls to the front.

and here is the finished example...

So there you go...

another really fun way to incorporate Liquid Pearls into your next art project!

I hope you give this and all the Liquid Pearls techniques I've been sharing a try. 

Liquid Pearls Brushed Embroidery

You just never know where inspiration is going to come from...a few weeks ago I was watching an old episode of Cake Boss and I saw Buddy use a very cool technique to decorate a cake that I knew instantly I had to try using Liquid Pearls. 

I did some searching around on the internet and I finally found what this technique was called in the cake world ~ Brush Embroidery.   It is just beautiful and here is my stamping world version...

Liquid Pearls Brushed Embroidery

Supplies:

Liquid Pearls (Ranger)
Resist Ink or Embossing Ink (Ranger)
Cardstock
Stamps
Tiny Tip Brush*
Scrap Paper

*Selecting a Brush ~ Wilton recommends a flat brush when working with frosting which is what Buddy was using as well.  I have found that when working with Liquid Pearls a tiny tip brush works better.  The thicker flat brushes thin the Liquid Pearls out so much you loose the fine lines you get from the smaller tip.  Of course you can experiment and see what works best for you but I prefer the brush in the center.

Instructions:

1. Stamp desired image onto your cardstock using a clear ink...Resist or Embossing.  You're looking for a faint watermark type image.  

Note: I have been messing with this technique for a while and I have found that larger images with bold lines work the best.  But the great thing about using the clear ink is that you don't have to follow the original design exactly.  I have more detailed stamps that I have tried with this technique and just use the lines I want.  Works great!

2. Outline one section of your image with a medium to thick line of Liquid Pearls.  You will need to apply the Liquid Pearls in small sections.  Similar to the frosting...the Liquid Pearls will develope a skin as it dries.  

3. Starting from the inside center of your outlined image pull the inner edge of the Liquid Pearls a short distance towards the center of the image.  Continue pulling the rest of the LP towards the center of the image using small strokes. 

NOTE: You will need to clean off your brush tip as you work. If your brush becomes too full it will being to pull the outer edge of your outline along with the inner edge ruining your design in the process. 

Here is a photo of an "in process" section of my image...

4. Continue to outline and feather the Liquid Pearls until the entire image has been completed.

TIP: If by chance you do happen to mess up the outer edge of the Liquid Pearls as you are working around your image, you can go back and apply a bit more LP over the damaged area.  Continue pulling only the inner edge of the LP towards the center until your image has been completed.

5. After I have finished all of the areas I want to "embroider" I go back and add detail lines which will not be feathered but left whole.  This just adds a nice finished look to your final image.

And here is what your finished image may look like...

Stamp: Autumn Leaves;
Liquid Pearls: White Opal

Now you can use more than just White LP's for these great images...below are a couple more examples of this technique using a variety of LP's....

Stamp: Just For Fun Rubber Stamps;
Liquid Pearls: Lavender Lace, Baby Blue, Ocean Blue, Peacock

Stamp: Just For Fun Rubber Stamps;

Liquid Pearls: Cantaloupe; Bisque; Peacock

Adirondack Dimensional Pearls: Espresso

Once dry these images can be used to create cards, in scrapbooks, collage or altered art projects. 

Use them to grace the cover of a journal or on a Gothic Arch or ATC. 

Just think of how beautiful it would be for Valentines Day, a Wedding, Anniversary or really for any occasion!

The possibilities are endless as are the designs you could come up with!

Painting with Liquid Pearls Questions

After I posted the Painting with Liquid Pearls tutorial last week I had several e-mails with questions about various aspects of this technique. 

Since many asked the same questions I thought I would just post the answers to them here to save time.

The question that was asked most often was ~

Q - Did you let each color/layer of Liquid Pearls dry before adding the next?

A - Yes and no...  Originally when I was first messing with the technique I did let each individual layer dry completely before moving on.  Now it's not as time consuming as it sounds.  Liquid Pearls dry pretty quick so it's not like you're waiting hours between coats.  This rose was created by letting each color dry then adding the next.

This rose was created by adding one color right after the next without letting the individual colors dry.  I did clean my brush off periodically ask I was blending the various colors to prevent them getting muddy.  I didn't count but I'd say I cleaned the brush off once or twice for each petal of the flower while I was blending.

Q - Can I use Adirondack Dimensional Pearls for this technique? 

A - Yes, you can use the Dimensional Pearls but keep in mind Liquid Pearls have a thicker consistency than DP's do.  The Dimensional Pearls will spread a bit as they are drying so you won't get the finer edges as what you would get if you used LP's.

Q - Is there something else I can use in place of the Liquid Pearls?

A - Well, I know there used to be a similar product on the market but I haven't seen them in years.  I can't honestly say there is a Liquid Pearl replacement so I'd have to say no.

Q - Will the LP hurt my paint brush?  Did you use a special paint brush?

A - The answer to both of these questions is no...it won't hurt your paint brush and it wasn't anything special.  I will go back to my standing thought on supplies..... Use what you have on hand.  If you don't have a paint brush with a tiny tip cut most of the bristles off of an old paint brush you have in your stash.  I am a firm believer in the fact that you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to create beautiful art!

Q - How long does it take to dry?

A - The inner thin layers of Liquid Pearls dries almost immediately.  I would leave the thicker outer lines dry a couple hours before handling it. 

Hope these answers help!

Tomorrow I'll be back with another fun technique to pair with your Liquid Pearls!