I grew up loving musicals. You name it, I loved them – the old MGM musicals with Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, and the modern ones starring Barbara Streisand – I loved them! And one of my favorites was The Sound of Music. Incredible scenery, beautiful songs, and based on a true story about the von Trapp family. I heard my father in law Ronnie comment about going to see the movie at the theater and in the opening scene with Maria singing “The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Music” he told my mother in law Elda he was going to hate the movie. Turned out he loved it! You know that old saying – don’t judge a book by it’s cover – nor a musical by it’s opening scene! LOL
Several weeks ago I posted a list of my NON Stampin’ Up! essentials, so today I want to share several of my favorite items that you can only purchase from them. Things that don’t cost an arm and a leg but I refuse to do without.
Acrylic Blocks Are A MUST!!!
You can purchase acrylic blocks at most any craft store, but what makes Stampin’ Up!’s blocks so great are the thickness as well as the recessed edge for your fingers to grip. Both of these things keeps your fingers away from the ink to help you stay cleaner. After cleaning stamps, simply wipe down with a microfiber cloth so they are ready to use again. After multiple uses I even throw my blocks into the top rack of my dishwasher to remove residual ink/cleaner!
The BEST Paper Snips!!!
The paper snips that Stampin’ Up! sells are very thin and delicate which makes for precise and clean cutting edges. They are extremely sharp when new so do be care – I’ve snipped my finger once or twice! They can be sharpened easily and have a protective case to slip over the tips when not in use.
Silicone Craft Sheet – Please do not leave home for Stamp ‘n Sip without it!
I encourage my beginning stampers to purchase the silicone craft sheet. It’s easy to forget you have it but it is SO NECESSARY for keeping your excessive glues contained and off your stamping area. The size of a pot holder, the mat is easy to clean when finished and ready to go for the next gluing session.
Grid Paper is the BOMB!
Stampin Up has awesome grid paper – double sided – and comes in great when measuring and helping you line up stamping with photopolymer stamps. The large area is is the size of a placemat so it’s perfect for work areas during classes. I cut one down in size to cover all of my paper piercing mats – DARN! There is another FAVORITE I forgot to add!
My Go To Black Ink – Tuxedo Black Memento!
Stampin’ Up! had issues awhile back with their black ink not drying on white cardstock. When they began carrying Memento ink it became the staple black! You can use it with all of the coloring staples, has great coverage, and is inexpensive as well!
To Daub Or Not To Daub? Is Daub even a WORD????
Sponge daubers are a fun and easy way to add color to your stamping images, as well as adding background color. They are inexpensive, and you can easily clean with water to reuse again and again!
Wink Of Stella! Got to Love It!
My customers love to add bling, but sometimes you need just a hint or whisper of glimmer! Wink of Stella is perfect for the finishing touch. Easy to use, dries quickly, and lasts a long time – and the look on the face of people when they use it the first time – love it! FYI – REMOVE THE BLACK RING BEFORE USING!!!!
Dimensionals Go With Us Everywhere!
You can buy dimensionals, or lifters as my friend Gina calls them, at any craft store but the quality is so different! Stampin’ Up!’s dimensionals are softer, more cushiony, and the way they are cut you can use every little piece of it. The ones I bought when I first got into paper crafting were thicker and harder like cardboard, wasted edges, and just not worth it. Once I started using these – never again buy other company’s. And when I said I take them everywhere, I meant that! Those little tabs on top love to creep into my suitcases, my purse, etc! LOL
Final Thoughts…..
This list could have gone on and on – while typing I thought of the Stampin’ pierce mat, the Stampin Mist Cleaner ,the Stampin’ Scrub – all equally awesome products and other than purchasing the bundle of the the acrylic blocks, all reasonably priced. What are some of your favorite tools and products by Stampin’ Up!?
Have a great weekend! Keep stamping, keep crafting, and God Bless!!!
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