ladies, i have 2 questions

[msulee]

you ladies are so informed that i just knew you would know the answer. have you ever heard of a company called close to my heart for stamping supplies and also those of you that use acrylix stamps do they keep their stickyness and how do you clean them? Our group at work loves stamping up and we're afraid to venture out into the unknown

[IMBlessed5]

I thing CTMH's stamps are clear so you can see through the stamp AND the block. I can't really speak for their ability to retain their cling. But have you heard of The Angel Company? They are unmounted stamps as well. The stamps themselves are rubber, mounted on cushion just like SU except not on a wooden block. On the other side of the cushion (a.k.a. Creative Cling) is a surface that is like thousands of tiny suctions cups that make the stamp cling to the acrylic blocks. As long as the cling side of the stamp and the block are both clean, I've not known of any to lose their cling. They're about 1/2 the price of wood mounted stamps and I LOVE that you can store them in CD cases = less storage space. Our acrylic blocks are very reasonable. A 2"x2" is $1.50. Sorry to not answer your question directly - hopefully there's something here that will help you.

[kthaman]

I have a few and love them. They stick wonderfully; I haven't had any loose their stickyness. They clean with regular stamp cleaner, but can also be cleaned with soap and water.

If you stamp in black, they will take on a little tint, but I haven't had it interfere with my stamping in any way.

Also, I would not do bleach stamping with acrlyics, but I also know that there are different ways of making them and the lower end ones should not do bleach, CTMH may be fine to do, but I prefer not to chance it.

Unmounted is certainly an aquired taste But I absolutely love it. Acrylic makes it easier.

[Sereikastamper]

And just a note, if your clear stamps loose their "stick" just wash them with warm water and a gentle detergent and they will regain their cling ability....the nice thing about clear stamps is that you can see exactly where you want the image and they store in a VERY SMALL amount of space....but they are definitely an aquired taste...I personally still prefer my rubber images on wooden blocks!

[kphorse]

Thanks for the info you gave to msulee. I got a couple of free clear stamps from a well known company and I had no idea how to clean them if I used them.

Karen

[gmcbunny]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sereikastamper

And just a note, if your clear stamps loose their "stick" just wash them with warm water and a gentle detergent and they will regain their cling ability....the nice thing about clear stamps is that you can see exactly where you want the image and they store in a VERY SMALL amount of space....but they are definitely an aquired taste...I personally still prefer my rubber images on wooden blocks!

Just one extra note after washing them let them dry a bit before reattaching them to their sheet

[Suzastampin]

You can use the CTMH stamps for bleach stamping. Just be sure to clean them off right after. I keep a paper plate with a wet towel on it right on my table when I stamp, and clean the stamp off in between, just in case.

Suz
CTMH Director

[kthaman]

msulee - here is a thread I found with tons of info about unmounted (not just CTMH)...this may help you decide whether you want to venture out or not.

Forums at Splitcoaststampers

[MSBetsyZ]

msulee, I think you and your friends ought to try and find a local demonstrator for Clost to my Heart (you can check their web page) and have a party! That way you'd get a chance to try out the stamps without needing to purchase the blocks to put them on first. (Try before you buy is always nice...) And who knows? You might wind up with hostess benefits!

[troopersma]

When you wash your stamps to regain stickiness do NOT use any detergents with "lotion" or anything of the sort. Basic cheap dishwashing liquid will work. I know someone who used their soap that had lotion in it and they were never sticky again. Lesson learned! Makes sense I guess. :-)

I used to be a consultant for CTMH. There are times I prefer them (especially for their see thru placement...makes 2 step stamping a breeze!). But you have to use a lighter touch with them (they squish out easier if you use too much pressure) and especially with larger stamps you have to remember to put the cushion under what you are stamping on because the acrylix have no cushion. But for 2 step stamping and for alphabets I really won't use anything else. For other general stamps I actually prefer wood mounted or EZ mount.

Anyways, yes, have a party. Try them out. Make your first set an alphabet or a 2 step stamping one (to take full advantages of the plusses). It's all a matter of taste and I now use all kinds of stamps and can choose what I like based on design.

Jane

[stac]

I have both... I love that you can see for placement, but it seems that the CTMH stamps don't ink completely.. I prefer my SU for sure.. But its nice to see all the variety when you use both.

[msulee]

thank you all for your information. I knew you ladies would know you're the best. I think the party idea is a good idea instead of a book party. We also thought the alphabits for scrapping would be great to be able to see placement so we'll give it a whirl. thanks lee