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I think the answer is no but if I use the MISTI do I need acrylic blocks? And if my unmounted stamps do not have a cushion or sticky on them how do they stick to the MISTI?
__________________ Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.
I still use my blocks. Stamp elements that get 'sprinkled' here and there, or images that I'm stamping on a scrap and will cut out to add ... things like that.
As for sticking unmounted unsticky stamps to the lid, the easiest way I've found so far is to run a bit of tape runner to the stamp. It doesn't need a lot. Another goofy way, but it works for a lot of stamps ... in the version of the MISTI I received, there was a heavy plastic skin that was to be added to the cover to protect the etched grid pattern. I used that skin on the inside instead because it had just enough grab to hold many of my unmounted, unsticky stamps. (Sadly, I tried adding TackNPeal to the skin for a sure grab, and made a mess of both the skin and the TackNPeal.)
__________________ If you don't want your tax dollars to help the poor, then stop saying you want a country based on Christian values, because you don't. ~ Jimmy Carter
I kept a handful of blocks, too. The 1" square ones get the most use - for "sprinkling", lol... I kept my 2 1/2" x 8" block for unmounted wheels, too, although they fit in the regular-size MISTI.
I was thinking the same thing as I moved my blocks yet again. Afraid to let them go as I may NEED them later But really the MISTI makes them obsolete. Here's a thought, if I get rid of the blocks do I have room for another MISTI?
I would keep the blocks. As others here have said, you will find uses for them, even if it's only to hold something flat while the glue dries! I also think it's just a good idea to add cushion to your unmounted stamps - it's not all that expensive and it will make your use of the stamps so much easier, which probably means you'll get more use out of them.
__________________ Diana B
-We're all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that's all. ~John Hughes
- For putting 2-4 tiny stamps on block corners to be able to pepper the paper with either/any of the stamps.
- For a palette. When I put Distress ink, Gelato scribbles, or other medium onto my craft mat to pick up color, I inevitably get it on my hand/arm/the paper/something. Lately I've been putting the medium on a block, which can be moved to the side out of the way. In theory.
- For stamping images that don't need to be perfectly straight - like a wonky flower. Stamp plopped onto block, ink, bam.
- When applying different color inks/other media to the same stamp. I find it easier.
- For keeping my eye/brain/hand coordination tuned up - if for nothing else, for an event/class, where only blocks are available. But I like that practice.
- Fooling around. I spend lots of time stamping onto scrap paper, or to practice fussy embossing, whatever.
But for lining up images, geometric designs, or multiples, I don't usually grab my blocks. And wouldn't if I did complicated layered stamps.
I find myself using my blocks very little now but won't get rid of them "just in case". I use Tack N Peel mounted on a piece of cling vinyl for any bare rubber stamps I have. When using cling mounted stamps, the TnP goes back in a little file folder inside the case I keep my Misti in. Works great.
__________________ Leslie Harnish
Sambro, Nova Scotia
Canada
Still need the blocks - what else would I use to smoosh ink onto to do watercolouring, or to make smooshed backgrounds... besides the small stamps etc. I never had many anyway -
Yep need those blocks when smooching backgrounds with distress inks. Sometimes use large blocks to mix watercolors and smooch a great background.
Harriettb
blocks still have a purpose, but the MISTI is my main to go to stamping tool. Love the idea I can reink and stamp again. Blocks as said may be for a smooching card or where you stamp random and the MISTI would be to time consuming. i did get rid of a few blocks, but kept my better ones.
__________________ Mary Jo
prairiepapercrafter.blogspot.com
I find myself using my blocks very little now but won't get rid of them "just in case". I use Tack N Peel mounted on a piece of cling vinyl for any bare rubber stamps I have. When using cling mounted stamps, the TnP goes back in a little file folder inside the case I keep my Misti in. Works great.
What is cling vinyl and where do you get it?
Many of my Stampin Up red rubber cling stamps don't stick any more. I have used SU Glue Stick on them, but that isn't great, either!:p
Many of my Stampin Up red rubber cling stamps don't stick any more. I have used SU Glue Stick on them, but that isn't great, either!:p
This is cling vinyl. Before the Misti revered to being etched, a sheet of this used to come with it to protect the grid lines in the plastic. Some people also put a piece of this on their acrylic blocks to make them more "sticky" or I guess I should say "clingy".
Thanks for the vinyl link, Leslie. I was wondering where to get it. Someone said you can also buy it from a fabric store too, if I recall?
I'm curious - how do acrylic blocks lose cling, other than if they need to be washed?
Beth
From what I understand, the acrylic blocks, and the cling stamps as well, lose their cling when they get microscopic bits of body oils from our hands on them, even if our hands don't feel dirty or greasy, and they also collect dust particles from the air, especially in humidity. A good cleaning and air drying every few months will keep that at bay but some use the vinyl to avoid the cleaning.
__________________ Leslie Harnish
Sambro, Nova Scotia
Canada
From what I understand, the acrylic blocks, and the cling stamps as well, lose their cling when they get microscopic bits of body oils from our hands on them, even if our hands don't feel dirty or greasy, and they also collect dust particles from the air, especially in humidity. A good cleaning and air drying every few months will keep that at bay but some use the vinyl to avoid the cleaning.
That's what I thought, thank you. I use a drop of Dawn and warm water once in a blue moon if a block becomes balky.
Recently one of our cats was lying on top of a large block. That'll do it. (Maybe the message was, "Don't stamp! Hold me and massage my ears and head instead.")
As much as I like and use the Misti, I sometimes find my blocks easier, now that I have duplicates in some sizes.
I had years ago bought the whole SU acrylic block set. I have found for layered stamping, they are to dang thick and I wasn't getting accurate results. I decided to go buy blocks half as thick and I am really happy I did. I can see thru them better and not so heavy in the larger sizes. I got some duplicates of sizes I use at same time so I did t have to keep switching out.
The misti is invaluable for those solid clears that takes 4 times to get solid color. Probably using wrong ink formula.
Besides, if the misti breaks, need some blocks around.
A year ago I was not using and decorating a daily planner or Bible journaling but now that I am, I am glad I didn't get rid of my blocks. As wonderful as it is, you can't put a planner or Bible into the MISTI.
I would never get rid of my blocks as I use them a lot for "watercoloring" with ink and spritzer. I also like them for ease of cleaning the stamps. I use my MISTI when I know I am probably not going to get a good stamp the first time and will have to redo. I have some stamps that just don't absorb the ink so the image has to be stamped at least 3 times.
Misti - do I need blocks?
