Well, finally the closest Michael's to me did end up getting in the clear stamps (or at least some of them - there seems to be a few sets) and I also had a wonderful person Planet43 send me a few to get me started (isn't she just the sweetest!!).
When I first got them, I didn't think I'd use them all that much... but, I find that I am reaching for them quite often.. now that I got started on them.
This is one of my cards I like best -- of course this color combo is a winner no matter what you do with it:
three butterflies
And then this ATC was made combining a House Mouse stamp with bits and pieces from one of the Michael's $1 sets
His Majesty
And here is another card where I used the swirly stamp from one of the sets with craft vanilla to spruce up this pocket card!! See those great home-made flowers!! they are lots of fun too!! :-)
Flower Pocket card
So, I really do like these little stamps after all!!!