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I haven't switched over to unmounted stamps yet, but I am wondering what acrylic blocks you like/use. I have used Stampin' Up! blocks and they are very nice. Love the rounded edges. Are there others similar to Stampin' Up!?
I will tell my little sales pitch for arcylic blocks....and this came from me BEFORE I was a demo!!!!
I decided about a year ago, to organize my stamps. I needed to stamp ALL my stamps and make a stamp binder, because I wasn't using some stamps or forgetting what I had. So I set out on my project.....and stamping away I went....by the end of the day, my fingers were red and sore. I had ONE SU block (the long narrow one- block H all the other blocks I had were cheap ones. As you know...not everything fit on block H, although by the end of the first day...I certainly was TRYING to make them fit!!! I stopped my project and immediately ordered the whole set of blocks- I even got the carrying case because I do some crops too.....and then started back on my stamp binder when the blocks came. There was such a difference!!!
Are they more expensive.....yes......are they worth the money.....110%!!!!!!!! There are no other blocks that I have found that even compare. They are one of the best Stampin' Up investments I have made.
They are offering the blocks in smaller sets now (it used to be one at a time or all) if that fits your budget better. Since I was stamping ALL my stamps, I knew I needed them all!!!
I have found these blocks to be very durable, easy to clean..and most of all comfy in your hand!!! I even took my blocks to my son's first grade class for a project....yes, the kids were messy but I was able to clean them right up and looked good as new that night!!!!
Hope that helps and feel free to ask any questions!!!
I'm kinda curious about the Fiskars Stamp Press. I saw Jennifer Macguire use it in her Inspiration Canvas class. Anyone have it and like it (or dislike it)?
I have it - just recently bought it.(I have a project in mine that has a lot of lettering on it so this will make it real easy and STRAIGHT!) It is more for lining up stamps and lettering using the grid. I can't see stamping everything with it (it is simple foam on the bottom). And it is big. But it would work for any unmounted SU wheels that you have!
I have it but haven't used it yet. Bought it with a coupon. Hoping to use it with the large background stamps. I never seem to get a evenly stamped all-over inked image with a large stamp. Have tried larger acrylic blocks and the mega slightly curved block but still have areas that are either not stamped or lighter that other areas.
For my smaller unmounted stamps. I prefer the Inkadinkado blocks because they have grid lines and the edges are scalloped for a good grip. I also have one from Scrappycat that has a grove along the outside edge for grip. This one does not have a grid. I bought all my stamps with coupons.
I had a few cheaper blocks and never liked working with them. I have most of the SU blocks now and they are wonderful! I tossed all my old acryic blocks except for one very large one that I got at Michaels. The thickness of the SU blocks can distort the image on the edges when you are looking down at it to stamp, but I just use a larger block to get around that. I think I would just make a mess with very thin blocks like Tim's.
I'm kinda curious about the Fiskars Stamp Press. I saw Jennifer Macguire use it in her Inspiration Canvas class. Anyone have it and like it (or dislike it)?
I started off with the smaller version to try it out after seeing it in use in some cardmaking tutorials on Youtube. I really like it. Beware that the SU Clearmount stamps, even without using the stickers on them, don't work well on this block. My SU Hello Daisy stamp will not stay stuck to it at all and I end up using one of the cutting pads from my Big Shot for this stamp since it is so large. I do find the grid lines really useful. I might splurge and get the bigger one at some point.
My favorite go to acrylic blocks are the ones made by Inkadinkado like these ones:
There are a couple of different sizes. I like the wavy edges which make them very comfortable to hold and the grid lines for helping me line up sentiments and image stamps. I have a couple CTMH and SU acrylic blocks and they're nice and thick, and great quality-wise but I would prefer they have the grid lines etched right in them like the Inkadinkado blocks. Both CTMH and SU sell a type of cling grid-line stickers for these blocks but from what I've read, they don't stay on very well and people find them annoying.
I might try some Apple Pie memories round ones next but they're not quite as thick as the Inkadinkado blocks.
I have some really cheap thinner blocks and I don't like them at all after using the thicker blocks. They feel wobbly and just aren't substantial enough.
I hope this helps with your selection :-)
__________________ Leslie Harnish
Sambro, Nova Scotia
Canada
I've always wondered something, and this seems like a good thread to ask it in - Does size matter?
I have just a few Inkadinkado blocks. They work fine for me, but obviously because I only have a few sizes, I am usually using a block that are much much larger than the stamp itself.
I was curious if anyone thought it was worth it - specifically if they noticed an improvement in image quality and consistency - by having a greater range of sizes like SU offers, so that the block size can be better matched to the stamp size?
TIA!
__________________ Traci
Who needs tattoos? I already have ink in strange places...
I have all CTMH acrylic blocks. I had a few of the SU ones, but did not like them as much. The CTMH blocks have a line/grid on them which works great for lining up alpha stamps. They clean up well too! Some dish washing soap and rinse and they are like new.
I've always wondered something, and this seems like a good thread to ask it in - Does size matter?
I have just a few Inkadinkado blocks. They work fine for me, but obviously because I only have a few sizes, I am usually using a block that are much much larger than the stamp itself.
I was curious if anyone thought it was worth it - specifically if they noticed an improvement in image quality and consistency - by having a greater range of sizes like SU offers, so that the block size can be better matched to the stamp size?
TIA!
I find that if the block is a lot bigger than the stamp, then I sometimes inadvertently push the onto the ink on an angle and I get a smear of ink on the block over and above what goes on the stamp. I seem to have more control when the size of the block is closer to the size of the stamp.
__________________ Leslie Harnish
Sambro, Nova Scotia
Canada
I have not tried the SU blocks. I know their stuff is great quality. I currently use my Fiskcars stamp press for large stamps and I use my Tim Holtz grid blocks for smaller images etc..They carry well to classes too. I just tossed a box of old blocks away and they bothered me too.
I have blocks from several companies. My favorites are my A Muse Studio blocks. They are comfortable to use, ave a little gripping ledge, and aren't too expensive. I do like blocks that have a gripping indentation, I think it gives me more control. Higher quality blocks are more attractive and have a satisfying heft you don't get with the thin, sharp blocks.
I've always wondered something, and this seems like a good thread to ask it in - Does size matter?
I have just a few Inkadinkado blocks. They work fine for me, but obviously because I only have a few sizes, I am usually using a block that are much much larger than the stamp itself.
I was curious if anyone thought it was worth it - specifically if they noticed an improvement in image quality and consistency - by having a greater range of sizes like SU offers, so that the block size can be better matched to the stamp size?
TIA!
The closer the block is to the size of the stamp, the easier it is to control. If I have a really small stamp on a big block, it tends to want to teeter when I am pressing down....hopefully that makes sense.
Location: I live in a small town in North Florida called Perry. A big switch from my birth place of Miami Fla.
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I am also a fan of the Stampin' Up blocks. They are comfortable and are good quality. To those that like the grid lines Stampin' Up does sell them as a separate item. They have pre-cut grids as well as a grid sheet that you can custom cut. The grids are clings so they can be used on more than just one block.
Recently, I ordered a set of Lawn Fawn circle blocks and I really love them. They have scalloped edges and a grid pattern. And they weren't too expensive.
__________________ : : Frances : : Housework is for people without hobbies.
I'm curious if it is worth getting for my large background stamps which I always have trouble with.
I have blocks from A Muse, SU, CTMH, and Fiskars. I have to say that I love them all. I have all of the a|s blocks and tend to use them the most (of course, I'm a little biased because I'm an a|s consultant ) I love that they all have the grooved grips.
I also bought the IO Mega Mount for my background stamps. Although I have standard blocks for the backgrounds (SU & a|s), I am extremely happy that I shelled out the money for the Mega Mount (I got it when they were offering a sale - can't remember the details of the sale). With the standard block, I think it was more of a user problem, meaning that I just couldn't get enough pressure or even pressure when I stamped....I would get an area (usually in the center) where it was "faded". With the Mega Mount and the curved surface, I don't get the "faded" center. If you use background stamps a lot, it's worth getting....IMO.
Hmmm.... I have only tried 3 kinds of blocks. I think I might have to go to a get together with a bunch of stamping friends and borrow theirs and try them all out for a long period of time. Like to make a few cards and then compare them. I like having grid lines and various sizes. then I also like having the curvy blocks to hold on to, I guess it depends on what you need and what you are going to stamp and how many you have to do,. And if you are like me, I have to have a bunch of stamps out all over the place....
another vote for SU blocks........I find they clean up well and have had no trouble with the grid lines staying on. It is important to clean the block well before applying. The stamp block bundles are toward the front of the catty. Sorry, dont have the exact page
Another vote for SU's blocks! Love 'em!!!! I've tried many...
Me too! more SU blocks are on my next order. I have a couple other brands and they just don't compare. They are thin, so I get ink all over my hand and the thinness makes it difficult to get a nice crisp image. And you know, I don't like those grid lines. They get in my way. I am often looking through the clear block for placement and I need to SEE. I'm going to keep the other blocks with the tack and peel on them for when I am using bare rubber unmounted. I don't have many, but I don't want that Tack and Peel on my nice blocks cause it is harder to see through as well.
I have about 3 SU blocks and 2 from other various companies. I like the SU blocks the best because they feel the most comfortable holding them. The other ones have sharper edges; SU's are rounded.
I love the SU Blocks as well. I also really like the smaller Fiskars stamp press. I would LOVE to try the Tim Holtz on b/c they are so thin and therefore a space saver, however I always have very long manicured nails and I really need the thickness of the SU blocks and the large surface area of the press to keep my nails and finger out of the ink each time I stamp.
I love Stampin' Up! blocks as they are so easy to use -- a perfect fit in your hands. I have found that especially elderly stampers find them easy to use.
Acrylic blocks
