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I'm trying to get back into stamping and all of my tools are so old that many need replacing. My clear blocks are one thing plus new Tack N Peel for them. Do you have any recommendations for clear blocks? When I originally purchased all of mine it was kind of new to unmount your stamps and there weren't that many to choose from, now I see so many! TIA
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I like the Stampin' Up! version, but I am a demonstrator so I may be biased.
That said, I like that they have a rounded edge with an indentation, making them easy to grasp.
I have a few favorites that I always use: D -- 2-7/8" x 2-11/16", H -- 4-7/16" x 1-5/8", and G -- 2-1/2" x 3/4". Block A is also handy -- 1-3/16" x 1-1/4". With H and A, sometimes you just want something closer to the size of a small stamp. Less shadows seem to occur that way.
Those I use least are F and I. F is the size of a background stamp and I simply lay those on my table, ink and place my paper atop the stamp rather than flip the stamp over. Block I just seems to be oversized for most of my stamps.
There is bundle pricing available on the block set.
I would use what I already have and invest in a stamping platform. There are many to choose from that all basically do the same thing, it's the price point that differs drastically.
I have the following: Tim Holtz's large and small platforms and Hampton Arts model. I use them often in addition to the acrylic stamp blocks.
I agree that a stamping platform is invaluable, especially if you have any issue with shaky hands. Of course, my preference is the Stamparatus.
I will say, however, that I find it quicker to do stamping with blocks. I use my SAR mainly when I know I will need to stamp over in the same spot multiple times (like when I'm not getting a clear image).
another vote for a platform when you can swing it.
That said I do still use blocks and I like a thicker one with grids-not just for sentiments. I dont want my images crooked either On can always take a craft knife and etch lines if you are confident in a steady hand...but that seems to be a conflict LOL the smaller the grid the better but they seem to usually be 1/2 inch.
I found this product that I am liking for unmounted on either block or platform fro Purple onion. It is a clear DS stamp so you stick it to a block and I keep it covered all the time till I want to use it-peel the cover, pop on the stamp and go.
I love my Stampin Up clear blocks. They are easy to handle. I also use a Misti stamping platform. A stamping platform allows you to restamp if the image didn't stamp well the first time and are great for multi step stamping.
Catherine Pooler and Gina K both have comfort grip acrylic blocks, big difference in price but I love the huge one from CP because it's large enough to cover a full size card.
You will bless the day you got a Misti! Especially if you are just getting back in to stamping. You can stamp the same image over and over if you miss a spot etc. Great tool to get you back into the swing of things.
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STAMPIN UP! They have a NICE EDGE to them for easy gripping. You get quite a few in the set, like one of the ladies above said, & you can also get the storage case for them. They also have a grid sticker thing to put on them if you like! Once you buy them, you will LOVE THEM & not need any other, EXCEPT THE MISTI!!!!!! ;)<3
(There are some cases when you need the acrylic block over the Misti. BOTH are nice to have!);)<3
" " " (ditto) stamp platform (yes, get one if you can)
I like the Lawn Fawn round blocks - they have grids, have indentations for your fingers. They fit nice in your hands. I have 2 sizes of those. I also have Michael's Recollection ones - 3 sizes (40% off with coupon!) They are rectangular with finger indentations and grids. I use those when I'm in a hurry and/or short-ish on workspace (like when traveling). I'd LIKE to try Gina K's, but I already have so many blocks and 2 stamp platforms (sigh - sales get me). So the important things for me on blocks (and I've bought some loser ones!): indentations for your fingers, grid lines, and the thicker ones (which Recollections and Lawn Fawn are).
I have tons of different stamping blocks from lots of different companies and honestly they all work the same. Even the super cheap ones you can get on Amazon.
I do prefer the thicker ones so you don't get ink on your fingers. And the rounded edge is a must for me. But if you know someone with a router for wood you can just round them that way. I did that for one set and it was super easy!
I have a stamping platform and rarely use it. I much prefer to put all my stamps on blocks at the same time rather than stamp one thing and then take the time to clean and change the stamp before the next step.
The blocks with lines are nice for sentiments, but not essential since you can see through to your card anyway.
When on a very strict budget I went to the local acrylic supplier (shower screens, counter top covers, etc.) and purchased off cuts. Some were very thick, some not so. They work a treat.
I bought some clear blocks with grid markings at the dollar store.They look just like the ones that PikkuLilla showed. They work great, and I have had them for years. (A side note: I saw some thin blocks in a demonstration on-line and I was thinking thinner would be so much easier to store. Having read the comments here, now I don’t want thinner ones!)
I agree with everyone who suggested a stamping platform. I find mine incredibly useful. I have a Stamparatus, from Stampin Up, and I loooove it! I don’t know how I survived without it.
Last edited by Here and There; 08-08-2020 at 09:36 PM..
Reason: rows and rows of crap showed up that is not part of the message.
99% of my purchases are S.U. I love their blocks. If you can swing it, you should get a stamp platform. I already have a MISTI but if I didn't, I would buy a StampARatus.
clear blocks - recommendations?
