A: When the MISTI came out, people started to remove mounted stamps from their blocks so they could be used with the hinged system. Some people still had stamps that they wanted to keep intact for different reasons, and wanted to be able to use them with a positioner. The Duplo block idea is basically an alternate to the Stamp-a-ma-jig if you're familiar with that tool; you can use it apart from the MISTI as well. The structure of the MISTI gives the jig a solid corner to butt up against so that it doesn't move, and the magnets are just one more way to keep things in place.

A: You can - just make sure that your paper and ink are compatible with the alcohol ink, especially if you're working on a coated or glossy paper or a synthetic surface like Yupo. I'd recommend a hybrid ink (the ones I use are from Impression Obsession) - it will dry on glossy paper, and will not react with the alcohol ink. For best results, though, I think I'd wait until the alcohol ink is dry, and stamp over the background. If the paper is inkjet compatible, you can even run it through your printer after you've created your background, and add a sentiment or digital image.

A: I have a die set of hills from Impression Obsession that I use quite a bit for snow banks on cards - there are various rolling curves that are easy to alternate and layer. These shapes are easy to hand cut as well. For a realistic snow texture, modeling paste is easy to apply and shape, and it will dry with a lot of dimension. Aleene's Glitter Snow is a light bodied paste that is glittery and spreads a bit like frosting. The Uchida Snow Marker is fun too - you apply the liquid and then heat it and it puffs up. A little extra colorless glitter is always great for a snowy look, and splattered or dotted white acrylic paint creates a quick and simple falling snow effect.

A: I use either Liquitex white gesso or an inexpensive matte white craft paint. I'll either dilute and flick it with a brush, or use a stylus for dotted highlights, stars, or snowflakes. A local artist friend also recommended Daler-Rowney Pro White, so I keep that on my desk as well - it's an opaque watercolor that can be used in a variety of ways, and you wouldn't need to water it down much for flicking. He uses it for highlights in his watercolor paintings; it can also be used in a pen or airbrush.

A: I usually color an image before cutting it out - it's easier to hold on to the wider border, and it prevents smudging.