LOVE : recycling those stamp blocks!

I've started unmounting my stamps to save some room. The problem is that I can't bare to throw away perfectly good blocks. So, I guess I didn't really save any room, just rearranged a bit. Here are some I did yesterday to set out for Valentines. For my unmounting I'm zapping the stamps in the microwave for about 12 seconds, pealing off the rubber/foam, pealing the sticker, putting the sticker onto the foam, then putting a thin coat of Aleens tack it over and over on the sticker and storing in cd cases. Not perfect, but Aleens at Micheals is about $3 with a coupon and the sheets of cling are about that for one 8x11 sheet (plus shipping). There are a ton of different ways to do this, but this seems to work the best for me. This leaves a sticky block, which you can sand, or just add paper :) I used Storybook and vinyl for the letters.

Before

unmounted, adding a layer of glue

Into a cd case

More blocks...

I have a couple more quick Halloween items to share, then I'm eager to move on with some other Holiday projects. The first is the set of block. I'm still trying to use up my block stash -its amazing how many you can cut from a $3 2x2 stick - so I made some for Halloween. Great way to use up scraps. Letters are cut from Storybook. Now off to take photos of my wall haning for the next post......

Spring Blocks

I made these today with my cricut. Letters are from Plantin, cut at 1 inch. I used SU paper (pretty in pink, so saffron, celery, amethyst, and then coordinating dark colors for shadow). Blocks are pine, 1.5 inches on each side, which I painted with a light coat of white spray paint.

Spring is in the air!

Blocks, Blocks, and MORE Blocks!

Burr, there is a bit of a blizzard outside today. Great day for crafting! Last night we put up the Christmas tree and decorations. What better to have out in a house with little ones, then some of my Christmas blocks. I've made several sets so far, my favorite set is JOY made with Stampin' Up! designer paper and stamps, so those are the ones I'm going to give instructions on. Start with some blocks, if you are handy with a saw (or know somebody that is) you can purchase 2 x 2 Pine at Lowes very cheep. 2 x 2 really translates to each side is 1 1/2 inches, so you will want to cut the stick every 1 1/2 inches to make the squares. They are sold in 8 foot lengths, so one board will make a lot of blocks. If you don't have access to a saw, there are some wood craft supply places on the web that sell them but it will cost about 10 times as much as if you cut them yourself. The great thing about the 1 1/2 inch sides is that it is perfect for using Stampin' Up! punches. I used both the 1 3/8 inch and the 1 1/4 inch square punches for layering. You can also use a paper cutter but I found the punch to be a lot easier and made for less operator error (my paper cutter and I don't have a good relationship).

1: Stamp letters in desired colors on a light paper (old olive and real red stamped on Very Vanilla used here)

2: Cut or punch out using 1 1/4 inch square punch

3: Cut or punch coordinating solid cardstock for layering using 1 3/8 inch square punch

4: Cut or punch coordinating patterned paper for remaining sides of blocks (5 on each block, Dashing from SU! used here)

5: Glue using your choice of adhesive. I have used Mono Adhesive, which works well, but my favorite for this project is Scotch scrapbookers glue.

6: Optional: decorate additional blocks for either side using 1 3/8 inch punch and ribbons, fibers, or whatever you so desire.

7: Set out, and enjoy!

I can't wait to make some for Spring!

My First Post: My papercraft obesson

Crafting is for me, an obsession. What craft I'm doing varies from week to week or even hour to hour, but it usually involves paper. I love paper. I love all the different textures, patterns, colors. Before I became a stay home mom, I was a quality control chemist for a large paper manufacturer, perhaps that had something to do with this current need to have so much paper around me. My latest paper craft has been holiday blocks. It started with a trip to Target where I saw some cute little Halloween blocks for $15. My first thought....I can do that! I of course got sidetracked with kids and forgot about it. A few days later I open my mailbox, and what do I see but blocks on the cover of Stampin' Success Magazine! Oh, yeah, blocks! Now I'm on a mission. I walk over to my brothers wood shop and show him the blocks. Before long I had secured a supply of 150+ wooden blocks, enough to make this crafter...and my 4 year old twins, VERY happy. Let the fun begin!!! My first set was going to Fall/Thanksgiving themed. I got out my Stampin' Up designer paper (Apple Cider from the Fall mini), and punched out some squares (the 1 3/8 inch punch from SU). Next I cut out some letters with my cricut and VOILA! With so many blocks, it doesn't stop there. Next up, Christmas blocks (guess what my friends are getting), but first the boys need breakfast and a ride to school.