Monday, March 12, 2012

Tutorial Tuesday with The Greeting Farm!

Hello Everyone and Happy Tuesday!

Well, I have to admit that this is a bit NERVE RACKING for me!
This blog post marks my VERY first tutorial EVER and I even went the extra mile and made a video!

I JUST purchased Adobe Photoshop Elements and Adobe Premiere Elements (video editing software), and let me tell you, I have NO idea how to use Premiere or edit videos!  Even after hours and hours of fiddling around with my new software, I still didn't really figure out anything beyond splicing video clips together, LOL!  I would've liked to have added some captions throughout the video to cover things I forgot to mention but, I still haven't gotten quite that far yet!  None the less, I think it turned out alright...

I have really only been making cards and stamping for a year now and I am proud of the progress I've made, but, I definitely do NOT feel like an expert on all things stamping.  However, I thought it would be a good idea to make a video tutorial on trimming unmounted rubber stamps.  I admittedly did not know how to properly trim unmounted stamps myself when I discovered The Greeting Farm last spring and I did make the mistake of trimming a couple of them incorrectly.  I know that most stampers probably know how to do this but, having been a beginner so recently myself, I know how valuable such a tutorial will be for all of those who are new to stamping (or just The Greeting Farm)...and who knows, maybe even the seasoned stamper will learn a thing or two...

I also added a few tips and suggestions on using, cleaning, and storing stamps...this is not an all-inclusive guide.  I know that there are some other great ideas out there but, these are just a few things I had up my sleeve (that I remembered to mention) and thought that I'd share...

So, without further ado, here is the video:
At the request of one of my valued readers, here is some additional information on some of the products I use:
Scissors:
Here is a link to the Tim Holtz by Tonic scissors that I always use (as shown in the video) at joann.com but, you should be able to get them a bit cheaper at your local Michaels with a 40-50% ($7.50-$9.00) off coupon:
- Tim Holtz Non-stick Micro Serrated Scissors by Tonic $9.59

Stamp Scrubber & Stamp Cleaner: 
I use a stamp scrubber with my Ultra Clean Stamp Cleaner because it makes the stamp cleaner go SO much further!  Instead of having to use one spray to clean each stamp, one spray of the cleaner on the scrubber can clean several.  I can easily get through an entire stamping session with only spraying the scrubber once...or MAYBE twice. 


The scrubber I use is the Stampin' Scrub from Stampin' Up!
This stamp scrubber is great quality and that is what is shown in my video.  It's quite durable and I also like the fact that SU! sells replacement scrubbers to use in the scrubber when the original ones wear out.


I have also used a Recollections brand stamp scrubber from Michaels and it was similar but, not nearly as durable so, I would NOT personally recommend it.


Here are a couple of other non SU! options which I have never tried but, look similar, are on sale right now for 40% off and may be a good option from joann.com:
Technique Tuesday Clear Stamp Scrubber $7.79 (Reg. Price $12.99)
- Inkadinkado Stamp Scrubber $7.79 (Reg. Price $12.99)

icopic also carries a stamp scrubber that looks similar as well as the Ultra Clean Stamp Cleaner that I LOVE:
- Stewart Superior Stamp Scrubber - Double (two-sided) $11.99
- Stewart Superior Ultra Clean Stamp Cleaner (2oz Spray Bottle) $5.49
They also carry the more economical refill bottle:
- Stewart Superior Ultra Clean Stamp Cleaner (8oz Refill Bottle) $14.99

As mentioned before, Papertrey Ink also carries the Ultra Clean Stamp Cleaner but, they charge slightly more.  If you are already placing an order with PTI, however, it may be worth it to just pay the extra money to avoid the shipping costs you may incur if you purchased it from another retailer.


Storage Panels:
As I said in the video, I use Stamp N' Stor panels to store my already trimmed unmounted rubber stamps by The Greeting Farm.  They will fit into any standard 3-ring binder.  The best price I have found for these, is at joann.com when they are on sale.  Right now, they are on sale for 40% off.  I personally like using the tabbed storage panels as it helps me organize my stamps and find them more easily when I need them.  However, they do cost a bit more than the regular ones.  Here are the links:
- Stamp N' Stor Storage Panels 5pk $3.89 (Reg. $6.49)
- Stamp N' Stor Tabbed Storage Panels 5pk $5.39 (Reg. $8.99)


DVD Cases:
The DVD cases I have are from Stampin' Up! but, Papertrey Ink is also supposed to be carrying DVD cases soon (their new method of storage) and I'm anxious to see what they're like so I can decide which ones I like best and make the investment to transfer all of my clear stamp sets to DVD cases.  That way, it will be much easier to find a set when I'm looking for it.


DVD Storage Boxes:
As I said in the video, I store my DVD cases in DVD storage boxes from Ikea.  I believe they carry several different styles but, I like the Kassett collection.  They not only have great DVD boxes at a great price ($4.99/2 in the US) but, they're aesthetically pleasing and there are many various sizes of storage boxes.  They also sell boxes to store CDs (which are great for storing all of your older PTI stamp sets), ones large enough to store 12x12 paper, magazine holders (which could also hold 8.5"x11" cardstock), and many more...All this, and they come in an array of attractive colours (white, black, orange, green, or black & white stripes).


Labelling:
I use a label maker by Brother that I purchased at Costco in the US.  You can buy the refill cartridges there for a great price as well.  I like my Brother label maker but, I haven't used any other type and I have read reviews which say that the Dymo brand label makers are better.  I do believe that Costco in Canada, costco.ca, and costco.com in the US carry the Dymo label makers so that is another option as well.

Anyway, I hope that you enjoyed the tutorial and were able to take something from it...Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!


I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to watch...I know it's not the most thrilling experience, LOL!

Hope you have an AMAZING week!
Naomi

7 comments:

Arabella

Hi Naomi,
I just watched your tutorial and it was awesome! Thank you so much for sharing! I often don't trim my TGF stamps at all, but it was nice to see how to do it properly! I will definitely do them your way in future. The Stamp Scrubber looks interesting too... I might see if I can find one somewhere. Also, where do you get those Stamp and store pages from?

Cheers

Arabella

Trina

You'll be big time before you know it! ;D

Beate

Yeah! Your first video tutorial. You go girl!

Email me if you have any questions about the programs. Those are the ones I use, even if mine are slightly older editions (8.0). I am no expert with either, but I can help you with basic stuff.

Hugs and smiles
Beate

Rachel Parys

Awesome info!! I'm always a nervous wreck trimming my stamps, I'm afraid I'm going to cut too much off. Needless to say, mine don't look as nice and neat as yours! I definitely need to get the TH scissors!

Thanks!!!

gobeagirl

Hi again. I forgot to ask you if you are going to remount that second hand stamp you got. That is too bad that someone did that you such a great stamp. lol..
Hugs, Lisa G

Thanh Vo

This was such a thorough and well thought out video tutorial, Naomi!

Long lol yes, but so informative for the person who is new to unmourned stamps or a review of all options

Sue Lelli

TONS of great info here and your tutorial was FABULOUS!