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After collecting stamps (mostly Stampin Up) for about 2 years, I have finally started to actually use them. I have been really frustrated with the results I'm getting, so when I saw that unmounting them was an option, that's what I did.
Well, tonight I mentioned it to my best friend, who was my SU demo until she moved, and she just about had a heart attack. (She says SU stamps aren't made to be used that way.)
Please reassure me that I'm not going to hate this. I'm happy that they're taking up so much less space, and I can't help thinking that with acrylic blocks my stamping is going to *have* to improve.
I got some Aleen Tack It Over & Over to try. Do most of you experienced UM stampers use that EZMount I keep reading about? I haven't quite got a grip on how that works. And TAC Cling--if I wanted to go that route, where do I get it?
You are so NOT going to regret this! You are going to love it.
I was die-hard for wood mounts until I tried it. You're SU! stamps won't know the difference between a wood block and an acrylic one.
I remount my old SU! stamps on TAC cling. It's basically the same thing as EZMount. I get it from AllAmericanStampers, http://chris.ismyangel.net/Pages/HomePage.aspx. She's a fantastic demo and a member of this board who takes good care of me as a long-distance customer. There are other TAC demos on this board who I'm sure would be great, too.
__________________ Malinda
Why did she make things? Well, she enjoyed it, of course; it also somehow helped her remember who she was and where she came from.
Please, any rubber stamp can be used unmounted. I don't know where she got that information. You will absolutely love unmounted. I just put together to CD storage boxes, got them at Office Depot (they hold 30 regular cd cases), and I have both full! And I need one more! I have at least 80 unmounted stamp sets.
I got some Aleen Tack It Over & Over to try. Do most of you experienced UM stampers use that EZMount I keep reading about? I haven't quite got a grip on how that works. And TAC Cling--if I wanted to go that route, where do I get it?
EZ Mount (aka Creative Cling is what TAC calls it) is foam that has a sticky side which goes up against the rubber stamp itself, and a smooth side that
"clings" without being sticky. That smooth side is what sticks firmly (its really amazing!) to your clear, acrylic block or in its storage place which can be the original container, a CD/DVD container or binder system. The stamp will still stamp the exact same way for you!
Many gals who are unmounting their SU stamps are happy with the Tack it Over because they already have the foam there since they just removed the wood. I've even heard that some find that sticky residue is enough to stick to an acrylic block just fine and have done so for a few years! ;)
I just read the other day where someone's SU demo actually shows how to unmount (only for those interested) because for her, storage is such an issue. She has over 2000 stamps!
Breathe....relax....my Su demo had a fit when she found out (I didn't tell her....I barely even know her!) that I unmounted all my stamps. Some folks are just die hard wood mounted people....to each their own, you know? ;)
I just purchased 5 sheets of EZ mount on ebay for 3.20 a sheet. Now I should be able to get all my halos stamps on ez mount and stored in CD cases. I just ordered 20 CD cases, sheesh now I hope that is enough, lol. I forgot all about the other stamps I have on the halo system, lol. I bought
to store all of my unmounted stamps in. They fit perfectly on my desk, I will have it stacked 4 high, and will have easy access to all of my unmounted stamps. For a catalog of my stamps, I am stamping them all onto a spiral scrapbook I bought cheaply at Walmart. It is 6x8 and has tons of pages in it.
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If I ever needed a reason to unmount my SU stamps, I just found it. I was in a hurry to do a scrapbook page, and wanted my words to line up perfectly, so out came the stampamajig. No problem, but I was using black craft ink, and the title was long on white paper. Well, it smudged. I know that the white paper would probably start to buckle if I used the heat gun every time I stamped a letter, and I thought, 'holy cow, if I waited until each letter dried, I would be here a year'. Since every mistake is an embellishment opportunity, I fixed it just fine, but now I am very seriously considering unmounting some of my SU stamps.
I know the first time I do it, I will have a fit, but I am going to try it. Maybe once I start, there won't be any turning back.
I've unmounted most of mine and love having them done that way. I use the Alene's tack it over and over glue and am very happy with it. daisy
I�m not understanding how to use the Aileen Tack It Over & Over, do you apply it only once, let it dry and then it would cling to your block every time� or do you have to apply it every time you use that stamp? Do you glue it the rubber or to the the foam? :confused:
I�ve unmounted all my SU stamps (except backgrounds) and I used EZ Mount, I was able to purchase it from The Clickit Shop for a really great price. I kept a bottle of Goo-Gone next to me so I could clean my scissors often!
I am sold on going unmounted (the acrylic block system). Slowly I am converting what I have currently to EZ Mount. Anything that is purchased new from now on is, for the most part, going on acrylic-mount system. I say for the most part because I just recently became a SU! demonstrator and feel the need to demo most of my sets as wood-mount so that guests/customers don't get confused. However, I am supporting the option to go unmounted all the way.
What sold me on using acrylic is the precision in my designs that I can now achieve - seeing through the block is undeniably an asset. It really helped out the other night at a workshop when my ladies used a two-step stamp and their grapes came out very nice for beginners!
Don't sweat it, boodlemom. You will do just fine - if not better - going unmounted!
You won't regret it! TAC stamps are "made to be used that way" and I can tell you that having purchased both brands, there is nothing special about a stamp that's "made" to be used unmounted other than the fact that it might come with the EZ-Mount or Creative Cling for cushioning. Seriously.
I've been unmounting mine. Every new set immediately gets mounted to vinyl cling...old sets I'm slowly unmounting. I'll keep my alphabets & backgrounds on wood, though. Going unmounted is a personal decision and I think it's ridiculous when someone "shames" someone else for their decision. Personally, I do it for space. I'm not a demo so it's not a problem for me. If I were a demo, I'd probably not do it so I understand their objection but I don't understand why they would object to a customer doing it. Everyone is entitled to do what works for them. There is no reason any rubber stamp can't be unmounted and used with acrylic blocks. There's no such thing as "they weren't made to be used that way." TAC actually used to give customers the option of buying wood mounted or unmounted. I thought that was great. Now they have gone purely unmounted. I do not regret my decision one bit. I'm so much happier with the space I've saved and it's not a problem to switch from block to block. I actually have a couple blocks of the same size so I don't have to peel & mount as I go if I'm using multiple stamps in a set of the same size. It doesn't take any more time to switch, though, than it does to grab another wood mounted stamp out of the box. (That's a common objection, too.)
Breathe....relax....Some folks are just die hard wood mounted people....to each their own, you know? ;)
Absolutely. Whatever works best for YOU is the best method.
For me, wood is good.
I've tried and tried for years, and finally decided that it is A-OK to admit I simply don't like using a UM system. And, the planet is not gonna roll off its axis. ;)
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
Absolutely. Whatever works best for YOU is the best method.
For me, wood is good.
I've tried and tried for years, and finally decided that it is A-OK to admit I simply don't like using a UM system. And, the planet is not gonna roll off its axis. ;)
Whoa... is that why I've been walking at a tilt for the past few months!? ;)
I'm not a huge fan of unmounted either. Partly because I just love the feel of the wood block in my hands. But, I do have a few unmounted stamps (that I bought that way) because that was the only way to get them! I use those with love too, just like my wood mounted ones. :-D
I unmounted all of my SU sets also and they work just fine...I think they work better since I can actually see where Im stamping.
One question...has anyone unmounted the alphabets and number sets? I left them on blocks cause I wasnt sure.
Yep! I've unmounted 2 of my alphabet sets this past week and I love them. I just spell out my title and stamp it. Pretty easy. I only use my alphabets for scrapbooking and titles so I won't be using them individually that much.
I was wondering if I would miss the feel of wood in my hands but I don't. I like the feel of the acrylic and I really can see where I am stamping better. I usually can never go half way with something so I have to unmount ALL my sets. It will be nice to have them all at arms length. Now, if I could only figure out a way to condense my paper space. I have at least 2-3 packs of each color of cardstock AND all the 12x12 cardstock. That takes up A LOT of space. Can we unmount CS??
Oh! My! Do your alphabets! Imagine being able to make words and phrases perfect aligned or in a curve or vertically or diagonally!! Since I unmounted the individual letters I have so much more control that I use the letters much, much, much more often than I ever did! When I went unmounted I did only new sets, then I went back and did the old. I hestitantly eventually UM'd the backgrounds and finally did the alphabets! I should have done it the other way around! I am NOT a fan of Tack It Over. I just cannot bear the goo, the lint, etc. and I hate having to redo them and they must dry for hours before they can be used. I have had it get on cardstock and other things too. Just find that method so yuck for me. The EZ mount and the sheets of vinyl made my life so much easier! The space savings is wonderful but being able to perfectly line up my stamps without an alignment tool is just heaven. I tossed the stamp positioner and have never looked back. I also find that masking is so much easier now that I can see exact positions also.
Don't panic! You are going to be so very delighted. I found myself being so much more creative. It is just such a "freer" feeling when stamping.
Whoa... is that why I've been walking at a tilt for the past few months!? ;).........
Don't worry, Anna....you get used to it after awhile! It's only a problem when your balance makes you stamp at a tilt.....then you can just tell yourself that straight lines are "so yesterday..."!
Anyway, to the op, try not to put too much blame on your old demo...some people are exposed to one way as being the only way, kwim? I would bet she just hasn't really had any exposure to unmounteds. All rubber stamps are manufactured in the same way. Whether you use them nekkid on acrylic, mount them on foam, permanently attach them to wood or temporarily to acrylic, they're all the same.
Those of you who use the Tack it Over & Over, did you know that they just came out with a spray version of it? Fumes aside, it sounds like it would be far less messy that spreading gooey glue with your finger and then waiting hours for it to dry!
As for unmounting alphabets, I would think that would be the first thing to unmount for me! Lining up letters, whether you stamp them one at a time or put them all together on a block first, is so much easier when using um's on acrylic blocks!
Don't worry, Anna....you get used to it after awhile! It's only a problem when your balance makes you stamp at a tilt.....then you can just tell yourself that straight lines are "so yesterday..."!
Anyway, to the op, try not to put too much blame on your old demo...some people are exposed to one way as being the only way, kwim? I would bet she just hasn't really had any exposure to unmounteds. All rubber stamps are manufactured in the same way. Whether you use them nekkid on acrylic, mount them on foam, permanently attach them to wood or temporarily to acrylic, they're all the same.
Hmmm, nekkid stamps? Now that is something interesting to talk about!!! lol :p
I too was not too sure about the unmounted system. My biggest problem, besides storage, was not being able to see where I was stamping. I always seem to need a card in a hurry. With the EZ cling all "my" problems were solved. Everything fits nicely in CD/DVD cases, and now, with the acrylic blocks, I can "see" where I am stamping . Being able to spell out words and and lining them up is a plus too. The acrylic blocks, to me, feel the same as the wood mounts, only see through & you still have the "cushion" of the foam (I tend to "rock" when I stamp and still need the cushion:rolleyes: ) It's the best of both worlds for me! Just my 2� :-D
I took the wood *and* the foam off all the stamps. Is that wrong??
It's not "wrong" because you can now either 1) use the Tack it method and then stamp on something cushiony (or not!); or, 2) try the Cling method.
Most of my friends unmount completely and then go with the creative cling because they got used to stamping that way over at my house! :mrgreen: You can buy that from TAC, Sunday International, or from some of the links mentioned on ebay.
I think its a matter of what you get used to. I like the feel of the cushion under my stamp (lifts it all up higher off the paper)...its one of the things that bugs me when I stamp with my clear stamps -- I feel like I'm going to smudge the cardstock its all so close. But, that's just me.
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I found a product that is very thin, like saran wrap that is sticky on one side and tacky on the other. I used it on some High Hopes stamps because I was desperate and couldn't find EZ Foam in town. It did the trick as far as sticking, but I missed having the foam (like Chris) and I found I got ink on the acrylic block.
So I will continue using foam, but I think I will be keeping my SU stamps on the foam and stick this thin layer on instead of removing the rubber from the foam or using that tacky stuff you are all talking about. (sounds messy to me)
I did exactly what you did and used TIOAO on the bare rubber. I use a sheet of fun foam under the paper and it gives the cushioning I need. I am considering using some creative cling on some stamps just because I like it and the fact that it isn't sticky to the touch, but clings to the block. I especially like it on background stamps, which I didn't intend to unmount, but after receiving my order of backgrounders from Cornish Heritage Farms (with cling attached) I found that I could stick the rubber directly to my stamping desk. It didn't slide around like the wood block and then I could rub a craft ink spot over the surface and easily lay my CS on top and rub with either a brayer or my hand and get a perfect image. For me it is easier than with the block using the same method. So, I'm thinking I'm going to be buying some CC for my background stamps. I have heard of some stampers leaving the foam on new SU stamps (trim first, of course) and then sticking and unsticking to their clothes so it's not as tacky and using them that way, then when the stickiness is gone using TIOAO. As far as text, I drew an arrow with a sharpie to indicate the top before I applied TIOAO. That way I can see the arrow through the block and know that I have the text placed correctly.
I was just thinking of you, Betsy. I was lying on the couch watching The Little Mermaid and thinking........"I wonder if Betsy is watching TV or on SCS." I guess you answered my question. How would you EVER have time to watch the tube. You are needed here too much!!
I am a wood fan........love the feel of it and love to display some of my favorite sets for the season. We're getting into fall and all my leaves and harvest stamps will be coming out of their boxes to decorate my craft room. If UM works for ya, it's all good, but I'm all about the WOOD. (hey that rhymes)
Soooo....if you unmount all of your stamps would you still be able to sell any of them if you don't want them anymore? Looks to me they wouldn't retain their value if they are unmounted. I have only been stamping a year and I have stamps already that I don't like that much or use and would consider selling. I like the mounted ones and I love my Stamp-A-Majig. Just wondering. :confused:
Sure you can sell them unmounted -- just make sure you spell out *which* UM you're talking about! ;) Before I became a demo, I used all my stamps UM, and have gone back to it with my new SU sets because I just don't have the room to store them on the wood any more! Don't know whether I'll actually go to the trouble to dis-mount any of my mounted sets, though.
To get back to your question -- I have sold UM sets, and the prices I've gotten has varied. The people I've sold them to were already familiar with using UM stamps, and they wanted what I had. Would they have sold for more if they were still on the wood? Possibly -- but I got the price I was asking, and we were all happy. The 'value' of anything is what your buyer is willing to pay for it!
I have sold retired *mounted* SU sets and had the buyer ask me to remove them from the wood to save on postage -- they are a LOT cheaper to mail UM! Since I don't use any kind of cushion on my UMs -- just the rubber and its thin coating of re-stickable glue stick -- I can get several sets in a bubble envelope.
As for the Stampamajig -- I love it, too! You can still use it with your rubber images on acrylic mounts; it works exactly the same way. It all comes down to personal preference -- if you prefer the wood mounts and have the room, by all means stick with it! Nobody is saying there is a 'right' or 'wrong' way to use your stamps -- the important thing is to use them, yes? :mrgreen:
Happy trails....
Sue
Quote:
Originally Posted by JudyKruger
Soooo....if you unmount all of your stamps would you still be able to sell any of them if you don't want them anymore? Looks to me they wouldn't retain their value if they are unmounted. I have only been stamping a year and I have stamps already that I don't like that much or use and would consider selling. I like the mounted ones and I love my Stamp-A-Majig. Just wondering. :confused:
I'm confused....if you use the foam cushioning, are the stamps still see-thru? I've never thought about unmounting my stamps. I have a few unmounted stamps and I just slap them on the back of a wood mounted stamp with double sided tape to use them.
I'm confused....if you use the foam cushioning, are the stamps still see-thru? I've never thought about unmounting my stamps. I have a few unmounted stamps and I just slap them on the back of a wood mounted stamp with double sided tape to use them.
The block is see through so you can look down through the block and see the outline of the cushion and rubber making it easier to more accurately position the image. I hope this makes sense.
Wow, I have acrylic blocks but never thought of using them w/ my SU sets...DUHHH!And I was just trying to figure out a better storage system for my growing number of stamps! Thanks, there goes the wood!! ( ;
...but now I am very seriously considering unmounting some of my SU stamps.
I know the first time I do it, I will have a fit, but I am going to try it. Maybe once I start, there won't be any turning back.
One possible way to get past this anxiety is to start out on some cheap stamps from the dollar store, or ones you got from Mikes with a coupon or something that aren't your faves. That's how I worked up the stones to unmount entire sets!
Those of you who use the Tack it Over & Over, did you know that they just came out with a spray version of it? Fumes aside, it sounds like it would be far less messy that spreading gooey glue with your finger and then waiting hours for it to dry!
Where oh where do I find this. I would just love to try it.
Where oh where do I find this. I would just love to try it.
thanks
I imagine any place that carries Aleene's. It's pretty new still...it might take some time for it to hit the stores. I have seen it advertised, though.
I just went unmounted and now I'm panicking
