Introducing Favorite Finds

While at CHA, we ran into a few items that left me weak in the knees!  I am so excited to present these to you and tell you a bit more about them and why they are MUST have items!

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When Diana of Scor-Pal told me about the Scor-Mat over the telephone, I was somewhat interested, but definitely not enchanted to the extent I was when I saw it in person at the show.  Seriously.  This new mat paired with the Scor-Pal should be a *must-have* for any paper crafter.  Let me tell you a bit more about the new Scor-Mat.

It is a special mat that is sized to perfectly slide into place within the side boundaries of your Scor-Pal.  I used to leave my Scor-Pal leaning against the foot of my desk and drag it up to my tabletop whenever I wanted to use it.  Now, with the Scor-Mat, I leave it on my work surface at ALL times.  I stamp, I cut, I score, all in one convenient place.  I would feel lost without them.  If you are anything like me, you want to pull out one tool and use it for as many tasks as possible.  This new mat makes the Scor-Pal even more versatile than it was before! 

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One side of the Scor-Mat is a self-healing mat, perfect for knife work or any other detailed cutting.  There are measurements  labeled for every inch,  and markings made for each 1/8-inch, making it useful for measuring items as well.

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The reverse side of the mat is a shiny smooth surface that is perfect for stamping.  Inks clean off easily (even dried StazOn or Noir Palette ink  will come right off with a bit of nail polish remover).  Adhesives  are easy to remove too.   The only thing you may want to be careful about is exposing the mat to
a heat gun when heat embossing.  It may blemish the surface a bit.  If you rub your small pieces of cardstock over the surface of this side of the mat a couple times before working, a bit of static is created to help hold the cardstock in place and prevent slipping & sliding.  This thing is SO amazing to work on!  Just wait until you try it yourself!   The Scor-Mat will be retailing for a mere $15!  Such a bargain for a permanent staple in your craft stash!

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The next thing I have to introduce you to is Rock-A-Blocks!   Heather
Nichols told me I  *had* to see these during the show and  brought me
to their booth.  At first glance, they look like a cheap plastic block
compared to the heavier acrylic blocks that we are accustomed to, but
one you USE them, well let’s just say it will change your stamping
experience forever!

 

These blocks are made out of heavy duty plastic, just like that used to make headlights for cars, so you can imagine their durability.  They have a unique *rocker* shape, with the bottom portion of the block actually being slightly curved.  Finger grips are built into the sides and they are very comfortable to hold.

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Each block features an etched grid marking the center point of the block for easy placement of your images.  I love that these lines are etched so that there is no chance of them ever rubbing off with years of use.

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When you look at the underside of the blocks (the side that the stamp is actually attached to) there is even more innovation.  They added a raised rocking *strip* to each end of the blocks. Since the edge is raised, it prevents you from getting any over inked edges of your stamp image onto your final project.  The raised rockers act almost as a spacer, acting as a built in buffer and helping you control the amount of pressure you apply and much more.

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Four blocks are included in the Rock-A-Blocks set, retailing for $20.  These blocks work with both unmounted rubber & clear stamps. The four block measurements are
4 x 6 inches
1.25 x 6 inches
3 x 4 inches
1.5 x 1 inch

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The long skinny block (1.5 x 6 inches) is perfect for sentiments, especially many of our *one-liners* like this one from Floral Frenzy.

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The largest block (4 x 6 inches) is a wonderful companion to Guide Lines.  I  thought it was pretty easy to use the grid image with our Gridline block before, but the Rock-A-Blocks improve the task ten-fold.   I started out with stamping the grid first onto my paper. 

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Next, I inked it up and prepared to stamp it a second time, lining it up with the original.  With these blocks you want to forget everything you had learned before now in regards to stamping technique 101, and use this new, modern method!  You actually want to PHYSICALLY tip the block up on it’s edge and line up the ends of the grid. 

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Next, you want to gradually roll (or rock, whichever term you prefer) the block away from you, allowing the rockers I pointed out earlier to do most of he work for you.

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Finally, continue rocking the block all the way back to the opposing end from where you started.   You are left with a perfectly lined up impression.  Now for some other quick benefits of this product.

• Easier for those of you who may have joint problems like arthritis.  The finger grips are very easy to use.
• Easier for kids because they do not have to worry about distributing their pressure evenly, the block does it for you!
• Because they are made of such a heavy duty plastic, you do not have to worry about chemical effects & crazing that sometimes occur with acrylic blocks & certain inks and cleaners.
• Easier to roll your stamp across rounded areas like jars & candles.

Heather Nichols also took notice of some amazingly detailed ribbon at the show.  We were excited to be able to get it in time for the release of her stamp set.  The leafy green ribbon will be wonderful paired with her images!!!

This GORGEOUS leaf ribbon coordinates perfectly with Heather’s new stamp set, Rustic Branches.  She has used it on her stunning mini book project, which can be found HERE.  We will be selling this ribbon in 4yrd. increments for 3 dollars.

If you have any questions about these new products, please be sure to post them in the *Ask the Papertrey Team* section of our forum and I will try to make sure they are all answered before the release. I have a few other things to show you, but it will have to wait until a bit later today!  Thanks for stopping by and particpating in the end of the countdown!

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Lisa has some more amazing tips for use of Remember on her blog today.

And  Heather has an additional project utilizing Rustic Branches and a new May Arts ribbon we are now carrying on her behalf!

Debbie has executed perfection with the project she she created with First Fruits.  Be sure to pay her a visit!