PAPERLICIOUS

Product Review: Dahle 155 Pencil Sharpener

This week I met the Dahle 155 Professional Pencil Sharpener... and my life will never be the same.  Well, using colored pencils will never be the same.

Stick in a pencil.  Turn.  A perfectly sharpened pencil. 

No batteries or cord.  $30 list price.  

This is the sharpener that Dave Brethauer, owner of Memory Box, recommends.  But now it is also the sharpener that I recommend. 

You have a favorite new product?

 EDITED TO ADD:  I puchased this at my LSS.  I do not know where else you can buy it but a quick romp through google shows that Dick Blick and Amazon have it.

 

The Stockings Were Hung...

Colored with pencils.  Die cut the kraft panel and popped it up with dimensionals.

<-----Accented with Micron Black pens from Sakura.  (After I colored the image, I traced the image with these fine black pens.  This set was about $16 and worth every penny.  Really helped make the image pop.  Got mine at Angela's, my LSS. 

More accents with Ranger Glossy and Black accents. Adhered kraft panel onto an A Muse Studio black card. 

Image from Impression Obsession; sentiment from PTI.

MOOD WHEN DONE = Merry!

Product Review: Silhouette SD Digital Cutter

Bottom Line:  Buy or Not Buy?  If you are in the market for a digital cutter, I highly recommend. If you aren't sure, or debating among other choices, read on and then go read reviews from people who really know about this stuff. 

Are you affiliated in any way with the Silhouette?  No.  Bought it retail and have no connection to the company or any other company that has any connection.  Would be happy to receive $$ for this review however!!  Just make the check out to me!

What it does: 

cuts paper in just about any design that can fit on an 8.5 x 11" paper;
prints designs;
cuts vinyl;
makes designs for rhinestones;
makes a lot of noise; and
probably a whole lot more but that's what I've seen.

What it does not do:

take up a lot of space;
make you a better papercrafter;
cook dinner;
improve coloring skills; or
help you lose weight.

In other words, you can cut a lot of stuff, but then you have to figure out what to do with all the stuff you've cut...***

Is it easy to use?

Yes.  I'm a big dope when it comes to machines and computers, and I can use it.

Had a few false starts, but after I got through some initial problems, I figured out rather quickly how to buy and download designs from the Silhouette digital library, how to resize a design, how to get an entire page of designs on a piece of cardstock, how to use a smaller piece of cardstock and cut on it, how to get the machine to cut the designs, and how to remove the designs from the sticky "carrier" sheet. 

The software that goes with the Silhouette is available online and is free (you can download it without buying the machine).  I have a MAC and it downloaded easily.  I figured out how to use the software before I bought the machine because I'm not good at that stuff and wanted to make sure that I would be able to use it.  There are free vidoe tutorials on how to use the software and I watched all of them. 

What were the "initial problems?"

1.  The Silhouette comes with two mats (they call them carrier sheets, but that sounds like a disease bearing instrument...) -- one for thicker cardstock and one for thin paper.  The mat for the thicker cardstock was so sticky that it ruined every piece of cardstock I tried.  I ended up having to laboriously scrape off tiny bits of cardstock.  So I walked away for 2 weeks and then asked someone, who told me to take a t-shirt and press on the mat a few times to get rid of the excess stickiness. Worked like a charm.  The mat for thinner paper (like vellum and most patterned papers) appeared to have no adhesive at all.  I finally noticed that it had a liner on it that I had to remove (for some reason, this was obvious on the thick mat, but not the thin one).  I haven't tried the thin mat yet.

2.  I didn't realize that the blade was not in properly.  You might have to take out the blade and rescrew it so that it is good and tight.  This took 10 seconds to do (very easy, right up front).  However, when you don't know what you don't know . . . frustration . 

Do you really need this?

No

Then why buy this?

1. Shaped cards and other templates.  I bought this primarily to make shaped cards.  Love them, but avoided them because it is a pain to cut out templates.  I keep hearing that the Silhouette is going to come out with a bigger version that will accommodate 12" paper that will make even bigger and better stuff but I'm running out of room and figured this one was good enough. 

2. I also love the idea of cutting out multiples of one thing -- an entire page of squares or stars or flowers or the letter "J".  One keystroke and the machine fills the page with multiples of the same design. 

3.  Saves space and possibly money.  Dies are pricey.  I don't know if this saves money though.  In fact, you can buy a lot of dies for the cost of the machine (I paid $170 with free shipping from overstock.com).  And I no longer believe anyone associated with papercrafting who claims that anything saves money.  So don't fall for that one!!

Cardstock Recommendations?

For large items, like a shaped card, use a thicker cardstock like Stampin Up or Papertrey Ink.  I used PTI White for my birthday cake.  It bowed a bit so I put it under my laptop and the heat from the laptop ironed it out good and flat.

Downside?

I prefer the look of a die cut piece -- the pressure of the machine leaves a nice rounded edge.  (However, the dies often leave a mark on my paper despite efforts to prevent, so maybe it is a toss up.)  Also, there is the space/money thing. 

And here's my project made with the Silhouette --

***AACK.  Um, long story....no project to share today!    No excuses other than a combination of a plenty of time and lots of projects with nothing nice produced! 

Thanks for listening!

A Muse Studio Cardstock (with color comparisons)

A Muse Studio cardstock is 80 lb cardstock manufactured in Seattle Washington.  Colored on one side and white on the other (except for kraft), the color comes from soy based inks.  It is is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which means that it comes from renewable and well-managed resources.

It is thinner than traditional cardmaking cardstock, but stiff. This means that, when folded, it stands up without that annoying spread or flop.  The patterned paper is also white on one side.  Gingham!!

I've found that A Muse Studio inks dry faster on A Muse Studio cardstock, particularly the darker inks.  The cardstock has a very smooth finish and a different look and feel than Stampin Up or Papertrey Ink.  Hard to describe or show online, but the difference is there.  I wonder if it is the soy ink that produces such beautiful clear colors.

Some Memento inks are good matches for A Muse Studio cardstock (your eyes may vary from mine).

A Muse Studio (AMS)  Orange - Memento Tangelo (tangelo a bit darker)
AMS Apricot - Memento Cantaloupe
AMS Blush - Memento Angel Pink
AMS Cobalt - Memento Danube Blue
AMS Ocean - Memento Bahama Blue
AMS Nutmeg - Memento Potter's Clay
AMS Heather and Blackberry and lighter and darker than Memento Sweet Plum, but the same tone

Here are some color comparisons with PTI papers.  Remember my lighting and camera affect the colors here, but it gives you some idea -- (some photos are duplicates -- trying to delete one photo caused lots of problems!)

 

Breaking News: Review of A Muse Studio Ink

A Muse Studio Kit came.  Tested out the inks.  Bought sight unseen and wasn't sure what I would say here if I hated the inks.  Sooo --

Short Answer:  100% Paperlicious Approval!!  Certified Results by the Husband (I scribbled over his signature for security reasons): 

(not the greatest picture, but I'm in a hurry....)

THE TEST:

1. Does It Stamp a Clear Image With Both Clear and Rubber Stamps?

Yes, it does.  Solid clear leaf (from Waltzingmouse) -- first time I stamped too long and ink smudged (see blue leaf above).  2nd - 5th times time perfect. All other images, in both brown and blue stamped perfect first time -- Solid (butterfly from A Muse Studio Starter Kit) and outline ring (from A Muse Studio Starter Kit), teeny sentiment from A Muse Studio Starter Kit in -- perfect first time.  Light Blue is Sky and Brown is French Roast

2. Drying Time?

About 10 seconds.  It is pigment Ink. Could be a disaster!  See the times on my goofy photo?  I thought I would have to time how long the images dried.  However,you can literally see the ink dry.  I rubbed my finger over the stamped images.  The ink dries to a chalk like finish in about 10 seconds -- In other words, by the time I stamped 4 rings, the first ring was dry.

3.  Matchy Matchy?

Do the ink colors match the cardstock.  YES. 

4.  Colors -- Are they nice?

I love them, but that's a personal preference.  I will be selective.  I don't need 39 new colors!  I particularly like the blues and yellows.  Gorgeous.

5.  Coverage?

Solid stamps, both clear and rubber, came out great!  No gaps. 

6.  Name of ink on the side of the ink pad?

NO!!!  Have to make my own labels...At least the top is clear...

7.  AM I BIASED?

Yes.  In my view, anyone who is affiliated with a company is biased.  As I was opening the ink pads, I figured that if I hated the ink, I would drop my demoship and then casually mention here that the ink didn't work out for me.  So I wouldn't have done a blast against the ink, but I would not have posted a positive review if I didn't believe it.  And of course you can trust me, I'm a lawyer....

(ducking tomatoes....)

Edited to Add:

In response to many inquiries:  A Muse Studio only ships products to US addresses at this time.  I am not making purchases for non US residents and then shipping on my own. 

I'll be reviewing and describing the A Muse Studio cardstock in the near future...

 

 

Favorite products/seeking birthday cards for Mom

My Mom turns 89 in a few weeks.  She'd love to get some cards. Please email me for my address if you are so inclined.  Thanks!

And, in response to 2 emails that I received recently I'm listing a few of my favorite products.  These are products that I've used for a while and go back to again and again.  Sadly, I have no connection to any of these companies (!!). The upside is that my thoughts are unbiased.

HINT:  Don't buy a thing because I recommend it.  User experience varies.  Check around and see what others think!

1.  Memento ink by Tsukineko -- a great ink for clear stamps, particularly solid ones, and it doesn't stain.  Perfect for Copics. Wish they had more colors.  

2. Reinkers -- worthy buying when you purchase ink pads you know you will like, particularly for light colors.  Just reinked my Memento black and wow, what a difference.

3.  Japanese Screw Punch -- punch a hole in various sizes anywhere on the page.  I've had mine for years and have used it hundreds of times.  Pricey but if you amortize over the length of its life, it is inexpensive.

4.  Stampin Up Grid Paper -- One pad lasts months.  Serves as a cushion for stamping.  The ruled grid is perfect for lining up ribbon or placing paper.  I always stamp first on this to make sure I have good coverage.  Here's a video on how Kristina Werner uses this paper.  Much better review than I can provide!  The downside is that it is a consumable and I hate buying stuff that eventually gets thrown out, but I make an exception for this.

5.  Ranger Heat-It Craft Tool -- It's QUIET.  It takes longer to emboss and the air flow is lighter than other embossing guns so it doesn't blow around the powder.  I get less warping.  Did I say it is quiet?  Perfect for my middle of the night work.

6.  Ranger Non Stick Craft Sheet -- I put it over my Stampin Up grid paper or any pad of paper and heat emboss.  

It is slippery, so it is perfect for sponging.  Until I used this I didn't get a smooth swirl with my sponges. (I don't care for the Ranger Inkssentials Ink Blending Tool -- I can never get a smooth swirl.) Great for inks, paints or anything wet.  

Cleans up quickly with water and a paper towel or regular towel.  

I've read you can get something similar for less $$ that is made to line baking sheets.  Why are craft items are often overpriced (in that similar items are marketed for other purposes and sell for less?)

There are lots of videos on you tube using this craft sheet and Ranger Distress inks or other products.

7.  Ranger Distress Inks -- a dye ink that stays wet for about 30 seconds.  Allows you to blend, blend, blend and if you move your booty quickly, emboss.  They react to water so you can sprinkle water and get great effects.  I'm just starting to use these and they are my new best friend.  Check out Jennifer McGuire's videos on using these inks.  She's a genius.

8.  Spray bottle of water, paper towels and baby wipes.  Now that I'm a neat freak, I use the baby wipes to clean my stamps as I stamp.  I use the cheapest non scented ones I can find that don't leave lint behind.  They are a generic brand sold in my local Shoppers Food Warehouse.  Not environmentally friendly but I use one wipe for one card.  If it isn't too inky, I use it to wipe down my table to get rid of glitter, embossing powder, or my paper cutter.  

Spray bottle of water is just handy for a million things from misting cardstock prior to using an impression plate, water coloring, etc.  Paper towels?  Clean up the mess and essential for water colors.  

9.  A radio turned to C-Span.  Amazing how much intelligent conversation, speeches, etc. are on this channel.  I rarely listen to music (that's for another post) and this station is my stamping companion.

10.  Versamark Pen -- Versamark ink in a marker with two tips, wide and narrow.  Cover a colored image with the marker and then emboss with clear embossing powder. Perfect for embossing a small part of an image (think a flame on a candle, etc.)  Since ink won't stick to an embossed image, this is great for embossing flowers and then stamping a background over the flowers.  No masking needed. Great for touching up spots that you missed when embossing.  Use with a ruler to draw a line and then emboss.  

Lasts forever (I lost mine during the big clean over the holidays and just replaced it. I missed it!)

11.  Labels.  Why don't ink pads come with the name of the ink on the side?  Every stamp set is labeled, paper files are labeled.  I'm a label convert.  Only way I can consistently put things away and then find them.

12.  Scotch double sided temporary tape -- lots of uses.  Die cut, put tape on top of the SU grid paper so the die cut is lined up straight, then stamp on the die cut.  Use to keep a card partially closed when photographing, etc. 

13.  Stampin Up scissors.  Use Craft and Paper for ribbon and fabric. Use Craft and Rubber to cut around images.

Problem Solved with the Grand Calibur

 

I love one layer cards, and I often like to add something to make them more interesting. Bling, texture, a window. But when I put the cards through my die cut machine with a die or embossing plate, the back layer of the card would always have a mark made by the edge of the plate.  Ugh.

I tried various fixes but none of them worked well. Solution? Spellbinders Grand Calibur. The machine has a plate that is 8.5" x almost 12". So I could put my square scalloped die through the machine and the back of the card has no crease. It's the small things that make me happy!

I am lucky. Spellbinders sent the Grand Calibur to me in December because I was a member of the Waltzingmouse Design Team. (Waltzingmouse is a partner with Spellbinders). So I got it for free. Then I quit the Design Team.  Claire at Waltzingmouse contacted Spellbinders and explained that I wanted to pay for the machine since I was leaving the Design Team. Spellbinders declined my payment! What a great company.  So I got the machine for free and had no obligation to ever mention it.  (The Design Team is featuring the product over the next 3 days - I can't wait to see what they did with it!).

But I love the machine and figured I'd share my experience anyway. It has a handle to turn (easy), rather than the Wizard (with the crank). No more shooting plates. The machine has a knob that, when turned, holds the machine to the table. It works.  Seriously, that's all I ask of these tools.  Just do what you say you are going to do.  I'm happy. Very happy. The plates are so big that you can put multiple dies in there at once and cut away. Ok, enough about the machine.

After all, I LOVE THIS CARD!  It's pretty and calm and perfect for a wedding.  Or just to be nice.

Card Construction Details

1. Cut white card 10 x 5 to make 5" square.

2. Punched 16 flowers with an EK Success punch. (Slimline style -- great for storage, hard on the fingers).

3. Used Vintage Cream cardstock for the flowers because love cream on white.

4. Embossed card with the nestability square scallop.  Next time will use plain square (already have more punched flowers ready...stay tuned).

5. Glued flowers and then bent up petals.

6. Added white pearls.

Mood When Done = Grace Kellyish (classic and beautiful)

Scrapbox Review -- Part Two (of Two)

What It Holds

Some of the boxes are still empty...they are a bit over 12" deep.  My patterned paper fits.

I have 2 big boxes just for envelopes, sorted by size.  And I was about to order more envelopes.  See, already I'm saving money....

Having a LOT of little boxes with labels gives everything a place.  These narrow boxes turned out to be awesome.  They hold buttons and embellishments broken down by color.  7 are still empty.  I hope they stay that way for a while.

Filled a bunch of boxes with punches, sorted by size and type.  Yeah, I can finally find them.

And a box just for acrylic blocks.  And 3 for ribbons. 

I now have 3 drawers for adhesive -- tape, liquid and dimensionals.  We are nuts.

Finally, I can see my spellbinders dies!  I have another labeled drawer for other dies and textured plates, etc. 

What I'm not using it for:  cardstock, ink, Copics, clear stamps, Sizzix dies (too big and heavy), and jars and bottles of large stuff like the huge bottle of PVA glue I bought 5 years ago at a craft show... what was I thinking??  There is room in the scrapbox for some of this stuff, but I like my current system for those items.  

This plastic box holds most of my clear sets -- all labeled and happy.

This holds other stamps that are in CD or other cases.  I have Just Rite and some cling mounted stamps in 2 of the Scrapbox drawers.

I like my ink and Copic storage so left those alone, although I have a large drawer in the Scrapbox with SU Stampin Spots and other small inks. 

Cardstock is in two small rolling file folder carts in the walk in closet in this room. 

***************************************

Is It Worth It?

Yes and Not Sure

Yes.

I now have a clean, easy to use system.  It is portable,  so it will go to our next home (which is likely to be much smaller and where I will not have an entire room dedicated to crafts).   And I love the fact that the drawers come out. They are fabric so I have to hold the bottom of the drawer if I bring it to my craft table.  But that makes it easy to put my supplies back where they belong.

  The Not Sure part is that any system is only useful if you use it. 

I am not a clean as you go person.  Stuff piles up until it explodes.  Will I put the items back in the drawers right away or will the junk pile up?    Will I clean my stamps right away and put them back?

Stay tuned.  I'll update in a few months and let you know if the Scrapbox helped me STAY neat. 

 

Scrapbox Review -- Part One (of Two)

As I mentioned earlier, I got a Scrapbox (the original Workbox) for Christmas.    We ordered, assembled and I'm now filling it up.  This is a 2 part review.  It covers the cost and assembly. The second part will cover What It Holds and Is it Worth It?

Cost and How I Really Paid For It

About 18 months ago I decided that I wanted the Scrapbox (the Workbox).  The website lists the unassembled price as "only $1495" plus shipping.   So I forgot about it. 

But the next day I hatched a plan. 

We have an Amazon.com credit card -- buy stuff with the credit card and get coupons to use at Amazon.com (the card now gives cash to pay off the credit card, but it used to be just coupons).  We had some unexpected expenses this year (house stuff) and the usual life stuff, all of which I charged.  And charged.  All 18 months.  (Yes I paid off the bill every month.)

My plan was to save up enough coupons to buy the Workbox on Amazon (where it sells for about $200 less than list price and has free shipping).  I figured it was going to take 2 - 3 years.  I tried to win it at Splitcoast but only got a nice message letting me know how much SCS enjoyed my efforts!  Drat. 

Then Mike and Mom wanted to know what I wanted for Christmas. 

Scrapbox.  Mike wasn't impressed. 

I told him about all the Amazon credits I had saved and asked him to watch the video.  And I reminded him that getting it for me would mean no trip to the mall for another gift and a happy wife.  BINGO.   Double Bingo when my Mom agreed to pay half as her Christmas gift to me. 

So, it cost Mike (really Mike and me, but at gift time we make believe we are separate!) less than  $200 out of pocket.  (Yes, I know I could have used the Amazon credits for other things, but I'm not playing that game!)

It is still an expensive gift, but achievable if you have patience and are a little crafty... (HA!)

Assembly

The furniture came in 2 big boxes and the shelving and fabric boxes came in 3 other boxes.  The freight company sent one guy so he wouldn't bring it into the house (2 stairs) but he put in the garage.  Mike and Andy lugged it upstairs to our second floor.   Click for bigger pics.

 

 

Note: this review is copyrighted. Please do not quote from it without my permission. I'll be back with the rest of the review when I'm finished reorganizing.