Close to My Heart has a variety of different size acrylic blocks.  These are the base for all your stamps.  As you browse the Idea Book, the recommended block sizes are given for each stamp set.  You will want to use a block that is closest to your stamp size for the best results.

1″ × 1″ My Acrylix Block $3.95
1″ × 3½” My Acrylix Block $5.95
2″ × 2″ My Acrylix Block $6.50
2″ × 3½” My Acrylix Block $7.50
2″ × 6½” My Acrylix Block $9.95
3″ × 3″ My Acrylix Block $8.50
4″ × 5″ My Acrylix Block $15.95

I recommend the My Acrylix Starter Kit for beginners.  It includes one each of our most versatile block sizes:  2″ × 2″, 3″ × 3″, and 2″ × 3½”.

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Products featured in this video:
Z1795 Quilling Tool $7.95
Z1796 Rub-On Tool $9.95
Z1767 Chalk Marker $ 2.95
Z1788 Chalkboard Shapes $3.95
Z1789 12×12 Chalkboard Sheets $4.95

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Great for Cricut®-cut purses, treat boxes, or any temporary closure.  25 adhesive-backed, white velcro dots; ¼” diameter.

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I highly recommend this mat.  It is one of my must-have tools.  I have a total of 3 of them.  One is in my to-go bag (I don’t ever want to be without this).  The other two are on my desk and used every time I scrap.  I like using two because I often do two-page layouts and I can have both pages spread out on the mats.

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Z1263 Bitty Sparkles $2.95

Z1752 Clear Sparkles Assortment $2.95

Z1326 Sparkles Red, Pink, & Purple Assortment $2.95

Z1753 Sparkles Brown & Tan Assortment $2.95

Z1327 Sparkles Blue & Green Assortment $2.95

Z1754 Sparkles Black & Grey Assortment $2.95

You can also get Sparkle Flourishes!

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Z1769 Almond Glitter Glitz Gel $2.95

Z1483 Bronze Glitter Glitz Gel $2.95

Z1771 Green Glitter Glitz Gel $2.95

Z1770 Pink Glitter Glitz Gel $2.95

Z1484 Red Glitter Glitz Gel $2.95

Z1482 Silver Glitter Glitz Gel $2.95

Z1313 Stardust Glitter Glitz Gel $2.95

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This new stamp cleaner provides lint-free cleaning and drying of your stamps. It has raised bristles for cleaning large stamps and rubber feet for grip. It is quite small at 2½” × 4″ but I just love this.  The small size fits well in my “go-everywhere” basket as well as on my desk.  At only $12.95, I’ve already purchased a couple, one for use at home and one for in my away-from-home bag (I try to keep the essentials in this so I can grab and go).

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Z1708 Sparkles Flourishes $4.95
3 assorted flourishes, clear, 3½” – 6″.

Z1745 Sparkles Black Flourishes $4.95
3 assorted flourishes, 3″ – 6″.

Z1744 Opaques Pearl Flourishes $4.95
3 assorted flourishes, 4″ – 6″.

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It is the new home for my Glitter Glitz Gels, ribbon, and Sparkles (these are standing upright so I can flip through them.  I haven’t decided if I will use it for my ink pads but they will fit in those segments too (with extra room) to give you an idea of the size, as well as a second picture with my ruler setting on top.  You can also see my 12×12 Cricut mats hanging up behind in the photo.

I’ve already ordered another one to store my reinkers and anything else I can come up with!

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Z4139 Medium Organizer $16.95

z4138 Small Organizer $12.95

Z4140 Craft Boxes Foam Insert $8.95

Z4137 Craft Boxes $6.95

Z4141 My Acrylix Blocks Foam Insert $8.95

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Featured items used in this video:
Color-Ready Seam Binding Ribbon (Z1732)
Sponge Daubers (Z726)

This is my absolute FAVORITE RIBBON EVER!!!

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Here is a picture of mine filled with supplies:

Z4131 Exclusive Inks Organizer $69.95
Z4135 Re-inker Tray sold separately $8.95

As you can see I used labels on the side of the organizer so I would know where each ink color belongs.  My kids will use them and not put them back in the right spot or I will take out a bunch and can’t remember where they go.  I have mine sorted by the CTMH color families with the Neutral colors on the bottom.  The best deal is to purchase the entire organizer (or earn it as a 1/2 price item with a qualifying gathering) but you can also purchase it in pieces as you need them.

Z4132 Stamp Pad Tower $11.95
Z4133 Marker Tower $14.95
Z4134 Handle and Swivel Base $15.95

I purchased the Re-inker Tray way before I bought any re-inkers.  This tray can be used for anything!  Throughout the years I have used mine for a variety of things including embossing powders, other ink pads, sponges/daubers, and glitters.

Another item that goes along with this that I like is the Z4136 Organizer Carrying Case $34.95.  If you travel and take your supplies with you it is a worthy investment.

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Z1038 My Acrylix Organizer

This durable see-through organizer is perfectly sized to hold 15 My Acrylix stamp sets (although I have fit a couple more).  The lid flips open, it has a handle for easy transporting, and multiple organizers stack nicely.  I use a couple of these for stamps and another one for tools and other scrapbooking supplies.

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Z1725 Adhesive Springs $2.95 (package of 6)

Go to this post to see how I used an adhesive spring on an Easter milk carton.

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Z4204 Shoulder Tote

This Shoulder Tote is not only beautiful but very handy.  I use mine all the time!  I keep 12 x 12 paper packs and page kits stored in this bag so I can grab it and go when I want to meet a friend to scrapbook.  It measures 17″ x 14″ x 5 1/4″ so you can even carry an album.  The clear part that you see in the front center is a pocket.  There are two (one on top and one on bottom) in this middle section on the outside of the bag.  You can use these pockets to hold supplies or photos.  There are also pockets on the inside…two small ones to hold tools or a cellphone and another small zippered pocket.  The bag is well made and good quality.

My personal use for this tote is to hold scrapbook supplies but it could serve many other purposes.

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One of the things I love about the cartridge (besides the fact that it has just about everything on it a person could need!) is that it is actually organized!  Take a look at the chart below:

I love things organized and with 700 images on this cartridge, I am SO glad that they made it easier to find what you are looking for.

And I can’t forget that this collection also comes with 3 coordinating stamp sets and 3 coordinating sets of dimensional elements, making this a wonderful savings at only $99 (or earn for half price with a qualifying gathering or earn for free by signing up as a new consultant during the month of March).  Browse through the 2012 Spring/Summer Idea Book and you will find many stamp sets with red outlines.  This indicates that there is a coordinating image on the Art Philosophy cartridge and dimensions for the size to cut will be included on the carrier sheet of the stamp set.  It doesn’t get any easier than this!  I cannot say enough good things about this collection.  It is one of my all-time favorite products ever!

For a current list if all the stamp sets and embellishments that coordinate with the Art Philosophy Collection, you can download this document made by Lucy Kelleher.

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Acrylic stamps are one of Close to My Hearts most popular products and understandably so.  Each clear stamp set comes in an envelope that is great for storage, a foam sheet that is used under your paper when stamping, and instructions.  To use the stamps carefully remove from the carrier sheet and stick it to an acrylic block. Acrylic stamps are easy to position because you can clearly see exactly where you are placing your image.  Close to My Heart offers a wide variety of stamp sets.  You can check them out on My CTMH Website.  I have tried many different brands of acrylic stamps and have found CTMH to be the best.  They don’t lose their stickiness and fall off the block and they are high quality.  If any of your stamps due seem less sticky (due to dust and oil from your hands) simply wash in warm soapy water and let air dry.  They will be good as new.

For stamping ideas, visit my blog every Sunday this year for Stamp Sunday featuring a different set each week.

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There are really limitless ways to use Liquid Glass.  One of it’s great uses is to add dimension to paper or stamping.  The bottle’s fine tip makes it very easy to trace lines. You can also fill in tags for an epoxy look similar to page pebbles.  Now I would say the most common use for Liquid Glass is as an adhesive but I hear over and over from customers that they do not realize this.  It works great to adhere buttons, metals, ribbon, chipboard, and other ‘hard to stick’ items.  One of my favorite uses for it is to apply glitter!  It is so easy now to turn some of my older (less loved) paper into something new and sparkly and lovable once again.

Here are some examples of my use of Liquid Glass:

This is a layout I made for a swap and I’ve now added the pictures, title, and journaling.  I “dotted” Liquid Glass on the circle paper in the middle of a few of the snowflakes, then sprinkled with Prisma Glitter – bingo I’ve got my own bling paper!  BTW, I just love that snowflake stamp!Products used are all CTMH: Creative Basics Jingle Collection, Color Ready Alphabet – Hodge Podge, Sparkles, White Daisy Cardstock, White Daisy Embossing Powder, Versamark ink, Liquid Glass, Prisma Glitter, White Daisy brads, and New Fallen Snow Stamp Set.

To make my title letters I used a Color Ready Alphabet.  First I pulled off the outside leaving the letters on the backing.  As I went I cut it off so I wasn’t working with a large piece towards the end.
Then I added the liquid glass to the letters I wanted to use and added the glitter.  This is the first time that I’ve used this technique on letter stickers before adding them to my layout.  What I learned was that but doing them this way (and being sloppy with the Liquid Glass) it also made the letters sloppy in a way – but it was perfect for this layout.  You can see what I mean by looking at a closeup of the title (it is especially noticeable on the W).  Where I went overboard (out of the lines so to speak) when I added the Liquid Glass – that part stayed with the letter once it was dried and I pulled it off the sheet.  I really love the result but it was an accident.  I probably couldn’t have made it work if I had been trying!

This next one is a Workshop on the Go layout.  Notice how Liquid Glass was added to the dots on the polka dot paper for added dimension and a unique look.
Products used are all CTMH: Dimensional Elements in Color – Organic, Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Pack, Designer Ribbon Rounds Chocolate Collection, Natural Hemp, Brads Basic Assortment, Liquid Glass, Chocolate ink, Friendship Alphabet Large Stamp Set and Hello There Stamp Set.

In addition to the many ways to use Liquid Glass for scrapbooking and cards you can also use it around the house.  I have used mine to repair my shower curtain, to fix toys and Christmas ornaments, and it works great to keep those feet pads on the bottom of my dining room chairs!

Preventing clogs: As with any adhesive in a bottle there is a chance that the tip can get clogged.  First of all that is easy to fix by poking a pin down the bottle to clear it.  Personally I find this step rather annoying so here are some things that you can do to prevent the clog in the first place.  When you are finished using it, hold upright and let the glue settle to the bottom, then squeeze the bottle a couple times to make sure that air flows through the tip and it is clear of glue.  Another option is to store the bottle upside down (an empty ribbon round container works perfect for this).  I’ve used both of these methods and they both work well.  I’ve heard you can also keep a push pin in the tip but that’s too messy for me.

One thing is certain – I just love this stuff!  I encourage you to give it a try if you haven’t yet.  It is an inexpensive, versatile product and a little goes a long way!

Additional tips:
* Drying time varies depending on how much you use.
* Do not shake the bottle!  Shaking will cause bubbles.
* When applying try to keep a continual flow – avoid starting and stopping which also causes bubbles.
* You can tint your Liquid Glass by mixing with re-inker.
* Liquid Glass may alter the color of some of the CTMH inks so make sure you test your stamped image before applying it to your final project.
* Use Liquid Glass on the ends of your ribbon to prevent fraying.

To see more projects using Liquid Glass click here.

To purchase Liquid Glass online click here.

To continue the blog hop – visit Mary’s Blog!

For a complete list of participants, go to the previous post.

2010 Layout Challenge: #25 & 26 of 210.

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Well, it’s a new week and I haven’t had much time to scrapbook so I’ll give you another review since it’s been awhile.  Pictured above is the Magnetic Precision Mat by Basic Grey.  I purchased mine at Hobby Lobby with a coupon.  The package will include the mat, a magnetic metal ruler and eight small magnets.  You can use the small magnets to position things on your page before adhering them.  Liquid glass (from CTMH) is my favorite adhesive for chipboard and I love using this mat to hold the chipboard in place while it dries.  The magnets are very strong.  It has a 12×12 grid printed on the mat which is great for positioning things and to use in combination with the ruler when aligning pieces across a page.  I consider this a basic tool that I use every time I scrapbook.

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I can’t say that I use this a lot but I would not want to be without it.  I simply don’t use a lot of circles or ovals, however when I need them this is the perfect tool.  There are other shapes that you can purchase to go with the system.  I primarily use the circles.  The template allows you to place over a photo and find the correct size you want to crop.  The color of the blades correspond with the colored lines on the template.  Tips for use: make sure you remove the template before cutting so you don’t cut through it.  I find it easiest to use if I am standing up.

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