Cute by the Inch notecard

I promised that today I won't be wittering on about George Clooney, so let's move on to something more exciting! I'm sure most of you have been having a good browse through your catalogues (and if you don't have one yet - what are you waiting for? Click the paypal button on my side bar or email me here to order one!) One of the most exciting changes in this year's catalogue is that Stampin' Up are offering some sets as clear mount stamps. So what are they and are they any good?

Clear mount stamps are the same quality, deeply etched rubber as the wood mount stamps, with the same foam attached which helps to give that perfect impression, but without the wood mount. You use a clear block with these stamps. Look:

You buy the blocks separately in whatever size you like. They are exactly like the wood mounts except crystal clear, with the same depth as the wood so your fingers don't get inky and smudge your work, and with a comfortable groove running round them.

To use them you simply press your block onto the stamp for a few minutes and it will stick firmly. I worried that I wouldn't be able to use my Stampin' Scrub with them, but it's absolutely fine.

And the advantage is that you can see exactly where you're stamping. (Not quite as super-accurately as when you use a stamp-a-majig, but pretty accurately.) This cute little owl looks very surprised to be captured by the block doesn't he?!

The other advantages to clear mount stamps is that they save on space. I let mine sit in the rubber they came in so they don't rattle about in the DVD-style case.

The case itself takes up very little room and can be stacked like books.

The images are printed on the spine of the case so it's easy to see at a
glance which stamps you want.

The owl stamp I've been using today is from Cute by the Inch, one of the new hostess sets which comes in a choice of wood or clear mount. Hostess sets are stamp set which are not available to buy but which are given as a thank you to the hostesses of qualifying parties. Do have a look in the catalogue - there are some gorgeous hostess sets this year and if you're local-ish to me I'd be more than happy to help you with a party. Give me a call on 01280 820593 and we can arrange a date or click here to email me.

You may want to see what I made with that cute owl...

It's a very autumnal notecard and I've used the leaf from Autumn Days as well.

This post is so long that you're probably all having a little nap now! Thank you for joining me today and I hope it's been useful. I'll be back tomorrow with a much shorter post...
Hope to see you then,