Hello! If we have not met, I am Candace, most often called Candy. Thank you for stopping by to check out this post. This is a beginner card series in which I will create a short video on a tool or technique that is geared for beginner card makers or crafters. I remember when I first started, I had so many questions about all the tools, gadgets, and techniques! Therefore, I thought it would be a great way to help you along the way if you are just starting to make cards.
The YouTube tutorial explains everything. If you prefer to read the information instead of watching it, here are a few perks of using clear blocks. First, what are clear blocks used for? Clear, acrylic blocks, are used with rubber cling stamps and clear stamps. These blocks help to see your image through the block, giving you more control over your stamping. Some acrylic blocks have grid lines, which work great when you are stamping sentiments to ensure these are stamped straight.
Which is better? Clear block or wooden block stamps? It is all in your own personal preference. While I have many stamps on wooden blocks, I prefer to use clear stamps on acrylic blocks. With using a clear stamp, I am able to see if I did not get my image stamped fully and evenly. Most of the time, I am able to ink the clear stamp again and stamp over what I have already stamped to get a clearer stamped image. This does take practice and there are other clear stamp positioned tools I use when needing a precise image. Clear blocks and stamps work great for stamping sentiments. Sometimes after much use and cleaning, the red rubber stamps can become slightly warped. As a result, the ink may not go evenly over the stamp causing it to not be stamped clearly.
You can purchase these at nearly any craft store or company, such as Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, Simon Says Stamp, Altenew, Scrapbook.com, Spellbinders, and many many more. Below are some acrylic blocks from Amazon and Altenew.
