Mounting Heartfelt Thanks

[phanson]

My mom has Heartfelt Thanks and I used her Heartfelt Thanks, but I found it was a somewhat hard stamp set to use being the stems are all a part of the flowers. Does anyone else find this set difficult to use?? Especially if you don't have markers to mark-up the rubber? I was wondering about cutting apart the stems from the flower, but didn't think that would work with the blocks that were given with that set. Has anyone else run into issues with this set - and if so what did you do?
Thanks!

[kathyj30]

I originally mounted the stem/flower together. Then I wanted to use the puffy flower thing to make a wreath (casing of course). So I performed surgery with the exacto knife and peeled off the stem and mounted it on top of the stamp.
I had a Holiday stamp-a-stack and the guests all used the stamp with no problems. I suppose later I can remount the stem.

[BubbleQueen50]

I have cut mine into so many pieces. I do this to many sets. I cut the leaves from the stem and the stem from the flowers. Any stamps with the sentiment with the image get surgery. I have found many more creative ways to use stamps with ease by doing this and using them on the clear blocks. Go for it!

[BubbleQueen50]

With some sets I actually cut the petals apart for more options.

[katrs5]

I butchered this set. On one side are the stems on the flip sides are the flower tops. Never regretted it.

[Evalou]

I just used this set in a "stamp a stack" yesterday with a group of 10 ladies.
I purposely used this set because of what you are talking about. I had them stamp the flower in black and then used the crayons or colored pencils to just add color to the flower. The same with the stem, just lightly outline or shadow the stem and leaves and they were so please with the effect. The pastels and blender pen work beautifully too. I think it gives a very different but beautiful look to the set. If you don't like the boldness of black, I have also tried this with going gray and it almost gives a watercolor effect. Another way is to stamp the whole thing in versa mark and then daub on pastels with the daubers or sponge, this really gives a watercolor look. It is a very unique and beatiful set, don't give up on it. I have sold quite a few sets just using the methods I have just mentioned.