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I recently went to a CTMH stamp party and a friend's house. I am totally in love with them. Does anyone her at SCS use them? I bought 5 sets at the party - I can't wait to play with them this week.
Another CTMH fan here. I discovered them way before I discovered SU and while I love them both for different reasons, I am especially fond of their clear stamps, ink pads, pens, and cardstock. You won't be sorry!
I love them. They store so easily. You can see where you want to put them. They make such cute ones and you get more for your buck! I'm in a monthly club also.
I attend a monthly get-together at my CTMH rep's house- lots of fun! I've been buying CTMH for about 4 years now and really love the quality and the images.
I have really enjoyed the "word puzzle" monthly stamp sets. They make it easy to embellish scrap pages.
I like how easily the stamps store! I bought their stamp organizer box and it's wonderful to have them all together where I can find them. I like that I can grab the box when I go to crops.
I'm a scrapper so I also enjoy the paper packs. :mrgreen:
__________________ Lela -- Scrap Blog -- Come Scrap With Us ---- YTD 87 / 300 Pages 2023 -- 64 / 252 Cards 2023
The clear stamps and acrylic blocks makes placement of the images so easy. Many of the stamps are made to coordinate with the DP which allows your creative juices to really flow. I'm hooked!
1) Either LIGHTLY sand the stamps with fine sandpaper or use a clean eraser (what I do) to condition the stamps before the first use. When the stamps are made it leaves a thin layer of something that makes it so the ink beads up and doesn't stick well to the stamp. Once you've conditioned it...you should get nice crisp images.
2) You stamps will come with a thin layer of foam in the packaging. Because the polymer stamp sticks directly to the block...there is no foam. So, for best image transfer put the thin layer of foam down, then you paper and then stamp onto the paper. For smaller images you may not notice a difference...but for bigger images you will. Ditto for solid stamps.
Enjoy! I love my CTMH stamps. Especially the alphabet and saying stamps because I can put them directly where I want them.
1) Either LIGHTLY sand the stamps with fine sandpaper or use a clean eraser (what I do) to condition the stamps before the first use. When the stamps are made it leaves a thin layer of something that makes it so the ink beads up and doesn't stick well to the stamp. Once you've conditioned it...you should get nice crisp images.
2) You stamps will come with a thin layer of foam in the packaging. Because the polymer stamp sticks directly to the block...there is no foam. So, for best image transfer put the thin layer of foam down, then you paper and then stamp onto the paper. For smaller images you may not notice a difference...but for bigger images you will. Ditto for solid stamps.
Enjoy! I love my CTMH stamps. Especially the alphabet and saying stamps because I can put them directly where I want them.
Jane
I've bought at least 20 sets and will buy more.
But, DUH! I never realized why the foam was with the stamps, just thought it was packaging.
Now I really will have to buy more as I've tossed it every time.
Thanks for the tip!!! Guess that's why I keep coming back here, seems I learn something every time.
I've bought at least 20 sets and will buy more.
But, DUH! I never realized why the foam was with the stamps, just thought it was packaging.
Now I really will have to buy more as I've tossed it every time.
Thanks for the tip!!! Guess that's why I keep coming back here, seems I learn something every time.
tee hee, yes, alot of people do tend to think that is just packaging, and toss it.
don't worry tho, if you don't have any of those packing pads, use a foam sheet, the "other" side of a self healing mat, or a mouse pad. all of those items will give you the slight cushion that you need.
I LOVE CTMH stamps! but I suppose that was a given eh?
I took a look at the CTMH catalogue on the internet after I read this thread. They have some great masculine sets - sports, hunting, military. The golf set includes a femal golfer which is something I was looking for. Also, their graphic tree set is really nice. Also they have some lovely card samples in their catalogue! That's all I need is more competition for my craft $$$'s !!!
I love CTMH clear stamps! I probably have 40 sets of them.....and 300 SU!....and 6 PTI...and 8 Stampers Anomymous....and some Flourishes...and Art Gone Wild...and House Mouse....and...and...and....
I am a long time SU demo with a secret stash of CTMH stamps. No single company could ever offer all the images and sets I "need" so I buy from them, too. Not 100% sold on clear stamps but I do use them and like them for the most part. Very nice selection of journaling/scrapbooking stamps that I wish SU would offer! When the new catalog comes out in Sept. I'm sure I will "need" some more Christmas stamps.
Mary Beth
I LOVE Close to my Heart - I definitely do more scrapbooking than card making with them but I love all their stuff...stamps, paper, inks, idea books on and on! You will be happy.
1) Either LIGHTLY sand the stamps with fine sandpaper or use a clean eraser (what I do) to condition the stamps before the first use. When the stamps are made it leaves a thin layer of something that makes it so the ink beads up and doesn't stick well to the stamp. Once you've conditioned it...you should get nice crisp images.
2) You stamps will come with a thin layer of foam in the packaging. Because the polymer stamp sticks directly to the block...there is no foam. So, for best image transfer put the thin layer of foam down, then you paper and then stamp onto the paper. For smaller images you may not notice a difference...but for bigger images you will. Ditto for solid stamps.
Enjoy! I love my CTMH stamps. Especially the alphabet and saying stamps because I can put them directly where I want them.
Jane
Please oh please DO NOT sand your CTMH stamps. They don't need it! All you need to do to condition them is to tap & twist on your ink pad a couple of times and then stamp off on some scratch paper. If you do this with a light colored ink, such as bamboo, it will also keep your stamps from staining as quickly. While I confess to having to lightly sand clear stamps of a lesser quality, CTMH stamps should never be sanded!!!
I was a consultant for CTMH for 3 1/2 years, so I have more stamps from them than I care to admit. LOL Of course, I too am an equal opportunity shopper. I also really like TAC, SU, and Unity.
I love CTMH stamps and find myself turning away from the wooden block ones. Mainly for storage. Walmart has these great cubes for $1, and the sets fit perfectly in there (looks like a mini milk crate). It can hold 15-20 stamp sets in a space of 8x9 inches. Can't get better storage for that. I think the crate makes CTMH even more appealing.
Look at the small white 3 boxes/crates on the shelf just above the cricut. That small area can hold 45-60 stamp sets.
I have never sanded my stamps. Just inked them up well and test stamped a few times. They are very well made and hold up well. Seeing through the block for placement makes them so easy to use. I can only think of the Pros for them, no cons.
They also have a website with mini shows/tutorials. Called CTMH TV. Check it out. They seem to update it quite frequently and you can get some good ideas from there.
Walmart has these great cubes for $1, and the sets fit perfectly in there (looks like a mini milk crate). It can hold 15-20 stamp sets in a space of 8x9 inches. Can't get better storage for that. I think the crate makes CTMH even more appealing.
I totally agree on the storage. I have six of those crates on a shelf in my work area. They sit on a shelf that is 4' wide and 10" deep. I haven't counted lately, but I know that small area contains at least 90+ stamp sets. :rolleyes: I've also found the crates at the dollar store & I noticed in wal-mart's latest ad, that they have them in all sorts of bright colors, not just black, white, & clear.
Thank yall SO much! I just got back from Wal Mart - got several of the crates and the stam sets fit perfect!! AND they were only $1.14 each! Can't beat that for storage.
they've gone up in price, but thats ok.. still a bargin at $1.14!
I have several too. I also put cards in them, the ones I've done and can send out.
Enjoy!
I'm a CTMH consultant, so yeah I've got more CTMH set than I'm willing to admit!!
I love them (that's why I sell them ) I think they are the best clear stamps on the market plus I think there is no better ink to use on any clear stamps.
For storage I use those tall plastic pull out drawers, I found some that perfectly fit the CTMH stamps and I file them by category, makes it so easy to find things.
I too love CTMH stamps and sell them. They're so easy to use - placement is a breeze with the acrylic and I love the storage for their stamps in the envelopes, nice and easy to file by style. Never have had a problem with them.....
I'm not a demostrator, but I do love to chat about stuff that excites me and I believe in.
We keep mentioning stamps, but if anyone is wonder about their ink pads, they too are awesome. I use to have SU pads, but for some reason, I can't get the hang of them. My last experience with the SU ones the lid slid off, flipped upside down on a 23 year old photo and ruined it. After that, I gave the set of inkpads to my daughter and went with CTMH.
Tonight at class, my daughter looked at me and told me, she also wants to switch to CTMH ink pads. It's an expensive move to totally give up one to go with another company. That says something about how much we love the products.
It's not a total losee, my daughter-in-law is going to inherit the SU ink pads. Which is perfect! She's trying to get into stamping/scrapbooking but on limited funds. She's going to be so excited to get the inkpads. I'm sure she'll be able to find a SU demo near her if she wishes to continue with them.
I have not been disappointed with anything I have bought from CTMH.
Oh, I just got my new Fall catalog tonight at class. Don't like the new layout of the catalog, but they got some great new stamp sets. Lots of Halloween and Christmas ones in it.
__________________ Penny ~ Scrappin' Moments Blog Goals ~ Jan 2011 Double-Layouts 5/4 ~ Blog Posts 1/2 ~ Quilts 1/1 ~ 60/60 Shower Invites
I got a peek at the Sept-Dec catalog today at a demo's house. No new Christmas sets for me this year but the December SOTM was terrific. I guess I will have to go through the book again and place my order then.
Mary Beth
I am an equal opportunity stamper. Even though I'm a SU demo, I have about 20 sets of CTMH stamps and LOVE them all!
And I can say with all honestly that CTMH acrylic block are the BEST on the market. It's all I'll use. I own about 50 Papertrey Ink stamp sets and use my CTMH stamps with them exclusively.
The inks are also top notch, although I have serious trouble opening them without getting ink all over myself. Operator error, I'm sure, LOL. I love to fill in the "gaps" in my SU color families with CTMH inks. A girl can never have too many colors of ink, right?
I, too, love CTMH stamps. They are the only clear stamps and blocks I own. I just stopped being a SU demo last month after several years and it was because I found myself being drawn to CTMH so much. While my mom and a friend bought from the current CTMH catalog, I could not. I feel bad about it. I hope my demo will still let me look at the new fall catalog. She's nice, so she probably will, it's just she always gave me a free catalog and I did buy a bunch but I just couldn't this current period.
I, too, love CTMH stamps. They are the only clear stamps and blocks I own. I just stopped being a SU demo last month after several years and it was because I found myself being drawn to CTMH so much. While my mom and a friend bought from the current CTMH catalog, I could not. I feel bad about it. I hope my demo will still let me look at the new fall catalog. She's nice, so she probably will, it's just she always gave me a free catalog and I did buy a bunch but I just couldn't this current period.
Your demo should let you look at the new catty. If you can't get one, then let me know, and I can get you one!
I agree on the CTMH blocks being wonderful! I bought one from another company not long ago to use my EZ mounted wheels on and it just does not compare to CTMH. I think I have almost all the CTMH blocks and would not trade for them.
I love CTMH stamps! I have a lot of their acrylic stamp sets as well as some of their older rubber stamps. However, I also have a bunch of Stampin' Up stamps, and a wide variety of other stamp companies, too.
I love being able to see where I'm stamping, and I think the CTMH are probably the highest quality of all the acrylics. There are other companies that also have high quality acrylics, but CTMH are my favorites (and no, I'm not a rep).
I am very excited to know that I have chosen the right company to sell for you ladies sure have lifted my spirits!! I have had a issue with finding customers but other then that I keep ordering myself lol hey it works! You guys have made me happy that I am a rep, I just joined in July =)
I must say that I love the blocks, the stamps are awesome, but I have some sets that aren't stamping clear and I cannot figure out what I am doing wrong. Any suggestions?
I am new here so I can't post my blog but the set is on my blog and how it looks :( I just don't know what I am doing but I am sure its me lol!
I have some sets that aren't stamping clear and I cannot figure out what I am doing wrong. Any suggestions?
Are you using the foam cushion under your paper/cardstock when you stamp? Some people think the foam is just packaging. It's not. You need it.
Another possible problem might be if you are pressing too hard, OR aren't pressing on all parts of the stamp. I gently press each section of a stamp before lifting it away.
Are you using a plastic folding type table for your stamping? Those types of tables can make it hard to get a good, clear stamped image, because the plastic tabletop is hollow inside and has some give to it.
Close to My Heart stamps
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