Converting wood mounted stamps...one set done a bunch to go!

I think I mentioned in a previous post that I used to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator many, many years ago.  Therefore, I have two huge containers full of wood mounted stamps!  Over the years I sold some on eBay but kept the ones I really thought I would use again.  Since my discovery of blogong, I have re-discovered my stamps.  I visited My Pink Stamper's web site and found her post on how to unmount wood mounted stamps.  I must say, I was a bit apprehensive because I didn't want to damage the stamps.

We have a local craft store here in the Cleveland area called Pat Catans and I came across this kit to convert my stamps.  The kit comes with 4 CD type storage cases, 8 cling sheets (the adhesive to put on your stamp) and 8 sheets to storage cards (the cards the stamps stick to when not being used.)  I think this kit cost me about $5.00.  The name of the kit is called "See-D's Mounting System Kit".

See-D's kit

Up close

The process was fairly simple.  I put the stamp in the microwave for about 30 seconds and peeled off the stamp from the wood block.  There is a cushion between the rubber stamp and the wood; I removed this also (recommended).  I applied the cling to the back of the rubber stamp, trimmed the excess cling and rubber and placed on storage card.  The pictures below show the difference in the amount of space the old set took compared to the small space needed by the converted stamps.  The case holds two storage cards so depending on the number of stamps in your set, one can potential store two full sets of stamps or multiple loose stamps.



Original Clownin' Around SU! Set case



Converted set

If you've contemplated make the switch, I highly recommend it.  I have so many more to work on. I'll do them as I use the sets.  The big questions is what do I do with all these little blocks of wood???? Any suggestions, leave me a comment.

TTFN, Scrappymama Elaine

My Pink Stamper Imagine Wednesday Challenge

Robyn over at My Pink Stamper issued a challenge to make something "super yummy" with your imagine or with your Cricut.  This is my version of "super yummy".  I love coffee so I used the Cricut Beyond Birthday cartridge and cut the coffee mug. The paper is from an old DCWV stack. I used the Fiskar's scallop border punch, and ribbon from Joann's.  I also cut the button heart from the Cricut Paisley cartridge.  The sentiment is from a old Stampin' Up! stamp set. 

Inside of card. Stampin' Up! stamps and Kaleidoscope Autumn ink pad.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my creation.  This is actually my first challenge.  Let me know what you think.

TTFN, Scrappymama Elaine

Cute Birthday card/my first mini/My Pink Stamper Challenge

I had a little friend's birthday recently and I made her the cutest card using Cricut Paisley Cartridge that I purchased at Michaels recently for $9.99!!!!  I love how it turned out! What eight year wouldn't think this is the coolest card?  I used the Fiskars border punch to create the pretty scallop (also purchased with a coupon from Joann's.)  Stickles on the word art and the Sakura White gelly roll pen for a little stitching look.  The paper is from my stash (don't know who the makers are, sorry. It's been around awhile.) 

The mini was made using Colorbox chipboard and shaped papers.  I picked these up at Michaels for $1.00/package.  The package of chipboard had 5 pieces and the ring to hold them together.  The shaped paper came with coordinating pre-cut paper to match the shape of the chipboard.  Rather then use all the chipboard for one book, I decided to use them as front and back covers and insert cut cardstock for the inside of the book.  This way I can make multiple books from one package and make the book as thick as I want.  I cut off one end of the chipboard to create a flat edge so I can use my recently purchased Bind-it-All (bought with a 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby.)  The embellishments on the mini were from a gift pack a cousin of mine had given me. I was intimidated by my Bind-it-All but it was very easy to use and I'm wandering around looking to see what I can bind next without wasting my o-wire :)

Thanks for stopping by and tell me what you think!  TTFN, Scrappymama Elaine

Scotch Dot Adhesive-Free after Rebate

I was perusing the isles at Michaels today when I spotted the word "FREE".  Scotch is offering their Dot Adhesive free after rebate.  You can get up to $7.99 refunded.  Head on over to Michaels and get your free dot adhesive.

TTFN, Scrappymama Elaine

Blog Name Change (formerly Scrappymama's Spot)

I decided to change the name of my blog because I really didn't like the original name. "Scrappymama" was a phrase I had used for something else and it was all I could come up with at the time I created my blog.   I had been trying to think of something more fitting and today it hit me.  I am a VERY frugal shopper. I'm always looking for the deal! I try not to pay full price for anything especially when it comes to my hobby.  Joann's and Michaels' coupons are always in my wallet and eBay is my friend.  So...I believe "Scrappin' on a Dime" is more fitting for my blog.  Along with my creations, I will share my "finds" and where you can find them too.

Thanks for stopping by!

TTFN, Scrappymama Elaine

Happy Birthday to ME! Fabulous 50!!

I turned 50 yesterday and what a whirlwind of a weekend I have had!  I know this is not about crafting but I must share!!! I have the most wonderful husband and sisters!  My sisters surprised me with a visit from NJ and took me away for a spa day!!!! I've never had a spa day before and boy was I spoiled rotten.  Told my husband he can treat me to one of those any time he wants!!! After the spa, we have lunch and then head home to celebrate with the rest of the family.  So I was convinced that was the end of the festivities.  Great day! 

Me in costume and my wonderful husband

Sunday: we all go to church and lunch afterward.  All is good.  After lunch, we arive home to a huge surprise!  My husband invited ladies from near and far to bless me on my birthday.  These were ladies that have had a part in my life thru the years.  The friends that were from out of state and were not able to make the celebration were encouraged to send a "telegram" (email).  My husband did a "It's a Wonderful Life" theme.  He made me wear angel wings and a halo.  He had signs posted along the wall that said "Everytime a bell rings an angel gets closer to her IPAD." You read correctly IPAD!  (I've been saving my pennies (literally) for an IPAD thinking it would be a while till I can have enough money saved to buy one.)  He had a table setup in the middle of the living room that had a pretty tablecloth on it, a decorated card box, a laundry basket and a bell sitting on top of it.  Well, when I rang the bell,  all my friends came towards the basket and started dumping crumpled dollar bills in to it.  Oh my goodness! I was overwhelmed to say the least!  At the end of the day, we counted the money and I now have enough for an IPAD plus accessories!



My sisters expected me to take my stash and head over to the nearest Best Buy or Target to buy my IPAD but I have decided to wait.  Rumor has it that a new model is coming out soon so I will be waiting for the new model. (I was gonna have to wait anyways. Right?)

Me and my stash!





Me and my sisters

 I am truly a blessed woman!!  I got my Cricut Expression for Christmas and soon I'll get my IPAD.  These things are not the blessings.  The blessings are that I have a loving husband, extended family and wonderful friends!!! Words can not express the joy that was overflowing from my heart. To top it off, I have a great God Who makes all things possible!

Thanks for stopping by and reading about "My Wonderful Life" and Family!

TTFN, Scrappymama Elaine

My 3M Prize package arrived!

While participating in Pink Cricut's Live Ustream I won one of her giveaways.  I received my prize today.  What a loot!  Here is a picutre of all that I got in the package.  Thank you Sarah from Pink Cricut and 3M!!!!   Check out 3M's website for scrapbooking and card making ideas.  I will put everything to good, creative use.  Yay me!

Included in the package:

2 packages of Post-it Craft Paper (the adhesive kind) yay!

Scotch adhesive Dots-3D pop  up

Scotch Adhesive Dots-ultra thin medium

Scotch Adhesive Dot Roller

6 packages of post i note pads in various sizes

3M Poster Strips

Post it Flag Dispenser

Post it Label Pads

Pen/Highlighter with post it dispenser

Dog hair remover roller

A really cute multi-colored 3M reuseable bag.

Thanks for stopping by! 

TTFN, Scrappymama Elaine

Paper Pup Birthday Card

Hi everyone! I made this card a few weeks ago for a birthday my daughter was going to but forgot to post it.  I love the Paper Pups Cartridge.  They just make me smile.  This card was so super easy to make.  I used cardstock I had on hand.  Honestly, I don't recall where I got the patterned paper.  I'm learning to keep track of the names of my products I use so I can give credit where credit is due.  The black ribbon was purchased at Joanns. The sentiment is a Stampin Up! stamp. 

Thanks for stopping by! TTFN, Scrappymama Elaine

12 Month Scrapbook Challenge Layout

Christina from Creations with Christina issued a challenge earlier this month to complete and post a layout every month.  Here is the link to her post.  Creations with Christina: Scrapbook Challenge I SOOO needed to get back on track with my scrapbooking. 

Since discovering the world of blogging, I have been distracted by all the wonderful inspiration afforded to my through the wonderful world of blogging.  BUT, I have been so engrossed in reading posts and entering contests that I have neglected the one thing I love to do with my free time: SCRAPBOOK.  (Can I get a witness?!)  I want to take all this great inspiration and apply it to my scrapbooks and card-making!  In defense, my love for cardmaking has been revived thanks to all the talent on the blogs I follow!  My Christmas cards were great and I've learned to make great, simple cards using my Cricut and stamps!

Below is my layout for this month.  I started this layout back in Thanksgiving of last year.  I hate to admit that the pictures are from 2007! Yikes!  A lot has happened in our family in the last couple of years ad hence the backlog.  Hopefully with this challenge I will get back on track and soon up to date. Wish me luck!

Let me first apologize for the glare on this shot.  I'm not a professional photographer and I still need to learn how to take better pictures of my creations.

 On this two page layout I used the following:

Creative Memories Winter Reflections paper pack

Cricut Cartridge Celebrations for the banner pennants

Cricut Christmas Solutions cartridge for the "Christmas" title and the ornament

Creative Memories White mini letter stickers on the banner

Imaginisce i-Rock and gems.

Creative Memories sticker tag

DMC White embroidery floss

 Stickles

Silver star eyelet on the tag

Below are a few close up shots.

If it were not for my blog friends, I would not have thought of the banner, i-Rock, and using the embroidery floss (I couldn't find baker's twine so I used the floss instead. Worked out great!) Thanks bloggers!!!  I think my layout turned out great! It's ready to go in the album, pictures and all! Let me know what you think! I love hearing from others!

TTFN, Scrappymama Elaine

Check out - CricutLvr!!:Birthday GiveAway!!

Elsa from  CricutLvr!! is celebrating her birthday with a giveaway-CricutLvr!!: My Birthday GiveAway!! check it out! Good luck!

Craft Area Before and After Cleanup/Organization

Happy New Year friends, a few days late.  It has been a little crazy with a little bit of illness.  I started this video on New Year's day but had to stop becasue I caught a slight bug.  I finished a couple of days later.  My craft area was in much need of cleaning after the Christmas crafting chaos (can you relate?) plus, I got a Cricut Expression for Christmas so I had to make some room and decide the best place for it.  I still need to figure out the best way to organize my paper.  Any suggestions?  Its a never ending problem. I'm happy witth the results after the cleaning.  Of course, I started working on a birthday card organizer that I've been wanting to try to make so my desk is a little messy right now, again! lol!  Thanks for stopping by and checking out my space.  Leave me some suggestions and comments. 

TTFN, Scrappymama Elaine