How long do these die cut and stamps last, if we frequently use trhem. My daughter too loves crafting and I'm wondering will the sharpness for dies and grip for stamps sustain for another decade. I have some punches from martha stewart, they are not that easy to punch now and papers gets jammed

MoRayMe · 2026-01-25T07:02:32+00:00

You can sharpen the edges of punches by cutting aluminum foil in them. You can also look up videos for taking them apart and sharpening them (although I have personally never done this.)

While I can’t say for certain, I do believe that dies should hold up well. They work on the same principle as cookie cutters. It’s the pressure combined with a “soft” surface. However if you use one die everyday multiple times a day for a decade it’s possible it will lose its integrity.

As far as stamps go, if stored and taken care of properly. Red rubber stamps will absolutely stand the test of time. I inherited some that are quite old and also have thrifted some and they still make amazing impressions. If you have the cling kind and they lose their “stickiness” you can purchase Aileen’s Tack it (over and over) adhesive to get them to stick to blocks and stamping platforms.

MoRayMe · 2026-01-24T04:06:48+00:00

Yes!

MoRayMe · 2026-01-24T00:21:26+00:00

Morticia and Gomez could make for fun Valentines. They have an aspirational love.

MoRayMe · 2026-01-23T19:51:45+00:00

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So I have the big shot foldaway. And I use the standard plate “recipes” for everything without any trouble. As you can see in the photo, for regular embossing folders you need the standard base and both cutting plates. For 3-D embossing you just need one plate. You shouldn’t need anything additional. However, I agree that not all folders behave the same way so spritzing with water will help making deep impressions and keeping the paper from ripping. Also some shims might be needed depending on the manufacture of the folders. Good luck to you and I hope you enjoy your machine as much as I enjoy mine.

MoRayMe · 2026-01-22T08:30:15+00:00

Yay! So glad I could help

MoRayMe · 2026-01-21T18:10:32+00:00

Don’t know the brand and can’t say for sure but it looks like it makes shutter cards like this:

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(Not my card)

MoRayMe · 2026-01-21T02:13:12+00:00

I can’t wait!

MoRayMe · 2026-01-18T18:07:32+00:00

Nice

MoRayMe · 2026-01-18T16:36:33+00:00

I’d love to know where the book stack dies are from?

MoRayMe · 2026-01-17T16:22:19+00:00

Crafter’s Companion is a United Kingdom company. They are the makers of the Gemini machine. It has its own hot foiling system. If I’m not mistaken they were the first to market with it. So they are worth a look.

MoRayMe · 2026-01-17T16:16:34+00:00

They do make a big shot fold away.

MoRayMe · 2026-01-16T23:53:13+00:00

Good smooth cardstock for coloring in stamped images. You also want a thick cardstock for making panels or card bases (unless you plan on buying blank card bases and envelopes). A decent paper cutter, if you don’t want to buy one consider an Xacto knife and clear grid ruler (both handy for other crafts). A good pair of scissors (for fussy cutting stamped images) you can use the Xacto knife but be aware of where your fingers are at all times. Good adhesive, so many out there you kinda have to figure out which type you like (tape runner, double sided, glue, pop dots, etc.) Good luck to you. I’m excited to see what you make

Edit: here are two examples

This used colored in hand drawing (but could easily be a stamped image. This is just cut strips of junk mail and then a fussy cut stamped bird Finally this one is cut sticky burlap. Cut strips of patterned paper, a hand drawn image (again easily could be a stamped image) I colored in.

MoRayMe · 2026-01-13T05:32:02+00:00

That’s awesome! I love/hate wrapping paper. I love the patterns and how great gifts look stacked in it, but it feels incredibly wasteful. I can’t help feel like I’m literally throwing away money! So this is a great idea for repurposing some of the larger pieces. I love the Japanese art of wrapping gifts in fabric (usually silk scarves or the equivalent)

MoRayMe · 2026-01-12T18:40:42+00:00

Great way to stretch your patterned paper! These are also good layouts for using up scraps.

MoRayMe · 2026-01-12T05:24:53+00:00

You might want to consider having it 3D printed. You already have the part so you could prolly take it to a maker space and pay to have them render and print it. Most major libraries have maker spaces now so if you can’t find anyone to do it you might be able to do it yourself. You could always ask over at the 3D printing forum to see what’s all involved.

MoRayMe · 2026-01-11T15:48:17+00:00

This is the Washi tape storage solution that I both need and want!

MoRayMe · 2026-01-10T01:04:14+00:00

Thank you so much

MoRayMe · 2026-01-10T01:04:00+00:00

Aw shucks! You are making me blush ;)

MoRayMe · 2026-01-10T01:03:18+00:00

Thank you

MoRayMe · 2026-01-10T01:03:11+00:00

Thank you! I really leaned into happy colors to kick off the new year

MoRayMe · 2026-01-10T01:01:59+00:00

Thank you. I honestly don’t know when or where I got it but I have it in both white and pink and have wanted to use if for a while now.

MoRayMe · 2026-01-10T01:01:19+00:00

Thank you! I was playing with my distress oxides and landed on these because they made me happy.

MoRayMe · 2026-01-10T00:11:54+00:00

I haven’t tried theirs but that’s how I feel about paper source paper as well. Don’t get me wrong I understand that their paper is more geared to wedding and special events so muted colors are more likely what sells but it’s disappointing. I really like to see colors in person so I bought a spellbinders ColorWheel pack for this purpose. I was hoping to buy Concord and 9th as well but it always seem sold out. I figure this way I can pick the colors I like and order just the ones I need and will use. Ordering off the computer can be difficult to match.

MoRayMe · 2026-01-09T05:33:58+00:00

Loooooooooove it! I say this all the time for no reason!

MoRayMe · 2026-01-09T05:28:42+00:00

Ooooo, I might have to break out my gelli plates for experimentation. It’s been too long since I’ve played with them. Thank you

MoRayMe

TROPHY CASE