15 Things You NEED to Consider for Crafting

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[@marypolancodesigns]

If you like this video, consider hitting the "Like" button so KZbin will share it and more of our crafty friends can save money! Also, I'd love for you to join my email list too where I send out freebies and announcements first! LINK: subscribepage.io/MaryPolancoDesignsOptIn

[@summer5851]

I've been using them on my purple tape, my painters tape, for the past year. Git this tip from a fellow crafter. Works great.

[@the_Real_Grammy_of_6]

I’ve watched a few of your videos with the same subject - Dollar Tree items. But you don’t show the product in the packaging or say the “Brand”. The Sharpie was obvious. But the glue sticks…no pic of the product and you only said glue sticks? I would really find it helpful to know what you’re talking about. I watched the few that I have, for some “reviews” to be helpful to me. But I’ve been unable to figure out what the product is you’re talking about. Just a suggestion

[@cindydecker57]

Thanks so much for these great finds/ideas! Here is a tip for you: use a plastic bread bag clip/tab at the end of a roll of tape instead of folding a piece down - it’s easily removed/replaced and saves tape as you are not wasting the folded over part every time you use some tape from the roll.

[@marypolancodesigns]

What a fantastic tip thank you so much

[@sandradowkes481]

Exactly what I was going to say - I've been using a bread tag for a few years now. But, I have to admire your hint about using packing tape to keep the clear stamp plasticy things together - will utilize that, for sure!

[@Denise11Schultz]

For your favorite older ink-blended poster board, you might just frame it. I did that with my favorite gradient blend, and it is a place of visual peace in the middle of a shelf of family photos. When looking at pictures of family who have passed on, it is hard to be at peace with missing them. This art really helps. That way I get to feel more love and less missing. Art is good for that! 🙏🌷🦋🌌✨💙

[@marypolancodesigns]

I love that idea. Thank you so much.

[@debbie2837]

I’d add that I saw florals in the 1st one & thot (if you’re good at drawing simple outlines-I’m not!), you could just take your black sharpie & do a bit of abstract outlining.

[@HeidiLilley]

I love when you do this style video of showing us different ways to save money and use alternative items for our crafting

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yay! So glad it's helpful!

[@wmwilson30]

You can also use that tote to hold water to watercolor painting.

[@marypolancodesigns]

SUCH a great idea!

[@Kateseyes]

Great ideas you found. I love the idea of using poster board . What a huge saving this will be. 😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much! 😊 YES...HUGE savings!

[@JayJay-lz1es]

I use the little 3 compartment tote for watercolor water. one small hole for clean water, big one for dirty water and 3rd small one to hold brushes while working.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Brilliant Idea!!

[@neldasturgill8080]

frame your poster board! Cut out a quote in black vinyl (reversed) and apply to the inside front of frame glass. display on the wall. you can always change the quote in the future so it gives you some options.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I shall, thank you for that

[@papergenius94127]

Hi Mary, always love your videos having to do with dollar tree. My favorite tips are the sticky mat for your Misti and taping the stamp set together. I use the large basket for my stamps and dies. Thank you so much. Joyce😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

I love that one too. Thanks so much for this

[@gingerwhalen7734]

Packing tape?!? OMG...Why didn't I think of that? Actually I use it for everything else, but this will be a game changer!

[@marypolancodesigns]

It truly is; LOVE doing that hack all the time now

[@pennywarren2357]

I so love everything about your channel! Your bubbly personality shines thru, you're frugal like I am, and they just make me happy! Thank you.

[@marypolancodesigns]

This is so encouraging thank you so so much!

[@SoulfulXprssion]

Great video- love that poster board and the ceramic tiles what a great idea😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@lorraine8037]

Mary these are my favorite kind of videos from you. Always learning something new. Thanks for considering costs for us❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! This means a lot thank you

[@debbieorens]

I've been doing the packing tape thing, thought I was the only one. LOL I mean, how hard would it be for vendors to do that? Some do, like The Stamps of Life. It's so annoying! Anyway... off my soapbox, thanks for all your efforts in making these videos. I found you recently, and so happy that I did. I am taking your Stencil Class, and can't wait!

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY so glad you'll be joining me! Simon Hurley tapes them for us. haha...a crafter for sure.

[@rhoz5191]

Very helpful reviews! It would be handy if you shared what section of the store you find the items. Thank you!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great idea will do next time

[@Tilly850]

I only use glue sticks to hold temporarily...like if I am going to sew the pieces together. It's handy for that, but not much else!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh that's a great tip, just temporary. Thanks

[@arlenedonald8688]

I did start putting shipping tape on the stamp set acetate sheets after I saw your tip on another video. Such a wonderfully simple idea to save the aggravation of losing those backer sheets! Thank you!

[@karicoleman3548]

So have I!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Me tooo...can't stop won't stop. haha

[@janetbirdsall5478]

I have never liked the glue at dollar tree. I don’t think you did anything wrong. I think it just is a crummy glue.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Ok I'm not crazy. lol thanks

[@nans969]

Great tips. I use the face cream applicator, found in the make up section, to apply pastes like lunar paste. It is softer than the spatula you used. I also use one to spread glue. The poster boards are good alternative for alchol inks. Dollar tree also has photo paper that is great for that too. The only glue I like from DT is their wood glue.

[@marypolancodesigns]

ooooh I love this thank you for sharing!

[@peggywernecke1943]

I use the jot brand glue sticks from Dollar Tree and they work great. Mine are a few years old though so that may be the difference. Sometimes companies change how they make stuff. When I bought mine they were 8 to a pack. I wasn’t happy when I noticed they were only putting 4 in the package now.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I've heard about that brand but they didn't have any one I was there. I'll have to see if they got anymore in thank you

[@katebird7026]

What actually is 'Dollar Tree' poster board ? So I can find an alternative outside the usa

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hmmm...good question. Well this is totally unhelpful but it's not just Dollar Tree poster board, it's any "poster board" for us here in the USA. So like when kids have to do projects for school, we have those really large pieces of cardstock (larger than 18x24"). That's posterboard. Some cut it down though. Here is an alternative you can look at from Amazon to see if that helps. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0062TNTRY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

[@carlamooney622]

You are such a blessing Mary! You do these videos to help all of us save money by purchasing and trying them out and letting us know whether it's a yay or nay! You're the best! I'm fairly new to your channel and crafting, so you help me immensely and teach me so much. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! 😁🐒🦋🐧🦉😂

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! I'm so glad you're here! YAY

[@sharonpimento3257]

I use those sticky mats

[@debmusick]

Love all of your ideas! The packing tape on the acetate stamp sets is wonderful & so easy to do! I've gone back and looked at your older videos--such great information. Thanks so much!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@lisabloedel539]

Great ideas Mary! SO good to know those glue sticks don’t work! Crazy! Thank you for testing all these items for us. It helps so much! …You should frame those alcohol inked items that you love! The rainbow one is a great size! The pink one you could probably trim down to center it & frame. They’re so pretty!

[@marypolancodesigns]

I shall frame them. Now... where to put them

[@phyerfly79]

Packaging tape from the dollar tree is the worst.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Haha I don't think I'd ever use it to secure a package.

[@LynnMLeBel]

Lynn Le Bel I love the silicone tonges for heat embossing, brilliant!! Going to get a pair for mysef and a gift for my crafting friend!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Wonderful! I love not burning my fingers. lol

[@Me-lisa921]

Hi Mary! so you have caught my interest in the alcohol ink art. Can you believe I've never seen this? I want to do this and you make it look easy. I took the link for the ranger inks but what exactly does a beginner need to just putter around in it to figure out if it something I might enjoy doing more than just dabble in. Like what are some pretty colors you'd suggest 3-4 and anything else I would need to get started that will not cost me a lot because I'm low income and money is usually an issue but I love to craft and it is my only form of entertainment. any suggestions would be so helpful. I truly enjoyed your video and subscribed. I believe I just came across you just by chance. My lucky day!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

I would suggest going with the three primary colors (red, yellow, blue) and then a mixed metal. Try these: Red: shrsl.com/4bbj6 Yellow: shrsl.com/4bbj7 Blue: shrsl.com/4bbj8 Metal: shrsl.com/4bbja Be sure to shake up the mixed metal on very well.

[@marypolancodesigns]

If those links don't come through on my reply, send me a message at [e-mail]

[@joycegifford8826]

Cheap products equals cheap outcomes.

[@marypolancodesigns]

So true for some things

[@monkeyta615]

hi Mary, thank you so much for your video! i went to the dollar store yesterday and spend more then 100.00 i could not find the ceramic tags but i found pumpking napkin holders, i use alcohol inks they turn out beautiful thank for the idea!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Amazing!!! I bet they're great

[@denisefonda2815]

Thank you Mary. I love the poster board idea. I would frame the prints, that you can’t part with, they are beautiful art😀

[@marypolancodesigns]

I shall do that; thank you so much

[@kathygirlygirl4109]

Thank you Mary! I made a list and will go tomorrow to see what our store has. Great ideas as always!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@kcinca5410]

Good to know about those glue sticks! I only use glue sticks on my double sided tape (foam included) to give me some wiggle room when I'm adhering to other cardstock. I use similar plastic folders for storing my cardstock scraps in a large plastic file folder tote my daughter didn't want anymore. I cut off the top piece as I don't need it to be closed in the tote to give me extra room. (It's surprising how much room things like the elastic holder {name???} takes up.) I only checked out the dollar tree about a year ago when I started a wreath project for my daughter and was able to get nautical rope for $1.25 instead of $10. BIG PRICE DIFFERENCE and absolutely the same product - same company and everything.

[@marypolancodesigns]

LOVE this share; thank you so much

[@TheKrazysinner]

FYI don't waste money on the elmers glue sticks either, they do the same exact thing those dollar tree ones do. I was shocked they sucked cause they were elmers brand but yeah they suck.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you for saving us; this is super helpful

[@TheKrazysinner]

you're welcome, sadly I had bought a bunch of them when they were on sale for going back to school sales..... oh well lesson learned. @@marypolancodesigns

[@kimdixon3773]

Thanks for all the info. I have been using your packing tape tip and I am loving it! I have misplaced so many backers. Now I don't have to search for them any more.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Wonderful! YAY!

[@laurabuehler]

"I don't do public math." 🤣

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hahaha nope!!

[@luv_paper_ribbon]

Great tips Mary. Love the poster board for alcohol inks.

[@marypolancodesigns]

It's such a good one it's one of my favorites thank you

[@hilarygreek7830]

Thank you so much for videos like this! Anything that will save me money on supplies, I am all over it! I love the little bins for organizing while crafting! Also I have been using a sticky mat in my stamp platform for a while now, and it’s fantastic!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awesome great minds think alike

[@makeishiagrant5602]

Me Too and at 1.25 definitely worth it ❤️

[@reneasmith1588]

I love that sticky mat in my stamp platform and I buy those little 3 compartment baskets for my grandkids to keep their crayons, markers, and legos in. I haven't seen the ceramic tags yet but will definitely be looking for them! ❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

I went back for more today and didn't see them anywhere. (the ceramic tags) I'm bummed!

[@angelaclark793]

Great tips, Mary! I like the packing tape one the best! I am like you, where I dislike the acetate backing not lining up after you have taken it off! You ought to use the ink-blended papers you can not part with by die-cutting something out of it! They are both gorgeous.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much! YAY

[@ultraviolet13881]

Absolutely love the tips, especially the packing tape tip for the acrylic stamps!! Love it. TFS :)

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much!

[@user-DonsWoman]

I wanted to find some stickers to zhush up some generic b'day cards (bulk pk from Amazon) $ Tree has iron-ons, patches, glue dots, clear stamps, stencils, foam letters, printed computer paper, tons of stationary, puffy stickers, rhinestones, confetti, calendars, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, & of course tons of stickers so so much more... I was thrilled!!!! I didn't see the mini baskets but I'll definitely look next time. Any suggestions for a pick tool? Those tiny letters & rhinestones like to jump around.. LoL Thank you!! Posted Sept 20.2024

[@marypolancodesigns]

My pick tool is the generic one from Amazon but looks just like the one the crafting store sells. Here it is. amzn.to/4gyKwOY It's my favorite

[@caroleanderson1106]

Great tips, Mary. I've used several of these and have not been disappointed. Thank you so much. Take care.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@sharoncarpenter4658]

Love the tape idea and the scrubby.

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! So glad

[@michelegourd5742]

Yes, Mary!! It was very helpful!! I also use the grip mat and it works great!! The packing tape is an awesome idea!! I will have to try the poster board !! Thanks so much for sharing!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@kimmorin7847]

Thanks for sharing, Mary! We cant get those grip mats here in Canada but i ordered a few from Ali Express. Plus i make my own with a Stretch n'Seal and a laminator ! They last a long time or you can use $Tree contact paper and a laminator for a stronger hold . Those little caddies are amazing! I use mine for a glue gun station. I obviously have to wait for it to cool but it holds a lot of glue sticks and i put in a silicone trivet to keep the glue drips off of my service ! Thanks for the tip on the glue sticks. I will not be buying.them for my Grambabies 😊

[@reginajeffery4147]

You must tell me more about this Stretch n'Seal & laminator thing in which you speak of... 🤔 (or did you mean Press n'Seal? Either way, inquiring minds need to know).

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks for sharing all of this; so helpful!

[@donnaokoniewski3761]

Very helpful Mary, as always. I use that sticky mat in my home made misti all the time. Works great. Love the idea of packing tape to close up one end of the stamps. That was brilliant, and I will definitely be doing that. Loved all the other items you shared, as well. Thank you again. Enjoy your day. xo

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! Thanks so much for this!

[@rivahcat8247]

A few days ago I found see-through post-it notes! These would be great to help position your masks accurately. I'm binging your videos right now and getting great and frugal tips; thanks!

[@rivahcat8247]

Found them at Dollar Tree, to be clear 😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Mozart869]

I found them also and purchased 4 packages, not even knowing if they would work. Well they work beautiful for sentiment placement on a card. Instead of using acetate or plastic packaging. I feel the need to go get 4 more packages (because I’m a hoarder of good deals😂).

[@kerrypocock1075]

Great money savers Thankyou. I am a starter and newbie., hate those glue sticks. They also dry out.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks for sharing this.

[@lisabloedel539]

Also! Forgot to say that those ceramic tags were so pretty! Love the colors you used! I haven’t started in on alcohol inks yet but I do LOVE the look! some day I will dive into it , and will certainly come back here to your channel for all your tips! ❤ Thank you Mary!

[@marypolancodesigns]

My pleasure thank you so much!

[@tressiesalton2813]

Thanks Mary! Nice way to test things out. What a beautiful idea with the ceramic tags.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you! I really love the way they turned out!

[@rjmiser]

Great video! I'll have to see if the uk equivalent stores have good stuff too! ^.^ ♥

[@elizabethgoodman9357]

Maybe your glue didn’t work because it was on a different surface than paper

[@marypolancodesigns]

Possibly, yes thank you!

[@vickirivera1052]

Yeah the glue sticks don't work at all😢

[@jeanadamsick9854]

THANKS FOR SHAREING. THE GLUE STICKS DIDN'T WORK FOR ME, ASWELL!! THAT BLACK CIRCLE SCRUBY, LOOKS LIKE A GOOD IDEA. Do take care. Fl.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much for this, I'm not alone! lol

[@pauladyer9845]

Cool tips…I enjoy our$ store…and I will look for these products….I tried the poster board…works so well. Alcohol inks..50 cents a big sheet…lots to play with…making or trying to make backgrounds for faux cloisonné butterfly’s…got the tip from Christine Stokes

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yes! That's my favorite for sure!!!

[@jenniferstull8767]

Hi Mary. I just found your channel by chance. I am pleased I did. Do you know whether you can use the Glue Applicators with Weldbond Glue?

[@marypolancodesigns]

I don't actually know that, no. 😔

[@jackiejohnson7158]

I love the tip on taping the acetate! Thanks Mary. I’m always losing that other piece. Brilliant!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@NormaNapier]

Everything looks awesome as always.. You are very creative and talented...I love all your videos and have received much inspiration from each one. Thank you for sharing with us all...

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much! What an encouraging compliment!

[@bethjackson8727]

My idea. Your colourful poster board needs to be framed with LIVE LIFE IN COLOUR phrase off to the side so it doesn’t obliterate all the beautiful colour. You can tell I’m Canadian by the spelling of colour. I wish American companies would include the word COLOUR in stamp releases.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You bring up a great point. And I LOVVVVE THE QUOTE!

[@marilynmcdonald2850]

The ProMax markers also work in the Cricket marker holder and the results are great. They don’t click in so you have to figure out how far to push it in but they are impressive and so affordable.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awesome tip, thanks so much for sharing

[@RochelleJSullivan]

Hello, Thank you Mary for sharing some great tips. I go to the dollar store here in town. I will go back and check to see if they have some of the items you brought in to show. they have a pink tool in the craft section that has a sharp point on the end. I use that all of the time for multiple things. Try it and see what you think. Shelly

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you for this; helpful tip!

[@lynda1037]

I hadn't been to Dollar Tree in ages and went today. I actually picked up a few of the items you mention in the video. I originally went for the grip mat because you mentioned it in another video. In Canada they are charging $1.50 minimum at Dollar Tree now. Still a good deal!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY that's awesome! thanks for sharing this with us

[@summer5851]

Hi Mary! I had texted you on another video on great things to use from dollar tree, Amazon...I have the very severe RA with deformity. I loved your syringes for craft glue. Now I have to go to dollar tree store to grab these items. I'm definitely going for those tongs, I dont have the squeeze strength for my craft reverse tweezers to open them to grip cardstock, etc...My dollar tree list has pretty much everything on your video. Thanks again for all the heads up on all these affordable items that won't break the bank, and will let me continue to craft a little less painfully, and more enjoyable! So appreciated! Love and hugs!

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY I'm so glad this was helpful; thank you for the feedback I truly appreciate it!

[@artcreationsbydar]

Oh such a great video! I have missed you! I blame myself as I got caught up into some crime videos and forgot the other “ fun “ things on KZbin! Sheesh! I think I will stick to fun things for awhile for sure. Lol Much better for the soul. Lol

[@marypolancodesigns]

Welcome back! 😆 thats funny, I get caught up in other YT videos too. There's so much entertainment out there.

[@sandradowkes481]

I often (pretty well always) save the containers that you buy mushrooms in (those blue styrofoam things). I use them to carry around smaller items or to organize drawers, too. Are you in Canada? Here the Dollar store has gone up to $1.25 (or maybe even more now, I don't have one nearby, so it's been awhile since I've been there).

[@marypolancodesigns]

I'm in the USA. It's 1..25 here now too.

[@debbietramundanas6518]

The only glue at Dollar Tree that is worth a hoot, is their wood glue that I use for gluing their Tumbling Tower blocks. I have tried the aerosol, the glue sticks, the pump spray and none of them work well for me. Best glue stick is the Avery glue sticks. Which you can no longer buy at DT.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awesome tip thank you

[@debbiejournigan270]

Those sticks that small i dont think so

[@jacquelinebloom4339]

Oh Mary, if only one of my four Dollar Tree stores had the things you show Id be happy but alas no! They aren’t into Crafter’s Square or crafting in general.

[@marypolancodesigns]

The dollar trees are so inconsistent across the country. I'm sorry about that

[@debbie2837]

I’m sort of glad you had a glue stick failure! 😂. Because I bot a 6 pk. years ago & had to throw them all away! So now I know it wasn’t just me.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Nope, not just you. Straight trash. haha

[@msmollygone]

I use the silicone scrubber to hold my ink pads while I'm ink blending.

[@marypolancodesigns]

BRILLIANT! LOVE THAT

[@susanstimson871]

My sister made a beautiful cards for my parents anniversary and my mother wanted to keep it. Two weeks later it just came apart. She said she used a glue stick. We both tossed our glue sticks in the trash. No one wants to put so much time, thought , effort and materials into a gift only to have it fall apart after it’s given.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh no! Well yep that was my experience...no more glue sticks for me. Lol

[@myramoore7925]

I use Elmer Glue Sticks for gluing beautiful napkins onto a cardstock panel. (Trim off edges.) I press the napkin down in the center of the panel and work outward to remove any wrinkles..Then go over with a bone folder. To make sure it holds, place panel inside an embossing folder and run through your machine. This makes a beautiful and secure panel to add to your card front. I loved the idea of using packing tape on your acetate for stamps!

[@marypolancodesigns]

That's a great idea! Thank you

[@valerieneal2700]

Can you post a picture of the finished name tags for Thanksgiving that you made?

[@marypolancodesigns]

I sure can. 😃

[@beckyreeder5145]

You should frame the alcohol prints that you can't part with. I have several throughout my house.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I shall do that thank you

[@Craftygadgetgirl]

The glue sticks are garbage. Nothing sticks. I threw mine in the garbage.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Same...lol

[@thebanjolady]

I use the silicone scrubbies to clean my stamps. I’ve been doing it for years, and I like that it gets in all the little nooks and crannies

[@marypolancodesigns]

Nice, thank you so much!

[@pvergiels501]

Poster board, larger size, are great for Gold and Silver backs under main objects on front of cards. Much cheaper than gold or silver card stock

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great idea! Thank you

[@star1d]

About the stamps coming into 2 pieces of acetate. I did use the dollar store tape, but found out it would rip in half if acetate ages were a bit sharp. Of course the concept of taping was working. Decided to buy a better tape. I was running out of tape (because it is used for other purposes) and I didn't want to pay again for the expensive tape. Then logic kicks in. The only purpose of taping the 2 pieces of acetate is to avoid lose the back of the stamp sheet. Let's face it. Packing tapet is transparent and it's easier on the OCD 😊. So I had my stapler. I just stapled one corner of the stamps holding the acetates. And just to appeal to the simplistic solution. I used unnecessary color staples. 😊 . It works just the same, cheaper and my OCD is at bay.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great to know and awesome work around thank you

[@andrealavigne7824]

I never knew Dollar Tree sold those silicone scrubbers. I got a similar one several years ago at The Container Store. Didn't know they sold them until I saw it on one of their end cap displays when I was in there once - probably on Black Friday that year. Mine is orange & has a hedgehog-looking "head/face" on one end, & a "tail" with a hanger hole at the other end. Really cute, but alas, I have never found them since! I use mine for cleaning stencils if I have used paste or a gel medium with them, for which it is perfect! I do wipe as much of the paste/gel as possible off with a paper towel that I throw in the trash, so that stuff doesn't end up clogging our pipes. I wet the stencil in the sink, wet my little hedgehog scrubber, add a bit of liquid dish soap to the bristles, & gently scrub my stencil until it's clean. Works like a charm, & I have yet to damage any of my stencils! So that is another use possibility for that scrubber. Which I'm sure cost less than the one I got, though it still isn't a bright orange hedgehog! LOL I do have a question for you. I got a tip a looong time ago from Maureen Wong on YT to "laminate" the front side of paper masks with clear packing tape, so they don't absorb ink & therefore last longer. I have done that, but of course the tape tends to add thickness to the mask, giving the "halo" effect you can get when stamping around the mask. I have been unable to find packing tape that is thinner than the heavy-duty stuff you can get from office supply stores, etc. Do you think the Dollar Tree tape is thinner than the office-supply-store kind? I have looked at the store brand tape at Office Depot, but it doesn't seem any thinner (i.e. flimsier) than Scotch/3M brand. I know technically I can cut the mask a little smaller to prevent the halo, but that has proven to be kind of hit-or-miss. Actually more miss than hit. LOL Do you have any thoughts? I'd love to hear them if you do! :) Thank you for sharing these finds. I had figured when you first showed the glue stick that it would be a fail, just because at that price.... But kudos to you for trying! Take care, & I hope you have an awesome day! :)

[@marypolancodesigns]

I do think the Dollar Tree tape is thinner by a little bit so that might be what you're looking for. I've never tried this so I'm not 100% sure. I hope that's helpful

[@debbie2837]

Also, the spatula you used? The double sided one (red/Betty Crocker) is amazing!!! 2 different sized silicone spatulas in one.

[@marypolancodesigns]

YES I have that one too! Amazing

[@bevp7838]

I couldn’t get the alcohol ink to move on photo paper when I tried it years ago. I was told that it was because photo paper was designed to grab ink and lock it in so your photos don’t smear when you print them at home. I still had fun, but I didn’t get the results I had seen in videos!

[@marypolancodesigns]

If you still have some, try the back of the photo paper. I know...weird but I've seen that work

[@jacquibain6641]

I would frame the inks pictures you can’t get rid of

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great idea! YES

[@charlottesilber1687]

Just ran across this video. Great ideas, Thank You for sharing

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@hazelsavill1497]

I'll only use Prit Stick. Other glue sticks dry out over time

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great to know thanks so much

[@shirleywilhelm1495]

What is sectioned black thing you are working on?

[@marypolancodesigns]

It's a soldering silicone mat. That one in particular I cannot find, but here's a similar one. LINK :amzn.to/49w6eiq

[@carolinesurowiec6]

All great idea. I use the scrubber to clean my paint brushes. I also buy the pouches by the make up and such for pencil cases. I buy a lot from dollar tree and now you gave me more ideas!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oooh the pencil idea; love that. Thank you

[@saltandlight44777]

im so bummed...i see so many vid about dollar tree items that ALL of the stores in Arkansas dont carry. Even the tons of newly open stores have nothing and what they do have is always in boxes or looks like they opened a random box and just dumped the items onto shelves. there was a store that i visted the day it opened and you had to dig thru piles on shelves. They have none of the neat craft and organization or stationary items i see in vids line this.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Such a bummer! What's up with them there? I wonder if you can inquire about it. You can't be the only crafter around.

[@cherieselauer7829]

LOVE THESE!! Thanks so very much!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@beckypilcher688]

Love this. The only this is I don’t have any alcohol reinkers.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I do not use them often but when I do I have a blast

[@pattiepan]

Thanks for all the useful tips..................pat

[@marypolancodesigns]

My pleasure!

[@reginajeffery4147]

The poster boards that you love & can't part with, frame them & put up in your craft as decoration so you can look at them whenever!

[@marypolancodesigns]

I shall do that, thank you!

[@mskrcole]

I have been trying to find the mat to go inside my misti not available anywhere.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I think I found it! Here go you: shrsl.com/4dg9r

[@paulawray6210]

Thank you!

[@Karen-ij4rb]

Does the alcohol ink rub off the poster board after it dries?

[@marypolancodesigns]

Not that I've experienced no

[@baboo7192]

Very helpful and I hate glue sticks!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hahah...me too now.

[@tinamariehenry7251]

Frame the poster board you can't part with!

[@marypolancodesigns]

I shall! Thank you!

[@reginabasart5080]

T4s

[@AngelRodriguez-hh7py]

Love the tape and acetate idea for stamps…I went through a phase that I cut all my stamp sets to fit inside baseball card pockets…but now it’s hard to remember which brand and where to find what or where to store the large binder sheet…so I think I will be using the tape and acetate idea to reassemble each set back to what it should look like…or something resembling better organization lol

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks for sharing this; what you used to do and what works now. It's helpful

[@sunnyhughes3373]

Great tips. Thank you so much.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!