A Card Maker's BIGGEST Mistake....

[@j.m.v.k.7684]

I have this set and have had these problems..i love, love plaid..so thanks for these great suggestions!

[@ardyth]

So glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@coolstamper]

Great video Ardyth! The majority of mistakes in card making ARE fixable. But, for those that are not, I have an “Oops” stamp, which I have used several times over the years. I once put my front panel on upside down, and rather than rip it off, I just added my oops stamp on one of the bottom corners on the inside of my card. People get a kick out of it. Also, I’d suggest a damp washcloth in your stamping area…it saves trips downstairs to clean your stencils that have a water base ink on them. I also clean my stamps with just a damp washcloth. I’ve been stamping for close to 30 years and do not buy stamp cleaner. Dye base inks clean up well with a damp washcloth. And I throw the washcloths in with my towels when dirty. They’ve never left marks of any kind, and no dinginess on my other towels. Happy stamping! 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸

[@ardyth]

That's a great tip! I do have some cloths here that I use to clean stamps and generally clean up, but hadn't thought of using them for the stencils. I'll have to give it a try! Thanks for watching!

[@coolstamper]

@@ardyth I like the cotton terrycloth washcloths the best because they have the little nibs on them that get down into the crevices of the stamps. I buy all cotton black washcloths and they don’t look so bad when they get dirty. But wash them first to get rid of any lint. I tried the microfiber and did not like those at all…they left lint on my stamps. Anyway…hope you try it. Lately I’ve just had a dry washcloth on an old saucer and spray a corner of it with water and clean up my stamps. Works great. After you try it you can share the tip too. 💕

[@auzzygirl8175]

Try wearing the medical style gloves or just a glove on the hand holding the stencil down. You can wipe the glove if needed or take off and replace if needed.

[@ardyth]

Great tip! Thanks for watching!

[@cindyrobinson2199]

The tip for running the die cut through again to smooth out the bumps is brilliant. 😊

[@ardyth]

Aw, thanks! And thanks for watching!

[@michiganlighthouse]

I almost didn't watch this video after the opening statements re inks & stenciling. But over time, I've learned there is usually something applicable to what I'm currently dealing with when I watch my "regulars". And there IT was - the way to press out those annoying bumbs on diecuts. Especially noticeable on the metallic papers. Thank you! Hooray! So simple!

[@ardyth]

Haha! So glad you stuck around! Thanks so much, I really do appreciate it!

[@pink25poppies1]

Have you tried using a bit of rubbing alcohol to clean your stencils from ink ( rather than always going to the sink)? I've had good success with that & use it on my blending brushes between shades of a color

[@ardyth]

I have not tried that. I have tried baby wipes but that feels wasteful and there's still ink everywhere. I'll have to give the alcohol a try! Thanks for sharing that!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I keep a small bin of water and a tea towel on hand when I stencil. I tried baby wipes and hate the little fibers that tend to transfer to my work so I stopped using them. When I stamp I use a scrap of old cotton t-shirt and a spray bottle of distilled water to help keep my stamps, fingers, and work area clean.

[@carolinebredeson4198]

thanks for more great tips, Ardyth. Back in the day...(early 90s) I used to stencil onto the walls in our home. Flowers and quotes, using acrylic paint, so quite juicy. A true stencil brush is just as you describe. Flat surface and using a "pouncing" motion help to keep the ink/paint from building up too quickly. We used painter's tape back then, too :)

[@ardyth]

Oh I remember those days! lol! Thanks so much for watching!

[@catcar8212]

I am tickled pink, over the moon and other things I haven't even thought of yet, but you sharing that the sticky mat grid is now a stand alone item has me giddy! Ordering one for Marissa and one for me. Watching you use the mat again confirms it's assets. So thanks again, Ardyth, for another demo, especially my fav, a plaid. I'll check out Ushani's tips next.🌷🌷

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@amymullins1566]

One reason I’ve found strange indentations in my dies is because I ran them through twice. By running through only once those indentations don’t show up. Thanks so much for the info! I’m definitely going to buy the new Altenew stamping platform. I’m excited to see you at the organizational summit!

[@ardyth]

Thanks for that tip!

[@IshaniScards]

You are such an amazing teacher Ardyth! Love how you work with colour combinations when using stencils. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing tips. I may have to buy these brushes. You are right, I think flat brush would be better than the curved ones.

[@ardyth]

I always enjoy working together, Ishani!

[@melissazabower339]

If the ink smudges are too noticeable, it goes into the scrap bin, to be used for die cuts and backing for sentiments, etc. 😊

[@ardyth]

For me too. Thanks so much for watching!

[@amymullins1566]

That’s a really great idea! I usually just pitch them in the garbage but I’ll die cut a bunch of sentiments from it next time it happens.

[@mystichris1543]

As always, Ardyth - a terrific video with lots of helpful hints. Thank you!

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@dingfriesaredone]

I so agree with you on being organized. I have a shared craft space in my bedroom. I am super organized and clean up after each project. Since my craft space is in my bedroom I don’t like a messy area.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@TheresaJollyLee]

I keep a little spray bottle with alcohol in it. When I’m using stencils and need to clean, I just spray them with a bit of the alcohol and wipe off with a microfiber rag (I have a stack of them dedicated to my craft room). It works great. I think I got that idea from Cathy Zielske.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for sharing that tip! Thanks so much for watching!

[@laurie3881]

I remember making each one of the mistakes you mentioned. (and more than once!) I donate my cards at a local Hospice so I want them to be really nice. At first it was so discouraging and many times I would almost give up trying to make an attractive card. Videos like this have kept me going. Thank you!

[@ardyth]

Keep going - I know how you feel, but even imperfect cards have the power to uplift someone, so they're important! Thanks so much for watching!

[@christineschroeder1749]

your videos are great, and your designs inspirational. I really enjoy what you share with all of us. I too don't have water in my space - but I do have a spray bottle and a large microfibre cloth. For water based in I just give the stencil a spritz and wipe it off. (the cloth is large enough to allow me to hold it up a bit higher at the front to prevent overspray from hitting anything else in the line of fire.)

[@ardyth]

That's a great tip - thanks so much!

[@donnaroper9828]

Ardyth .. I clean my stencils with hand sanitizer and paper towels. No running to the sink to clean!!!!

[@ardyth]

That's a great tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@caseybradley-becker8651]

I sure love your videos! I wish I would have found you when I first started out 10+ years ago!

[@ardyth]

Haha! I only started making videos in 2017, but I'm glad you're here now! Thanks so much for watching!

[@melissasilvestre2442]

Thank you so much for this!! I love this plaid stencil and it’s always been a problem for me. I can’t wait to try out all these tips!

[@ardyth]

Glad it was helpful! (was it you who inspired this video? I think it might have been! lol!) Thanks for watching, Melissa - good luck!

[@melissasilvestre2442]

LOL. It was me that commented on your plaid video about this stencil. I took all of your lessons and applied them to a background. Success!! I was using domed blending foams on a glass mat. Pulled out the waffle flower mat, blending brushes and tried to remember not to push too hard on the brush. Layer on the color. It all worked.

[@ardyth]

@@melissasilvestre2442 YAY! I'm so glad!

[@beckybiddle09]

Great video Ardyth! 👍🏻 It was also great seeing you on, Craft Roulette again! Wonderful cards, all of them. 💜

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much! 😊 It's always fun to hang out with everyone on Craft Roulette!

[@caatandco7848]

Thank you for your video.. which got me thinking, what is my biggest mistake said the ink-blend-mad Dutchie ? I spend the rest of my afternoon re-inking my more than loved Pinkfresh Studio mini-ink cubes. Also instead of waiting for the new colours to come in, I had a look at what colours do I use the most and ordered some more re-inkers. ♥

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@marthakrause8441]

Helpful video! I especially appreciated the die cut correction. And thanks for the heads up on the sticky mat availability. I ordered mine right away.

[@ardyth]

I think you'll really like it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@rebeccafiveash4335]

I have that dainty plaid die and love it. I swipe blend with oxides and domed foam pads OR bristle brushes with dye inks. FYI...I have 2 spray bottles and microfiber cloth and a small hand towel or tea towel close by me. One bottle holds plain water which I use for water effects etc AND to spray my stencils then I place wet stencil on towel and wipe dry with microfiber cloth. So quick and easy. My other spray bottle holds plain water with a few drops of dish detergent do I can clean up my area at the end of a fun time. Hope this helps you out. Ps. I have tried using isopropyl alcohol which is instant cleanup.

[@ardyth]

That's a great tip - thanks so much for sharing!

[@Cre8iveCindy]

Great video. Love to see your take on things.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@ArtemisMade1]

Excellent tips, thank you! I have also found that using the new Paper Pouncers really eliminates the ink under stencil problem, which I have definitely had happen before. I wasn’t sure how they’d work out but I’m glad I invested in them! 😊

[@ardyth]

I'm excited to see these pouncers in action! Thanks for watching!

[@artcreationsbydar]

Super great video! Thanks so much! :) Love your videos! ❤️❤️❤️

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!!

[@deejohnson827]

Such great tips, Ardyth!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@smply4you]

Great tips. Thanks so much. I get a lot out of your videos.

[@ardyth]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!

[@kerriegood1046]

I love me a Friday with Ardith. So happy to see a new video. Loved your tip for the sentiment dies at the end. I had really noticed that. I have been running the die through in a new piece of paper just to keep the extra metallic paper fresh and clean. I have my ticket for the upcoming event. Thanxs so much.

[@ardyth]

That's a great tip - it will protect the die cut from any scratches on the plates! Thanks for sharing that! See you at the Summit! Thanks for watching!

[@IRC1026]

Great Tips! Thank you so much. Have a wonderful weekend.

[@ardyth]

Thank you! You too!

[@kcinca5410]

Thanks for the tip about impressions on cardstock from die cutting. I find my Switch has so much pressure (it is a good thing) that I can see every dot, outline, etc. on the cardstock from the die, especially metallic cardstock, which I love to use. Truthfully, my Switch has so much pressure that it leaves an impression on my "do not cut" plate but boy can it cut intricate dies. So it's a tradeoff. Sometimes my fix for my mistakes actually ends up making the card better that it would have been had I not "messed" it up.

[@ardyth]

I think my Gemini is in that category - at least with the sandwich I use. I notice it more since I switched to the magnetic deck. And I love your attitude about the mistakes, and I agree - sometimes it just forces us to figure out something we like even better! Thanks for watching!

[@jettielewis8677]

What about using the new Picket Fence Pouncers on stencils for card making instead of usimg brushes or dabbers?

[@ardyth]

I haven't tried those. From what I've seen, they look pretty good, but I'm happy with my brushes for now. Thanks for watching!

[@dizzinese]

I have a great tip for a no sink craft room and a stencil-a-Holocene! I take a bigger towel lay it next to where I’m stenciling off to my right side leaving the towel hanging off the edge of the table. Now not a bath towel just a mid size. Then depending on the size you use most, I use 6x6 or a little bigger, even slimline, I use a metal 8x8 or 9x9 baking pan I fill with soapy water. When done with the stencil slip it into the little pan and if you want to use it again, pull it out and use the end of the towel hanging of the table and lay it flat and dry it off! I have put many stencils in here and it’s fantastic! Try it and leave a reply and lMk how you liked it!

[@ardyth]

That's a great tip! Thanks so much!

[@shirleyh9583]

Thank you for sharing these thoughtful tips. I'm sure I've encountered most of them but couldn't think of a fix at the time.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@wendihaikugrl2651]

Thank you for the tips!! You explain so well! I’m still at the resisting re-inkers stage lol! But the making my own colored cardstock makes so much sense…saves space & money in supplies! TYFS 🌼

[@ardyth]

Haha! I was there for a long time. You'll know when you're ready. Or not! lol! Thanks for watching!

[@prettyrichgirl2007]

GREAT...thanks..

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@created2bless322]

Thank you, these are super tips and what a well put together video demonstration.

[@ardyth]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words!

[@mpbailey18]

I like the Waffle Flower mat with the corner...as you said...really helpful! Also, I don't believe you mentioned that you should be inking with the stripe direction...so if your stripes are horizontal, then ink across; if vertical, then ink up or down. Just getting into plaid stencils and there are quite a few! Do you have some favorites??

[@ardyth]

My favourite plaid stencil set right now is that Dainty Plaid from PinkFresh Studio. Easy to use multiple colours, get tones of different patterns, and oh my if you use the coordinating stamp with the stencil, everything really pops! I did a video about plaid a couple of weeks ago - so many ways to love it! lol! Thanks for watching!

[@mpbailey18]

@@ardyth Thanks!

[@amyswares]

Those cards are incredible! Great tips!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much, Amy!

[@judyhartmann3071]

Go advice and great cards!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@racheljolley26352]

Excellent tips and tricks, thank you.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@brendaelainewaddell1682]

Ardyth, what a helpful video. Thanks so much for the tips. 🤐🇨🇦

[@ardyth]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching!

[@tami1796]

Thank you for sharing your video. I rewatched your Evernote video actually both and Evernote wants to charge me for the photo or screenshot uploads. Is this something new on the free program? Am I doing it wrong?

[@ardyth]

Oh no. My webclipper is an 'extension' on my Chrome browser, so there's a little icon in the top right corner of my screen that I pull down, click on Ever Note Web Clipper and then a selection of options comes up. I choose 'screen shot' and then I use my cursor to choose the area I want. That then creates my Note automatically. (I think I showed this in the most recent video). I tried a couple of sites tonight, and one wouldn't let me take a screenshot - that may be the vendor itself preventing people from screenshot-ing their products so they can't be digitally stolen, but then I went to Simon Says Stamp and had no trouble taking a screenshot and creating a note. I'm not techy enough to really understand what an extension means or whether that's the area that you might need help in. Or if Evernote has changed their pricing for new accounts, and grandfathered in the older accounts. So I'm sorry I'm not more help on this, but I hope you are able to figure it out - that ability makes Evernote so much easier to use.

[@tami1796]

@@ardyth thank you for taking time to answer I saw that you had the extension but I saved to photos then dragged and dropped. So it just must be me. I thought I was following your instructions but I do get confused user error I think . I really appreciate the time you took to answer me thank you

[@juliehulver461]

Great tips! Is the sticky mat in the stamp wheel similar to a thin gel plate?

[@ardyth]

It's actually exactly the same as a photopolymer stamp. Someone else suggested trying to use a gel plate as a stencil grip and I still need to do that. Thanks!

[@Scrappinmommaof5]

These are fantastic tips. I enjoy watching you on Craft Roulette, so I had to start your videos also. My family is coming to Toronto on vacation from St. Louis, MO, USA the first part of June. Are there any amazing crafty hot spots In Toronto that I can’t leave without seeing??

[@ardyth]

How exciting! Most of the crafty shops are outside of the city itself - rents are high! lol! If you'll have a car and can get around, I can give you a list of a few. Maybe we could meet up for a coffee!

[@Scrappinmommaof5]

I can see where there would be a problem with rent, Toronto is definitely pricey! I don’t know what all we are going to have time for yet, but we will be driving into Canada. How fun to meet up. That would be so fun.

[@debbiehaney2467]

Thanks for your tips. I notice you have a grid underneath your stamp wheel sticky mat to show placement of both a side-fold and top-fold A2 card and the center point. The lack of that feature is a major drawback for me when it comes to purchasing the stamp wheel, though I think I’d like to have one. Could you show us (or tell me here) how you made your grid? Thanks, Ardyth. You’re a great teacher!!

[@ardyth]

Hi Debbie! I used a piece of Sizzix Sticky Grid mat to create that (I talked about it in my review of the tool last week). Simon Hurley used a cricut-type mat to make his (which is where I got the idea! lol!). Also, Altenew (I just discovered) has some tools to centre different sizes of cardstock in the base, which also look interesting. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching!

[@mrsmcphate]

Thanks for these tips! Love the die cuts hack! That always made me crazy! Can't wait to try it. TFS!

[@barbarahill6365]

You could try alcohol sprayed on your stencil. Or just a bottle of alcohol and wet part of your microfiber towel could clean your dye ink off the stencil without a trip to the kitchen.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for the tip!

[@DrMomT]

My biggest mistake is the cards I don't make. I often have good intentions but don't follow through. And then I don't send a card to the person I planned to make it for. That's why I am embracing making cards by the "batch" so that I'll have a bunch on hand, and I'm trying not to be so perfectionistic about them.

[@ardyth]

That's a great way to look at it - I'm sure you're not alone and I think you've found a great solution! Thanks for watching!

[@rebeccafiveash4335]

Me too. I love making endless backgrounds that can be used as backgrounds or cut up in shapes, words flowers etc. Now I've done a batch of sentiments. I also batch die cutting. Such a fun way to then put things together later on.

[@nicolalederer9517]

I wonder if the stencil issue is one that could be solved by these new ink pouncers… I am very curious as to how they will perform here as well as with colouring delicate die cuts. Oh, and thank you for sharing that the photopolymer mat is available separately - I was really hoping for that! And finally, thank you for the great tips, Ardyth. Kind regards from Germany, Nicola

[@ardyth]

Hi Nicola! I haven't seen those in real life yet, but I am definitely all for trying lots of different ways to find what works best for each of us! Thanks so much for watching!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I notice that some crafters swipe the ink through the stencil. I use regular foam blenders and pounce; I have never had a problem with ink bleeding under my stencils.

[@cherylbuck8396]

What was the blue die plate did you use in this video. Is it a magnetic plate. Please advise.

[@ardyth]

Yes, that's the i-Crafter Magnetic Pro Self-Mending deck (I may have some of those words out of order). I've been using it since Christmas and I'm really liking it - no warping. Thanks for watching!

[@cherylbuck8396]

@@ardyth Hi, do you know if this can take the place on one of the cutting plates for the spellbinder platinum die and embossing machine.

[@ardyth]

@@cherylbuck8396 I don't have a Platinum, but I think that i-Crafter did a whole list of sandwiches for their plates - scroll down on this page, I see Platinum 6 there. i-crafter.com/product/i-mend-self-mending-magnetic-pro-deck/

[@sam1488]

Thanks for the great video. I’m sorry my question is not really related to this, but I’m having a difficult time finding anything on KZbin or Google about which is the best white card stock to use when using Copic markers Or other alcohol-based markers? I am new to using markers and I generally use basic recollections white card stock from Michael stores and find the markers bleed through. Thanks for any tips that you have on paper for card making. Thank you.

[@ardyth]

Hi there! Most alcohol markers will bleed through most white cardstock. Many card makers therefore colour on a panel that gets attached to a card base so that it's not visible from the inside of the card. If you're finding that it's bleeding around the outlines of your stamping, I would try a smoother, coated cardstock (I can't remember what the recollections is like, but I think it's a bit rough and porous). I use Hammermill Digital Copy Cover Cardstock, and lots of people use Neenah Solar White 80lb. There is something called Express-it which is designed specifically for alcohol markers. Jessica Frost-Ballas and Daniel West (Del and Artie) both come to mind when I think of channels that Copic colouring, and they may have more (or better! lol!) information for you. Colouring with alcohol markers definitely takes getting used to and lots of practice! Thanks for watching!

[@sam1488]

@@ardyth you are awesome! Thank you so much for getting back with me! One more quick question is this paper a very nice bright white? Most of the time I use my recollections card stock as the base but if I want a really pretty white, I buy individual sheets at a local card making store. However these are usually $.50-$.75 apiece and of course this adds up.😊🌸Thanks!!!!

[@ardyth]

@@sam1488 the Hammermill I buy is from Amazon and a very, very bright white.

[@sam1488]

@@ardyth THANK YOU!

[@ardyth]

@@sam1488 www.amazon.ca/Hammermill-Printer-Digital-Letter-Bright/dp/B00SN0PI88?pd_rd_w=dRF0d&content-id=amzn1.sym.af74bb2c-0471-4d18-a5da-d9b17b5bd7dd&pf_rd_p=af74bb2c-0471-4d18-a5da-d9b17b5bd7dd&pf_rd_r=TH511G92CJERHR9HQ7R4&pd_rd_wg=MjQRZ&pd_rd_r=e365238f-c145-4901-a43b-4bf0707ff366&pd_rd_i=B00SN0PI88&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_1_t&th=1

[@victoriaparis2791]

Love your hair!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@Birds1953]

Wouldn’t spraying an adhesive on the back of this type of stencil work?

[@ardyth]

Definitely! I talked about why I don't like that option, but of course you should do what works for you. Thanks for watching!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

That would work if the adhesive leaves zero residue on the work--spray adhesive residue might cause a resist effect of the ink. 😉

[@teresasanner-fecto3690]

I think every card I've ever made has had some kind of surgery! Thanks for the tips.

[@ardyth]

Me too! lol! Thanks for watching!

[@wendywell4864]

Did you go to Scrapfest in Kitchener? Wondering what I missed...

[@ardyth]

I did! It wasn't the biggest I've seen, but a shop called Glitter And Ink (I think) did a big demo of the Stencils 360 tool, which was really fun to see! Maybe I'll see you there next year!

[@wendywell4864]

@@ardyth That sounds neat! I do hope to get there next year as there are always things that I haven't seen before and interesting make and takes. Thanks for replying.

[@Rebeccacell]

I think people are struggling because they are using a traditional circular motion vs the way you did it which is more of a back and forth motion in the direction of stripes with little round movement

[@ardyth]

That's a good point - it's definitely good to try different techniques to see what makes a difference! Thanks for watching, Rebecca!

[@pennyf9886]

i hate cleaning stencils!

[@ardyth]

This is why I don't use pastes.... lol! Thanks for watching!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I always buy refills with my ink pads. When stenciling I keep a small bin of water with a drop of castille soap in it and a cloth tea towel to dry my stencils in case I want to stencil in a other color. I use foam blenders and ink does not get under my stencils. I am the crafter in the dining room, though I recently upgraded to my own space. 😂 PS: Nice adverts.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for sharing your tips! As for adverts - what you see is (I believe) what Google chooses for you - I don't have any control over them, so if you like them, Google must be doing a good job for you! lol! Thanks for watching!