Build Your Stash and Craft, Wk 59, DIY Ink Pads/Stamp Pads, and Faux Acrylic Block :)

[@lizday8140]

Use a small artist's paintbrush to mix your gel food colors in liquid. It will reduce your time incredibly! I use that technique in getting it ready for fiber dyeing...so much faster! The hairs trap the gel colors and smashes them rather than allowing the clumps to run away from the stir sticks. ❤

[@aljohn]

Hello Liz :) Thank you for sharing your ideas, that is a good one :) Stay Safe :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@livingformeandlookingtofuture]

Brilliant idea...!!! ✨️💖💖💖💖💖✨️ One of the best, D.I.Y. crafting tips ever seen.

[@aljohn]

Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@kykyun]

I love it...it works..I make my own coloured ink pad using hand sanitizer and I add a little bit of glycerin...and I use glycerin for mimicking the versamark... It works wonder and you can create various color of your own...I use food dye/ink bottle for printer to look like dye ink and I use acrylic to look like chalk or opaque ink(available ink pads that are dedicated for stamping sure expensive...)

[@aljohn]

Hello Qhaliffa :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) Thank you for sharing your tips :) Stay Safe :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@lectriqueblu7478]

How clever and resourceful you are Amy. Thankyou for sharing

[@aljohn]

Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@ruthmills2292]

Thank you! I just knew it could be done! I love the fact that I can make this! I'm looking forward to more days on your channel!✒️🔏❤

[@aljohn]

Thank you for your sweet comment :) If your pad dries out just add a bit of the hand sanitizer to the pad and work it in for a nice fresh pad :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@livingformeandlookingtofuture]

I've been a crafter for fourteen years. While I do always use store-bought ink pads... especially pigment since I create a lot of heat embossed projects, I can't thank you enough for your stamping tip (smoothing the stamp and allowing the ink to transfer onto the paper... instead of pressing it down ensures a clearer image). It's a life saver...!!!

[@aljohn]

Thank you for your sweet comment :) I am glad it helped :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@selenaupson7773]

I’m still watching your channel and I’m loving it.

[@aljohn]

Thank you for the sweet comment :) I am glad you are enjoying my videos :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@geminidream4347]

Thank you for this wonderful tip. You are so right about doing something, knowing people are watching you, taking more time and making more mistakes. It's the Universal Law of keeping us humble from believing/thinking that we are great at doing something. LOL

[@aljohn]

Yes, the universal law, lol :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@surekhagalagoda4047]

You are a real genius. Thanks for saving my money. Love you loads. Blessings

[@aljohn]

Hello Surekha :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) Stay Safe :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@murielleleclerc2260]

Merci, c’est super d’apprendre tous ces trucs . Je suis de Québec, Canada .

[@aljohn]

I am glad you like my videos :) I am from Michigan, USA :) Thank you for watching, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@patriciamason9884]

Amy, just ran across this video today. Let me tell you girlfriend "You are brilliant!!!" How genius to come up with this idea!!! And you are so good at explaining everything you do. Crafting can turn into a lot of money, if we let it. So glad someone referred you to me!!!! Have an outstanding day!!!! 💜💜💜 ☺

[@aljohn]

Thank you for the sweet comment :) The containers were not very air tight, so it did dry, but all you have to do is add a squirt of hand sanitizer and work it into the pad and it is good as new :) I am glad you enjoy my channel, I love budget crafting :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@robertabrady8127]

That’s a lot of work, but it sure is less expensive than buying so many colors. And there always coming out with new colors. Nice demo!

[@aljohn]

Hello Roberta :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) It is easier than I made it look :) Stay Safe :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@TheTinybubbles1]

thank you for all the great videos

[@aljohn]

Hello Elizabeth :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) Stay Safe :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@3607Mario]

Are you a retired teacher? You are so good at showing every detail and I enjoy watching each video. Sometimes over & over. Thank you for your time and effort

[@aljohn]

Hello Tigger :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) No, I had a corporate job, but resigned 12 years ago to stay home and take care of my parents when my Mom got sick. I always wanted to be a teacher, but at the time I was graduating from high school they were discouraging anyone from going into teaching because they said there were already to many teachers. So I am happy that I can at least teach now, I am happy you enjoy my series :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@hena5756]

Interesting I really appreciate you

[@dawnnewsome55]

When you are using a brand new stamp if you lightly sand the surface it gives the stamp a little tooth and removes residue. Just a light sanding. Love your videos. I’ve been binge watching you. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@aljohn]

Hello Dawn :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) Thank you for sharing that tip with us all :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@MaryGadsby]

Appreciate your calm demeanor and i am quite excited to find your channel!

[@aljohn]

Hello Jeree :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) Welcome to my channel, I am glad you enjoy my videos :) Stay Safe :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@justinakavanagh3058]

You are a treasure for showing us all how to do these things to help save money. Thank You so much for your time and effort.

[@aljohn]

Hello Justina :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@vicky-mareewurst1924]

Fab ideas❣️ Thanks soooooo much for sharing them 🫶🥰

[@aljohn]

Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@kimberlyleon2147]

Awesome tutorial. Great idea. 💡

[@aljohn]

Hello Kimberly :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) Stay Safe :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@ExkupidsMom]

This is a great idea. I wish I'd found you years ago, before I did without so many of the things I couldn't afford. But I'm here now, and this is delightful. The more of my tools I make, the better I like my art, because it feels like it is really "mine." Thank you for your creative solutions, and for showing the tedious, fiddly bits. It's good to know that I'm not the only person who has to spend a lot of time mixing or cutting or...

[@aljohn]

Hello Princess :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I too think that the more of the things I can make on my own to use in my art makes me feel like it is more mine :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@katanyajason3316]

Wow, you are so resourceful! Thank you for sharing :)

[@aljohn]

Hello Katanya :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) Stay Safe :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@suruha2306]

You rocked this one! I never would have thought the ink would have worked! Kudos to you!! Thanks!

[@aljohn]

Hello Suruha :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@cmargo10]

This is amazing and just what I need!

[@aljohn]

Thank you for the sweet comment :) Tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@kielia727]

My hats off to you mam. I am pretty good at this improvising stuff myself. I bought most of the same materials at the Dollar Tree yesterday and your way is much more economical with money, and space than mine is. I will be returning my containers and trading them in for the kind you bought as well as buying the draining cloth you are using for pads. Thank you !

[@aljohn]

Hello Kielia :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I am glad this helps you :) I enjoy figuring out a way to make my own craft items at an affordable price :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@sandrapudoff]

Mixing the gel with the smallest amount of hand sanitizer will make the emulsion much easier to incorporate. Maybe add 2 pumps to the gel and then after It's mixed add the other 8 pumps gradually. Just like mixing sugar into 1/4 cup is easier than mixing it into a gallon.

[@aljohn]

Hello Sandy :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) Thank you for that tip, I think that would work much better :) Thank you for sharing that with us all :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@southernjewel4582]

Amy you have a new fan. I love how you think out of the box. I wanted to try stamping however I was not willing to make the investment. You have made it possible for a newbie to try it out without the larger investment. Thank you for sharing your incredible mind with all of us.

[@aljohn]

Hello Jewel :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I am glad you enjoy my videos :) If your stamp pads get a bit dry, just add a bit more hand sanitizer to them and work it in and they will be good as new :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@cleopatra5682]

The colours are lovely really vibrant

[@romelewandowski6725]

This is awesome......money saver. Thanks again Amy, my husband loves you for the savings!!!

[@aljohn]

Hello Rome :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I am glad the savings makes your hubby happy :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@SaltLifeGypsy68]

Wow! Awesome ideas! I've just started making my own alcohol ink sprays. Food coloring and 70% alcohol. (Probably could go less) But man the Colors! And the money saved! 😍😎👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I'll be trying yours next. Thank you!

[@aljohn]

Hello Salt :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) The higher percentage of alcohol you have the better your alcohol inks will work because it has less water :) I never thought to try the food coloring for alcohol ink, I am going to have to give that a try :) Thank you for sharing your idea with us :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@sherrilynnhill]

I have made my own alcohol inks and use 99% I went to my walmart and asked the pharmacy if they could order it for me and they did it was like 5.97 a bottle and I got a whole case of it I was so excited to get the whole case of it at a time. I have used sharpie markers. food coloring the liquid kind, not the gel kind. Good luck with them I love mine.

[@brandythompson7711]

I JUST stumbled across your videos! And Im just getting into journals and card making. Your amazing me! It was getting sooo expensive! Thank you soooo much for these video's. Im positive Im not the only one truly appreciative of all your hard work, knowledge, time, & efforts!

[@aljohn]

Hello Brandy :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) It is much more fun to make your own supplies and find fun things to craft with :) Stay Safe :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@jibberoverjava]

VERY SMART! You can use a smoothie bottle with the stainless steel spring-ball mixer, shake it up and easily pour it into your tub cleanly. Also, place the side of your sponge you don't wish to use into the ink so the clumps are on the bottom of your pad and not the side you'll be stamping. A couple-few drops of denatured alcohol will declump your coloring. I especially like how you prepared your viewer for the following video's supplies and budget SUPER SMART ! I will copy your technique and credit your brilliance when I use it. Thank you for such useful tips!

[@aljohn]

Hello Sandy (short for sandwich,lol) :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I appreciate you sharing all of your tips, they are all great ideas :) Thank you for sharing that with us all :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@jibberoverjava]

@@aljohn Sandy... How adorable! ...more cleverness! Like wishes in return ☺️

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

What a cool idea. I’m sure this is something I will be trying. TFS.

[@debrababb7193]

I’m so glad I found your videos. Wish I had before I bought my stamps. Thanks for sharing.

[@aljohn]

Hello Debra :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@shaymarie7045]

This is just what I was looking for in terms of making my own stamp pads. I did a search for large ink pads and the price in my opinion is out of the park, $12.00 and up per stamp pad. I want to make sublimation ink stamps pads, the ink alone is costly enough. I like the way you designed the containers to hold the pads. This is a project I can't wait to start. Thank you for posting. You posted this about 3 years ago and it is still relevant and you have almost 300 comments and I am the first to like it. Also 25,000 views. This post is well in the park for me, kudos.

[@patrice8257]

Your ideas are pretty freakin' fantastic! You are good.

[@aljohn]

Hello Patrice :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@created2bless322]

Hi Amy! You are one heck of a creative, mad scientist, in the best of ways for sure! I can’t wait to try this!!! I watched Lindsay yesterday and she used water colors. I like both, you went a more frugal route! This is amazing and you are amazing! Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas with us. Hugs from Texas!

[@aljohn]

Hello June :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I lived in Odessa Texas for 6 years, a long time ago :) I loved Texas :) Stay Safe :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@kimlivengood5916]

Just wanted to pass this info on. You may already know this. But when you have a new stamp, if you rub an eraser over it just a little b4 using it, it helps it to stamp better. New stamps usually don't stamp good the first few times. But it did help when I tried it. Just a suggestion. You can try if ya want. TFS

[@aljohn]

Hello Kim :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I did know that, but forgot all about it, Thank you very much for sharing that with us, it will help :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@rinamurphy9125]

This is absolutely genius! Thank you!!

[@audreyshearer2433]

They look great

[@aljohn]

Hello Audrey :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) Stay Safe :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@mariallknowing9273]

Necessity Is The Mother of Invention. First Name Amy. TFS!! You have saved me a ton of money. Hugs🤗from Texas!

[@aljohn]

Hello Mari :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I still use these :) If you go to use them after awhile and they are dry, all you have to do is add a pump or two of hand sanitizer, and spread it into the bottom of the pad and let it sit for just a bit and they will be as good as new :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@vikkinagygeller5007]

Love the idea of making my own ink. I would probably just buy the small shallow containers.

[@aljohn]

Hello Vikki :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) That is a good idea, I couldn't find any when I went to the store :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@lottiefaith6935]

I'm already impressed, I can't believe I haven't thought of using an acrylic frame for a stamping block, Thank You! If you only had a little teeny Barbie egg mixer or whisk to mix the food gel in. : ) Amy, I am so impressed with this. Not only that you figured out a great way to make the pads but you went the extra mile and figured out how to make them smaller than it first appeared they'd be. They really fit together nicely. Thanks for showing and teaching us such neat things. : )

[@aljohn]

Hello Lottie :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I have been trying to figure out homemade stamp pads for some time now, and I am happy with the way they turned out :) I had to figure out a way to make the containers smaller because I am running out of room to store my stash, lol :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@lourdesbaide6751]

I really enjoy your tutorials. Thank you, so much for teaching us.

[@aljohn]

Hello Lourdes :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@adraeharris6957]

Yeaaa!!! I'm not a stamper either, but I do like to once in a while. I love the DIY INK/PADS. Very economical. I have some gel food coloring that I enjoy the vibrance of each one. Your in depth approach is touche!!! TFS .

[@aljohn]

Hello Adra :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@cheryl2455]

Lady you are amazing! I would never have thought of this. I am blown away! Each video I was gets better & better! Thanks you for this valuable information. I love the clear block substitute! I was needing a bigger block which is expensive! Awesome!

[@aljohn]

Hello Cheryl :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) The clear block substitute works great, I use it all the time :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@brendagoulette759]

The colors are so pretty!! What a great idea. Glad I just found you. You are very creative with all your ideas. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@aljohn]

Hello Brenda :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I hope you enjoy my Build Your Stash and Craft series :) I put up a new video each Tuesday :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@sofiamorgan6644]

You are a genius! Thank you. ,

[@aljohn]

Hello Sofia :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@MelanieMaguire]

Another brilliant idea! I must try this. Thanks very much! :)

[@aljohn]

Hello Melanie :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) If your storage container is not really air tight, the pads will dry, but all you have to do is add a pump or two of the hand sanitizer and work it into the pad, and they will be good as new :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@karenkettering1725]

This is such an amazing idea. Have you tried mixing your color to a smaller amount of sanitizer and adding more as it combines?

[@aljohn]

Thank you for the sweet comment :) I have not tried that because I am still using my original pads, but I will have to try that next time and see how it works :) You do have to add a bit of sanitizer if it gets dried out, but it comes right back :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@carolynshanks2612]

I so appreciate your instruction. I’ve been wanting to learn to make my own ink!

[@aljohn]

Hello Carolyn :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) If your storage is not air tight, the pads may dry up, but all you need to do is add a pump or two of hand sanitizer to the pad and work it in, and it will come right back to new :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@deannabarnes609]

Not sure if this has been suggested, but if you are having trouble getting the gel completely mixed...you might put a coffee filter over a jar and pour your ink through that to catch any grits. And bonus...you have a colored coffee filter to use for collage!!! I just started watching this series and I’ve been skipping around so I’m not sure if you have bought dollar store coffee filters, but they have all sorts of awesome uses and are available at the dollar tree. Thanks so much for making this series! I am learning sooo much!!! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[@aljohn]

Hello Deanna :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) We do have filters in our stash, and that is a good suggestion if you can't get the lumps out, but if you work at it you should be able to get most of them :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@deannabarnes609]

al john thank you! I just watched your video on the homemade embossing powder and was heading back here to let you know lol. I am really enjoying your videos! I like your style of teaching! Very easy to follow and amazing frugal tips!!!

[@mialarson9925]

Thank you for sharing all your great ideas and tips. You are an inspiration! I hope you have a fantastic day.

[@aljohn]

Hello Anne-marie :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I appreciate your continued support :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@agnesfredericksen9892]

The best way I find to prime all my stamps is to take an emery board from the dollar store and rub it across th whole stamp back and forth ,then clean with a babywipe . They work perfect for me after I do that every time !

[@sandrapudoff]

Awesome tutorial Amy! You have such an inventive mind. Is there anything you haven't been able to reverse engineer? You should write a book with your ideas, you'd sell alot.

[@aljohn]

Hello Sandy :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I always hated English, I was good in Math (well I did good in English, but I didn't like It) That is why I do my book right here on YT, I don't have to write it, lol :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@jenniferwatson7118]

Fabulous! Thanks for thinking this all through for us.

[@aljohn]

Hello Jennifer :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@melissamuddle6459]

I would love to see your version of a diy stamp platform!

[@aljohn]

You asked for it, you got it, lol :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/paq7oqqphd2DZsU Here is a link to my stamp platform :) I hope you like it :) and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@bettyhall9777]

First time seeing anyone making ink pads, awesome. I wondered what to use to do it with, thank you so much for sharing . Hope you have a blessed evening ☺ 😊 😄

[@aljohn]

Hello Betty :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) if you make these and they get dry, just add more sanitizer to the pad and work it in, and they are good as new :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@danielerichard3619]

incredible. It needs a bit of patience but we save alot of money.:-) :-) :-)

[@aljohn]

Hello Daniele :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) Yes, patience, but remember that as you are making your supplies, you are still creating something, so just enjoy the process :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@lilaalabed2527]

Hi Amy. Great tutorial. I was just thinking about mixing in the color. What if you only used only one squirt of hand sanitizer and mixed all the color into that. Then, you could add another squirt after that was completely mixed. Then another squirt, and so on until it is all in? Just an idea. Thank you for sharing.

[@aljohn]

Hello Lila :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I think that might work better, and it can't hurt anything so I would give it a try :) Thank you for sharing that suggestion with us :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@barbarapolk5883]

They turned out GREAT!

[@aljohn]

Hello Barbara :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@MelanieMaguire]

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing this great idea!

[@aljohn]

Hello Melanie :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@reinapearse9111]

OMW I am so happy to find your channel, here in South Africa the price of art materials are chillingly expensive. The exchange rate is just horrible. So I have these tiny inkpads that I am so precious about I end up not using them. 🙈🙈 but we an abundance of plastic stores, what I think you guys call dollar stores. I am so excited to get started. Thanks so much for the video.

[@aljohn]

Hello Reina :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I am so happy that this can help you out :) Have fun :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@diggityd5856]

This is amazing!! So happy to have come across your channel

[@aljohn]

Hello Diggity :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) If you make these and they dry out, because the containers are not air tight, all you need to do when you are ready to use them , is to add some more hand sanitizer to the pad and work it in and the pads will refresh :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@diggityd5856]

al john thank you for the tip! I will be making this for sure!

[@janetvisochi-baum7572]

oh Amy thank you so much for doing this video - I cannot wait to try this out!!!! TFS

[@aljohn]

Hello Janet :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I have been trying to figure out stamp pads for some time now, and I finally figured it out :) I am glad you like it :) You will have to let me know how yours turn out :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@debbiedunham5204]

Amazing! To think of all the money I spent on ink pads! Hugs xxx

[@aljohn]

Hello Debbie :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) Me too, and I don't even use all of them :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@claraanderson1305]

Thank you for this great idea Amy,can't wait to try these!

[@aljohn]

Hello Clara :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I hope you have fun making yours, I know I did :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@melbakelso7931]

Awesome. Great great great idea. Thank you for sharing. Hugs.

[@aljohn]

Hello Melba :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@kellercrucita550]

Wow! Exactly what I was looking for!

[@aljohn]

Hello Keller :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) Have fun making yours :) If you do not get a good seal on them, they will get dry, but all you have to do is add some more hand sanitizer to them and work it in, and they will come right back :) Stay Safe :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@ruthburr1951]

Most enjoyable Amy, thank you very much.

[@aljohn]

Hello Ruth :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) Good to see you :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@donnanutt3650]

How do you think of this stuff? How did you know to use hand sanitizer? And figuring out the lids. You th8nk of everything. Perfect for my grandkids who like to experiment. Thanks for the great ideas

[@aljohn]

Hello Donna :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) It is all just trial and error until I get it right :) Without an air tight lid, these do dry out after awhile, but if you just add a squirt of hand sanitizer to the pad and work it in, it comes right back :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@vickidip]

It’s a very good day when your video comes in. Thank you, now to watch

[@aljohn]

Hello Vicki :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) That makes me feel good, and I hope you enjoy the video :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@vickidip]

al john sure am. Have just started being well enough to do some art, one more hospital visit next week for hopefully nine months. So three weeks to recover then off I’ll be. Thank you for being you.... very special ( oh groan sound like a deranged groupie😀)

[@aljohn]

Since when were groupies a bad thing, lol :) I've never had a groupie before, lol :) I hope and pray all goes well for your hospital stay and you will be all better soon :) amy

[@sharonnunnery3608]

You are awesome thanks for doing your craft affordable

[@aljohn]

Hello Sharon :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I enjoy figuring out how to make cheaper craft supplies and sharing them with others :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@barbarahill6365]

Everything you used is non toxic. For me, I would use a bowl that has no recesses to mix. You should be able to mix with a fork, or whisk, and could strain through a coffee filter. To thicken you could use glycerin. You could also use a disposable glove to work it through your stamp pad. You should also be able to mix your colors, try a toothpick into the gel food colors so you don’t spoil your Wilton gel food coloring. You might do better releasing your stamps with a quick shot of your hair dryer or heat tool. Thanks for your video!

[@marjimiller3985]

Amy, another terrific idea and tutorial! Thank you very much! Hugs and blessings.

[@aljohn]

Hello Marji :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@yvy0503]

Just thing maybe it can be seived through a piece of cloth or something? Thank you, great idea!

[@aljohn]

Thanks :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@novallasuter7655]

I love that you show the trails of the project instead of editing them out and saying VIOLA! see how easy it is. it is frustrating when you think it is going to be quick and easy and you have all the little time consuming problems.

[@aljohn]

Hello Novalla :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I too like to see the problems crafters have when creating, so I know that it is just not me when I have a problem :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@devikscreation5741]

Thank you for your beautiful idea can I try this ink on fabric

[@suettheartistickamillion9996]

several questions..can you strain those little clumps out or use liquid food coloring instead of gel. do you find the gel colors are stronger in pigment than the liquids and can you use thin sponges instead of a drying cloth. love all your videos. thanks so much.

[@aljohn]

Hello Sue :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) You could strain out the little clumps, but it really wasn't that hard to get them mixed, it was easier than it looked :) You can use liquid food color, but you may have to use more because it is not as concentrated as the gel :) If you use a thin sponge, I would put a piece of felt on top to get a flatter surface :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@nancivessells1909]

I just happened to look at your channel & so glad I did. You have so many great ideas. I'm new to junk journaling. Can you emboss with type to ink?? Thanks for sharing your awesome ideas!!

[@aljohn]

Hello Nanci :) Thank you for your sweet comment :) This ink dries pretty fast, so it would not work that well for embossing, But, if you add some glycerin to it, that would make it stickier and it would take longer to dry, so you could use it for embossing :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@deebeckham4754]

So you don't wind up with places unstamped, I saw on KZbin put a mouse pad under the stamped area as well as a hard surface under the pad. It works. I had that same problem. Thank you for the video, could you use felt instead of the pad?

[@aljohn]

Hello Dee :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) That is a good tip on using a mouse pad, I have heard that before, but haven't tried it yet :) Thanks for the tip :) You can use felt, but it will dry out a bit faster :) These also dry out after a bit, but if you put some more hand sanitizer on them and work it in they come right back :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@suerobinson]

Fantastic idea. Tfs Amy 😻

[@aljohn]

Hello Sue :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@doubleblessings-royalcrowr1669]

Our own stamp pads! Wow you are so talented

[@doubleblessings-royalcrowr1669]

I am now looking at every container in my house to see what will hold my pads!! Lol tell Papa hello!

[@aljohn]

Hello Glenda :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@aljohn]

Hi Glenda :) Don't forget to check the craft room, I usually have more containers in my craft room than I do in the kitchen, lol :) Happy hunting, and Have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@doubleblessings-royalcrowr1669]

Could you put the cut side of the plastic container on the flat of your clothes iron for a second or two to make it flat and strenghen edge? Course i realize not everyone owns a clothes iron. I got my last iron for .50c cause it was dirty from ironing something that stuck so def crafting iron.

[@aljohn]

Hello Glenda :) Yes, I think that would work, just be careful :) Have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@veronicareynolds5001]

Great video

[@aljohn]

Hello Veronica :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@ladymuck2]

What if you start with the paste and added the hand gel gradually to that, like when you mix eggs and milk into flour. Then maybe you would get a smoother mix right away?

[@zatskyachilds5512]

Thanks for sharing Amy. I'm gonna try this. I got some gouache and mic powders to experiment. Also some glycerin and alcohol. The result was a nice, crisp and shimmery flower. Now waiting to see if it will dry completely or not lol.

[@aljohn]

Hello Zatskya :) Thank you for your sweet comment :) Gouache and mica powder sounds pretty :) If it doesn't dry, try using less glycerin, otherwise I don't see any reason it would not work :) Stay Safe :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@zacsgran1]

Very clever I think I’m going to do this because I can’t afford ink pads

[@aljohn]

Hello Sue :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@ArtWars314]

This is so neat!!! Thank you for making this! Do you know if these DOY pads with hand sanitizer s are permanent? Or will it bleed with any sort of spray or watercolor? If not do you know what u can use to substitute it to a permanent inkpad!?? I really enjoy watching you make these thrifty DIY supply videos with so much enthusiam! Where did you get your coloring stamps? Thx again for such clear instructions happy new yr & CHEERS! " YOU make me smile!"♥♥☻☺🐦🐔🐧🐓🦜🦢🤓🤓🦔🦔

[@barbaraalexander4817]

the colors are beautiful ...

[@aljohn]

Hello Barbara :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I like the way the colors turned out too :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@hurricanekitty6736]

Here’s a tip, heat the plastic for a couple seconds with a blow dryer before cutting & it’ll cut SO SMOOTHLY!! Even those 10 gallon plastic storage bins....cuts like butter with a box cutter & or a scissor!!

[@aljohn]

Hello Kitty :) Thank you for the comment :) thank you for sharing your tip with us all, I will have to try that the next time i am cutting plastic, sounds like it would work great :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@nomula2]

Sorry if someone already suggested this, but I got tired of checking all the comments... Mix the food color gel and hand sanitizer in a ziplock baggy... easy to squish between your fingers... then just drop in your pad and squish it until saturated. Took less than a minute total! Then seal up the baggy and save to use when you need to make more of that color or even store your pad in it.

[@aljohn]

Hello Danielle :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I do not think anyone else has suggested that, and it is a great idea :) Thank you for sharing that with us all :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@bleigh8793]

Wow... This was an awesome tutorial! Thank you so much for sharing this!! ~tina

[@aljohn]

Hello bleigh :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@ohmercy5924]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again! You are brilliant with your DIY. So inventive and ingenious. I think of myself that way but honestly- none of your solutions would ever occur to me. I think maybe the texture on the padding showing up on certain solid stamps might be very cool. Is the ink permanent? I wonder if you used a mortar and pestle on the stuff that doesn’t dissolve readily making the ink would work. Do you think it might be easier to distribute the ink on the pad if you made extra and submerged it and kind of wrung it out? Maybe not, then it might be too dry. Anyway... I do go on! You are BRILLIANT!

[@aljohn]

Hello Mercy :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I think you could make more and it would soak into the pad better, then if it was too much you could blot some off with a paper towel :) You couldn't use a mortar and pestle because the color is liquid, it just takes a bit of time to get it mixed :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@wendyrobinson5897]

Tfs👏you are amazing, 💕

[@aljohn]

Hello Wendy :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@SashasRevenge]

Great Ideas for sure, you just made alcohol ink with that mix of ingredients . Thank you for posting this. Can you just heat that blend in the micro for just a few seconds to get it all blended together with a tiny bit of heat or would that mess with the alcohol that’s in the sanitizer? I like the towel side up the best, no need to worry about the netting. P.S. You have a lovely voice and share your ideas so well.

[@aljohn]

Hello Renda :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I don't think I would put it in the microwave, I am not sure what the alcohol would do. Mixing it is not as hard as I made it look, lol :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@krystinsawyer]

This is the coolest DIY! Thank you so much for sharing. I wonder if adding just a few drops of glycerin would prevent any “soupiness”?

[@aljohn]

Hello Krystin :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) You could add glycerin and give it a try :) These do not really wind up soupy once they get absorbed into the pad, but after awhile without good airtight container they do dry up, but all you have to do is add a bit of the hand sanitizer to the pad and work it in, and they are as good as new :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@carolmiller1562]

Where do you find the dish drying mat? Genius idea!! I can’t wait to try this! Thank you

[@aljohn]

Thank you for your sweet comment :) I get the drying mat at the Dollar Tree:) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@leemager128]

Great idea! I have a bunch of craft felt. Do you think that would work in place of the dish drying mat? I have all the other items already so this would be under $1 ink pad! 🤩💖

[@aljohn]

Hello Lee :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I think that will work :) It may dry up faster, but if it dries up, just add some of the hand sanitizer to the pad and work it in, and it will work again :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@opal777]

I think that I am going to try this, but with different hues. I have some new stamps that require the same color with different intensities. We can do that with these by either adding more or less of the die! How easy! TY

[@aljohn]

Hello Izzabou :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) That would work great to get different hues of the same color :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy

[@ZeeCeeCreations]

Wow! Amazing Amy! These work perfectly!! Wish I had known how to this a long time ago! Thanks! Hugs Marsha

[@aljohn]

Hello Marsha :) Thank you for the sweet comment :) I wish I had know this when I started too, I have a lot of stamp pads that I have never used, but had to have them because everyone else had them, and then I found out I don't stamp that much :) tfw, and I hope you have an Outstanding Day :) amy