How to make over 20 backgrounds without a single stamp

[@ibelf2465]

This seems like endless fun! I would love love to see a video of what you do with the backgrounds!

[@mamapillow8365]

I was gifted some of this foam and have been trying lots of things with it, layering the leftover paper from my favorite die cut to get a stamp of the die cut, small almost flat jewelry charms, and opposites of my pattern stamps. When you store them, make sure they're on top because they will get compressed and can be restored with heat, but it can damage impressions you want to keep.

[@opal777]

I get a kick out all of the videos when I see these blocks being demonstrated because there is nothing new under the sun. I remember these from back in the late nineties. I used to belong to a scrapbooking group back in the days in independently owned scrapbooking stores, where they would have classes to demonstrate new products. It was before there was ever Pinterest. It was when out laptops were as heavy as a cement block…lol. Yes, I have been around the block a few times when it comes to fads that came, went, came back, went…and here we are again! Lol. What I do like about this version though is the size. The other ones were blue and smaller. I still have mine. Anyway, I remember the demonstration and the eagerness of everyone as we walked around the store looking for thing to imprint. One if the “finds” was to take the thin side of the block and pressing it into the bottom of border punches. You would have thought that we had just landed on the moon…and it was worthless because it was near impossible to get the block into that tiny space…and when we succeeded, it was near impossible to line the block up for continuous stamping…a straight continuous line. We were mad women as we tried to make “ the first to discover” discoveries. I miss those silly days. We were adults with kindergarten attitudes and the paper craft market was new territory with lots of new discoveries…now decades old…so there is nothing new under the sun except for the new generation discovering old things…but it is new for them. Boy do I envy them now because discovering new things is do much fun! Enjoy!!!….before it gets old!! 😁

[@LaurelBeard]

I think its impossible to have a brand new ideas these days. Things have either evolved or shifted and people put their own spin on things.

[@rhondaallen3617]

YES PLEASE!!!! I have lots of great backgrounds, but get stuck on how to turn them into cards!!!!!

[@StampinBeachTeacher]

Thanks for showing all these different ways to use this foam. Technically you are still stamping…because the foam becomes the stamp. I would love to see the backgrounds used in completed cards.

[@David_Robert]

Hello 👋 how are you doing today?

[@OnCruse]

Shoe prints could be fun if you're a runner or a little kid foot print . Dropping these in the shopping cart

[@isabelle7403]

Wow! That ‘galaxy’ print is incredible, Laurel!💜

[@sherrienelson1956]

This is great! TFS. Cute kitty! After you use it, it could be warmed up and make it go away right?

[@LaurelBeard]

Yup!

[@thelittlecraftcorner]

I see a sequel To this video! Cards! Your a joy to watch!!

[@diannerobert3822]

Loving this foam ideas for prints. It’s so impressive and cool ! 🥰😊

[@mprez5271]

Oh my goodness! I see myself using this so much. This is amazing. I love your tutorials. Thanks for sharing 😀 What's your FB page?

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Wowza!!!! I love this!!!! I had no idea how amazing these blocks are….I’m now rushing to google search where I can buy them🤣 Thanks so much for sharing…so glad I found your channel and have now happily subscribed. 🙌🏻😎

[@yteldee]

Fabulous! This looks like so much fun 👏🏼😊so foam and sprays just went into my cart.

[@christinesmith989]

Awesome! xxx💛💙💛

[@janicerepass6996]

So many things you can use: a tile wall, floor or backsplash, woodgrained luxury vinyl floor planks, bubble wrap, a textured lamp or picture frame, shake shingles from a home exterior, leaves, pinecones....the list goes on and on.................

[@bethmegansmith4642]

Brillo cards idea's New subsciber fron across the Pond . Happy crafting xxxxx

[@lesliev7874]

My daughter teaches pre K. I think her kids would love these.

[@David_Robert]

Hello 👋 how are you doing?

[@lindacastro2688]

Thanks for these fun ideas. I have NEVER seen stamping foam, and I've been studying card making for a looong time. I think I need this foam!

[@jesseb5112]

I like the foam too! I split a package with a friend. I am all for a video on using up the backgrounds, but I've written that before.

[@David_Robert]

Hello 👋 how are you doing??

[@DianaDayDreams]

THANK YOU! I bought these, but the couldn’t get into using them (not very creative). I love the produce bag!

[@mcescher1957]

I have to laugh..... this stamping foam has been around for quite a long time. The 2 I have are blue and I think I bought them in a stamp store about 15 years ago. You don't even have to buy "special" foam....any old thick generic foam from a craft store will work...it's a property of the foam - any craft foam. I'm sorry to say that Simon Hurley did NOT come up with this. My two pieces have been sitting neglected in a drawer in my basement for years, the last impression I made still on them. I heated them up and they work as well today as they did 15 years ago. Everything old is new again!! lol. Save yourself some money...buy the cheap stuff first to see if you like it. If you do, then go ahead and buy the Ranger ones. The nice thing about the generic foam is that you can make them ANY size you want! And THAT'S cool!

[@nancycrutchfield117]

Pretty cool backgrounds never heard of these foam blocks but don’t get out much. For real 😢. No craft stores nearby 1 - 2 hours away darn it. That’s ok May save me from over doing it. Although do my share on Amazon not the same as in person. TFS loved your work. Hop3 you got your desk and chair back. Silly hubby!

[@lisah8569]

Oh gosh I still have these strange foam pieces. I can't remember if they were by Suze Weinberg or Dee Gruenig. Cool product!!!

[@nancyglaspie6735]

Aren't they fun? Simon Hurley spritzes with water and gets 2 pretty good prints. Distress oxides will get or 4. Spritz each time.

[@SageWhite-Rose]

Did you think about imprinting the back of your heart gun? 💚 Thank you so much for the idea. The nearest craft store where I live has very little selection for paper crafters.

[@marymaloney1519]

Love all your video's. Its the 2nd of April hope you and your family are ok missing your video's. Love from Australia

[@christiedecker2724]

I'd like to see beach sand, pebbles, small tile that's grouted, cement driveway, weathered wood, end of a log...you have sold me on the idea of getting some of these. Thank you! Blessings!

[@cindygunn7]

So cool!

[@lorettavalmorbida7793]

Looks like you were having fun. Great video. Wear due you buy those blocks.

[@krystlecrossman]

That triangle one where you went real light with a dark colour on the last one , that last print would have been so cool layered on top of the yellow triangle one :) anyways , I was going to say , try using some keys , coins, cups to make rings , fork , Lego , knex , cool costume jewelry, texture Plates from other arts , stencils or embossing folders maybe? just some ideas I Had while watching you use it :) have fun!

[@lltpgh2012]

Always enjoy your KZbin videos especially when you - let's try this. It would be great if you would do a 'let's use the created backgrounds'. Thanks.

[@LaurelBeard]

Coming soon!

[@anitalegasse3985]

Wow,now because of you I have to get some of those , Shame on you I told my husband I didn't need to buy anymore crafting goodies 🤫

[@peggywood4360]

I have some special foam blocks from maybe 15 yrs ago. The impression will stay until reheated

[@germainedubois8526]

I got mine and I’m so looking forward to playing with it when my craft room is ready to play in - 😁♥️😁♥️

[@cynthiaswank6678]

Lace ,branches clay molds, ribbion with prints on them, hardware,jewlery

[@kathrynpasquenza1401]

Yes, I would love to see a background video. I like to make backgrounds, then what?

[@kiwipommiegirl]

Wow,lovely prints from your placemat Laurel! tfs

[@hippomom26]

This looks crazy fun!!! I see textures everywhere that may come out really cool. I need to look for some of these blocks😊⭐🦋

[@dawnjames151]

Laura...try some diecuts too! You can also use verbage, depending on the way the letters are shaped!!

[@stampinsueduffy]

Love this technique! Who knew?! Not me. TFS I'd love to see how you used them, as well.

[@David_Robert]

Hello 👋 how are you doing today

[@robinwlodarczyk]

Those are so neat! Thanks for sharing. And I love that you included your husband stealing your desk and chair 😂

[@DianaDayDreams]

Simon should be really grateful for this video!

[@kayenash5481]

I have se blocks but havent used them yet but watching you it looks so simple.

[@lesleyritchie5085]

Love love love this video. so many ideas that I would never think of and those triangles omg so cool tysmfs

[@krisl.4962]

This was so fun, Laurel! I made some interesting, well different, designs with this foam for Christmas cards, and my granddaughters (8 and almost 11) spent a morning creating as well. I’d love a video showing how you cut them down, or use them, in your cards. I struggle to get them anywhere near straight on the card stock! Thanks for sharing!

[@graciesmom2019]

Have never seen this! Bought the large and small sizes…can’t wait to try it.

[@debs55695]

Love all the great backgrounds you made with the stamping foam. Can't wait to see them made into cards!! Could you please tell me what the brand and name of the embossing folder with the dots and stars that you used? Love it!!! Thanks for always making me laugh and learning new techniques!!

[@donnam.dominick5576]

Yes, that embossing folder is amazing. As is this technique that Laurel shared!!! I had these blocks on my shopping list but forgot why I thought I needed them and didn't order them. Now, I think that I really need to!!

[@LaurelBeard]

Oh Deb. That is sooo old. I think it was a cuttlebug embossing folder....

[@jgslnc33]

Amazing, fun 'impressions, easy!

[@sharonboynton4716]

I wonder if a remote control would make a good impression?

[@743linda]

I love mine! I go outside and try to find cool things to make stamps with. Thanks for sharing!

[@marshanelson7852]

Thanks for sharing, great for reverse image printing too

[@sheryhardy8214]

Those backgrounds looked great can i get these blocks in the uk?

[@cindyfoxtaylor2880]

That is new for me...the foam. Those will surely save me money 💰 👀

[@jennifermaddock4382]

Very impressive! I especially love the placemat.

[@judyhartmann3071]

Great backgrounds! I have been wanting to pick up these foams for some time now! I think they are so worth it after seeking all the results you got! Thanks for sharing!

[@David_Robert]

Hello 👋 how are you doing??

[@jeannetravaglianti2295]

Just got one of these … love the ideas you shared!

[@joycemccullough7856]

Thanks so much for sharing! I got mine for Christmas and haven’t played with them yet. Now I’m inspired! Looks like I could make stamps of some of my favorite stencils. Can’t wait to try it. 💕💖✨

[@lenellamaxwell6934]

me too!

[@David_Robert_1]

@@lenellamaxwell6934 Hello 👋 How are you doing??

[@marikareimer4411]

Great video, @ 7:29 Finders Keepers!!! ha ha ha

[@barbaraarmstrong4295]

Love it!!!Now go get your desk back!

[@debbywilson1]

I like stamps. Lol. Go figure.

[@smalltownusa3124]

How cool is that!!!? Thank you so much!

[@debbywilson1]

Love, love, love that yellow flower you used to make a stamp.

[@David_Robert]

Hello 👋 how are you doing??

[@kimvernon5236]

So very cool!! I just bought these, can't wait to do this!!!

[@hazelkinvig-paul8231]

Hi, I love how you 'use what you have.' I watched your video on not buying more 'stuff'. I'm like you were, an impulse buyer and I used to subscribe to all the card making YT channels and I would 'need' everything they used. 😒 Then, I unsubscribed to all the newsletters and YT channels . . . but then went off card making (it turns out the real hobby with me was buying 'stuff'.) However, after watching your videos I have gotten some of my enthusiasm back (I have still bought some 'stuff', but only what I needed.) Thank you for giving me the joy back! 👍💖

[@LaurelBeard]

Awe, this is the sweetest comment ever!

[@marlenejones6266]

Whoa woman this is so awesome. I have black watercolor paper...I also have metallic watercolors.....hmmmmm. so where have you been all my life? I'm loving your content in your videos.

[@LaurelBeard]

HAHAHAHA! HI!

[@wendywilson1736]

Thanks for trying various stuff!! Love that basketweave I could kick myself for tossing the old rattan paper plate holders, though!!

[@David_Robert]

Hello 👋 how are you doing??

[@SageWhite-Rose]

Press it to the bottom of your sneakers.

[@andreasanders6737]

❤ this will be in my 'must have list'..😅

[@shay7090]

I'd love to see how you make these panels into cards Laurel. You ideas on what you can foam print? Hmmm I'll have to think about it. Too bad you can't take your heating tool outdoors to take us on an outing to get foam prints from your environment.

[@David_Robert]

Hello 👋 how are you doing today?

[@lenellamaxwell6934]

I bought my blocks a few months ago and like you, I left them sitting in a drawer until someday got around to trying them out. I bought two packs so with two sides, I have 16 impressions I can use. And if I get tired of those, all I have to do is heat them, and make a new impression! Thanks for reminding me how wonderful they are!!! Thanks for the share!!!

[@David_Robert]

Hello 👋 how are you doing??

[@johnarosser6400]

wow! I LOVE this video! I really love the galaxy, too! I love that vegetable bag, as well as the floral piece you used. goodness, I love your creativity!

[@David_Robert_1]

Hello 👋 How are you doing today?

[@heathersmith8549]

Looks great though technically you made ALL these with stamps…. You just made your own.

[@LaurelBeard]

not a traditional stamp thats etched in rubber. I impressed images into foam.

[@hollylowery26]

Wow this is amazing! I would go outside and do tree bark, grass, leaves, a tire, the sidewalk, a fence ect. I could go all day. I definitely need to get a package of this stuff.

[@marilyns2353]

Wonderful ideas!

[@mowthpeece1]

Is this not a stamp? I'm confused. Looks really awesome, though.

[@LaurelBeard]

Its not a traditional stamp. Its a foam used for stamping technique. You wouldn't just ink up the foam and stamp.

[@bonniecarpenter6453]

Very cool. Love your use of the packaging (brilliant).

[@LaurelBeard]

Thanks so much!

[@joyceutt3419]

this is better than gel plates

[@pennefreeman1053]

Ty. Love your videos.

[@megancampbell3914]

Fun and informative. I will try it. Why is it important to mention the "non water color" card stock?

[@LaurelBeard]

because most of the time, when you add water to non water color cardstock, it pills and cracks. I was using minimal water so I didn't use my watercolor cardstock, which is generally more expensive than plain cardstock.

[@cerealrakist7360]

Hi beautiful, I feel you may already know about this trick, but just incase, I wanted to let you know that u can just put a hardcover book or something similar that will fit and do the job,under the canvas and when you push in , it will be firm! Just make sure that it fits inside the hollow part and doesn’t go over the wood edges/frame and you can press as hard as your heart desires 💕 Also thank you for this video ! I’m just now learning about any of this , however something pulled at me to watch this specific video first, and I’m so GLAD because I have lots of acrylic paint and only have alcohol inks. Now instead of letting that be a hindrance and having to wait until I can afford everything, I NOW SEE AND KNOW, I can just invest in these blocks and I’m good to start my new journey for now! PRICELESS 💕

[@debbywilson1]

I take that back. Your cards are actually edgier than Tims.

[@LaurelBeard]

thats quite the compliment. Thank you

[@pquack51]

THANK YOU!!! I have been waiting for so long to see something about these blocks. Mine, too, have been in a drawer! Yahoo!!! TYFS

[@rebeccagable9629]

I have these blocks..even save my avocado bags! You ARE using stamps--just DIY stamps! TY for motivating me to get my blocks out again!

[@mrss4328]

This is great ! I have decided to buy solid colored T-shirts and decorate the front myself because it is so hard to find quality T-shirts with a print . and the price has gone up ridiculously high . I priced regular stamps at Michael’s and I could not believe the tiny stamps that cost ten twelve twenty dollars . no way. But this sponge stamp is a fabulous idea and opens up a lot more patterns than just flowers or bugs or some thing. Thanks for sharing.

[@shay7090]

I must order Simon Hurley foam. Ha ha I love how you and hubby tease each other.

[@David_Robert]

Hello 👋 how are you doing??

[@cardstockcollector]

Thank You!

[@barbaracabrera207]

I have these foam blocks. Have only used one but 9t worked great and I've used it a lot. I like your background ideas. Gonna look around my house for something to do like yours. The impression stays forever. I love the 1 I made. Thx for video. Austin,TX USA

[@karenspurway6187]

Love the place mat one.

[@claudiaharvey7305]

Very cool , but where can a person get the foam blocks?

[@LaurelBeard]

I linked a few sources in the description box.

[@TRoth858]

Brilliant!!

[@kariatid]

I Love this! I have a large block of foam I've never used and don't have Nearly enough textured background stamps. I think I'm going to try this with th extra thick fun foam as well. Maybe glue it to some Fibre board first to give it some sturdiness. I'll let you know if it works! Will be less expensive and we'll be able to keep All the backgrounds we like. 👍 I love your channel ❤ thanks for all the great ideas!

[@carolinebredeson4198]

I love these videos where you just let loose with whatever is around. Love the idea of household objects for texture. How about some bubble wrap? corrugated cardboard? even a scrubbing brush? I think the placemat prints were my faves. I'm a sucker for any kind of swirl (koru design)

[@G.G.8GG]

Great results! I want to do mostly gel prints but with some stamping and stencils included. I made a lot of my own stencils. Can't afford to buy a bunch of stamps and I really don't want to have to store them either. Since I am mostly looking for texture and pattern, this is perfect! Thank you so much! I did not even know this foam existed.

[@ginniestapelfeld9758]

Wow! Very cool and I've never heard of those blocks. I just may have to go shopping!!

[@vilmarodriguez5351]

Love them all! What about using a brayer?

[@LaurelBeard]

Well duh, why didn't I think of that! Great idea!

[@margomom1752]

I too have had these blocks which until today's video were unused. They are now my focus. Thank you for the inspirarion.

[@CraftystuffbyStacey]

I love the desk, chair, and cat pointing out the plugs! Thanks for the smile!🤓

[@paperzing5533]

Who knew?! I've seen these blocks and didn't know what they were for. Thank you so much!!

[@susan710734]

I love all the different techniques you used on these blocks. I’m going to try making some soon because I do have the blocks at home. Thank you so much for your video. 😊😊

[@Lucaangelo252]

Hi pretty how are you doing?

[@adorableadornments1101]

Wonderful beautiful card toppers. Looks like fun. I have the blocks in my cart right now. Thank you for sharing.

[@sharonb.7867]

AMAZING!!