MUST See Craft Hacks that I STOLE from Lou Collins

[@LouCollins]

Love love love your takes on my hacks! Thanks for joining me for this collab!! ❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

It was MY Pleasure! Thank YOU

[@sandratheprocraftinator945]

Great collab, if we don’t here we will catch it on her channel, she has a lot of great tips

[@coolstamper]

Some great ideas here, Mary…TYFS! The last time I put a card front on upside down, I just stamped my little “Oops” stamp on the back of the card, finished the inside, and sent it out. People actually get a kick out of it!!! 💕🌸💕

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hahah I love that so much!!!

[@priscillabade614]

I need an Oops stamp!

[@coolstamper]

@@priscillabade614 It’s come in handy sooooo many times. Even my friend got one and she loves it. 🙂

[@sharkarris]

An even easier way to straighten your Magic (aka cutting) mat and clean it at the same time is to immerse it in boiling water and leave it to soak Mary. This is made easier for us here in the UK because we have electric kettles. However immersed in boiling water your mat effortlessly straightens out in seconds and the paper debris starts floating off it. Judicious use of a washing up brush helps clear the paper debris away even faster! Love the cards you made - soooooo pretty! 💖x

[@marypolancodesigns]

I HAVE to try this; thank you so very much!

[@mpbailey18]

I thought the Magic mat was "magic" because it DIDN'T warp! Clearly I'm wrong. So why buy it instead of the normal plates?

[@marypolancodesigns]

@@mpbailey18 Because you can "un-warp" them as opposed to the acrylic plates (or at least not as much) Also they last longer as far as cuts going into from the dies.

[@sharkarris]

@@mpbailey18 and ​ @marypolancodesigns Many thanks for answering that question for me Mary - appreciated! ❤😘x Magic mats are also much less expensive than acrylic plates and being self healing (which is why they are called "magic") they suffer far less cutting and score mark damage.

[@sharkarris]

@@marypolancodesigns 👍❤😘xx

[@cherij9008]

Love these hacks!!!! Mary I use an iron to straighten out my magic mat. I put it between two towels. Also, I bought a toner sheet, I cut my dies from it & then I foil them with my laminator.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Wow great ideas!! Thank you

[@irishk.1041]

Loved this video - I really like Lou's work too. But you always make me giggle out loud. Always love how REAL of a person you are too. So much FUN watching and learning from you. Thanks again for all you do darlin. Great hacks.

[@marypolancodesigns]

What a nice and thoughtful compliment. Thank you so much!

[@TD-bu9wv]

You two are so creative. Thank you yet again for your amazing ideas.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you! 😊 That's so kind!

[@LynnMLeBel]

Lynn Le Bel Love the hacks Mary!! Great tips. I like the sticky paper on vellum and then using the glitter. Glitter gives cards an extra WOW factor!! Thank you!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you! That one was tricky. Lol

[@KathyaKalinine]

Fun tips, Mary! Loved this collaboration! ♥️

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you sweet friend!

[@KathyaKalinine]

@@marypolancodesigns ♥️♥️♥️

[@michelegourd5742]

Mary, I watched the one from Lou about die cutting and was perfect!! I have glued my panel the wrong way several times and I also cut it and glue it to another one!! Love hack videos!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

It's sooooo good! I agree, what a hack I needed

[@DDspaperworks]

I really like these hacks. It’s giving me “Get your butt in gear and craft” vibes (which I definitely needed)! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hahaha...listen to those vibes and get your butt in there lol

[@vanessapegg7180]

That’s a great Intricate die trick. I used a Precision Base Plate, Fabric Softner Sheet, cardstock and the die face down onto my fabric sheet and Precision Base Plate. It cut out and my mat was bent but Yay😅😂😊I got it!

[@marypolancodesigns]

LOVE these tricks thank you!

[@brendaelainewaddell1682]

Hi Mary. Thanks so much. Loved this -- now off to Lou's video. ❤ 🇨🇦 😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! I think you'll love it!

[@donnaschraeder8670]

When I've put my panel on upside down. I've just ripped the upside front at the fold then distressed the edges and glued to another card. Making sure I glued it down the right way. Thank you for the great hacks! I'm eager to try them!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great tip! I love that. Adapt! So smart

[@sharmanmurphree-roberts4018]

To keep my magic mat from warping, I roll it halfway through my cutting machine, in between the base plate and top plate, and leave it there in between uses. The little bit of warping I get from using it each time gets straightened out this way. I have had a MUCH easier time with my plates since I started doing this. I still turn the magic mat around, and turn it over while in use, to try to wear it out as evenly as possible.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great tip! So good!

[@karenaustin5307]

Thanks much for all those tips. For the intricate die cutting you might want to try the Sizzix Chrome Precision Base Plate. Perhaps also try using the release sheet from the double-sided tape on top of the glitter to make the burnishing easier to accomplish without having the touch all that glitter.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awesome tips; thank you so very much!

[@sjodoin1474]

Beautiful cards! Great hacks! I’ve had good luck with using makeup sponges to apply glue to intricate die cuts. Thx Mary

[@marypolancodesigns]

It does work so well; that die is gorgeous just too intricate for a nozzle.

[@kimfrazier3717]

Thank you for this awesome spreadsheet! Your spreadsheets are a godsend!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

SO glad it's useful thank you

[@janmarch5039]

What fun, this video was!! I kept thinking each idea was my FAVORITE…but just loved them all! Thanks for all the ideas that you give us and money you save us!! Thanks!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! Thank you so much for all your support and encouragement

[@Crazychanzo]

To flatten my magic mat, I use a damp towel and press on it with an iron. Afterwards, I use the towel to wipe away the little pieces of paper that were pressed into the mat. ❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

WOW so brilliant! Thank you!

[@sandratheprocraftinator945]

That’s great, I’ll have to try this, cuz I can’t find my heat gun 🙄

[@madusonkeeper]

Have flipped dies for years. That and a precsion base plate and self healing mats as needed have solved any issues I had. Can run panel that is glittered thru die cut machine as well to press in well.

[@marypolancodesigns]

It amazed me for sure! LOVE!

[@susan710734]

Thank you for your video Mary. I really like the techniques that you showed. 🥰

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@myrnahermann7000]

Thank you Mary and Lou. I love following your channels. I actually used one of your hacks today. I had a tricky die that would not cut properly. Dug out my Magic Mat, turned the die upside down and now it cuts like butter. What a relief. Thank you from your Aussie follower, Myrna

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! Immediate hack situation. Love it, thank you so much for sharing.

[@Harleylady2000-Teresa]

I watch Lou every morning she’s on, me and my morning coffee at 5 am 💜 loved your card it was stunning 💜💐

[@marypolancodesigns]

I just enjoy her videos so much!

[@melissazabower339]

The upside down hack! Brilliant. That one is going in my back pocket.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I was blown away by that. So good

[@karenthomas2302]

Sent over from Lu, and some awesome tips and tricks. Tfs ❤😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yay! Welcome! So glad you're here and thank you

[@vivgaines4644]

Wow. Thanks Mary. I love your take on Lou’s hacks and I’ve watched Lou’s video with yours. Can’t wait to try them. Cheers

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much for this; it was super fun!

[@kimj4383]

Great hacks Mary. Couple hacks I use-which of course I learned from another KZbinr (just don't know which one). Put your Magic Mat (and your clear plates too) in a baking pan and over with very hot water. I place a pot filled with water to weigh down the mat and plates. The will be very flat AND and the little bits of paper float away, well may take a little scraping. For intricate dies, place a piece of a plastic grocery bag between the die and the paper. None of the pieces will stick in the die. Just remember to remove the plastic off you paper die cut-sometimes you can barely tell it's there, especially with white cardstock.

[@marypolancodesigns]

WOAH Great hacks; I will definitely try them; thank you so much!

[@kaylynn0215]

Sometimes putting a sentiment on is so difficult! I mean, who wants to cover up the pretty flower and ink blending underneath? 😅

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hahah you got that right! Maybe we should normalize no sentiment on the front

[@kaylynn0215]

@@marypolancodesigns sometimes I don't put sentiments on the outside. But I'll include something on the inside message.

[@LeslyeMcCulloch]

Good morning and I love these hacks. Thank you.❤❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

Good morning back and thank you so much

[@stormyswann6177]

I'm shocked anyone has a hack you haven't used. Thank you and lou

[@marypolancodesigns]

HAHA...me too. lol

[@TheLpage]

Hacks are my favorite. Abundant thanks. Headed to Lou’s

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY So happy this was helpful!

[@roxanneroan8090]

I found another hack for dies that are hard to get out. Run an old candle over the dies and it helps the paper come out.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh yes the wax from it right? I've done dryer sheets with the same concept but I"m trying this! Thank you

[@margaretcrook2188]

Brilliant Mary, Love the hacks between you & Lou, I always learn a lot from you both! Very pretty cards. Thank You X

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! What a kind compliment

[@JH-wd7ul]

Great hacks and I love that y'all are collaborating! Also, the Excel worksheet is excellent! Off to watch Lou's now! 🩷

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yay! Thank you! I'm glad it is useful

[@moirahansen1955]

Great fun and very informative. Thank you. 👏😊💕

[@marypolancodesigns]

My pleasure thank you!

[@MargeWakeling]

Hi from Myrtle Beach! These hacks were super ; thank you so much for sharing!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much; this was so fun to do; glad you caught it

[@AlysonGold]

I was so happy to see this collab! You're two of my favorite creators. I used Lou's hack for intricate dies just the other day. It's amazing how much better it worked! For the Magic Mat, I heat it up, like you did, but then I put it under a heavy book for a little while, which helps it flatten even more. Loved seeing your takes on Lou's hacks and all of your extra helpful tips. Tyfs!

[@marypolancodesigns]

What a compliment thank you so much Alyson! I appreciate that! ANd great tips here; thanks for taking the time to share them.

[@lesleydickson7746]

Beautiful cards! I’d love to see a tutorial of the lovely one with the teal colours or a least a still of it to jog my memory. ❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

You know, funny you say that because my camera wasn't recording when I did it and I was super bummed. Easy enough to do so I'll replicate it

[@kcinca5410]

I love that faux foiling hack from Lou. I used it on my Christmas cards last year. I had hot foiled a large ornament on the card front but I wanted some tiny icons in different colors in various colors also on the front. Instead of risking over foiling, I used her hack and it worked out perfectly. Love all your cards today. Off to check out Lou's version.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I have to go back and do it again because she used rubber mats I think. DOH My bad

[@whichwitchhazel]

Great hacks, popped over from Lou's channel xx

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! Welcome! This was so fun to do; more in the future for sure.

[@JoanOrloffDK]

Great hacks Mary 🥰 I love your beautiful card designs, your techniques and the hacks ❤️ thanks for sharing your creativity Hugs xx

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much! You're the best

[@beatebreen1549]

Just love your videos and look foreward to each and every one...heard the sarcasm 😉

[@marypolancodesigns]

😁 so glad you did. Lol

[@Pattilrfour]

What great hacks, I am blown away with how amazing your card fronts are. Love ❤the excel spread sheets. Thank you Mary.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! This is so encouraging

[@carriesheridan7643]

Great collaboration!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@sandratheprocraftinator945]

I use my precision mat, or a dryer sheet One pro has always said to use your dies this way as u did 1:33 Yea now I need to find my heat gun 3:54 there was a lady that used bedding packaging (like from a comfortable) I think any thick vinyl will do. Negative r fun to work with, creative minds

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yes I believe that was Sharon who showed that; at least that's the video I saw but still haven't tried it. lol

[@sandratheprocraftinator945]

@@marypolancodesigns I don’t remember who it was, it was a long time ago though, I haven’t tried that one either, but hacks are so helpful, thanks to all those extra mind thinking ppl lol

[@JulieCozensCrafter]

Brilliant, thanks so much.😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY you are most welcome!

[@debramerchant6786]

Love you and I love Lou. This was great.

[@marypolancodesigns]

And I love you back; thank you so much

[@PamG012]

Some great hacks here! Thank you for sharing with us

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@BetsyFlannery]

I found that if I use Versa Mark glue pad for stamping, put foil over top of it and run it through my die cut machine. The foil sticks just like it would if you use a foiling machine. No extra tools needed.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Versa Mark Glue? I have to find that. Sounds incredible.

[@hopeeisman811]

Thanks Mary. Lou is wonderful.

[@marypolancodesigns]

She sure is wonderful; this was so fun to dy

[@bonnerdebbie]

Thanks Mary, Lou has taught me a lot also. I love this collab!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY thanks for letting me know.

[@ChiquisJ70]

Yes!! Love all them!! thank you so much for teaching us!! ♥

[@marypolancodesigns]

My pleasure! So fun

[@sherylosullivan9619]

With the ‘fake foiling’ technique, have you tried laying a piece of grease proof paper over the top to prevent the marks from the cutting plate showing? I don’t know of that would help, but it might. I love the idea and I’ll give it a try. Thanks Mary. I love Lou Collins too.

[@marypolancodesigns]

GREAT tip, I"ll have to give it a go. THank you so much! Also I'm thinking she used a rubber mat in hers as well so I need to try that again

[@sherylosullivan9619]

@@marypolancodesigns I tried the technique today with a piece of Glad Inbetween (or something like that). I also added an extra piece of cardstock between the card and plate. It worked a treat.

[@michellerickard1290]

Wow, so smart. Thank you!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much

[@Jenny-shoelover]

Great video Mary and thanks for the downloa.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are most welcome! :)

[@bethjackson8727]

Love them all. They’re all great ideas. Keep ‘em comin’

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much! Will do

[@melvinnieves1964]

Hello sunshine is my favorite card

[@marypolancodesigns]

It's SOOO Stunning the way that outline looked on it. I was like WOW

[@sheenacannon8176]

Thank you for these great hacks. X

[@marypolancodesigns]

Much appreciated!

[@CraftingMyWorld]

Loved your video and your cards!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much! That means a lot to me.

[@paulawray6210]

Great hacks! Thank you.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much; so fun

[@angelag6156]

Hi Mary, I enjoyed the hacks as they gave me ideas as a new crafter. I want to share a storage solution for stencils that may only work for some, but it could be helpful for some. I saw a video showcasing this type of storage on Amazon. It's called Cookie Stencil Storage Binder Die Cut and Stamp Storage Folder Baking Stencil Organizer Scrapbooking Cutting Dies Stencil Storage Book Collections Case Organizer (One Pocket 50 Pages). Wendy Cranford has a video about it. Jetpens has a beautiful collection of paper, stamps, pens, highlighters, and more for those who love Japanese stationery. I have a question, where do you buy your embellishments or "bling-bling" for the cards?

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much for the tip on the binder; I'll check it out. I get my embellishments from Scrapbook. com and Amazon but Trinity Stamps has some great ones too. Here's a few links: SBC: shrsl.com/4i2vy Amazon: amzn.to/4b4xaqb Trinity Stamps: shrsl.com/4i2vz

[@camilleanzelmo6275]

Thank you for this video.

[@marypolancodesigns]

My pleasure!

[@scrappingscootergirl]

The first step to redemption is admitting your guilt :) Love your MaryLou hacks

[@marypolancodesigns]

MARYLOU! What a great collab name. hahah thank you

[@lisastevens3822]

If I use the Dotliner tape runner, my cards peel right off using my CM all purpose tool when I glue them on crooked or upside down.😂

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great tip thank you so much!

[@janetlarson5796]

What about putting mat in the microwave for a few...............? then weighting it down while warm.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Interesting idea, haven't tried that one yet.

[@kimfrazier3717]

Lou is a rock star!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

A total rock star! I was fan girling when she reached out to me. hahaha

[@gingerpayne7310]

Love this video- yes I have problem with sentiment placement and embellishment placement- help please

[@marypolancodesigns]

I cant! Haha we are both on the sentiment struggle bus

[@bonneeley5670]

I was told that the liquid adhesive is formulated to fuse the papers together. I tried this with paper to paper only (-not specialty papers ). I also tried putting it in the freezer and out side in direct sunlight to get variable temps. None of the papers with to liquid glue came apart. Where the taped ones lifted slightly in some areas. Could of been user error. When I glued 300gsm together, it was as hard has stone. I did this to see if the books that I put together would make I in storage in an attic, with the varying degrees of heat and cold. Well below freezing and above the average inside home temps. If they would be shipped in the winter or summer, I would want them to stay together. I am sure different liquid glues and tapes are all different due to the water content in them and the ingredients used to manufacture them. - But that is above my pay grade. I only tried to one I use to use and the ones I use now. And I am careful what I apply my glue on and how the paper will be used.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Really interesting thank you for sharing this

[@ruthjames715]

Great hacks.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much!

[@mskrcole]

I know I'm late to the party, but do you have another link for the floral die or the maker, please.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I looked everywhere but couldn't find it. It's called decorative floral outline by lou collins. It was sold on craftstash. I don't But maybe you can find it

[@mskrcole]

@@marypolancodesigns Thank you for your response.

[@carriesheridan7643]

“High level of commitment type adhesive”😂

[@marypolancodesigns]

😆 🤣

[@laraynespiczka3185]

Not sure if I missed something, but can you tell me what the colored design on your magic mat is and is it for a purpose.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh thats just a piece of old washing tape I never pulled off. It has no purpose. 😃

[@reginabasart5080]

They’re all great. T4s

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much

[@lu-ellenhafner4968]

I place my magic Matt in a plate of water and microwave for 60 seconds PERFECT

[@marypolancodesigns]

BOOM...sold; super easy! Thank you

[@kerrymcgregor9771]

❤

[@accidentallycreative5025]

Good to see Lou’s hacks and your hacks on Lou’s channel!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Wasn't it so fun! YAY

[@karenday7504]

I am a big fan of Lou Collins! Do you follow her instagram of her renovation her home? Her and her husband is renovating it themselves!

[@marypolancodesigns]

I dont but will now! Thanks

[@SoulfulXprssion]

Live hack videos

[@marypolancodesigns]

So so fun! YAY

[@kaylynn0215]

@lou collins, I love your channel, tips and products! I would like to buy more, but my bank charges fees for international orders, so it becomes cost prohibitive. If you ever sell in US, my supplies will be filled with your stamps & dies.

[@marypolancodesigns]

She has her line available at craftstash US site if you click the link in my description you should see it. I think that might work

[@kaylynn0215]

@@marypolancodesigns that's where I've ordered from. I was thinking as it was craftstashUS they wouldn't have fees, unfortunately they did.

[@andrealavigne7824]

@@kaylynn0215 I saw your comment. I assume when you say bank you mean a debit card on a bank account. Do you have a credit card you can use that doesn't charge an international transaction fee and then you can just pay it off when you get the statement? That's what I do, & I have yet to be charged any kind of fee. I would guess that since Craft Stash is based in the UK, it just triggers a transaction fee. I could be wrong, but you could always confirm with your bank if you were that curious. Anyway, just be sure to watch how much you charge, so you can pay the card balance off each month without paying interest charges. :) Hope this helps!

[@kaylynn0215]

​@@andrealavigne7824 I appreciate your comment and info. If I had a credit card to do that, I most certainly would. I have a limited budget. i haven't been able to work due to health problems from covid (chronic pain and autoimmune issues). Hopefully someday I'll be able to get Lou's products. In the meantime I am using what I have in my stash and truly enjoying Lou and Mary's videos!

[@bethrogers5656]

@@kaylynn0215I believe that since Craftstash has a US site, with the prices and taxes already converted to $, if you use PayPal there many not be that international fee. Also VIP membership gives year long 10% off all purchases and free shipping with over $80 so those may counterbalance any transaction fees.