Stamp Cleaner #1 For rubber dies
If your stamp is stained with a heavy dye ink, spray directly onto the stamp Simple Green (found in the Auto section of WalMart) and let it sit overnight to loosen what it can.
Next day, wipe the stamp using a stamp cleaner.
Note #2: Put paper towel doubled or quartered, into a clean meat tray and spray the Simple Green onto that then stamp your stamp on it after use.
Please note that over use and over time and using a stamp with many types of ink, it is NATURAL that your stamp will have staining.
Stamp Cleaner #2 For rubber dies
One part Simple Green (found in the Auto section of WalMart) to three parts water (use distilled as it has no mineral content) and 2 tablespoons of Glycerin (to moisture your rubber die). Squirt onto a textured wash cloth or a Scotch Brite Dobie pad. Wipe stamp, then stamp off the wetness onto a paper towel.
Stamp Cleaner #3 For rubber dies
All ingredients are available at CVS, WalGreen's, Rite-Aid, or WalMart. Economical considering the cost of a tiny bottle.
1/2 Cup of Distilled Water (this is de-mineralized) Then mix in:
1/2 Teaspoon of Johnson and Johnson's Baby wash (they have a lavender fragrance also)
1 Tablespoons of Glycerin
1 Teaspoon of Rose Water -- optional if you are using non-scented baby wash
Put in a small spray spritzer bottle. Spray bottles can be found in the cosmetic section of WalMart, Target, or The Dollar Store for about a dollar.
You can always double or triple this recipe and store it in a large clean water bottle. You can even mix it up in the water bottle by shaking and then pouring into your spritzer bottle.
Stamp Cleaner #4 for clear acrylic stamps - handle with care - harsh cleaning will result in damaged stamps
Dawn detergent and water.
Revive Markers
In a 1 oz. dropper bottle, combine 1/3 glycerin, 2/3 distilled water and 1/4 t. alcohol to rejuvenate markers that seem to be drying up.
Revive Glue Sticks
If a glue stick seems to be drying up, dampen a cotton ball and place onto the stick then put the cover on for about an hour (or overnight), your glue stick should be moisturized and work again.
Revive Radiant Pearls (by Angel Wings, no longer available)
Using an eyedropper, add a few drops of distilled water and mix.
Anti Static Pouch
Use a baby sock or little girl tights ( cut into two 5 inch square, layer the squares). Pour Baby Powder (if you like the scent) or Corn Starch (if you don't want scent). Tie up the opening of the sock or gather the square up and tie off with an elastic. Rub this on your paper or card stock before you stamp and emboss. It should prevent ink specks of stray embossing to stick to your work.
DIY Shimmer Mist
Travel sized spray-spritzer bottle (Spray bottles can be found in the cosmetic section of WalMart, Target, or The Dollar Store for about a dollar.)
Pearl Ex Powdered Pigment Powder (biggest expense, use a coupon)
Distilled water
Coloring of choice: re-inkers (most people use a few drops of alcohol inks, you can use pigment ink, acrylic paint, food coloring, or Rit Dye)
1 teaspoon of white glue like Elmer's School Glue
Fill the spray bottle about 3/4 of the way with the distilled water, add about 1 teaspoon of school glue.
Add a few drops of your color. The more you add, the more saturated your color will be. (a clear spritzer bottle can help you see the color better)
Add about 1/8 teaspoon of Pearl Ex.
Shake vigorously to mix and dissolve all additives.
Spritz on your work and let dry.
Carol Duvall's Envelope Sticker Glue:
Mix 2 parts Elmer's white glue with 1 part vinegar. (Dollar store glue works well and remember about Back to School sales on glue for .25 or .50 cents at Staples or WalMart). You can add a bit of flavoring if you wish like mint of some sort.
Brush the solution onto the envelope flap or sticker, let dry thoroughly. Once dry, just lick and seal.
Make your own Mod Podge - 1/2 pint jar with lid, 1 bottle of white glue, and 1/3 cup of water. Mix together and brush on your work. Please be warned: if you want the real thing, buy the Mod Podge (use a coupon for discount) as it does contain a varnish in the formula and is of higher superior quality than a craft glue or regular white glue.