I love making stickers, but I don't want to invest in an expensive machine. I also wanted to be able to have nice, even sheets of stamps. Something that is not always easy to do with the machines. So, I figured out how to make lovely stickers just using the Xylon machine adhesive refills.
They are pricey, but quite reasonable if you are a thrifty shopper and use the discount coupons for Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby or your local craft store.Here's what you need: A Xyron bra
nd sticker machine refill in your choice of width, printed images or stamped images on quality paper, scrapbooking paper punches in your desired size and shape.Here's how it works: The sticker paper comes on a cartridge and consists 2 rolls - one is of a sticky, adhesive coated waxed paper and the other is of a clear flim. The idea is that you place your punched out image onto the sticky paper in neat rows. The clear film is then pulled out over the sticky sheet and pressed onto the surface. The clear film will stick to the exposed adhesive between your stickers. When you pull it off again, it will come off with the extra sticky adhesive adhered to it. You are left with a sheet of stickers!
Here's a few tips for success: The adhesive is really sticky and can get all over your fingers and scissors. One thing to do is give yourself plenty of room on a table surface protected by something you can get sticky. I like to work on a plastic placemat. Cut a narrow strip of paper a bit wider than your adhesive roll. Stick it to the end edge of the adhesive strip to protect your fingers as you pull out the paper adhsive side up. Only pull out what you think you will need for your die cuts. Place your die-cuts carefully in neat rows. You can not lift again them once they are down! When you are finished, place another narrow strip of paper across the roll at the end of your stickers. Cut through the strip of paper to prevent your scissors from getting all gooey. Now, pull out the clear film. Pull out a length slightly longerthan your sticker sheet. Place the film down on your work surface. Then, very carefully and well aligned, place your sticker sheet face down onto the clear film. flip it over and rub it very, very well between the stickers to grab hold of any excess adhesive. Hold onto your sticker sheet, then pull off the film in one smooth stroke. Remember, the film is now covered in the extra adhesive. If you drop it onto yourstickers, they will get ruined! Cut a short length of clear film and reapply to any sticky spots you missed.Ta-Da! Stickers!Rubber Stamp Idea #6
Stamp fondant covered cookies and cakes
Etsy customer Linda recently sent me pictures of some beautiful cookies decorated with stamps from my shop. Writes Linda: "All you do is get a scrapbooking sponge dauber like this and then get some food color gel/paste like a Wilton color paste, dab a bit of the color on the dauber and then dab on the stamp and then stamp onto your fondant covered cookie and presto, your beautiful design is stamped onto the cookie. The gel dries out so it won't smear, best just to leave the cookie on a drying rack overnight to let it dry." The manufacturer of the material I use assures me that their photopolymer is non-toxic and that they are seeking FDA approval to promote food use. Premade fondant is readily available.
