Introducing: The Aqua Envelope Sealer

On Tuesday and Wednesday, I prepped and mailed some cards and gifts to friends in different parts of the country. I cringed with disgust every time I lifted the gluey envelope flap to my mouth. The idea of running my tongue over the dried glue strip made chills run up my spine. Still, I followed through on the deed with several envelopes – one after another after another. Cringe, disgust, lift, lick, chills, regret. Cringe, disgust, lift, lick, chills, regret. Cringe, disgust…you get the picture, right?

That’s when eureka jumped up and slapped me in the face! Why couldn’t I use my old Aqua Painter to wet the glue on the back of the envelope?
20120904-200936.jpgThat’s the day when envelope sealing became a joy, instead of a chore. And everyone lived happily ever after.

While we are talking about the Aqua Painter (incidentally one of my favorite Stampin’ Up! tools), here are some interesting facts about the Aqua Painters:

  • Aqua Painters retail for $16.95 in the Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalog.
  • Aqua Painters are sold in sets of two: one has a 12mm brush tip, and one has a 15mm brush tip.
  • The Aqua Painter reservoir hold 8 cc of liquid (assumably water).
  • Sally Jesse Raphael owns 17 sets of Aqua Painters.

OK, so maybe I made up that last point because her name is so fun to say.  Don’t you agree?

Accessories:  Aqua Painter, envelope (works with any Stampin’ Up! envelopes)

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Brian

22 Comments

  1. Well someone’s up with the Birds this morning! wink wink. Ah, my morning smile. Thank you!

    • Oh, Patti! That’s just what we early birds do. I will move my blog release time again if it means I can get your responses first thing in the morning. That’s MY morning smile, Patti.

  2. See…this is why my whole group talks about you at every meeting! Have you ever put bleach in an aqua painter? It makes a great effect.

    • Heidi,
      Thanks for your comment! I consistently make a list of three or four cards I want to make and feature on my blog (it’s the only way I don’t get overwhelmed when I sit down to design). Often times, I make a different card (because I can do what I want), but I always update the list. Last night, the #2 on my list was to make a card with bleach. I made several 7 or 8 years ago, and it remains one of my favorites. Never occurred to me to use the Aqua Painter, so I may give that a try. Chances are good, though, that I might chicken out and use my Blender Pen that’s labeled “for bleach”. Either way, I have to get to the store to buy some bleach.
      Thanks,
      Brian

    • By the way, how cool is it for me to hear that your group talks about me when they get together. I’m guessing that happened once and that you are exaggerating to make me feel good, but it’s really awesome to hear either way. 🙂 I wish I could travel around the country and meet everyone. Where are you?

  3. Love waking up to you, Brian! You always brighten my day with a huge smile, and sometimes laughter! That’s another BIG reason I follow your blog, including your great tips and beautiful creations!
    Hugz2u and have a wonderful day!

  4. As you know, I’m a “newbie” to your blog…but I agree with everyone! Your posts ARE made for an early morning smile or chuckle. I love how you describe your licking technique. I must admit, I have not heard that anywhere else! Keep us smiling…..it’s great therapy to start our day! Oh, and I love the idea as well….. but I am interested to see the “bleach design”.. Haven’t seen that yet! Hugs!

  5. Too funny…you know the chills ones gets with finger nails on the chalk board…I got the same reaction with your envelope licking, but with an added smile

  6. have you ever cut your mouth or tongue on the flap…oooooo..after 9/11 I became very paranoid about sealing envelopes because of the scare that was generated about mail .. like the aqua pen idea …your`e a wizard ! Oh by the way Sally Jessie gave her collection to Antonio Banderas I was told… you can`t do the bleach thingie until you do the 3 layered card !

    • Sonny,
      Three layer tutorial is next on my list. You’ll see something Saturday or Sunday. 🙂
      Good comedians know to pick their words carefully. Antonio Banderas is also funny to say.
      Brian

  7. You are sooooo funny! When ever I see/hear her name, I immediately think of her red glasses! I’ve often used a sponge or wet to damp paper towels, but what a neat idea!!! TGIF and have a wonderful weekend!

  8. No wonder I never miss your daily post, Brian. You are a genius–it is now official!
    Thanks for the great tip I’ll be passing along to my class ladies!

  9. Okay. Seriously. Everyone else may get to read you in the morning and smile, but WHENEVER I read you, I generally grin from ear to ear for quite awhile…and often laugh out loud…..you are quite entertaining!
    With that said, you are also a GENIUS. Love your ideas and I always learn a lot from every post–thanks! –Terri

  10. I’m new to your blog, and I’m so glad that I found you! You make me smile with your descriptions, and you are very good at explaining things. Today was a laugh-out-loud chuckle, and I know that Sally would be amused!

  11. Ha! Funny, but a great tip! Never occurred to me, and I hate licking envelopes too. Thanks…

    Kathy Liu

    ________________________________

    • You know those little round yellow soft thingies called Stamping Sponges? Well, if you cut them up so you have a small wedge, place that in water and gently squeeze out the excess moisture, you can swipe it across the glue area and presto, no more licking! Even better, occasionally drop the sponge in with a load of laundry and it’s sanitized once more (not enough for you?…cook it a bit in the microwave, too). Pretty simple and less time taken and I’m all about my time doing fun things, not work Ãœ Now, off to make 4 birthday cards for this evening’s celebration hoooorah! Wish you could hop into your private jet and join us! We’ll save a place for ya! Ãœ

  12. Love your humor, love the aqua painter tip! AND… Congratulations on your blogging popularity! You are truely worthy of all of these wonderful comments and compliments.

  13. Wow! I am so appreciative of your kind sentiments. It means so much to me that you are enjoying my blog because I am really putting a lot of me in it. If you can convince Stampin’ Up! to fly me around this country to visit each of you, I would. I truly love this stuff and enjoy sharing it with you. There will be “funny” days, and there will be “only mildly entertaining” days. There might even be some “doozies” here and there. Just know that I’m pouring all of me into every post. Thanks for hanging with me!

  14. Once again, cracking me up & amazing me with your genius! You never disappoint Brian! This is another one of those ideas where I can’t believe I hadn’t thought of it already. They’re called ‘head smackers’. I smack myself a lot. 🙂

    Thanks for sharing & keep it up, I need my daily dose of Brian!

  15. You make me laugh, Brian King! Now I can share with others that Aqua Painters have more uses than one! Great idea too, I might add!

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