Welcome to the Pals Blog Hop for August. This month we are showing off our favorite crafting tools – those Stampin’ Up! tools that we just can’t live without. We hope you enjoy our projects!
You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from Susan Lankford at Stamp and Create with Susan, #3 on the Pals Hop. If you get off track at any time, the full lineup at the end of this post will help you move along from blog to blog so you see all of the amazing creations.
What’s My Favorite Craft Tool?
Yesterday I shared a project with you that uses a variety of Stampin’ Up! tools and asked if you to guess my favorite tool (hint – it was used to make the project). While I confess that my favorite things change day-by-day (how can I pick just one), you all danced circles around the guesses. Here’s the project I shared yesterday:
Give up? Some of the tools I used are obvious: Angled Tag Topper Punch, Oval Punch, Stampin’ Emboss Powder, Mustache Framelit, Big Shot, Paper Snips, Blendabilities. I suppose any of those could have made the list…but it’s the Big Shot Magnetic Platform that creates the most peace and harmony in The Fungeon. To tell you WHY I love the Big Shot Magnetic Platform, I want to share a quick story (a history, if you will) of the Magnetic Platform.
Framelits are used to crop a shape around an image. Before the Magnetic Platform was introduced, we used the Multi-Purpose Platform (comes standard with a Big Shot). Since the surface of that platform was not magnetic, we had to secure the Framelits to the paper with sticky notes to keep the Framelits where we wanted them. How inconvenient!
Back in the day, here’s what the Framelits looked like before they were passed through the Big Shot.
It worked, but it wasn’t fun. Functional, but not efficient. It was often times frustrating. I mean, look how upsetting it was:
Fast forward to 2013 when Stampin’ Up! introduced a highly-magnetized platform. The Framelits stick right to the cutting plate (the new “sandwich” became Magnetic Platform, Cutting Plate, Paper, Framelit, Cutting Plate), so the sticky notes were retired. There was joy throughout the land. It was certainly a “happy day” when the platform was introduced:
The Magnetic Platform changed the entire mood in The Fungeon:
Can you see the difference? Zoom in…
That guy apparently won an award for finishing the lyrics to popular songs on board the Royal Caribbean cruise. What a difference a Magnetic Platform can make! Seems to me that anything is possible when you own a Magnetic Platform.
Thanks for stopping by today. I am always so happy to share with you.
Brian
The next stop is Rae Harper-Burnet at WildWestPaperArts.com, #5 on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you next month.
- Sue Becker at RnR Stamping
- Beth Beard at My Little Craft Blog
- Susan Lankford at Stamp and Create With Susan
- Brian King at Stamp with Brian
- Rae Harper-Burnet at WildWestPaperArts.com
- Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper
- Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter
- Jackie Diediker at Stampin’ Jackie
- Kelly DeTommaso at Kelly’s Creative Corner
- Amanda Merrill at Inkflair
- Shannon Hokanson at Paper Works by Shannon
- Amy Williams at Stamp and Spice
- Kerry Willard Bray at Peonies and Paper Chains
- Michelle Gleeson at Stampin’ Mojo
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven’s Retreat
- Peggy Noe at Pretty Paper Cards
- September Gray at SeptemberGray.com
- Shannon Jaramillo at EZPeasy Cards
- Natalie Bradley at Natalie Bradley Events
- Susan Itell at Simple Stampin
- Wendy Klein at Doggone Delightful Stampin’
- Lynn Kolcun at Stamping with Avery’s Owlery
- Nancy Gleason at My Stampin Space
- Sherrie Gross at Stampin’ Sunshine
- Becky Gifford at The Social Stamper
- Kalyn Shubnell at The Stamping Chronicles
- Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creatons
- Martie Pollard at The Crafty Bandit
- Amy Hoptay at Inking of You!
- Kim Jolley at Stampin’ Artfully
- Donna Kopenski at craftycardmaker.wordpress.com
- Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping
- Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
- Jane Knudsen at www.seejanestamp.com
- Candy Ford at Candy’s Blog
- Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn
- Katie Ferguson at Cottage Paper
- Liz Gautreaux at Kind Deeds Stampin
- Mary Fish at Stampin’ Pretty
Great post! Love the stashe tag.
Hi Brian
It works fine whilst the cutting boards are flat! I am now on my second set of boards. How can we stop them warping – please?
Angela, when it starts to warp in one direction, I flip it over. Seems to work well for me.
Angela: Flipping over the cutting pads is a great way to keep them flat longer, I also store them by rolling them in the Big Shot up to the middle and leave them like that overnight.
I saw a post once about putting them in the oven, but I think that’s unsafe (seems like it would let out toxic fumes). I saw another video where they ran the plates under scorching hot water and then pressed them against the side of sink (opposite to the bend). After a while of doing this, the plates perfectly flat again. I add in a set of plates to every other order – it adds up, but it’s a good sign that you are using them. 🙂
Thanks for the tips Brian – I knew you would have a solution. Must go and try the scorching water!
Wow! Love this post! Your details are perfect, especially the stamp sets used with the platforms. Your B&W photo looks like a clip from the Hitchcock movie, Frustration in the Fungeon. Do you remember that movie…there is a cameo appearance by the Royal Caribbean Award.
When that picture was taken years and years ago (wink, wink), I had no idea I would be able to use it for a blog post. 🙂
HI-larious, Brian! The magnetic platform is absolutely one of my favorite tools. It’s a must have when you use the Framelits dies.
What a difference the magnetic platform makes. You are such a hoot!
Love your pre-magnetic-platform post-its! I must admit I was always one to secure framelits with a single post-it and hope for the best…
“Not I” said the fly. I was never really happy with that solution. 🙂
I too love my stampin up sizzix magnetic platform. It saves me so much time now. My favorite stampin up item would have to be The Big Shot. I use mine everyday. Have a nice rest of the week Brian.
gotta love our Stampin’ Up! tools – great presentation with flair!
Brian thanks for starting my day off right!
Brian, the Magnetic Platform wasn’t the obvious tool from yesterday’s post – but I am so glad it turned out to be … your post is so extra clever today! I loved your “before the MP” photo! Especially the hairdo! And facial expression as well! Great job!
Oh my gosh, Brian! This post is priceless! You know how much I love you, right? Thanks for making me laugh before I’ve even had my second cup of coffee. BTW, I’m copying and saving the “before” picture! Blackmail, baby!
you’re so dang cute! I love your “before” and “after” pictures! Sad Brian is sad 🙁
I totally would have thought your fav was snips (certainly never ever glitter… though you know how much I love it).
Thank you for all your inspiration Brian. Every morning when I get to work, as soon as I clock in yours is the first page I go to for inspiration, laughter, and to see creativity and imagination at work. Every single day you make me smile. And I could never thank you enough for that. Thank you for being such a bright light in my weird little world.
Oodles of non-glittery hugs to you my friend!
Too funny! I sense a wee bit of drama in the photo with 1/2 a pad of sticky notes surrounding your framelits. One or MAYBE two does the trick, hee hee. But I agree with you that the magnetic platform rocks. I will chuckle every time I see a post it note today…people in the office will think I’m nuts. Great project…I’m loving this nutcracker with his stache!
Great way to start my day!!! You are hilarious!
bahahaha. Great post! I also love your Nutcraker.
I just can’t stop belly laughing ..thank you! You are a genius and the coloring on your project is awesome! Hugs!
You fit right on in with that nut cracker. Really cute idea! Those tags will look darling under a Christmas tree attached to packages.
Great Post! You are so funny and really seem to be having so much fun, which we all love! SU is fun!!
🙂
Oh Brian, Brian, Brian – tea streaming out my nose first thing in the morning because I’m cracking up over your blog is NOT a good thing, LOL. Did you go to comedy school or what? Now I have to leave the blog because I have to clean up all the tea from all over the computer screen and keyboard and desk and part of the wall and, and, and……….well ya’ get the picture!
OH MY! I love this!! The Magnetic platform does rock and I couldn’t live without it!
I really enjoyed your post today it made my morning!! Being a fellow accountant I understand the need for humor daily 🙂 I love your freshness, thanks for posting this!
What a fun way to start my day. First I get to see that darling tag again and then actual evidence that I wasn’t the only one frustrated by sticky notes. I have to admit, while my personal frustration was no laughing matter that yours brought tears to my eyes and so much laughter I snorted.
Very cute and humorous post, Brian!
Very entertaining and spot on, Brian! Hugs….
You are so darn funny! Great post Brian! Hugs!!
This blog post was delightful! So glad the Fungeon is happyland now! (I call my craft room the Fortress of Stamptitude.)
Brian, you are the ONLY person in my Blogland, that can make me laugh out loud as I sit here, drinking my tea and having a yogurt for breakfast! You are hilarious! I adore you! and your before and after pics are so cute. I also love the magnetic platform and it’s my most fav tool as well. I hadn’t heard about the hot water trick (do we owe you a dine for that one?). I’ll try it, but I usually just buy new plates too. Have a super day! 🙂 🙂
I can’t stop laughing! Your photo story is just stinkin funny! How anyone could possibly live without the magnetic platform after that I don’t know. Thanks for helping extend my life by giving me a daily chuckle. Hmmm….there should be an award for that. Who needs a doctor when the King is available. LOL
You always make me smile Brian!
I need one of those platforms! They make banners and smiles appear! I simply love how you shared this. I have used the tape down method too and it can drive you mad! Lovely post!
CRACK me up!! LOVE this card and the crazy awesome stache … and love your current fave tool. 🙂
That is a great favorite tool! Wow, I had forgotten about the steps we would have to take to get a good image with our framelits. Now, I can’t wait to see the card you started. Oh, the suspense of it all!
You always bring a smile to my face. Love your blog as well as all of the wonderful cards, etc. you share with us. Thank you.
Brian, you are a nut! Thanks for the laugh this AM!
Brian, this is so funny! The pictures are priceless – and of course, you’re right about the Magnetic Platform! What a great post; thanks for the smiles!
Brian , your so cute and funny , JUST YOU MY FRIEND !!!!!
Hugs frenchie
OMG! Only you Brian! Love it. Thanks so much for the big huge smile on my face.
That post was awesome! You are too cute! Love you bunches!
Brian, Brian, Brian. 🙂
I agree. The magnetic platform is my fave, also. Before I had one, I didn’t even like to fuss with sticky notes. I just lined everything up super carefully and rolled it thru in slow motion, but now with the MP it’s a breeze cranking ’em through. It is worth every penny. I’m ordering all the bundles I fall in love with cuz it’s just so much fun!
Yes the magnetic platform is wonderful, but really? You will use any excuse to pull out that award. As always love your creations and the pure entertainment value of your blog!
Oh Brian, you just crack me up! I was so into your story…I had to go back to see what your project was! Keep it up…you make all of us smile and laugh!
Magnetic Platform is the bestest ! Love it ! I must say that I would have expected that Award to have been framed and on display . Unless you are wearing it on a daily basis ! What a fun visit !
What is the hot water trick?
Megan, I responded to one of the first comments in this list of comments to share an idea I saw for keeping cutting plates in good shape. 🙂
Bryan, you won an award? Gee….I hadn’t heard that. Why didn’t you tell anyone?
You are so funny. But really, don’t hold back next time, share with us when you win an award. We’re proud of you always! 🙂
Gosh, I forgot that was in there…
You are the funniest upline EVER! (I mean that in a good way of course).
You are the rock star of Stampin’ Brian. The before and after photos are priceless!
This is so funny.
OMG Brian I laugh so hard when I’m reading your posts. Thank you
I would really have a hard tme picking my fav tool, I love so many of their tools, framelits, magnetic platform, inks, markers, DP, envelope maker, box maker, Need I go on. Oh yea, punches
You are too much, Brian King! Love the photos…especially the use of a zillion Post-Its! The magnetic platform is most definitely a great thing and I can see why it is your favorite!
Too funny! Your a laugh a minute as always 🙂 Can’t wait to see what’s next!