Merry Christmas and a TIP!

Happy Tuesday!  Popping in with a quick card to share and a TIP!  I had a very busy weekend and did not have anytime to stamp.  I found a few moments to finally get a chance to play along with this week's MFT Weekly Sketch Challenge.  I love the simplicity of this layout.   I am also playing along with the  Friday Mashup!

 For my card I am using MFT Stamps products unless otherwise noted.  I started with MFT Smooth White and Steel Gray card stock.  I die cut the steel gray panel using MFT Blueprints 13 stitched frame.  I stamped it with MFT Premium Steel Gray ink using MFT Linen background stamp.  I die cut the little gold and silver tabs using mirror card stock(stash) using MFT Blueprints 10.  For the focal image I used MFT Pierced Circle Stax and MFT Stitchable Dots Circle Staxs.  I stamped the sentiment from Merry Message stamp set using MFT Premium Electric Red ink pad.  I just recently purchased several of the reinkers for these ink pads.  I reinked my ink pad and was amazed at the rich saturation of color on these solid words.  Next, I used MFT Pierced Stars Stax in gold and silver mirror card stock(stash).  Love the fine edge piercing.  I finished my card with a few red sequins.  Love the simplicity of this card. 

Stamping TIP! 

Whether you are an inky finger stamper or have dexterity issues, this tip is for you!  I am not sure how you stamp, but when I stamp I often get inky fingers.    My fingers get all in the way.  I do not want to stop what I am doing just to wash my hands so I do not get ink spots all over my project.  Not to mention some inks can ruin the best manicures out there even when I do wash up.  I needed a solution!   I  started thinking... if I added a strip of hook and loop to the back of my ink pads, I could use the distressing tool to attach and ink my stamps. It works!   This works on all size stamps, but it is absolutely marvelous for the big background stamps that I just LOVE!  I found a few adhesive back hook and loop strips and both work equally well.  I covered quite a few ink pads with just one box.  I cut the strips long enough to cover the Tim Holtz distress tool....slightly less than 2".    I attach the tool to the hook and loop backing and ink away....and with no inky fingers.  I also love that this is great for dexterity issues as it is easier to grip!  Let me know what you think and if you decide to try it! 

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty