Monday, January 30, 2012

Source for Gridded Blocks?

Kristen asked what brand of gridded block I used on the precise stamping tutorial. It's from Papertrey. I would link to it, but it's been unavailable for over a year, so I'm not sure what happened to PTI's supplier on this, and a quick google search turned up nothing but out-of-stock notices. If anyone knows another source for the same block that is in stock, please link in the comments!

I have a large gridded block from Martha Stewart (bought at Michael's) that is nice, but it's too big and heavy for sentiments. The PTI one is 2.5" x 6", which is a very useful size for aligning things on cards. Perhaps Martha has one in a more appropriate size. Anyone know?

18 comments:

  1. Tim Holtz has some. They are thin which really works for me. Last time I checked there was a large set and a set with a few less. Thanks for sharing your cards. I love them.

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  2. May not be much use to you ladies Stateside, but in the UK the brand Papermania does a range of really nice gridded acrylic blocks - I have the large one which has nice ridged sides to make it easier to hold and I use it for everything http://www.beautifulpapercrafts.co.uk/craft-tools-c11/acrylic-blocks-c69/papermania-clear-acrylic-block-4-x-5-14-p270
    They do a pack with about 6 different blocks for about £10 too.
    I also have the fiskars stamp press for large stamps which is also brilliantly useful for making sets of the same card http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Crafting/Stamping/Stamping-Tools-and-Accessories/Easy-Stamp-Press
    Hope that helps
    Tara x

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  3. I have a big one from inkadinkadoo. I bought it at my AC Moore store, so who knows how long it has been hanging on their wall... Maybe you can still get some from them.

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  4. Ellen Hutson has several:
    http://www.ellenhutson.com/servlet/Categories

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  5. I asked for the Fiskars Stamping Press for Christmas and I've got to say it is SO worth the 20.00!!! I have a gridded block that I have used in the past but this stamping press makes it even easier to stamp straight!!!!! I HIGHLY recommend it!! Here is a link if you haven't seen it ... it is widely available on line as well as Michaels

    http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Crafting/Stamping/Stamping-Tools-and-Accessories/Easy-Stamp-Press

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  6. I'm glad to hear the reviews of the Fiskar's Stamp Press...number 2 son was at a conference in Seattle (Boeing related) and he shopped for me...had to go to the 3rd Michaels before he got this....what else did I get...glue sticks, glue sticks and more glue sticks...they are just so expensive over here.

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  7. Susan, sorry to hear about your son.....will remember him in prayer.

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  8. Stampin' Up! came out with great clear grids that are repositionable so that you simply attach (cling) them to your existing clear blocks. You can move them from block to block as you need. The set comes with straight line grids and curvy gridded lines so you can position arcs too. I have been using them and love them! You get 2 sheets (8.5 x 11) of cling patterns, with plenty of options for clinging to even the biggest or smallest clear block you may have!

    Hope this helps. God Bless,
    ~Cynthia

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  9. Here is one similar to the one you used:
    http://www.joann.com/acrylic-block-w-alignment-grid-2-5x8-2-5x8x-5/xprd636297/?_requestid=2157993
    Also,
    http://www.sierra-enterprises.com/acrylic_blocks_for_stamping.htm
    and,
    http://www.thefind.com/crafts/info-acrylic-grid-line-block

    Hope this helps!

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  10. I use this:

    http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Crafting/Stamping/Stamping-Tools-and-Accessories/Compact-Stamp-Press

    Not quite the same, but similar and lets you lay out the whole card if you wish.

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  11. Just to add to all the great tips above, you can make your own gridded block, too, with a sharp point (pin, nail, compass point, razor, meat skewer) & block you already have. Find a block in your stash, of the size you want to use. I put mine on top of the SU gridded paper, but you could use anything precise, like graph paper. Using a marker and good ruler, mark off as many lines vertically and horizontally as you want to have. Once you're satisfied with the lines, put the ruler back on the block and drag the point through each line. It'll cut into the block just a tad. Wash off the marker, and the cut lines are still there, and visible. Try it with a Michael's $1 block - it works! And BTW, those little $1 blocks at Michael's can be stuck together with double-sided tape to make a thicker, more usable block.

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  12. I have the Tim Holtz package of grid blocks, but they are quite thin and might be harder to hold steady.

    I picked up a nice 1"x5" (or so) grid block for about $3 CDN at Walmart a few years ago - possibly Autumn Leaves (I didn't keep the packaging). But there are lots of good ideas in the comments above.

    Susan,
    Thanks for a great blog! Sending positive thoughts your way.

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  13. I have quite a selection of gridded blocks that I use. My favorites are from Stampabilities, Provo Craft, and Apple Pie Memories. I think many or most are still being made. Always on my table are blocks of 2x8, 2x6.5, and 2.5x8.5.

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  14. Hobby Lobby has grid blocks too.

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  15. I bought the very one you speak of at Hobby Lobby. I did a web search and found Papertrey ink online at http://papertreyink.com They sell the gridline that you speak of for the verses. Hope this helps someone.

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  16. Thanks so much for all of the selections. I am taking my mom to a furniture store today and there is a Hobby Lobby nearby...may have to stop in and check for *only* the grid block :-) Thanks again!!!

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  17. I love these - never used the Cricut stamping material - but for $4.95 and free shipping you can't beat getting 4 acrylic blocks w/grids. Unfortunately the website doesn't have a good pic of the product.

    1 by 1 inch acrylic block; 2 by 2 inch acrylic block; 3 by 3 inch acrylic block; 6-1/2 by 2 inch acrylic block

    http://www.cricutmachine.com/product_info.php?products_id=242

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  18. I don't know why people are making clear blocks. Even new kids on the block like Amuse went with plain. Stampin Up! sells a product that is on my wish list called Clear-Mount Perfectly Placed Guides (p. 205 on the current catalog). They are repositionable guides for use with plain acrylic blocks. I'd rather have gridded blocks but they are hard to find and the price is right on this alternative - only $5.95. Sorry if this is information that has already been posted, didn't have time to read the comments.

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment!