Buy Vintage Wax Seal Stamp Set Creative Romantic Stamp Maker Classic

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I absolutely love this wax stamp kit! It is awesome! I plan to use it as my signature stamp on important documents, and to identify books in my library as my property. It is also great for adding class to any document design such as certificates. The kit has everything one would need to personalize everything.

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Cheap Yudu Personal Screen Printer

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List Price: $299.99
Sale Price: $250.00
Today's Bonus: 17% Off

After spending most of my three years of grad school in the screenprinting facilities, I was anxious to create some sort of setup for myself at home once I'd graduated. As a couple of other reviews point out, the YuDu is indeed different from traditional screenprinting the tools are different but the process is essentially the same with the major difference being the application of the photo-sensitive emulsion. And this is where the YuDu will make or break you. While in the end I'd give the YuDu a rating between 3 and 4 stars, mostly for potential, these have been the challenging areas for me along the steep learning curve:

EMULSION:

Applying the emulsion in sheet form (rather than as a liquid with what's called a scoop-coater, as you would in traditional screenprinting) has been the most challenging part of the learning curve for me (and most others, it seems). But like any tool, it takes time and back-up supplies to learn it so do yourself a favor and have at least 2 sheets of emulsion on hand, a lot of patience, and a first project that is not on a tight deadline. The trick is having the screen wet enough but not too wet (since you're essentially doing something in solid form that's ideally applied as a liquid) and this will take practice.

BUY A 220 MESH SCREEN:

Once you get the hang of emulsion application, you may want to add a 220 mesh screen to your supply inventory since the 110 mesh screen that comes with the machine won't be fine enough to handle most text-based projects or designs with lots of detail. I got the YuDu primarily for client-based work, primarily text-based, and my own art projects, which are more graphic design based with some text. I'm not terribly interested in printing t-shirts, which is what the YuDu is primarily marketed for, so having at least one 220 mesh screen is essential.

GET YOURSELF A REAL SQUEEGEE:

I'm not fond of the tone taken in a few reviews here, most of which are hardly reviews of the product (I doubt those reviewers even have a YuDu) but rather snobby declarations of their preference for "traditional" screenprinting. I will be a snob on one point though and that's the "squeegee" that comes with the machine. Maybe this piece of plastic works well printing on t-shirts but I found it to be really inconsistent with pulling the ink through and getting a consistently printed surface on the paper below. You can find a variety of screenprinting squeegees at your local art store (or try I got the "graphics" squeegee but a standard squeegee should work just fine and there are squeegees especially made for textile printing). This is one of several details the folks at Provo Craft need to work on to make a good machine with potential really great.

INKS:

Once I finally mastered the art of applying emulsion to the screen and successfully burned my design, I found the YuDu brand inks to be too thick to pass through the finer mesh of my 220 screen. Like my squeegee rant above, this may not be an issue with the 110 screens and printing on textiles, but I found it to be a real problem, only passing through the larger parts of my design despite being able to tell that my image had burned perfectly and the emulsion had rinsed out no problem. So I experimented with a different brand of ink (Versatex which I got at my local Blick art supply store) and sure enough my design printed just fine (having a new squeegee at this point also helped). I had my heart set on a particular YuDu color, however, so I tried adding some extender (again, available with the screenprinting inks or online) and, although this did dilute the color ever so slightly, worked like a charm. I mixed enough ink (about 3-4 parts YuDu ink to 1 part extender but it may vary for you) for my entire print run and stored it in a little plastic container you can get at just about any art or craft supply store (or even a tupperware devoted to your Yudu would work).

If you want to read more, you can check out my even longer, more rambling blog post on the topic:

I hope Provo Craft is reading all of these reviews, and the countless blog posts and video tutorials and taking all of these complaints into consideration. The machine itself is great it's nice to have something that will fit on my table that's an exposure unit, light table, and printing apparatus all in one. But the accessories could use some work emulsion sheets are tricky and costly and the squeegee is worthless. I can understand why they don't want to include all these little bits of information in the instructional DVD and pamphlet (they'd turn off a lot of potential customers if they advertised just how tricky this thing is) but a little more information up front would be useful. On the other hand, keep in mind that screenprinting is an art form that some folks spend years perfecting. Like any tool, it's going to take some time and practice to get it right, but I think this thing has a lot of potential, especially for folks like me who don't have the time or resources to create a screenprinting setup from scratch in my nonexistent garage.

Good luck and happy printing!

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I have been wanting a thermofax machine for a long time now and when the YUDU came out I thought it would work similar to the thermofax for far less money. I have never screenprinted a thing in my life and have been researching how to do it and what to buy for a while now.

Here are the things I like and dislike about the machine:

PROS:

I like the exposure unit since this seems to be the issue with traditional screenprinting.

I like not having to deal with chemicals the exposure sheets are easy to use.

After botching the first screen, the second was a breeze the screen came out great and made a bunch of pulls experimenting with inks and paints. All of the images came out great!

CONS:

* I think it's really pricey for what it is, but I used a circular flyer coupon and saved a lot on my unit.

* The first go-round I didn't have the screen wet enough and consequently my result was a wasted emulsion. I blame this on...

* The DVD it comes with is just TERRIBLE. It's really annoying, not serious and did not help at all. I could not get past the fact that they were in a garage in one part with FLIES flying around them!

* It does not come with the emulsion remover so make sure and buy it or if you ruin your first try you can't wash it off to try again. There is nothing worse than having to wait when you want to play!

* The unit is HUGE it has a 17" X 26-1/2" footprint.

They recommend that you use their inks but I used my fabric paints I had on hand and they worked just fine.

Overall it was pretty easy to use (after I ruined the first one to figure it out) even for a novice like me! I wish they would redo their DVD and show up close how things are supposed to look assume no one has ever screen printed before. I would say that I am happy I have a fairly mess free way to screenprint that is easy and quick! It's definitely more affordable than a thermofax setup. I will also layout more images on my transparency to burn onto my screen rather than waste all that emulsion space.

I am going to experiment with using the machine as an exposure unit for my own screens I will have to follow up with how well that works. I want the freedom to make smaller screens and save them for future use and I think it can be done with this machine (without having to use the YUDU screens). We'll see!

-------------------------

After playing with it for the weekend I wound up returning it. I think it's great if you want to do LARGE area graphics without fine details. I tried to burn some screens with finer details to no avail. It jut couldn't pick them up. So, I think it depends on what you want to use it for, and since they are leaning toward t-shirts with big chunky graphics it's fine. Skip it if you want to use it for fine printing, like small text or detail.

Best Deals for Yudu Personal Screen Printer

While the machine is convenient to use, you need to be aware of some of the issues.

I followed the tutorial online step by step. I wasted both emulsion sheets in the process. Being a beginner, the tutorial shows a woman using a spray bottle generously to get the emulsion sheet attached to the screen. She then lets the emulsion dry in 20 minutes. I tried this, and the emulsion was still wet, so I gave it another 20 minutes. After coming back, it was still a little wet, but I was unsure if it became "too dry" whether or not the plastic would become cemented to emulsion. The instructions included are vague, and make this process seem a quick step by step without giving any word of potential issues.

This happened to both emulsions, before I realized on the second emulsion that it took way longer than 20 minutes to dry this. Once again, I followed both the instructions and the book, and they both made it seem that one 20 minute cycle (hitting the fan and walking away) was how to handle the emulsion.

My issue at this point is that I live on Long Island, with 2 JoAnn's, and 3 Michaels and 2 AC Moore's all within 25 miles of me. I have driven to each and every story every other day for the last week, and none of them sell emulsion sheets. I tried contacting Yudu, and after explaining my problems, they told me the only place these emulsions were available were at JoAnn's and HSN.

Anyway, if you consider using this product, just be aware of the potential problems that come along with it. If you mess this up, Yudu won't help you, and if there is no emulsion available in stores, you are SOL. I wish I could give you an idea of what the shirt came out like, except I couldn't get past the drying process.

Honest reviews on Yudu Personal Screen Printer

I am so disappointed. I wanted to LOVE this unit ... but have had so much trouble burning the screens. Particularly, getting the silk frame properly wet so that the emulsion sheet will adhere evenly. It never seems to work out right ... no matter how many methods I use ... no matter how many times I watch the dvd demo video (terrible video by the way) or the online video ... and no matter how long I give the screen to dry. I feel slightly crazy over this ... yet I know that I am not craft-challenged. So I can only figure that the machine is not as easy to use as it suggests. Perhaps they should sell screens that already have the emulsion set onto them? Or perhaps I will learn to silk screen the "hard way" (seems easier to me!).

I do not recommend this unit until they work out some bugs ... and make it easy for the at home crafter.

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My wife and I bought the Yudu a few days ago to do some T-shirts for our community theatre because we did not have time to get them done commercially. We had been considering the machine for quite a while and this was the need that pushed us into investing the money.

If you decide to buy one, do yourself a favor and buy extra supplies at the same time. Our biggest challenge up front was getting the emulsion sheet properly attached to the screen. Since only 2 sheets come with the kit, we ended up having to head back to Michael's for more. (Fortunately, it is only about 5 miles away.)

We found the drying function of the machine to be relatively worthless, taking far too long to adequately dry the screen and emulsion sheet. However, a blow dryer works great! Just make sure you have the sheet sufficiently wet first. We use a small mister bottle of water, inspect the sheet to make sure everything is wet properly, then blow dry it -which takes only a few minutes. Then the exposure setting on the Yudu does fine.

We have been able to get 2-3 shirts done each time, then rinse out the screen, re-dry it, and start again. This process has yielded very good results so far.

Our biggest complaint with the product kit is that the instructions are horrible, leaving out some fairly important information on wetting and drying. Consequently, trial-and-error plays a big role in learning to use the equipment. The YouTube 7-step video is much more helpful than the included DVD, which was obviously created by Bubba for his own self-edification.

Review of 12 Gold Plated Finger Ring Jewelry Findings Charm Part

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I use these to hand out (2 held together with a bow) when we do water baptisms to signify your marriage to Jesus. This is about the best price for bulk rings. Wish they had bulk "wedding" bands. pj

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Cheap Plaid 34028 Stencil Brush, 1/4-Inch

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This stencil Plaid brush works very well with my collection of stencils. It holds the color very well in order it into the spaces in the stencils.

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Did not like this product at all. Will not recommend this product. I wish I could return it. Doesn't last at all

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Exactly as described. Has held up so far. Decent quality. Works for what I needed it for. Would order again if I need to.

Buy Sakura XNCW-12H 12-Piece Koi Assorted Water Colors Field Sketch Set

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List Price: $26.49
Sale Price: $19.22
Today's Bonus: 27% Off

I own this Koi watercolor kit. I truly love it! Why? the box is made of sturdy white plastic, it closes nicely. It comes with a great waterbrush; I love this brush!. Virtually, you don't even need to carry a bottle water, just have the waterbrush filled up with water before you leave home (assuming you only plan to paint for a very short amount of time or a small watercolor sketch)the sponge that comes with it absorbs water nicely.

My only concern when I bought this set was the quality of the watercolors (artist's vs. students) but the watercolors are really good! I was really surprise how bright the colors were!. By the way, I love and use this set so much that I decided to refill the pans.

A friend of mine saw me using it and I lend it to her, she loved it so much that she decided to buy one for herself! My baby brother loved my set so much that I bought one for his birthday! :) It is truly a great buy, easy to clean, very practical and useful. It is also a great gift idea for the artist in your family, compliment this gift with a small watercolor sketchbook and presto!

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In simple terms? The watercolors are in a simple and small carrying case excellent for travel. You can mix the colors on the lid side of carrier and it fits perfectly in my backpack. I would recommended for beginners of all ages.

Best Deals for Sakura XNCW-12H 12-Piece Koi Assorted Water Colors Field Sketch Set

This tiny powerhouse of color is hands-down the most indispensable item in my artist's toolkit. Compact and convenient, it's a perfect take-along for a day of plein-air painting, watercolor sketching at the museum, or art journaling at the coffee shop. The included water brush is handy and stores more than enough water for an afternoon of painting.

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I bought this small set planning to use it on a trip for a sketch book. Honestly did not find time so I wish I'd gotten the bigger set as it's got really lovely colors and a larger brush-still, this is very small, light and cute. Nice colors except would a have eliminated black and white.

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This kit is very handy to take along in my purse or pocket. The colors are vibrant, and the brush is good as well. I'd definitely recommend this kit for on the go sketching.

Makin's USA Clay Cutters, Flower, 3 Per Package Review

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We have quite a few shapes of these cutters they are great for polymer clay and other crafts. My daughter uses them to trace shapes as well as cut things out with them. They are a great little add on item to get up to free super saver shipping!

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Got it to make my polymer clay beads and they work great! The different sizes make it perfect for small to medium jobs and they can handle the abuse :-).. Good value and fast shipping.

Buy Makin's USA Clay Cutters, Geometric, 22 Per Package

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List Price: $13.99
Sale Price: $11.51
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I like these cutters. They were smaller cutters but just what I needed. The tin container is a little larger than the palm of my hand. Largest diamond is about 2inched long just so you get an idea about the sizes

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This is a great assortment of shapes. I'm really glad that I purchased this item.

Reviews of Faber Castell Pitt Pastel Pencil Set of 12 Assorted Colors

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List Price: $25.00
Sale Price: $17.56
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I received the Faber Castell Pitt Pastel Pencil Set of 12 assorted colors very quickly after I ordered them and they are perfect. I love using such high quality pastel pencils in my painting. 5 stars. Kudos. Great site.

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Spellbinders Flower Pots Review

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List Price: $24.99
Sale Price: $19.60
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These die cut pots are awesome and larger than expected. The only problem is there are no directions on how to get them to look like those pictured. The metal dies are elongated and do not look like the image. After studying the picture and the die cuts I made for long, disappointed hours, I FINALLY realized I needed to cut off the top of the pot where there is an indentation, flip it over and attach it separately to the bottom. NOWHERE is this explained! I realized this by the odd shape of the top ridge of the pot when looking really close. Ultimately, these are great and look wonderful with textured cardstock. The large one is too big to fit on a cardfront and I probably will not use it.

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Love this die. It is very simple to turn into that starbucks cup. I have made several cards using this die as a cup.

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This is a great item. The pots come in various sizes so it is great for scrapbooking, card making and other projects. I use this to make my cards where I want to have a flower pot. Mothers day, Easter or even birthdays. Really neat item

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I love this die. I have used it several time on my greeting cards. One can make beautiful, colorful flower arrangements on cards!

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I was so excited to order these then... disappointed when they arrived. They do not cut like the picture on the packaging. There is not a center embossed line so really the pot looks like a rectangle with tiny indents at the sides. I do not know how they took those pictures using the dies. I returned mine.

ChiaoGoo Cables for Twist Interchangeable Small Knitting Needle Set Reviews

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The cables are great but when purchasing the 8" cable be sure to get the 4" tips or you can't use it. Not enough turn in the cable with 5" tips. I have to purchase a longer cable to be able to work my knitting.

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Compact, amazing everything I need! Secret compartment to hold all the little things I normally misplace. I highly recommend it for all level of knitting competence.

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The cables are just like the ones that come with the interchangeable kits. To be honest, I wasn't crazy about the thought of having two different cable sizes ( and Large) to deal with for one set of interchangeable needles. This really hasn't been a problem. I just have kept the two sizes independent of the other. I don't think I would have to do that now. The needle itself, in very small print, tells you the size it needs and when you look at the twist end, you can see what size is what.

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The size of this cable is GREAT for the small scarf I am making. I have to use circulars but the long cables always twist up. These do not! Very happy I bought an extra cable!

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Love My Chiaogoo interchangeable needle set. The set didn't come with the 8" so I bought it separate. Love them!

New Threadsrus 40 Large Spools Embroidery Threads for Brother Review

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I can't say enough about this thread. I love it!! I am brand new to embroidery, but so far all of my products have turned out great with this thread.

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I am new to embroidery and these made a WORLD of difference in my work. No more popped thread or bobbin problems.

Best Deals for New Threadsrus 40 Large Spools Embroidery Threads for Brother

I purchased these threads expecting large spools and great colors. I got neither. When you add in the fact that each and every thread I tried to use in my brand new Brother PE-770 broke within one minute, well let's just say I was disappointed. I would not reccommend this item to anyone and will likely throw the entire bunch away, unless I use them for hand appliqueing.

Best Sizzix 657247 Bigz Die, Reindeer with Antlers by Basicgrey Deals

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List Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $8.31
Today's Bonus: 58% Off

I love the reindeer die. The reindeer die can be used in other design besides just the reindeer head and antlers.

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Great product stunning style excellent price too ... love it!

Had many uses for it over Christmas .... value plus!

Best Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers - Brights - 24 pack Deals

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Just got the 3 sets, brights, lights and pastels and when I finish writing feedback will be putting my Copics up for sale on Ebay. What can I say? These are great. The colors are spectacular and they glide on watercolor paper as smooth as silk. I had read pro and con reviews of the Spectrum Noir Markers but figured that since just about everyone was sold out of them , they were worth a try. I am so glad I did. They have many Copic features including being refillable, a fantastic array of colors, and a chisel end. The main difference is a bullet tip instead of the brush. It works very smoothly without the drag that I have found with a Zig for instance, In your hand it feels similar to the original Copics. Please don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with Copic Markers except for the price. I have enjoyed mine but I simply like these just as much, if not more, and I love the price.

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I love these markers! The fact that they are refillable makes these markers unbeatable. If you ruin a nib replacements can be bought. They could be the last markers you ever buy. Using the blender marker you can correct mistakes or color an area and go back with the blender to lighten designs. I don't use them on stamps (yet anyhow) I use them to draw and color original art and to Zentangle. I haven't had any issues with the caps being too tight. I want every color!!

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After my love/ hate relationship with these markers resolved, I purchased more in the set. The color selection is good. Still have a gripe with the caps that fit way too tight. Today I opened one and the whole insides fell out on my artwork and ruined it. If they could resolve that issue these would be OK to use.

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This is a great product for coloring if you cannot afford copic markers. Has pretty much the same quality, but more quantity for the money.

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This was my second attempt to buy Spectrum Noir in the 24 pack. Of the 24, 4 were nearly dry and an additional 2 were barely wet enough to color, even when I stood them on end to try to get what little ink was in there to pool at the pointed tip. A new version of these markers has been released with an optional brush tip and better control of dryness, etc. I haven't decided if I want to take the chance or go with Copics. I know the Copics are more expensive but I haven't had the same disappointing experience with those.

Best LOVEKITTY - DIY 3D Kitty Cell Phone Case Resin Flat back Kawaii Deals

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Good quality and there were more than enough rhinestones to create a unique design. Only complaint is that the large rose flower is a thicker than I expected.

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Buy Sizzix 656978 Textured Impressions Embossing Folders 2-Pack

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List Price: $10.99
Sale Price: $10.56
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The wife loves these things and can't get enough of them. She has filled the house with cards and goes non stop and they appear to be very durable.

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Obviously Rachael Bright is very bright and great with special affects. The embossing folder does make you feel like you're in a fantasy garden where all the plants are imagined and a real fairy might step out from behind the tree at any time. You might even see a leprechaun under one of the plants. Add a little color and it becomes even more fantastic. Obviously, it's one of my favorite embossing folders. I intend to buy more of Rachael Bright's embossing folders. Amazon has a new Bright folder and I have to have it. I recommend this embossing folder. It's really fun.