Let's Polka.... Dot!

Here's another tip actually published with a display of cards I submitted to Stampers Sampler's Take Ten publication (volume 5) -- the same display that featured the Swiss dot ribbon tip:

You can create fun, easy polka dot backgrounds using a pencil eraser, and your favorite ink... My favorite eraser size to use is found on jumbo kiddie pencils, like the ones I remember from kindergarten.

For best results:
- Make sure the eraser has never been used - if it has, you won't get a perfect circle.
- Always test on scrap to get a feel for the amount of pressure required - it will vary ink    to ink, paper to paper.
- Stamp straight down then straight up - don't move the pencil around.
- Re-ink between impressions.
- When finished, clean the ink off the eraser very gently, or the eraser will behave as if it has been used, and next time, you won't get a perfect circle.
- You can use any ink, but pigment or chalk inks work really well.
- Keep one eraser for dark ink, and another for light ones.
- If you use an eraser with "black" ink, dedicate it to that color.
- Check the eraser for cracks before each use - pencil erasers tend to dry out, and if there's crack, you'll get either a line or a void on your polka dot.

Here's a card using the eraser dot background technique:

It is also the smART monthly project, which means detailed directions can be found here, and the stamp sets used -ABC-Birthday Time & WD-167 Celebrate - are featured as smARTworks' Spotlight Special for October.

Scarecrow Contest Update:  No winner so far... Need a hint?  I am a huge multi-tasker, and almost never do only one thing a time.  Hmmm... So, what can she do, and cut rubber at the same time???  (And no, it's not chew gum... ~hee hee)

Comments

[Cheri Mosgrove]

I know you are into exercise since your dad's health problems, so I think you could exercise while cutting rubber. A recumbent bike and scissors could go together!

[Diana Douglass]

I bet that you cut your rubber in your basement, after the men in your life have gone to work/school. Perhaps you listen to the news or music while preparing the rubber?

[Betsey]

We can eliminate exercising, because I know the cutting is too good for that. (I've had stamps that look like someone was jogging while cutting them.) How about listening to a Bible study on the radio, internet or t.v. (I'm doing Beth Moore on internet, that's why I thought of that.)

[sharon in ne]

You're a mom so I'll say while waiting for your kids after school, or after practice. So the place is in your vehicle, preferably NOT while driving. ;)