Hey There Mr. Snowman

Can you believe that today is the last day of June? This month has just flown by. Looking back on what I've done this month I can be happy. Spent lots of time outside biking, and hiking. Lots of gardening, and crafting so all in all not a bad month. 

Since tomorrow is the 1st of July I'm kicking off my week long Christmas in July with this happy snowman. I saw him on Pinterest, but added my own spin. Added a Garden Green vest that even has a pocket with a hankie popping out of it. The pocket was made with Little Labels punch pack. Hearts on the vest made with Owl Builder punch as was the eyes, and mouth. Carrot nose I free hand cut using Pumpkin Pie cardstock. 

Snowman is layered on Not Quite Navy. Snowflake stamp from new 4 Seasons Hostess set for the background. Greeting from Occasions Alphabet. Base card Early Espresso.

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for the start of Christmas in July. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Really Hot Here!

OMG it was so hot here yesterday! Hit 100 and the heat index was 110. I had some shopping to do so I went early in the the morning and was back before 11. Kept in the house the rest of the day. Ventured out only to get the mail. As I'm writing this post (Thursday night 11 pm) it is 91 degrees. According to the weatherman will be in the high 90's today as well. Took some pictures of the garden the other day. This is the squash. It is taking over the back part of the garden. It is really healthy! 

peppers

beans

and this one is the raspberries. We have several more bushes that are giving us lots of berries this season.

Don't think I'll be outside much today either. Going to workout in the living room with a DVD and the air conditioner.

Stamping trails
Karen

To my favorite doggie.....Ozzie.....please stay away from the doves. Play the guitar instead. 

Scrapping it up Again

I reached into my "scrap box" and pulled out some Chocolate Chip striped ribbon, some designer paper, and believe it or not I had a Crumb Cake scallop circle that was punched for some long ago project that I used on today's card. 

The border punch used is from Martha Stewart. I know I know.....but she does have some punches that I like. Image from SU Serene Silhouettes. 

I tried to take it easy yesterday as my back is a bit sore from pulling weeds this past weekend, but I did take a bike and combination hike. Today I won't be going out. They are issuing heat warnings for our area from 11 am to 8 pm. Heat index will be over 100. So if I do go out it won't be till way late. 

Thinking light diner today. Maybe some sandwiches and a big salad. It will be a good day to hide out in my stamping studio and work on my Christmas in July projects. Sounds good to me!

Stamping trails

Karen

Blueberry Muffins

Since blueberries are in season now and can be purchased at a good price I've been making blueberry smoothies, blueberry muffins, and putting the berries in my morning oatmeal.

This is a wonderful muffin recipe.

Heat oven to 375

2 cups Bisquick Heart Smart mix
3/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoon ground flax
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

In a large bowl mix all the the above together

In a small bowl mix:

2 eggs
8 oz reduced fat sour cream

Pour the egg mixture into the dry bowl and mix well. If the mixture appears to be a dry you can add a little fat free milk.

Fold in 2 cups of fresh clean blueberries.

Drop by spoon fulls into muffin tin that has been sprayed with cooking spray (or you can use cupcake liners)

This recipe will make 16 muffins.

Bake in oven for 20 minutes. After the pan is cooled remove the muffins and place on wire rack. You can fill a small bowl with sugar and dip the tops of the muffins into it while they are still warm.

YUM!!!!

Sarah loved the ones I took her the other day.

Stamping trails
Karen

Saw the new House

Spent the day with Sarah checking out their new house. Lots of remodeling to do, but the house is just charming! Love all the natural wood floors, the old metal latches on the doors, the large mirror in the dining room, and love the colors they are repainting the rooms. Sarah said Jason let her choose the paint colors. Her new sewing room is going to be awesome. The walls are a light turquoise and she will be using soft suede as an accent color. They have 4 bedrooms, two baths, and there is even a wet bar in the basement. Sill lots of work to do before they can move in.

Sarah in the kitchen. I'll post some more pictures at a later time as more rooms get completed. They have the coolest back yard. All fenced in with lots of trees and plants. There is an natural archway next to the garage leading into the backyard. At the very back of the lot they have an above ground pool. Not sure at this point if they will be keeping the pool. Still up in the air. Right now biggest concern is to get there living space complete so they can move in.

Oh she loved the blueberry muffins I made for her. I'll post a picture of them with the recipe in tomorrows blog post. They are made with sour cream and Heartsmart Bisquick. Really really yummy!

Stamping trails
Karen 

Red Bird Cage Card

This card is case of one I saw on Pinterest. I changed it up a bit. Bird cage from Nature Walk set. Leaves are embosslit die that Kat cut and mailed to me. Thanks Kat (by the way....I finally got that embosslit) I popped some of the leaves on the branch and also the falling leaves. Word is an older retired SU set, and the cream button is from a button batch that Lisa sent me. So with the help of my friends I got this card made:) What was that that Ringo Starr said? 

"I get by with a little help from my friends" 

Well more biking yesterday. This time I changed it up and stopped and took a mile hike then rode the bike again. Also more weeding. Good news is I think I can skip the garden weeding for awhile. YAY. My back will thank me. 

Today I'll be going to see Jason and Sarah's new home. Can't wait to see the place. We plan to go out and get lunch also. This morning I'm baking her some blueberry muffins. She loves them!

Stamping trails
Karen

Come'on get Scrappy

I had some scraps of cardstock laying on my desk from another card project so because I was to lazy to file them I made this card. The strips were cut and torn. I stacked them next to each other then stamped the image on them using Early Espresso ink. Then each piece was run through different embossing folders. I think because that concord crush cardstock was darker I should have stamped the image in black, but I'm happy with it.

Took a very long bike ride early yesterday afternoon. Needed to release some anger at hubby. Thanks bunches to my friends that I called while I was out. Always wonderful to have a friends that really listen to you.

Later in the day I did some more weeding in the garden. I tell that is a never ending job! At least the temps were very comfortable yesterday. In the upper 70's. We even built a fire in my new fire pit and roasted marshmallows. So good!

Stamping trails
 Karen

Beating the Heat

So how do I beat the 90 degree plus heat we've had this week............ First off I drink lots of water. Totally gave up diet soda. Pretty much just drink water, or fat free milk. Now sometimes I want to shake up my water a bit, and this apple cinnamon flavored water is just wonderful for summer. Take one apple and slice it into thin slices. Put them in a pitcher and add one cinnamon stick. Fill the pitcher halfway with water then fill rest of the way with ice. Put in the fridge for 15 minutes at it is so good! I refill the pitcher twice before discarding the apples and cinnamon stick.



Next way I beat the heat is with frozen peanut butter cups. So yummy, and so very WW point friendly. You will need 12 foil cup muffin cups. Place these on a cookie sheet. Next mix 1/3 cup of reduced fat smooth peanut butter, with 1/2 container of Cool Whip Free topping. After it is mixed well fold in the remaining Cool Whip. Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups. Then take 1/4 cup of 50% less fat Hershey syrup and drizzle on top. Pop in the freezer. Once the mixture sets up and freezes you can put the cups into freezer bags.Take one out and eat when you need an ice cream fix.


Stamping trails
Karen

Burn

 I received this thank you card from Kat in yesterdays mail. Love the colors and the heart layered on the doily background.




 And I love the word stamp that she put on the back of the card. I think you are "Priceless" too Kat!

Well I was an idiot yesterday. While I was out in the back grilling dinner (in the 90 + degree heat I might add) I dropped the tongs and instead of letting them drop I instictively tried to catch them and caught them on the hot end (they had been in the grill)so I got some nice second degree burns right in between my index and middle finger. Can we say OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!  Told hubby I won't be grilling for awhile. He can grill his own burgers!


Stamping trails
Karen

The fair opened yesterday. Hubby and me are going to go visit it after dinner tonight. Firework show starts at 10. They always have a wonderful light show. We'll be riding the bikes there. These are photo's I took on my bike ride the other day when they were just starting to put up the rides and booth.

Ferris Wheel.





Not sure what they all this ride. Maybe the Yo Yo. Big Swing. It spins and you get to dangle your feet as it spins around.






I pulled some radishes out of the garden. Didn't get as big as I thought they would. I think hubby didn't plant the seeds down far enough.

I have to do a retraction to my blog post yesterday. Today is Kat's birthday, not yesterday as I posted. After talking to her we figured out that Leap Year was to blame. Her birthday is always on the first day of summer, but not this year. At any rate......Happy "REAL" birthday Kat!


Stamping trails
Karen 

Too Hot Snowman Needed

It was 93 degrees here yesterday, and suppose to be 95 degrees today. If I ever needed a snowman I need one today! Base card white, layer Marina Mist that was embossed with dot embossing folder. Sizzlits Large Delicate Doilies die used with Soft Suede. Snowman was stamped, cut,and colored with markers. Large scallop circle punch with Tangerine Tango cardstock, layered on white. The Delicate Doily die has three different doilies on it. I used the one with the circle in the center to run the ribbon through. To get the nice knot in the center after putting both ends through the doily I tied left ribbon end over right, then right ribbon end over left and didn't pull the ribbon ends very tight. This leaves a nice knot in the center. Stamp set Snow Much fun.

I'll be jumping on the bike soon to get a ride in before it gets to hot. That's what I did yesterday I left the house at 8 am and got back around 9:30. Worked out pretty well. I doubt if I'll be working in the garden today. I'll water later in the day. I think after the bike ride I'll be enjoying my stamping studio. I'll be posting projects soon for Christmas in July. I can't believe that June is more than half over.

Today is also the Summer Solstice. The longest day of the year. Old Fashioned Days also starts today. Its a fair that they have in Brunswick every summer. I took some pictures of the fair yesterday. They have it on the high school grounds. I stopped while riding the bike and watched them putting up some of the booths. I'll share those pictures on tomorrow's post.

And last but not least today is my dear friend Kathy's birthday. Happy Birthday Kat! Love ya bunches. Hope you and Joe are having a blast on your mini vacation.

Stamping trails
Karen

Techno Challenge 226

I haven't done a Techno Challenge for a few weeks, and when I was visiting Mary Jo's blog I saw this sketch and it was just calling my name.

Stamp set Serene Silhouettes, you can tell this is my new favorite set as I've been really making use of it, and Kindness Matters stamp set.

Colors: Vanilla, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, and Wisteria Wonder. Love these colors together! 


 

Close up of the embellishment. Used a scrap of lace ribbon with a safety pin. Reminds me a a lady's brooch.


My friends Joe and Kat are traveling today....sending safe travel wishes! Have fun on your mini vacation.


We had so much rain yesterday evening. Thunder, and a wonderful light show. The ground really needed a good soak. Not looking forward to the next three days. Suppose to be in the upper 90's. Too hot for me!

Stamping trails
Karen  

4th of July Card

I came up with my 4th of July card. Started with a Cuttlebug script embossing folder on white cardstock. The stripes were made using SU ribbon punch with Real Red cardstock. Heart is Night of Navy embossed with dots folder. Little heart at bottom from Tiny Tags stamp set. Word "spirit" from Expressive Flexible Phrases. Like the country look of the flag.

Had a great day yesterday with the family. Got the food done on the grill in between rain drops. Of course the weatherman would get the right info for rain when we were trying to have a cookout. LOL
Oh well still a nice day. Going to visit MIL Kate today. She needs to get out and about so I'll be driving her.

Stamping trails
Karen

Happy Father's Day

Happy father's day to all the dads out there. My dad Earl Glen Keith passed away July 2001. Miss him and think of him often. So very hard to lose your parents. My friend Kat made this Father's Day card and sent it to me. I'm going to let the kids sign it and give it to Skip today. Thanks Kat!

Isn't this a fun and pretty birthday card? I received this as a RAK from Jane Starr. She's also on the VC Rocks group. Thanks bunches for the early Birthday card! Hey this is my first birthday card for the year. YAY I get to enjoy this on for a long while!

So tired after yesterday. Knew it was going to be hot so got hubby moving and out the door at 10. Took a two hour bike ride. OMG!!!! It was fun as Brunswick was holding a town wide yard sale, so we stopped in and visited a few of them while we were out riding. I bought a few little things. Course I had to hit the shower soon as I got home. Sweaty!!!!

The kids will be home today and John is picking up grandma Gibson. We will be having a little cookout. Should be fun long as it doesn't rain. They are calling for some rain, but the way it has been going for us here I'm thinking the weathermen are nuts really don't know how to predict the weather:)

Enjoy your Sunday. 

I changed my weigh in day to Sunday.
Amount lost: .5

Stamping trails Karen

VC Rocks Blog Hop #2

Welcome the the 2nd round of this season's VC Rocks Blog Hop. For this one we were free to make any size card.  I decided to make a shaped card. Used lots of scallops! Base is made with Scallop Circle Bigz die using Tangerine Tango cardstock. Stamp set Hostess Four Seasons. The card on top of the base is made using Scallop Circle # 2 die (retired) using So Saffron cardstock. Pacific Point layer 2 1/2 circle punch. 2 3/8 scallop punch used for stamped image. 1 inch circle punch for the center. Inks used: Tangerine Tango, So Saffron, Cajun Craze, and Pacific Point. Also used Perfectly Penned stamp set for the inside greeting.


 

I added a strip of folded cardstock to the base card. I wanted it to have some more support to be able to stand the card.


 

Inside view of greeting.

Hope you enjoy your tour today. Check out the rest of the blogs. We have some very talented gals in this group, and speaking of talent next up Dawn Hoffman. Visit here blog here

If you'd like to start at the beginning of the hop visit here


Stamping trails
Karen  

Birds on the Branch Again

Well those birds in the branch are sure getting a lot of use this week! Here I am again with another bird card. I used a Chocolate Chip marker (wish they would have named this color differently....makes me want chocolate!) to extend the branch so I could add a little red ribbon. I used my finger to rub off the color from the top bird and used Real Red marker on him.


I was so excited yesterday morning! When I went to pick up my mini glue dots at Pat Catan's I found something else that I had to have. Think I must have been meant to have it as it was the last package. Darice came out with a pack of 7 different shape shims to use with embossing folders. When you use the shim it will leave an un-embossed spot on the card. With the birds above I used one of the larger rectangle shaped shims. Just love the look! The package cost 10.97. Which I didn't think was a bad price for 7 different shapes. Hope they get more in. Would make a great gift for anyone with a Cuttlebug. I'm going to play around with them a bit more as I'm sure I can use them with the Big Shot as well.

I got some workouts in yesterday. Went biking twice. Once in the morning then again late in the day with Skip. I also got out my resistance bands and did a workout with them using a workout video. Feeling pretty good these days.

Today I have to do some much needed cleaning. Bathroom really needs a good cleaning. Can I sweet talk anyone to come over and clean the tub, and tile? I'll pay you in handmade cards. Anyone, anyone?



Stamping trails
Karen

Birds in the Window

Back again with Serene Silhouettes. Love this set! Today I used white cardstock for the base. Stamped the birds on the branch image using Early Espresso ink. Using watercolor paper I first punched with 1 inch square punch. Then centered the opening with the 1 1/4 square punch and punched again. This gave me the window pane. For the base of the window I punched the watercolor paper again with the 1 3/8 square punch.

 

 


Here is a close up view of the window. I stamped the base of the window with the birds. I didn't like the flat look of the birds and wanted some color. So I inked the stamp with Cherry Cobbler and stamped on white cardstock, then cut the birds out. Not an easy thing to do as the birds are small, but oh so worth the overall effect it gives. The birds were popped and also the window pane. The window was then glued over the stamped image on the base card. So this is pretty much the color blocking technique with just a little extra with the window. Word came from Perfectly Penned stamp set.

I did some biking yesterday. Was a little cool riding in shady spots and down hill. Glad I wore my light jacket. After dinner me and Skip went hiking at Plum Creek. That was fun. Perfect day for long hike. I'll be out and about today as I have orders to deliver. I also am in desperate need of some mini glue dots so you know what that means........off to Pat Catan's!

Stamping trails
Karen

Quint-Essential Flower Birthday

  Like I tell all my stamping friends there are no "oops" in stamping only happy accidents, and stamping
opportunities. Read on.

On the first view of the birthday card I stamped "it's your day" in Pacific Point ink but as I've done many times before I stamped it crooked. Instead of starting over I reinked the stamped and used a scrap piece of white cardstock to stamp the staying again. Then it was cut out and I added the banner look by cutting off the end portion using a square punch. I love this single stamp! So many different ways you can punch and layer it! I first used the large scallop circle punch on Tangerine Tango cardstock. Then inked the stamp with So Saffron, Pacific Point, and Tangerine Tango inks and used matching punches to punch the different colors out. Popped the last layer and added a rhinestone. The little flower that is stamped on the Tango layer is from the new Hostess set Four Seasons. This little stamp goes perfect with Quint-Essential stamp.

I even did the inside of the card to match. Didn't want to waste the Pacific Point since I had only used just a small circle of it on the front. I'm going to enjoy playing with this single stamp!

Stamping trails Karen

Tags

I got my first order from the new catalog yesterday afternoon. Always great to get new "stamping toys". I made these gift tags using Serene Silhouettes. I knew when I saw the set that it had some great possibilities. I like that you can use the birds in the tree for Christmas. Love getting more bang for my buck when it comes to stamp sets. I used just simple masking and sponging to create the tags using different SU dye based inks. I also got to play with the new Large Doilies Sizzlits die.

Really didn't do much of anything yesterday. Cleaned up a bit and did some wash. Watched a movie and read some more of my book.  I think I was just tired after the busy weekend.

Rained a little bit but not as much as I had hoped for.Guess I'll be watering the garden again today.

Stamping trails
Karen

Orange Smoothie

I was so hot yesterday morning after watering the garden that I had to have something really cold and frosty. This smoothie reminds me of the Orange Julius stand at the mall.

I used one orange, 1 cup of fat free milk, 10 ice cubes, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and a splash of sugar free caramel flavoring. It was so cold and yummy! Really hit the spot.

Spent a large part of the afternoon outside. When to Mark's graduation party. It was held outside in 90 degree plus heat. Good thing there were plenty of shade trees in the front yard. Played some corn hole. Used the boards that Skip made last year. My team lost, but I had fun even though I worked up a good sweat!

Taking it easy today. Maybe do some light housework. Skip's mom gave me a chaise lounger for the deck. OMG is it ever comfortable! Or comfy cozy as my friend Lisa would say. I spent some time this morning lounging in that drinking my morning coffee and reading a book. AHHHHHH so nice.

Stamping trails
Karen

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my sis Charlotte. I've been busy this weekend. We had two graduation parties to attend. One for his sister's youngest child Kristen. That was yesterday. Today we are picking up his mom and going to Mark's party. Mark is the youngest child of Skip's first cousin Mary Jo. We did get to the drive in last night. Beautiful night for it. It was warm, and clear. Not a cloud in the sky. We found a new drive in. Its called Blue Sky out in Wadsworth. It only has one screen, but it is nice. You don't even need to bring a radio. They still have the speakers on the poles that you can hang on the car. Very cool! Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Going to be in the 90's today. That is pretty darn hot! Stamping trails Karen

Green and Yellow

Mom in law Kate called me yesterday asking if I could make her some graduation cards. We have two parties to go to this weekend. One is for Kristen. Skip's sister's youngest child. There high school colors are green and a gold yellow color. YUCK Not my favorite colors. I cased this card from pinterest. I like how the mortarboard is sailing in the air above the butterflies.

I still have a few more cards to make, but I'll get to those sometime today. Need to run to MIL and take her to pickup her new glasses. Her housing development is having a yard sale so she also wanted me to help her with that. Going to be a long day.

I weeded and watered the garden yesterday morning. That was a big job, but it got done. I was sweating bullets by the time I was finished.

Started reading book. John has a ton of paperbacks, so I borrowed one from him. We pretty much have the same taste in books, and music for that matter. Hubby always calls us bookends. I think he is just jealous.

Stamping trails
Karen

Live in the Moment

For the base of this card I used Sahara Sand. This is a color that I rarely if ever use. That is why I selected this color for the card. Wanted to use some neglected supplies. Soft Suede used for layers, and scallop circle 2 die for image and layer. Word is from Hero Arts.

Skip goes on day shift today since the schools are out for the summer. He is not a happy camper about it as he'd much rather sleep in and go into work late. Poor guy! Only thing that is keeping him happy is knowing we will be going on vacation soon.

Another beautiful day. I'll be weeding and watering the garden today. Most likely will grill out later in the day. Still working on some birthday gifts that need to be put in the mail. Always something going on. Glad I have my hobbies to keep me busy!

Stamping trails
Karen 

Altered Clothes Pin Fridge Magnets

I have so many clothes pins of all sizes that I need to do some crafts with them. These are standard size. I added a layer of Mod Podge, then stuck designer paper on. Make sure you size and cut the designer paper before you put down the layer of Mod Podge. Next I sponged the edges of the paper and clip, then added another layer of Mod Podge over the paper to seal it. Used magnet strips on the back so they can be used for fridge magnets. Good way to gift these would be to stamp a matching card and put the clothes pins on top of it. I think I'll also be putting these in cello bags and adding a ribbon tie to give as little gifts.


Late with today's post. I was stamping yesterday, but not on projects that I can post to the blog just yet. Birthday surprises!

Took a very long bike ride early this afternoon. Was so nice outside. Been in the mid 60's earlier in the week which is not quite warm enough for me. Going to be in the 70's for the rest of this week. Which makes for great biking weather!

Stamping trails
Karen

Corner Bookmark Picture Tutorial, and Tea Shoppe Card

 Here are the details of the corner bookmark that was posted on Sundays post Base is a 4x4 piece of cardstock that is scored diagonally at 2". It will need to be scored twice. Please refer to the photo.
 Turn the scored pieces to the back and use a bone folder to make sure there is a good crease in the cardstock. For the back layer cut a 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 piece of cardstock. Cut that piece in half diagonally, and adhere to the folded part of the cardstock. This will keep the folded part in place.
If you want to add a layer to the front of the bookmark cut a piece of designer paper or cardstock 3 3/4 x 3 3/4. Score this piece just like making the base piece. You will be scoring at 1 7/8. Instead of folding you will be using the score lines and cut off the two pieces. This will make the layer. Hope this helps you to make some bookmarks. 

 

I was playing around with the paper doily Sizzlits die yesterday. Still trying to get it to work for me. I'll be posting some tips for that soon. For this card I cut a coffee filter using the die. I wanted the card to have a vintage look so first I sponged the filter with Crumb Cake ink then wadded it up an tore it a bit. This was used as a layer under the tea cup. Colors used Crumb Cake, Rose Red, Sand, Regal Rose, and white.


Did a whole bunch of nothing yesterday. The only physical thing I did was mop the kitchen floor. Just wasn't feeling very energetic after yard work all weekend.

Stamping trails
Karen 

One Layout many Greetings

I saw similar cards on Stampin'Up! website and knew I had to make some. I used the Bigz Scallop Circle die to create the card. I folded cardstock in half and ran it through the Big Shot but on the folded edge I slid the cardstock down so the top 4 scallops didn't cut. When you do this it creates a folded card. Stamp set Just Believe inked with Pear Pizzazz. Flower from itty bitty punch pack used with Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, and Peach Parfait, mini glue dot used to adhere them to the image. Word stamps inked with VersaMark and embossed with clear embossing powder. Sponging done over words with Pear Pizzazz. Added a white bow to the top of the card.

Close up view.



So busy yesterday. More yard work. I have to admit the yard is looking pretty good, but I'm tired and sore. Glad today is Monday. Hubby will be going to work and I'll get a much needed break from the yard!
Sorry I didn't have time to get the bookmark tutorial done. Hopefully I'll get it finished today and post tomorrow.

Happy Monday!

Stamping trails
Karen 

Stamp Camp

This is one of the projects we did at stamp camp yesterday. The top corner of the card is removable, and can be used as a corner bookmark. Pretty darn clever! Base card is Crumb Cake, and Early Espresso layer. Bottom part of espresso layer was embossed with Vintage Wallpaper folder.

I'll be posting a picture tutorial tomorrow so you can make the bookmark.

Was a very long day. After the camp I helped Skip clean up the backyard. Lots of brush and wood to burn. That was an all day job. I think I must have strained a muscle in my back. As it isn't feeling too good right now.

My nephews also came over last evening and we played Monopoly, and I won! 

Hope you have a great Sunday!

 Stamping trails Karen

Clear Stamps

I had some customers ask me about using clear stamps. Let me just say I would choose clear stamps to wood mounted stamps any day of the week. Just love them! I like the thin cases that SU clear stamps come in. What I do after adding the labels on the stamps I peel off the paper on the rubber that the stamps are attached to, and stick that to the storage case. When not using the stamps they go right back into the space they came out of.

Here is a back view of the case.

Now I've heard others say that they have problems with the clear stamps sticking on the blocks. I've also ran into that problem. Nothing worse than inking up the clear stamp then have it pop off the block when you go to stamp it on the cardstock. I've been using Tobmo liquid glue on the backs of the stamps. Just take a wide flat paint brush and apply a very thin layer of the glue to the label part of the stamp. Allow it to dry. The glue sticks to the the clear block very well. Won't come off even when you clean it on the scrubby. If you don't want to add the glue you can also use a bit of mono adhesive to hold it in place, or don't apply the clear label to the stamps. I've heard that they cling better without the label. For me it would drive me crazy if I didn't have the label attached. LOL Also make sure the clear block is clean. Another thing that I've done is mist the label part of the stamp with a small amount of water. You don't need much to get it to stick. Hope this info has been of some help.

Stamping trails
Karen