I’ve mentioned before that the only remotely crafty thing I do is make cards. They’re not always perfect and sometimes they’re lame, but it’s what I do. Especially Thank You cards - I really try to hand-make those since I think it makes for a very sincere Thank You. I’ve just recently, attempted to get NikkiZ to make her own cards. It’s turned out to be quite an effective task. Stamps are easy for her to manage and she can even decorate them with stickers. I’ll usually give her a “Thank You” stamp to put somewhere on front and I’ll sign her name inside.
My only issue is, I haven’t really found any washable ink pads. Does anyone have any suggestions? It’s a great task but it would be much better if she didn’t have to walk around with the word “Thanks!” on her arms and legs for three days afterwards.
Of course - if I gave her a bath once in awhile - maybe that wouldn’t happen. Motherhood is tough.
Michaels and Wal-Mart both have washable stamp pads. There isn’t a huge aray at either store, but enough that my daughter has fun. She particularly likes the rainbow colored stamp pads.
You can also find them at school supply stores.
Have you tried baby wipes? When my kids (now 26 and 27) were little, that was what I used to get marker and pen off them. It worked way better than soap and water.
I know you don’t do Wal-Mart but they have them cheap. There is usually more of a variety in the office/school supply section (by stickers usually) than in the craft area.
Wal-Mart. I used to work in the craft section and they have lots of colors.
If you don’t want to buy new ones, you can always use a washable marker to color in the stamp!
I always make cards too - I think they are much more personal.
We use Crayola washable markers to color the stamp with, then the stamp washes right off with water. Washable paint to dip it in or brush on with a paint brush also works, and is quicker and generally has more color than the marker.
Michaels/AC Moore also have the kids washable pads.
bath schmath. I seriously have been on the look out for Thank YOu stamps ever since we got your card. They are a BRILLIANT IDEA! BRILLIANT
Melissa & Doug has washable ones, I’m pretty sure (type “Melissa and Doug stamp” into Amazon.com and you’ll see a whole bunch of cute sets). I was considering a dinosaur set for my daughter and I remember it said washable ink, so I’ll bet the other sets have washable ink, too.
Make sure you are using a water based ink. At craft stores, you can find a stamp cleaner which is usually in a spray bottle that you mist on a sponge or special pad that will clean your stamps after use. You may want to try giving a little spritz on a papertowel and trying to wipe off NikkiZ. Also, I second the baby wipes. For double action, spray a baby wipe with stamp cleaner.
Have fun making cards. I haven’t bought cards since I made my daughter’s birth announcements 7 years ago. I have a box full of various birthday, holiday, grats, just because, friendship, and thank you cards ready for me to use.