I know that probably sounds strange, but I've found that I must have it on the table when I'm stamping. (The whole pad, too, not just one sheet; although one sheet of grid paper is preferable to anything else.) It's where my analytical, logical left brain (numbers, order, identical squares) meets my creative right brain (scribbles, colors, doodles). There have been a few times when I've packed up supplies to stamp at a friend's house and have forgotten my grid paper. I manage with whatever scratch paper is on hand, but it's just not the same. Sigh.
I don't worry about keeping my grid paper neat. I use the top sheet until A) it gets sticky from glue, B) I spill something on it that could transfer to another project, and/or C) the bottom corners get so curled up that they are constantly getting caught on my arm. (This sheet is probably nearing its last days.) And while it's exciting to tear off that top sheet and start with a clean slate, it's also fun to really look at my grid paper and get a glimpse of the cards and projects I've made in the last weeks or months.
Here's a closer look at part of my current piece of stamping grid paper:
It's not visible here, but one of my favorite features of the grid paper are the rulers on the bottom and left sides of the paper. I often measure card stock on the grid paper and notch it with my thumbnail where I want to cut it instead of measuring it on my paper cutter. (Don't ask why; I work in mysterious ways.) I've even been known to jot down non-stamping-related notes on my grid paper. Once while I was making cards my aunt called to ask for help with a game of Words with Friends, and my grid paper became an impromptu crossword puzzle.
So there you have it, one of my most important stamping tools. I just hope Stampin' Up! continues to sell it as long as I continue to stamp. Thanks for stopping by!
6 comments:
What a fun idea...it does tell a story!
Ladies at my last class, where we were doing alot of sponging, commented on how pretty their own grid papers...and they really did look pretty with leaf outlines all over...
Andrea, this is one of the most fascinating blog posts every! I too LOVE grid paper, but I don't stamp on the whole pad - maybe I should try that. My plastic table has some bumps and dips and the pad might even that out. Hmmm.... But I do turn my grid paper around to use the unused top (in your case), or a clean corner, then I turn it over and use the other side til it's "full". Sometimes it's a couple months that I use one piece! I'd love to chat with you about some stamping stuff - love your blog for several reasons and I'm new to OWH and just sent in my first box of cards. Could you send me your email address? I couldn't find it on your blog.
Susan, aka Soozie4Him on SCS
moot96 AT aol DOT com
Nice to meet another grid enthusiast! I feel the same exact way...including the bit about the corners curling and getting in the way of elbows etc. I've added an updgrade to mine. I discovered, somewhat by accident, that it fits perfectly inside a raised edge cookie sheet (or is that considered a jelly roll pan?). Now I can take my "desk" with me from room to room for my stamping needs or doodle needs, etc. My upline keeps my grids around for me to reuse (she likes clean sheets more often) and its fun to look at it and see projects we worked on months ago or in some corners even a year or more ago. We were looking for an idea one day and I glanced at the sheet and said...you know...we need something like that old one...but with new colors and pointed to the paper at a stamp we used when it first came out in May and had let sit on the shelf since then. One never knows where the next idea will spring from. Great place to write the dimensions down too while working so when it comes time to write the instructions you can find them.
Thanks for your comment, Susan! I've tried to turn my grid paper over and use the plain back. You know, save trees and all that good stuff. But I just really seem to need the grid lines, even if I'm not specifically using them. I'll send you my e-mail address, too.
I always think leaf stamps look especially pretty on the grid paper. But fall is my favorite season, so I'm a bit partial. :) Thanks for your comment, Laurie!
Jean, now I may just have to invest in a cookie sheet/jelly roll pan for my craft room. Perfect for those times when I'd like to do a little stamping in the living room so I can watch TV. :)
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