If I am using Stampin’ Up! photopolymer or cling stamps, do I need to use a Clear Block when I use a stamp?
Yes. Stampin’ Up! stamps come unmounted so you need to place them on a Clear Block to use them. Years ago, stamps were pre-mounted on wood, but this made them more expensive and they took up more room to store.
The advantage of Clear Blocks is that you can keep reusing the block for different stamps. This makes the stamp sets not so expensive to make and the stamp cases are narrower too, so they take up less storage space.
Stampin’ Up! Clear Blocks are a high-quality, reusable acrylic block that can be used with both your Cling and Photopolymer stamps. The stamp blocks are grooved for easy gripping and clear so you can see right where you’re stamping. Stamps are temporarily mounted onto the Clear Blocks for stamping, then removed for space-saving storage.
Which Size Clear Block Should I Get?
Stampin’ Up! have a range of sizes of clear blocks as stamps come in various sizes.
Here are the sizes of the different blocks:
- Clear Block A: 1-3/16″ x 1-1/4″ (3 x 3.2 cm)
- Clear Block B: 1-5/8″ x 1-15/16″ (4.1 x 4.9 cm)
- Clear Block C: 2″ x 2-1/4″ (5.1 x 5.7 cm)
- Clear Block D: 2-7/8″ x 2-11/16″ (7.3 x 6.8 cm)
- Clear Block E: 3-7/16″ x 4-7/16″ (8.7 x 11.3 cm)
- Clear Block F: 4-7/8″ x 6″ (12.4 x 15.2 cm)
- Clear Block G: 2-1/2″ x 3/4″ (6.4 x 1.9 cm)
- Clear Block H: 4-7/16″ x 1-5/8″ (11.3 x 4.1 cm)
- Clear Block I: 5-7/8″ x 2-1/4″ (14.9 x 5.7 cm)
You can buy a bundle with all the different sized Clear Blocks This is great value, as you get one of each of all the nine different sizes and you get 10% off.
If the price of the bundle is not within your budget, you may like to consider purchasing a couple of Clear Blocks. Here are my recommendations on what you should get.
You need a good average sized Clear Block for most of your stamps. The D size is good for this.
However, if you have a small stamp, you don’t want it on a block that is too big as it is harder to hold and you may get ink on the block around the edge of the stamp and in places where you don’t want it. This unwanted ink could then transfer onto your project. The B size block is good for smaller stamps.
The H size Clear Block is longer and narrower than the B and D blocks. It is good for longer stamps or sentiments.
My recommendation would be to first get a D, B and H Clear Block. If you would like to purchase any Clear Blocks, you can do so through my online store or contact me and I can place your order.