Hi Friends! My friend Jody made a really cool stamp positioner that rivals a certain store bought one that costs over $50! the best part is that she made it in minutes using supplies you probably have or could get easily at Hallmark Scrapbook. Watch her video to see how! Video!
Regardless on whether you want to make this tool or not I think the clear DVD cases they sell at Hallmark would be great for storing stamp sets of colored pencils/pens for crafting on the go! Did you like the stamps she used? I have that set of Vintage Roses Layering Stamps coming my way so look for tutorials coming soon (and they are in stock if you want to stamp along, yay!) Thanks Jody for giving me permission to share your video with my frugal crafty friends and that you for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!
The Frugal Crafter Blog 
AWESOME!!!
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Thanks for sharing this. I love that stamp set of the flowers. Now I know how to line up my Stampin Up flowers that layer like these. I hope to get the vintage Roses set. So pretty.
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Cool! Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
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YouR friend is a flippin’ genius!
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Thank you for sharing. I was just talking to a friend yesterday that I wanted a Misti, but cannot justify the price. Will be making one of these. Again thank you for sharing.
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thanks a lot for the info i just made one
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Ok, I am somewhat torn. I have the MISTI tool. I truly love it. I understand that you are the frugal crafter, and inexpensive is a great thing. However, the gal that created the MISTI seems like she hit upon a great tool, and she was an entrepreneur. It also seems like she has a patent on the product. I totally admire her initiative in creating this product. It truly is a great stamping tool. When you show how to make this in a less expensive way, I feel like you are cutting into her hard work and profits. I don’t know if the cost of the MISTI is way more than the cost of production, but I feel like it is a good tool, which she created. I am torn at the concept of showing how to create a knock off of a patented product. I have no connection whatsoever to the gal that made the MISTI, I just admire her entrepreneurship and innovation.
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Amy. I hear you and appreciate what you said. I LOVE the other stamping tool and I encourage everyone that can afford it to get one. I have one too. Even save your pennies for it because I agree with you that it’s amazing. In the mean time until some can afford one, this cheap stamp tool (cheap in cost and in quality) could work in a bind.
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I appreciate your comment but the Misti is also really a lot like the letterpress bed I have b=had for years for my die cutting machine, the idea is not completely new. I like how the one my friend made is more compact because the MISTI looks too big for my cluttered desk but honestly my favorite stamp mounts are the rock a Block and the Mega Mount, two similar products but I have them both because sometimes one is better than the other. I can see someone starting wit the DIY version and using it for travel until they can splurge on the real McCoy buy people who can’t afford a misti but the hinged mount (like my letterpress) would be ideal for them have an option too. Innovation comes from people building on one anothers ideas, the Misti inventor probably say a letterpress gadget and though, what a great idea for stamping and so on… I would not post this video my friend made if I thought it would hurt anyones business, if anything it will send curious folks who never heard of a misti over to her website:)
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Well said Lindsey
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Absolutely agree, I have the L Letterpress and LOVE IT, does the same thing as the Misti, bought it at Hobby Lobby with my 40% off coupon and NO SHIPPING 🙂 There was also a similar gadget out a few (2011) years ago in UK that is also hinged acrylic… same thing.
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She does not have a patent– she is seeking a patent–if you google her company name and patent info you can read all about it.I can not afford the other tool and my husband actually made me one.I dont sell it or advertise it and it is not all plastic but it works for me.I will bet by CHA 16 some other company will have come up with their own version of “the other tool” and at a cheaper price point.Thanks again for giving us on a budget an alternative
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I understand what you’re saying about supporting enterpreneurs; and if it weren’t for my self-imposed rule of not buying anything brand new until it’s been around for at least 6 months to see if it still seems like something I need, I’d own the MISTI now. However, I’ve seen a lot of reports of the MISTI cracking and other quality control issues, and I’m not willing to spend $50+ on a tool that I am going to feel I need to handle with kid gloves to keep it from breaking. I don’t expect it to survive a fall to a concrete floor, but I do expect that it will not crack with normal use. So I appreciate all the crafters who are showing other tools that can be used to do the same job, until such time that I’ve seen that the quality issues with the original have been cleaned up.
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She does not have a patent and Hampton Arts came out with one selling for $25.00.
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Hi Lindsay! This is perfect!! Thank you so much for doing this 🙂 I appreciate it . 🙂 I ordered a cd case and a stamp set from her, the die I wanted to match is out of stock right now 😦 I’ll be watching to see the response from this. Good for you!
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awesome, wish i would have seen this before I purchase the MISTI with all the extras…lol
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Thanks for sharing this idea. I love the smaller size.
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Awesome!
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Thank you Lindsay, this was brilliant!!!
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That’s fantastic – I have been coveting that tool, but knew it was unlikely I’d ever spring the $50 to get it. And yes, as someone else said, I like the smaller size – one DVD size piece rather than another larger tool to figure out a place to store it!
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That’s wonderful! I have grid paper and CD cases. Just need to get some fun foam and I’m in business! Thanks for sharing
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Downright Brilliant! Thank you veryh much.
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What a clever idea…thank you so much for sharing…will be trying this…just half to get a cd holder…tfs
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I guess you just don’t answer “follower’s” questions; do you? This is only my FOURTH ATTEMPT Kelley
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I have replied to your previous 2 questions on my blog about the colored pencils. I will email you. I answered questions where they are left, please check the “notify me” box under the post when you leave a comment so you will get a notification when I respond.
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I have a MISTI and think this is great – of course I used my CD cases that came with my See D’s like this years ago so the use of a CD/DVD case for stamping isn’t a new idea but just getting a new lease of life at the moment. I think anyone bemoaning this needs to understand the hinged method of stamping has been around for a very long time and can’t be patented. Additionally this is a great option for those that can’t use magnets or be around magnets because of pacemakers.
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I guess I’m so totally out of the loop. This was genius, never heard of the other expensive version before. I love this idea of stamping the perfect card. Thanks for sharing, you are really the most giving person I have ever known. Btw, about your other video, I went to the dollar store, got me some of the eyeshadow and used gum arabic and made the most beautiful glitzy paint with it. Thanks for posting all your fantastic ideas and money saving projects…. love them all, Lindsay!!!
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Lindsay, I heard about this tool last April at the yearly Art Specially stampevent here in the Netherlands and I think the Misti is a great tool, but alas it still is not available here and International postage is way to much…so this tool stays on my wishlist.
But the video from your friend is a real eye-opener and I’m going to see if I can make one tooo, thanks for sharing.
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I agree that making your own to get by till you can get the Misti is a good way to go. The Misti is great and you are paying for that quality. If you don’t do a lot of stamping, the DIY version will most likely be all you need. DIY people love the challenge of creating their own version of a tool so more power to them. Get or do what you can afford.
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I love my Misti, but I like this little new one too. I want to make some for my stamping friends. A great idea!
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Hi Lindsay, LOVE my MISTI, and thank you for sharing the smaller do it yourself version – I am sure when people use this, they will save their pennies for the upscale version!!!! It truly is a cool idea!
Paper Hugs,
Jan
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I made mine too. I did not put grids on it as I see no real reason to do so. Your project paper covers your first grid, you place your stamp on the project and pick it up. Then you use the 2nd grid to line it up? You are working on a gridded mat you can see clearly through the lid.
If you want to glue something to your tool, get a magnetic sheet and glue it to the outside back, then you don’t have to worry about the sticky sheet on the inside.
Here is a pic of mine: http://www.scrapbook.com/galleries/155177/view/5303943/-1/0/0.html
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Wow ! I am so glad that you shared this with us !! Being on a tight Craft budget is something that can be a pain in the fanny when you’re obsessed with an expensive hobby … well, at least can be expensive if you’re looking for quality in particular. I had the MISTI on my wish list for cardmaking but I normally don’t make very large cards that I’d need a MISTI but this compact DVD case MISTI is perfect !! I normally make A2 sized cards. I am totally going to try and make one when I can get my hands on some supplies. I Love this smaller version because it’ll travel better than the larger MISTI !! Which means I can easily do cardmaking sessions with kids and children wanting to dabble in cardmaking. Again thank you for sharing this !! I Love your frugal tips and tricks !! Saves me from spending money I don’t have on the more expensive.versions. Plus sometimes the cheaper are better than the expensive !!
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This is a great idea! I have the misti because I literally inherited one from a sweet little old lady. I would never have bee a able to justify the expense. And, Lindsay, you show a lot of grace. 🙂
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Just one question that popped into my probably weird mind :)… doesn’t the CD case snap closed every time you press the lid down to stamp an image? If it does, that would be a real pain.
I’m one of those who just can’t afford the price of the Misti so I have known since I first saw it that I’ll never be able to own one so this just could be a nice alternative. I also have a VERY small craft space and barely have room to deal with tools like my paper trimmer and scoring board. I just don’t have any space to store more larger tools.
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U get round this by getting a nail file and looking for the little sticking out notches which are what keep cd cases shut on the inside of the sides. File them of and u r good to go!
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Fabulous idea and tutorial ,thank you so much x
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This is pretty neat, but I’d bet it is either copyright or patent infringement. You held the one designed and made by someone else and told the world you were to cheap to honor someone else’s work, and then made one just like it. As someone who creates your own works you should be ashamed of yourself.
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Hio Mike, I appreciate your comment BUT you can’t copyright an idea, this idea is almost the same as the Lifestyle Crafts letterpress bed and it does the same thing but you do not see the Letterpress people complaining to Misti, or to me when I made a DIY letterpress years ago which was much the same as the misti. I am sharing my friend’s DIY because it will be helpful and I do not think it will take away from the MISTI business at all, if people want a MISTI they will buy it, the people making a DIY version are unlike to drop $50-$65 on that tool. I have a letterpress tool from Lifestyle crafts that does the exact same thing and was invested before the misti and I would use that if I needed a similar device. There are no new ideas, just new ways to market them, also the very rugged Lifestyle crafts tool that can be used to stamp with can also be used in the die cutter with letterpress plates making it super versatile, I am about showing options to people, saving money and being creative with what you have, that should not harm anyone’s business if they have a quality product.
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How disappointing. You did not copy an idea, you copied a product. Just because the holder of the IP rights does not complain or sue you, does not make your actions legal, right or fair. Shame on you. Shame.
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I don’t want to beat a dead horse here BUT, this is not a new product idea, check out the Stampressive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcPnEjgAT_g also I am sharing my friends idea, I did not make this because this product did not serve a need I had (I can stamp just fine with my other mounts and I prefer my rock-a-block and mega mount) plus I have a L Letterpress that came out years ago which is the same thing. This is not an original idea and the video was not done by me. And many people have said that their MISTI cracked and one lady said they would not replace it, that is not OK for a $50 product. Besides, a lot of readers had no idea what the other stamping tool was so they got some free publicity. Crafters are always looking for DIY versions and many times they go buy the real McCoy.
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The person that invented the original put in considerable time to design, create and produce the product. That person spent untold hours contacting stores and other outlets in hopes of getting it on a shelf somewhere. I hope someone steals some of what you produce so you’ll feel the sting and loss of income you so blithely brush aside. Thief. Shame
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ANYONE who enters the business arena spends time and money to produce and market a product. There’s no patent or copyright infringement unless someone literally copies the product without changes in design, material, function and/or name… Not finds a better way of reproducing a similar product…that’s called ingenuity and it’s everywhere in business. I don’t have any sympathy for a business woman who threatens legal action against hobbyists for using their own craftiness to create a SIMILAR tool out of different materials. If you can’t compete in the business world, you don’t belong there.
Has she made money? Then, she’s been compensated for her “hard work.” Now if she wants to REMAIN in business she needs to learn how to be a good business woman…and that includes a less nasty and whiny approach, providing a better warranty and/or using better materials, and finding a way to reduce production costs.
I have the money to spend and often spend a lot on craft products…I just dislike the above and will not be purchasing the MISTI. How’s that for a lesson in marketing…don’t piss off your market.
Lindsay has for years shared her ideas, skills and talent without compensation from the hobby community who read her blog or watch her YouTube channel. I am a devoted fan and will continue to support Lindsay. She provides honest opinions, ingenious ideas and is an honorable member of the crafting and art communities.
I often try out her ingenious hacks and later buy the real deal.. Just not this time.
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The owner of the pink tool does not have any kind of patent–either provisional or pending on that pink tool.In fact she will be throwing money down the tubes if she tries to get one.There are a LOT of similar tools out there and one could
say she ripped off their ideas,Letterpress comes to mind.If you go to the US patents page and look her name up or company or Google the tool and patent info you will see she has nothing.In one Google article the patent office was waiting on the owner to come up with cash to start the whole thing.There is actually a law that states you may not claim a patent infringement until you have a provisional and she does not.If you do claim you the person trying to get the patent can be fined for every time you have claimed infringement.Pink tool owner has actually been called on this by a Patent attorney on a stamp site and not another word was heard after her initial rant on her tool being infringed on.She should sell her idea to someone who actually knows business and customer service.Some inventors have great ideas but lack people skills so the product will never be all it could be…watch Shark tank that has happened many a time.
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Thanks for this DIY version. I inquired about the MISTI a while back because I thought it was a cool tool but the price point was an issue. I tend to want everything new that comes out but some things I just can justify the purchase because of the price and the MISTI was one of those items. This idea is great because as you said Lindsey, it will due until I can afford the actual real thing. I also agree that there is nothing new under the sun, someone invented something before any of us every thought about it but there is nothing wrong with improving on an item or find and alternative to an item. Good job Jodi, as a budget conscience crafter I APPRECIATE YOU, especially you Lindsey(my frugal hero). Thanks again Ladies.
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Great for the DIY stamper!! LOVE my MISTI (it really isn’t that much bigger than the CD case version) and don’t know what I would do without it! TFS!
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I have the MISTI, too, and love it. The layered flowers are really cool. I have Altenew’s Vintage Roses and a couple of their other sets.
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Thank you for sharing your friend’s video. I wonder why today’s post received several negative comments. You have created hundreds of DIY ideas without ruffling feathers and this particular idea wasn’t even yours. Love your blog and ideas.
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Thank you, Lindsay, for sharing your friend’s idea! So simple, really, and doable. Definitely, I will be making this, especially since I already have spent way too much on other crafting supplies and need to save $. LOVE your frugality!
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Love this video. I thought there must be a way to make one of these tools frugally. We can’t get the misti in the uk yet, but now I don’t care I can make one. Yay! Melanie.
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What a very clever friend you have! I am going to make one of these stamping tools!
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Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Lindsay! I am not in a position to buy a Misti but absolutely love this simple solution. I will definitely make one for myself.
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I have the expensive other tool and it is already cracking after only doing 25 cards. Can’t seem to get a good picture of it so they won’t take it back. Clear cracks on clear acrylic very hard to photograph. Sure wish I knew of this idea before. Just think of how many I could of made on my own before spending my hard earned money on the expensive tool. Think I’ll make this one anyway. Thanks for the clever idea.
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Hi Lindsay, I think your friend had a great idea. Not everyone can afford all the different crafting things they would like to have. I enjoy everything you do and thank you. Joyce
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I have seen Letterpress used in the same manner. There is also the Stampressive in England doing basically the same process. Both are on the market for quite a few years. If neither were patented Misti just may get the patent.
The term ‘Yellow Pages” nor the walking fingers were patented, and that’s why a lot of the phone book companies use them – they are public domain. Who uses phonebooks anymore?
Misti certainly has a trademark right and she says she has a patent pending. Anybody can apply to patent anything and have a patent pending, and they can reapply once it runs out.
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I am so glad I am not the only one who thinks there is a better way! I am making one out of an acrylic frame….
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Thank you so much!!!! You just saved me money that I didn’t have to spend anyway but drooled over! (and I have a case!!!) Happy Dance!
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Thank you so much for all the great information that you share Lindsay. After watching this video, I have made one and tried it out yesterday. It works perfectly and I also took it to my stamping group to show them and they all loved it too and have plans to make one. Love it and as I am not in a position to spend the money on the Misti, this will work just fine for me. Again thank you.
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Thank you Lindsay. I will definitely give this a go! And owners of Misti – quit whining and move to a differnt country if you don’t believe in free enterprise. Your product is VERY over-priced, so you hurt yourself from the get go and lost most your market share right there! This is a competitive market and there will always be DIYers. Get over it. Also, I am certain companies will come out with simliar product at half the price in less than a year! I am a business owner and designer of clothing and have been knocked off hundreds of times. If I whined everytime, I would have no time for real work! Put on your big girl panties and welcome to the real world.
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Just a thought. Both of the nasty complainers probably won’t be putting on their big girl panties since they were both “men”. Good grief, there are millions of people who craft. Can they all afford the Misti? Heck no. I live on social security (not by choice) & am so thankful that someone showed how to make an inexpensive tool for those of us on fixed income. You and your friend are very generous with your time and ideas. Shame on those two blow hards for complaining.
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Thank you Jody & Lindsay for sharing this cost effective alternative! I just finished my PPST (Perfect Positioner Stamping Tool), and can’t wait to give it a go!
Originally, I glued 2 pieces of fun foam, but then realized I could substitute one piece of foam for a sheet of magnet. I bought a package of magnetic vent covers for $3, and cut it to fit. I picked up some super strong magnetic disks at JA. Now I can secure the card stock to the base if it is too fussy for the Little B.
I did have one question though. Do you keep the piece of acetate on the sticky base in between projects? If not, can it be cleaned if it begins to lose it’s stick?
Again, thanks for this great tool for budget challenged crafters! Keep the ideas coming!!
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i’M NOT SURE, jODY MADE ME ONE BUT i HAVE NOT HAD A CHANCE TO TRY IT 🙂
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Hi, Lindsay, I love that you are showing DIY ways of doing crafting. I’m just starting to craft and new to this hobby,it seems I never have money to buy expensive tools or the best products. Finding your site has inspired me to try. Oh and I’m in my fifties, never too late to be a frugal crafter. Thank you the Misti Will survive, and the creator most likely was inspired by someone else too.
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All I can say is thanks.
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Wow!! Great idea! I’m a little late to the party… But I definitely know what you mean. I just heard about The misti tool which in my opinion is good, but at $60US or $80 Canadian that’s way too steep for me… And that doesn’t even include shipping. Reading reviews about the Misti breaking easily and the owner giving consumers a hard time about it (I’ve read from other blogs) is not good either. I know that you have mentioned that the misti tool is very similar to a UK brand called letterpress… But it’s actually very similar to a makeup storage called z-palette which came out years ago. The Z-palette comes in mini to XL sizes and has a very strong acrylic front and a magnetic base (it hold depoted eyeshadows and the z-palette offers you 10 strong magnets as well… No extra charge). The prices run from $12-40 and I’m sure all you need is a fun foam for the base, which is readily available at any Michaels stores. I really like your creation and I think I’m going to turn one of my Z-palettes into a stamp book press. Thanks for sharing.
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you are right, there are no new ideas, just updates to old ones:)
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This is fantastic! So much more economical than the tool on the market. Thank you for a great idea!
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Sorry to comment so late. Loved the video. I have been contemplating purchasing the MISTI but cannot justify the expense for the amount of time I might use it. So I will definitely use your friend’s idea to make my own homemade version of the tool. As for those who feel that this is stealing and an infringement on someone’s idea – well – that’s business folks. Someone else is always going to come along, take your idea and use it to create their own version. Everything that’s ever been invented has always been copied by someone else. That’s why we have so many things to choose from when we shop.
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true and hampton arts came out with one for $25 and so did we r memory keepers, it was not even the misti persons original idea, there were others before hers.
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Thankyou so much for taking the time to post this blog…Saved me spending unnecessary money 🌟🌟🌟🤓
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I’m a bit late to the party, but thanks for sharing. Your friend’s ingenuity is ah-mazing! I refuse to buy the pink stamping platform, so this is a great alternative until the Tim Holtz one is released.
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