May I ask where do you live? I called Michael's in Manchester, CT
and they had never heard of the stuff. All they had was blank rubber
stamps on wood. They also don't carry any carving tools.... HELP!!!

Pam

--- In letterbox-usa@y..., "psycomommy2003" wrote:
>
> I've been following the stamps and carving threads. At first I
was
> afraid of making my own stamp so I bought one. Today I went to
> Michaels (courtesy of your suggestions) and lucked out getting the
> pink speedy stamp 8 x 11 size for $2.00/sheet. Now I'm really
getting
> the hang of it. After seeing Fireflylights stamp I can see the
reward
> by collecting a homemade stamp. Each one is so special and better
> yet, nobody has that stamp!!!!
> I also picked up the mag. Rubber Stamper for the Letterboxing
> article. I never imagined all of the cool things you can make with
> stamps. See that's another new thing I've learned on this web site.
> Thanks to all,
> Karin
> P0 (soon to be 1) F3 X1 V3 C0(I put this in as a joke, hope to
> never have a number after C) and last but not least L2

Your Michael's must be smaller or have a limited section of fine arts
supplies. The Speedball Speedy Stamp and carving tools are in every
Michael's I've ever been in (I live in Michigan). They are kept with fine
arts supplies, near the linoleum carving blocks (the tools are the same
for soft block and lino). $2 is a most excellent price for the pink stuff
-- retail is normally around $15 for that size.

Ruthann
aka Mirkwood

I actually think it might be an East Coast thing. Two Michael's in
Massachusetts that I recently visited also did not carry ANY carving
materials. They carried wood carving stuff, but nothing for stamps.
They're big sized stores, but i guess stamp carving wasn't popular
enough years ago and they stopped carrying it? I had to speak with
several employees in each store until someone had ANY idea of what I
was looking for lol!
Perhaps some cajoling is in order to explain why it would benefit
them now that letterboxing is so popular!

--Kristen :)


--- In letterbox-usa@y..., ruthann@r... wrote:
> Your Michael's must be smaller or have a limited section of fine
arts
> supplies. The Speedball Speedy Stamp and carving tools are in every
> Michael's I've ever been in (I live in Michigan). They are kept
with fine
> arts supplies, near the linoleum carving blocks (the tools are the
same
> for soft block and lino). $2 is a most excellent price for the pink
stuff
> -- retail is normally around $15 for that size.
>
> Ruthann
> aka Mirkwood

both East Bay (SF Bay Area) Calif do NOT carry any carving supplies. I had
to find them in a small art supply store in Berkeley a few years ago.
Michael's don't all carry the same stuff, and I would guess that some must
be regional...

Jenni
-----Original Message-----
From: krink412 [mailto:fox412@aol.com]

I actually think it might be an East Coast thing. Two Michael's in
Massachusetts that I recently visited also did not carry ANY carving
materials. They carried wood carving stuff, but nothing for stamps.
They're big sized stores, but i guess stamp carving wasn't popular
enough years ago and they stopped carrying it? I had to speak with
several employees in each store until someone had ANY idea of what I
was looking for lol!
Perhaps some cajoling is in order to explain why it would benefit
them now that letterboxing is so popular!

--Kristen :)

I looked and looked at Michael's for carving block and the not so
very friendly sales associate said they didn't carry it, though she
didn't even know what it was and wouldn't go look :( Anyway, I ended
up finding it with the block-printing paints and brayers. I tried to
inform her for the next hapless soul looking for it, she was not
impressed and couldn't be bothered....LOL. I got a 4x6 size for
5.50, that was all they had. One list I saw recommended plumber's
gasket, has anyone used that?

Also....what does the X mean in the planted , found ratio? :)

X means personal stamps impressions eXchanged on the trail if you meet
another LBer or at a gathering.
I take those 4x6 sheets and make 8, 2 x 1 1/2. Erasers work better then
gasket material.

G-Man



> I looked and looked at Michael's for carving block and the not so
> very friendly sales associate said they didn't carry it, though she
> didn't even know what it was and wouldn't go look :( Anyway, I ended
> up finding it with the block-printing paints and brayers. I tried to
> inform her for the next hapless soul looking for it, she was not
> impressed and couldn't be bothered....LOL. I got a 4x6 size for
> 5.50, that was all they had. One list I saw recommended plumber's
> gasket, has anyone used that?
>
> Also....what does the X mean in the planted , found ratio? :)
>
>

I have to say that twice I've been told stores (Michael's and Pauls Arts and
Crafts here in Norfolk & VA beach) didn't have what I was asking for when I
called to inquire, so being pig headed I went there and was again told they
did not sell it....only to find it myself--in both stores--after looking
around.

Maybe it's a letterboxer's test!

"Itty bitty kitty"
The Russ Clan.

I think it just depends on the individual stores. I live on the west
side of Michigan and there are 2 Micheal's stores. One has carving
supplies and the other has nada. Both are relatively good sized
stores. I have also found that even in the stores that carry it,
most of the employees "just work there" and have no idea about the
stuff or what it is used for. I was disappointed though that the
store that did carry the pink stuff, didn't have it wrapped, and it
was filthy dirty (like it had lived it's previous life in the corner
of the warehouse).

I have had better luck finding the pink stuff at Hobby Lobby (do you
have those?), but certainly not as cheap as $2 for an 8 x 11 sheet --
WOW! That was a great price! I am paying about $5 for a 4 x 6
piece. I also picked up the Speedball carving tool set (plastic
handle and 5 ends) at Hobby Lobby, but prefer using an Exacto knife
for most carving.

You may also want to try a rubber stamp store, if there is one around
your area. I found the Mars erasers and carving pieces, and also
Speedball carving materials and tools locally at a store that carries
rubber stamps and dollhouse supplies. Not exactly reasonable prices,
but something to get you going until you can locate economical
suppliers.

Good luck!

Deb (SpringChick)
P5 F3 X0


--- In letterbox-usa@y..., "mindizney" wrote:
> May I ask where do you live? I called Michael's in Manchester, CT
> and they had never heard of the stuff. All they had was blank
rubber
> stamps on wood. They also don't carry any carving tools.... HELP!!!
>
> Pam
>
> --- In letterbox-usa@y..., "psycomommy2003" wrote:
> >
> > I've been following the stamps and carving threads. At first I
> was
> > afraid of making my own stamp so I bought one. Today I went to
> > Michaels (courtesy of your suggestions) and lucked out getting
the
> > pink speedy stamp 8 x 11 size for $2.00/sheet. Now I'm really
> getting
> > the hang of it. After seeing Fireflylights stamp I can see the
> reward
> > by collecting a homemade stamp. Each one is so special and
better
> > yet, nobody has that stamp!!!!
> > I also picked up the mag. Rubber Stamper for the Letterboxing
> > article. I never imagined all of the cool things you can make
with
> > stamps. See that's another new thing I've learned on this web
site.
> > Thanks to all,
> > Karin
> > P0 (soon to be 1) F3 X1 V3 C0(I put this in as a joke, hope to
> > never have a number after C) and last but not least L2

I've carved a lot on plumber's gasket. It is somewhat difficult to carve
(more like linoleum). The biggest downfall is that you would have to mount
it on some sort of block because you can't hold the gasket.

Ruthann
aka Mirkwood

When my boyfriend's granddaughter and I went to Michael's last month to
get her all set up with carving tool, tips and rubber we asked where the
carving materials were. Two employees told us they had no such thing
and told us if they were anywhere they'd be in the rubber stamp section,
but they had never heard about it.

HOWEVER...we walked all through the store and finally found a little
section where this stuff was on the shelf. It may be there, but they
may not understand what you're talking about, even if you use brand
names. It certainly was far, far away from the commercial rubber stamp
and ink section and it was clear in the back of the store. Sort of near
the framing section. I think they just put that merchandise way where
they had a spare spot.

My advice is to do some legwork (literally) in the store. Walk around
and keep your eyes peeled. Chances are it is there stashed someplace,
and nowhere logical at that. Store personnel may tell you they don't
have it, but if you hunt and seek, as you often do in general with this
sport, you may be rewarded!

Best regards,

Amanda Briles
The Paisley Orca

On Thu, 15 Aug 2002 LoveLetterBoxing@aol.com wrote:

> I have to say that twice I've been told stores (Michael's and Pauls Arts and
> Crafts here in Norfolk & VA beach) didn't have what I was asking for when I
> called to inquire, so being pig headed I went there and was again told they
> did not sell it....only to find it myself--in both stores--after looking
> around.


This is true always in all Michael's stores. I'm convinced that clerks
learn to do this in job training classes. The reason: if they admit that
the product is in the store, they have tohelp you find it.

Darlene

There is a rubber stamp store in the Providence Square shopping
center near Birdneck music (or whatever its called) You might
want to look there for supplies.

Also try paul's arts and crafts on Lynnhaven. I havent looked there
yet.

The Michaels on Va beach blvd near Pembroke mall DOES have
carving supplies. Its right to the right of the stamp section. You'll
see a shelf that has pens and bottles of ink. Go to the end of the
row and you'll find some linoleum carving tools and sheets of pink
eraser. That's what I picked up for my stamps so far.

LOL! this sounds like a letterbox hunt for supplies! LOL

On 15 Aug 2002, at 16:24, LoveLetterBoxing@aol.com wrote:

> I have to say that twice I've been told stores (Michael's and Pauls
> Arts and Crafts here in Norfolk & VA beach) didn't have what I was
> asking for when I called to inquire, so being pig headed I went there
> and was again told they did not sell it....only to find it myself--in
> both stores--after looking around.
>
> Maybe it's a letterboxer's test!
>
> "Itty bitty kitty"
> The Russ Clan.
>
>
>
>
>
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>


--

Dragonpearl.
Team Leader for Elysium
http://www.thewizardsquest.com/elysium/
--
Raygan
Dragonpearl's Page of Random Stuff
http://www.drgnprl.com

P2F2V1

I guess I was lucky that I happend to grab a manager. I asked for
Speedball stuff and she said its all in the Art Section. Right next
to the rubber stamps. Its a row of pens, inks, etc. I was able to
find lineoleum carving tools and the speedball rubber eraser sheet.

On 15 Aug 2002, at 19:54, paisleyorca@webtv.net wrote:

> When my boyfriend's granddaughter and I went to Michael's last month
> to get her all set up with carving tool, tips and rubber we asked
> where the carving materials were. Two employees told us they had no
> such thing and told us if they were anywhere they'd be in the rubber
> stamp section, but they had never heard about it.
>
> HOWEVER...we walked all through the store and finally found a little
> section where this stuff was on the shelf. It may be there, but they
> may not understand what you're talking about, even if you use brand
> names. It certainly was far, far away from the commercial rubber
> stamp and ink section and it was clear in the back of the store. Sort
> of near the framing section. I think they just put that merchandise
> way where they had a spare spot.
>
> My advice is to do some legwork (literally) in the store. Walk around
> and keep your eyes peeled. Chances are it is there stashed someplace,
> and nowhere logical at that. Store personnel may tell you they don't
> have it, but if you hunt and seek, as you often do in general with
> this sport, you may be rewarded!
>
> Best regards,
>
> Amanda Briles
> The Paisley Orca
>
>
> ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> ---------------------~--> 4 DVDs Free +s&p Join Now
> http://us.click.yahoo.com/pt6YBB/NXiEAA/RN.GAA/60TolB/TM
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------~
> ->
>
> To unsubscribe: mailto:letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> List info, archives, etc: http://www.letterboxing.org/list.html
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>


--

Dragonpearl.
Team Leader for Elysium
http://www.thewizardsquest.com/elysium/
--
Raygan
Dragonpearl's Page of Random Stuff
http://www.drgnprl.com

P2F2V1

If you ask them for Speedball products, they might be willing to
help out a bit more. :)

On 15 Aug 2002, at 14:46, tauwillow@aol.com wrote:

> Hello fox412@aol.com,
>
> In reference to your comment:
>
> Two Michael's in Massachusetts that I recently visited
> also did not carry ANY carving materials.
>
> The Michael's in IL had no idea what I was talking about either - no
> matter how I described what I was looking for. After scouring the
> aisles, I found the carving block myself. Its possible that your
> store doesnt carry it - its also possible that they dont know their
> own inventory.
>
> Tau
>


--

Dragonpearl.
Team Leader for Elysium
http://www.thewizardsquest.com/elysium/
--
Raygan
Dragonpearl's Page of Random Stuff
http://www.drgnprl.com

P2F2V1

Perhaps not so far off as we might think. After all, if you have to go
looking all over the store for something, you are going to walk past a lot
of other stuff that you may just buy on impulse. Maybe there is a method to
this madness.
~ Memlili


----- Original Message -----
From: "Darlene Sybert"
To:
Sent: Friday, August 16, 2002 1:29 AM
Subject: Re: [LbNA] Re:Stamps and carving..


> On Thu, 15 Aug 2002 LoveLetterBoxing@aol.com wrote:
>
> > I have to say that twice I've been told stores (Michael's and Pauls Arts
and
> > Crafts here in Norfolk & VA beach) didn't have what I was asking for
when I
> > called to inquire, so being pig headed I went there and was again told
they
> > did not sell it....only to find it myself--in both stores--after looking
> > around.
>
>
> This is true always in all Michael's stores. I'm convinced that clerks
> learn to do this in job training classes. The reason: if they admit that
> the product is in the store, they have tohelp you find it.
>
> Darlene
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe: mailto:letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> List info, archives, etc: http://www.letterboxing.org/list.html
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>

--- In letterbox-usa@y..., "mindizney" wrote:
> I called Michael's in Manchester, CT
>

> I was in Michaels this week looking for pink or white speedy cut. I
also found a clerk that knew nothing. I scoured the shelves and
found no material but did find one beginner carving set. It was not
with the stamps. It was on the second or third row from the left
wall on then rear set of shelves. It contains the carving blade and a
3" piece of pink speedball carving medium. This was the Michaels in
manchester Ct. Oh well. Stamps in mind and no medium . Leader of
the pack

In a desparate search for some carving material I bought some cheap erasers
at K-Mart - a brand called School Select. It's not as rubbery as the Mars
Staedler Carving block, a firmer block of rubber. It carves very nicely,
and with school supply sales on, it should be had for a decent price. It
comes in a package of 2 to a pack, and I paid about $1 for the package. The
block measures not quite 1" x 2". Haven't found a place to get the Mars
block nearby - no Michaels near us - just A.C. Moore. -Kittlekatz
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ruthann Logsdon Zaroff"
To:
Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2002 8:20 PM
Subject: Re: [LbNA] Re:Stamps and carving..


> I've carved a lot on plumber's gasket. It is somewhat difficult to carve
> (more like linoleum). The biggest downfall is that you would have to mount
> it on some sort of block because you can't hold the gasket.
>
> Ruthann
> aka Mirkwood
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe: mailto:letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> List info, archives, etc: http://www.letterboxing.org/list.html
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>

AC Moore also carries carving supplies and the speedball medium (at
least the ones in Dartmouth, MA and RI do).

I have never found these materials to be near the rubber stamping stuff
in the stores, though. Generally it is in with the linoleum cutting
supplies and/or calligraphy - since speedball is apparently most known
for their calligraphy supplies.

__________________________________________________
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On Fri, 16 Aug 2002, Chris Hubbard wrote:
> In a desparate search for some carving material I bought some cheap erasers
> at K-Mart - a brand called School Select. It's not as rubbery as the Mars
> Staedler Carving block, a firmer block of rubber. It carves very nicely,
> and with school supply sales on, it should be had for a decent price. It
> comes in a package of 2 to a pack, and I paid about $1 for the package. The
> block measures not quite 1" x 2". Haven't found a place to get the Mars
> block nearby - no Michaels near us - just A.C. Moore. -Kittlekatz


There is a Staedler website from which you can purchase and
find out who sells this. If there is a college in your area,
try their bookstore, too.

Darlene

Although Speedball does make nice stamps, so does
Magic Rub. It's a nice eraser and relatively cheap...
that's right 79 cents. They can be found in all the
Michael's stores. You may want to give them a try.
katydid
--- ruthann@ruthannzaroff.com wrote:
> Your Michael's must be smaller or have a limited
> section of fine arts
> supplies. The Speedball Speedy Stamp and carving
> tools are in every
> Michael's I've ever been in (I live in Michigan).
> They are kept with fine
> arts supplies, near the linoleum carving blocks (the
> tools are the same
> for soft block and lino). $2 is a most excellent
> price for the pink stuff
> -- retail is normally around $15 for that size.
>
> Ruthann
> aka Mirkwood
>
>
>


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