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Altoid tins - stamp pad

21 messages in this thread | Started on 2002-09-01

Altoid tins - stamp pad

From: Alafair (ms_alafair@yahoo.com) | Date: 2002-09-01 19:50:01 UTC-07:00

Hello all,

This rainy cool CT night, I am experimenting with an Altoid tin trying to turn it into a letterbox. Small stamp (Factis eraser cut to ~ 1.5"x1"x .5") fits. Handmade logbook fits. Weatherproofing will be accomplished by doubling up heavy-duty ziplocks.

Now...the problem. I have one of those small eye-shaped stamp pads, a perfect size for this stamp. There is no way the pad will fit in the tin. It is too high to enable me to close the cover. In the unique scenario I am envisioning for this particular letterbox, a stamp pad separate from and outside the tin is not really possible.

Does anyone have any other ideas? Has anyone ever made a stamp pad that could be sized to fit and if so, out of what combination of materials?. Would anyone compromise and stamp labels instead and include them rather than a stamp pad? This seems somewhat non-traditional, but I guess if I have to..........

Help!!!!!

Linda a/k/a Alafair



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RE: [LbNA] Altoid tins - stamp pad

From: irishtinker (irishtinker@earthlink.net) | Date: 2002-09-01 22:54:59 UTC-04:00
If worse comes to worse remember we all carry our own stamp pads with us. We could use that and just make sure we clean the pad well when done stamping.
-----Original Message-----
From: Alafair [mailto:ms_alafair@yahoo.com]
Sent: Sunday, September 01, 2002 10:50 PM
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [LbNA] Altoid tins - stamp pad

Hello all,

This rainy cool CT night, I am experimenting with an Altoid tin trying to turn it into a letterbox. Small stamp (Factis eraser cut to ~ 1.5"x1"x .5") fits. Handmade logbook fits. Weatherproofing will be accomplished by doubling up heavy-duty ziplocks.

Now...the problem. I have one of those small eye-shaped stamp pads, a perfect size for this stamp. There is no way the pad will fit in the tin. It is too high to enable me to close the cover. In the unique scenario I am envisioning for this particular letterbox, a stamp pad separate from and outside the tin is not really possible.

Does anyone have any other ideas? Has anyone ever made a stamp pad that could be sized to fit and if so, out of what combination of materials?. Would anyone compromise and stamp labels instead and include them rather than a stamp pad? This seems somewhat non-traditional, but I guess if I have to..........

Help!!!!!

Linda a/k/a Alafair



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Re: [LbNA] Altoid tins - stamp pad

From: Silent Doug (silentdoug@douglasgerlach.com) | Date: 2002-09-01 22:59:25 UTC-04:00
Alafair wrote:

>Does anyone have any other ideas? Has anyone ever made a stamp pad that
>could be sized to fit and if so, out of what combination of materials?.
>Would anyone compromise and stamp labels instead and include them rather
>than a stamp pad? This seems somewhat non-traditional, but I guess if I
>have to..........

I agree with irishtinker -- don't most letterboxers carry their own stamp
pads? I think that most of the boxes that I've found haven't had pads
anyway. Here in the Northeast, I don't think they hold up particularly well
through the winter.

I would be inclined to leave the stamp pad out of the box, like the other
microletterboxes. You can always mention in the clue that the box doesn't
have a stamp pad.




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http://letterboxing.gravitycloud.com


Re: [LbNA] Altoid tins - stamp pad

From: (motofranz@webtv.net) | Date: 2002-09-01 23:23:33 UTC-04:00
Altoid tins are neat little containers ,but the one in Cincinnati always
had water in it .But the ziplocs help some.
Try to hide it out of the elements if you can.(In a covered tree stump
maybe).
My 2 cents....
john


P75F86X5E0


Re: [LbNA] Altoid tins - stamp pad

From: (paisleyorca@webtv.net) | Date: 2002-09-01 20:33:28 UTC-07:00
I'd just leave the stamp pad out, myself. Out here on the West Coast it
is rare to find a letterbox with a pad in it. Unless the color of the
ink is of the utmost importance to the image of the stamp I'd just leave
the inkpad out. You might mention in the clues that folks will need to
have their own inkpad or markers to achieve stamp in or you can even
suggest what color of inkpad they may want to bring if it the image is
color-specific.

Best regards,

Amanda Briles
The Paisley Orca


Stamp pad recommendation (was Re: [LbNA] Altoid tins - stamp pad)

From: Ruthann Logsdon Zaroff (ruthann@ruthannzaroff.com) | Date: 2002-09-02 08:33:19 UTC-04:00
Because of cold winter weather in Michigan, I usually don't put stamp pads
in my boxes -- every letterboxer I know carries his or her own pad anyway.
If you decide not to include stamp pads in your small boxes, you can say
something in your clues like, "Make sure to bring your own stamp pad."

Also, the "eye-shaped" pads you speak of are pigment ink -- sort of like
paint. I strongly recommend DYE-based ink pads instead (there are small ones
available at stamp stores). Pigment takes a long time to dry on both the
stamp and the paper, while dye dries on paper right away, yet still washes
off the stamp with plain water.

Just my humble two cents!

Ruthann
aka Mirkwood


Re: [LbNA] Altoid tins - stamp pad

From: (mindizney@aol.com) | Date: 2002-09-02 08:35:03 UTC-04:00
Try a film container.... We were at the Tarrywile Park and found a bonus "Microbox." It was close to another letterbox so it didn't need a stamp pad. It was SO cool to find!

Pam

Re: Stamp pad recommendation (was Re: [LbNA] Altoid tins - stamp pad)

From: (cherieph@aol.com) | Date: 2002-09-02 08:37:08 UTC-04:00
Never having done this in thewinter I never thought about the cold interfering with the ink.  All the CT boxes I've found have had pads in them.  Do the owners take them out when it gets cold and put them back when it's warm?  Should I remove them from those I've planted?
Cherieph

Re: Stamp pad recommendation (was Re: [LbNA] Altoid tins - stamp pad)

From: Ruthann Logsdon Zaroff (ruthann@ruthannzaroff.com) | Date: 2002-09-02 08:49:27 UTC-04:00
Hi!

I would definitely leave the pads in the boxes you've already placed, and
you can decide whether or not to put pads in future ones -- southern
Michigan weather (at least where I live) can get below zero, and that can't
be good for pads -- and frozen pads wouldnt' work anyway! I'd hate to see a
pad crack and thaw, destroying everything in a box, which is why I don't
generally put pads in my boxes... I do bag my pad and stamp separately from
the logbook, but still, if a pad cracked it would make a real mess!

Ruthann
aka Mirkwood
----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Monday, September 02, 2002 8:37 AM
Subject: Re: Stamp pad recommendation (was Re: [LbNA] Altoid tins - stamp
pad)


> Never having done this in thewinter I never thought about the cold
> interfering with the ink. All the CT boxes I've found have had pads in
them.
> Do the owners take them out when it gets cold and put them back when it's
> warm? Should I remove them from those I've planted?
> Cherieph
>


Stamp pad recommendation (was Re: [LbNA] Altoid tins - stamp pad)

From: thelionandsanddollar (pmoriarty01@snet.net) | Date: 2002-09-02 13:40:34 UTC
Also never having done this in the winter, we didn't think of that
either. But like you said, all of the CT boxes(and RI too) have had
stamp pads in them, so someone must. We are going to leave the stamp
pads in our boxes this year and check on them often to see what
happens. But I don't anticipate any real problems.
Amy & Patrick (SE CT)



-- In letterbox-usa@y..., cherieph@a... wrote:
> Never having done this in thewinter I never thought about the cold
> interfering with the ink. All the CT boxes I've found have had
pads in them.
> Do the owners take them out when it gets cold and put them back
when it's
> warm? Should I remove them from those I've planted?
> Cherieph


Stamp pad recommendation (was Re: [LbNA] Altoid tins - stamp pad)

From: trishkri (trishkri@yahoo.com) | Date: 2002-09-02 13:55:21 UTC
--- In letterbox-usa@y..., "thelionandsanddollar"
wrote:
> Also never having done this in the winter, we didn't think of that
> either. But like you said, all of the CT boxes(and RI too) have
had
> stamp pads in them, so someone must. We are going to leave the
stamp
> pads in our boxes this year and check on them often to see what
> happens. But I don't anticipate any real problems.
> Amy & Patrick (SE CT)
>

Last year in southern New England winter was fairly mild so it didn't
matter, the winter before however we found boxes that we had to dig
out from a foot of snow or chip out of ice. In both cases the ink
pads were fine but the pens usually didn't work.

Trish in drippy, drizzly, finally wet RI


Re: Altoid tins - stamp pad

From: stampcramp (stampcramp@yahoo.com) | Date: 2002-09-02 14:29:21 UTC
I like the idea of the Altoid tin--I wonder though--do you think it
will rust over time? I like your idea of stamped labels. Another
possibility would be to include a small colored marker to use on the
stamp. As a rubberstamper, this has always worked well, but not sure
if those non-rubberstampers would know to color on the stamp. Have
fun! Donna


Re: [LbNA] Re: Altoid tins - stamp pad

From: (paisleyorca@webtv.net) | Date: 2002-09-02 07:42:48 UTC-07:00
The only thing about using Altoid tins that concerns me is that they are
"curiously strong mints" and I think I read somewhere that bears like
the taste of mint. Other critters might, too. So if they smell the
mint might they make off with the container? Also, is there a rust
factor involved in using these containers? I'm not sure they'd fair
well in our Oregon rain (not that we've had much of that for a long,
long time, though we're supposed to get some soon).

Let me know how they hold up. They may do just fine and if they do I
sure want to know. Their size would be good for small letterboxes.

Best regards,

Amanda Briles
The Paisley Orca


Re: [LbNA] Re: Altoid tins - stamp pad

From: Alafair (ms_alafair@yahoo.com) | Date: 2002-09-02 08:14:58 UTC-07:00

Hi Amanda & Dona,

This particular letterbox will probably not spend alot of time exposed to the elements.

You are right with regard to the mint thing being an attraction to critters. Though this one should never be in a place where it is susceptible to wildlife, I may experi-"mint" and run it through the dishwasher before I spray it with that gawdawful solvent based paint in a can. Between the two processes, that should eliminate most of the mint smell.

Putting out an Altoids tin letterbox in the environment without it being in a baggie or two or larger plastic container would almost guarantee leaking and deterioration over time. IMHO, not a good idea. Maybe we could persuade Altoids to make their tins in stainless steel with a waterproof gasket?

Linda

 paisleyorca@webtv.net wrote:

The only thing about using Altoid tins that concerns me is that they are
"curiously strong mints" and I think I read somewhere that bears like
the taste of mint.  Other critters might, too.  So if they smell the
mint might they make off with the container?  Also, is there a rust
factor involved in using these containers?  I'm not sure they'd fair
well in our Oregon rain (not that we've had much of that for a long,
long time, though we're supposed to get some soon).

Let me know how they hold up.  They may do just fine and if they do I
sure want to know.  Their size would be good for small letterboxes.

Best regards,

Amanda Briles
The Paisley Orca



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Re: [LbNA] Re: Altoid tins - stamp pad

From: (cherieph@aol.com) | Date: 2002-09-02 11:18:21 UTC-04:00
Another use for the Altoid tin is a small first aid kit.  Every good boxer gets into trouble with briars, sticks, or something requiring a bit of cleaning and a band aid.  I have pre-creamed bandaids in my tin so I don't have to bring any antibiotic along.  Some antiseptic wipes or wet ones, a couple bandaids and some pain reliever and you're all set.  Now not to need it!
Cherieph

Re: [LbNA] Re: Altoid tins - stamp pad

From: (motofranz@webtv.net) | Date: 2002-09-02 11:26:24 UTC-04:00

Hi Amanda & Dona,

This particular letterbox will probably not spend alot of time exposed to the elements.

You are right with regard to the mint thing being an attraction to critters. Though this one should never be in a place where it is susceptible to wildlife, I may experi-"mint" and run it through the dishwasher before I spray it with that gawdawful solvent based paint in a can. Between the two processes, that should eliminate most of the mint smell.

Putting out an Altoids tin letterbox in the environment without it being in a baggie or two or larger plastic container would almost guarantee leaking and deterioration over time. IMHO, not a good idea. Maybe we could persuade Altoids to make their tins in stainless steel with a waterproof gasket?

Linda

 paisleyorca@webtv.net wrote:

The only thing about using Altoid tins that concerns me is that they are
"curiously strong mints" and I think I read somewhere that bears like
the taste of mint.  Other critters might, too.  So if they smell the
mint might they make off with the container?  Also, is there a rust
factor involved in using these containers?  I'm not sure they'd fair
well in our Oregon rain (not that we've had much of that for a long,
long time, though we're supposed to get some soon).

Let me know how they hold up.  They may do just fine and if they do I
sure want to know.  Their size would be good for small letterboxes.

Best regards,

Amanda Briles
The Paisley Orca



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Re: [LbNA] Re: Altoid tins - stamp pad

From: MARTEL (martel@downeast.net) | Date: 2002-09-02 11:35:51 UTC-04:00
Add a pair of tweezers for getting out nettles and stingers, perhaps?
Memlili
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, September 02, 2002 11:18 AM
Subject: Re: [LbNA] Re: Altoid tins - stamp pad

Another use for the Altoid tin is a small first aid kit.  Every good boxer gets into trouble with briars, sticks, or something requiring a bit of cleaning and a band aid.  I have pre-creamed bandaids in my tin so I don't have to bring any antibiotic along.  Some antiseptic wipes or wet ones, a couple bandaids and some pain reliever and you're all set.  Now not to need it!
Cherieph


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Re: [LbNA] Altoid tins - stamp pad

From: Dragonpearl (dragonpearl@rcn.com) | Date: 2002-09-02 13:57:38 UTC-04:00
You could always note in the clue that a letterboxer bring their own pad.  I believe most of us do anyway.  So far all of the boxes I have found have not had pads in them.
----- Original Message -----
From: Alafair
Sent: Sunday, September 01, 2002 10:50 PM
Subject: [LbNA] Altoid tins - stamp pad

Hello all,

This rainy cool CT night, I am experimenting with an Altoid tin trying to turn it into a letterbox. Small stamp (Factis eraser cut to ~ 1.5"x1"x .5") fits. Handmade logbook fits. Weatherproofing will be accomplished by doubling up heavy-duty ziplocks.

Now...the problem. I have one of those small eye-shaped stamp pads, a perfect size for this stamp. There is no way the pad will fit in the tin. It is too high to enable me to close the cover. In the unique scenario I am envisioning for this particular letterbox, a stamp pad separate from and outside the tin is not really possible.

Does anyone have any other ideas? Has anyone ever made a stamp pad that could be sized to fit and if so, out of what combination of materials?. Would anyone compromise and stamp labels instead and include them rather than a stamp pad? This seems somewhat non-traditional, but I guess if I have to..........

Help!!!!!

Linda a/k/a Alafair



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Re: [LbNA] Re: Altoid tins - stamp pad

From: Magic Mike (mmletterbox@hotmail.com) | Date: 2002-09-03 03:40:34 UTC

Being the Boy Scout Leader...I have to comment on the First Aid Kit...
If you remove the Band Aids from their wrapping...they are not sterile any
more...you should not remove them until they are ready to use...You could
always get some antibiotic ointment in "single serve" packages to add to
your first aid kit...

Every letterboxer should bring a small first aid kit with them if they are
planning a hike of a half hour or more...they are made to fit in your
pocket...

As a matter of fact, one letterbox I found even had one in it.

Happy Letterboxing
Magic Mike



>From: "MARTEL"
>Reply-To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
>To:
>Subject: Re: [LbNA] Re: Altoid tins - stamp pad
>Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2002 11:35:51 -0400
>
>Add a pair of tweezers for getting out nettles and stingers, perhaps?
>Memlili
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: cherieph@aol.com
> To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, September 02, 2002 11:18 AM
> Subject: Re: [LbNA] Re: Altoid tins - stamp pad
>
>
> Another use for the Altoid tin is a small first aid kit. Every good
>boxer gets into trouble with briars, sticks, or something requiring a bit
>of cleaning and a band aid. I have pre-creamed bandaids in my tin so I
>don't have to bring any antibiotic along. Some antiseptic wipes or wet
>ones, a couple bandaids and some pain reliever and you're all set. Now not
>to need it!
> Cherieph
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> ADVERTISEMENT
>
>
>
>
> 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 the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>




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Re: [LbNA] Re: Altoid tins - stamp pad

From: Magic Mike (mmletterbox@hotmail.com) | Date: 2002-09-03 03:45:03 UTC
At least the bears will have fresh minty breath...
Magic Mike


>From: paisleyorca@webtv.net
>Reply-To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
>To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: [LbNA] Re: Altoid tins - stamp pad
>Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2002 07:42:48 -0700 (PDT)
>
>The only thing about using Altoid tins that concerns me is that they are
>"curiously strong mints" and I think I read somewhere that bears like
>the taste of mint. Other critters might, too. So if they smell the
>mint might they make off with the container? Also, is there a rust
>factor involved in using these containers? I'm not sure they'd fair
>well in our Oregon rain (not that we've had much of that for a long,
>long time, though we're supposed to get some soon).
>
>Let me know how they hold up. They may do just fine and if they do I
>sure want to know. Their size would be good for small letterboxes.
>
>Best regards,
>
>Amanda Briles
>The Paisley Orca
>




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Re: [LbNA] Re: Altoid tins - stamp pad

From: (cherieph@aol.com) | Date: 2002-09-03 17:51:54 UTC-04:00
I didn't pre cream my bandaids, they came that way.  Still sterile in their original pkg.  Being from a Scouting family I know better than to take them out of the wrapper before use!
Cherieph