Nestabilities...or is it?
So, you finally bought you very last Marvy Giga Scalloped something or other and you feel complete. You head over to Splitcoaststampers, the Stamp Shack or Gingerwood and you hear about something called Nestabilities. UGH! Wait a minute. You just invested your child's college fund in punches and now they're obsolete? Why? Oh, they emboss too...see?

I love the Nestabilities. We sell them in our retail store and have a awesome class scheduled too. But they are hard to keep in stock. Maybe you're on a waiting list somewhere, or maybe they're just not in the budget right now. Never fear. You can get that same great look and whip up a quick dinner all at the same time!
Presenting "Faux Nestabilities"
Check it out!
I began with a piece of Stampin' Up Whisper White card stock. This is the BEST card stock for this technique. You do not want to use a very thick card stock.
Here's the fun part. Next time you're at the grocery store, check out the canned goods. For this card I used some Hunt's tomato paste.

You will need a rubber mat for this. A mouse pad is too squishy. You need something that will give but it shouldn't be too thick. I used the rubber mat from my Sizzix Big Shot. You can find other rubber mats in the housewares section of Walmart and Target. Even a rubber trivet will work.
I placed my mat on the floor. Then, I placed my card stock down and put the can on top.

Then, take your foot and step on it.

And this is what you get-

This is the side with the embossing pushed out.

And this is the other side.
Next, cut out your embossed circle with any circle cutting tool or a punch. I used my Marvy Mega plain circle punch.

Then, I stamped my image in the center and created my card. Here's a couple of other shots of the center. You can stamp on either side. There is no right or wrong way. Your impression can go in either direction. It's all about what you like.

Look at that gorgeous texture card stock. It's Prism. Check out their website and contact them to find a retailer near you.

I used Copic Markers from Box B to color my flowers.
Card details:
Card stock: Stampin' Up Whisper White, Prism Green, Patterned paper by K & Company, K-ology/Hannah
Ink: Brilliance Graphite
Stamps- Baskets of Happiness, Tag, you're it!
Extras: Strips of lacy looking wavy stuff are punch outs from the K-ology scrap pack. (My last three projects came from that patterned paper pack! Love it!)
Copic Markers, Hunt's tomato paste can, rubber mat, my foot, stickles
Well, I hope you enjoyed my Faux Nestabilities tutorial. I have some more fun tutorials coming your way and we'll be having some weekend blog candy too so stay tuned!
Hugs,
Gina K.

I love the Nestabilities. We sell them in our retail store and have a awesome class scheduled too. But they are hard to keep in stock. Maybe you're on a waiting list somewhere, or maybe they're just not in the budget right now. Never fear. You can get that same great look and whip up a quick dinner all at the same time!
Presenting "Faux Nestabilities"
Check it out!
I began with a piece of Stampin' Up Whisper White card stock. This is the BEST card stock for this technique. You do not want to use a very thick card stock.
Here's the fun part. Next time you're at the grocery store, check out the canned goods. For this card I used some Hunt's tomato paste.

You will need a rubber mat for this. A mouse pad is too squishy. You need something that will give but it shouldn't be too thick. I used the rubber mat from my Sizzix Big Shot. You can find other rubber mats in the housewares section of Walmart and Target. Even a rubber trivet will work.
I placed my mat on the floor. Then, I placed my card stock down and put the can on top.

Then, take your foot and step on it.

And this is what you get-

This is the side with the embossing pushed out.

And this is the other side.
Next, cut out your embossed circle with any circle cutting tool or a punch. I used my Marvy Mega plain circle punch.

Then, I stamped my image in the center and created my card. Here's a couple of other shots of the center. You can stamp on either side. There is no right or wrong way. Your impression can go in either direction. It's all about what you like.

Look at that gorgeous texture card stock. It's Prism. Check out their website and contact them to find a retailer near you.

I used Copic Markers from Box B to color my flowers.
Card details:
Card stock: Stampin' Up Whisper White, Prism Green, Patterned paper by K & Company, K-ology/Hannah
Ink: Brilliance Graphite
Stamps- Baskets of Happiness, Tag, you're it!
Extras: Strips of lacy looking wavy stuff are punch outs from the K-ology scrap pack. (My last three projects came from that patterned paper pack! Love it!)
Copic Markers, Hunt's tomato paste can, rubber mat, my foot, stickles
Well, I hope you enjoyed my Faux Nestabilities tutorial. I have some more fun tutorials coming your way and we'll be having some weekend blog candy too so stay tuned!
Hugs,
Gina K.







Dang girl; you're just so smart!!!
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Christmas mp3s are all great. Especially the ones you download for free =)
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You are just too darn clever. I have Marvy punches and can't see buying Nestabilities no matter how many things they can do. Thanks so much for sharing this tip. Can't wait for more.
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OMG this is so awesome! Now if hunt's would just come out with scalloped and oval shaped cans LOL. hey, actually there are those international coffees that come in the rounded-rectangles. Those would be cool. Thanks for sharing. I'm so excited to try this!
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Gina, I hope that you and your store are abundantly blessed. You are so generous, not just in your give-aways, but in the tutorials that you present. Thank you so much for sharing. I'm so glad that your store is close!!
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Now that is a great idea~!!
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thanks for that wonderful tutorial! I, too, have the punches but just can't spend the $$ on the nestabilities quite yet. Thanks so much for sharing this!
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Now aren't you the clever one! I'm heading straight to my pantry for a can of paste to try this out. Thanks for sharing!!
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This is so cool! It made me laugh, though, when I found out it was a CAN! Can you just see women running to the canned goods aisle & testing this out in the store? What a great tutorial!
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Wow, girl, you are one smart cookie! I have the scalloped circle and ovals, because I got a GREAT deal on Ebay when they were first becoming rather popular, but I have been wishing I had gotten the circle one to emboss. LOL now I just need to see what different size cans I can use from the pantry. Cool!
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I would love to see a tutorial on the nestabilities with the cuttlebug. I have a hard time getting a good embossed image and don't know what I am doing wrong. Do you know if anyone has a video tutorial on this???
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Go to www.youtube.com and put in Nestabilities Dies and you will see all of the tutorials done by the Spellbinders owner Stacey Caron will show you how to use it with all the other machines.
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I have some Nestabilities and they are wonderful ~ but I can guarantee you that I'll be trying the 'canned' version, too!! I think it's terrific
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*snort*
That's freakin' high-larious!
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Gina...you are so CLEVER! I love this and I love the giggle I got!!
Your generosity amazes me...I'm in such awe!!
Thank you again
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Oh, and for those with balance issues (like myself - hubby says I should walk around with caution tape), you could use a hammer.
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WOW Gina you are so creative. I'll have to give it a try. Thank you!
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Well, aren't you the clever bunny!
I'm glad someone out there has more brain cells than others. Mine are slowly losing power with age, so having
bright bunnies like you around makes up for my disability. (And my friends would never know either) LOL. Thank you, Gina
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How very clever. I love it. I'll have to share with my friends.
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***Hushhhhh Uuuuuup!!!***
I can see everyone dashing to the pantry right this minute!!
Woooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooo!!
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This is so funny!! And clever! I was just on the phone earlier this evening talking with a friend who was trying to decide whether and which Nesties to buy! Wonder whether she decided? I'll email her the link to this post!! LOL!
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How clever!!!! Thanks for sharing such a practical idea. Hugs, Judy
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Thank you for such a quick and easy idea to get a great look. I am going to go try it right now............
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How great! Yes...I am one of those people on a waiting list....until the end of March, I suspect, and I keep thinking, maybe I should just buy those punches!
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Laurie,
I saw that you were on the waiting list for Nestabilities until March, wow. I don't know what site you are purchasing from but I just purchased several different ones on Ebay. There were many companies selling Spellbinders. I purchased them for a good price and got delivery in about 5 days,(won bid on the 7-8 and received on the 12th-15th). If you would like to know the names of the company send me a message @ bryantsammie@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Sammie
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OK I have to ask HOW THE HECK did you think of this!! LOL I was cracking up w/ my laptop on my lap about to go to bed and then I read the can I used today to make dinner I could use it to emboss!! OH Gina you GENIUS!!!!..hmm I'm a have to get me shoes just for this tech! LOL (see excuse to shop! lol)
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Gina,
GREAT idea. TFS
Hugs
~~Diane~~
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So... do you sleep???
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Gina,
You are absolutely incredible!!! Thank you for everything and I mean everything you do and share with us!! You ROCK!!!
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OMG!!!!
Thanks so much for this tutorial! Now I will be looking for something that is a square and a rectangle!
: )
Sarah
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Pure genius Gina
Thanks so much for sharing that!
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I love you!!!
Alison
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Oh so clever!
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Wowza! WHAT made you think of this?!?!?
Man, I'd love to follow you around for a week and watch you play and discover!
I have the Nesties but you know what? I'm goin' out in the kitchen right now and see what canned goods I can use in my next project, LOLOL!
To kewl for skewl!
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Gina..this is such a hoot! WOW! Can't wait to try this.
Thanks so much.
Maggie
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I can always count on you to provide the COOLEST techniques! You ROCK!
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Oh My Gina! How clever is that??!?!?!?! Thanks for showing this!
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Ha HA! very clever! Nice boot!
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Wow! That is a great idea! Now if we could only get Campbell's to make soup in square and rectangular cans, we'd be set!
Judy
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If you focus your energy elsewhere, I swear you could cure cancer or solve the environmental issues !!!
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Gina, thank you so much for sharing this awesome discovery with us! Are you an engineer?!
CC
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Rushing out to buy me some tomato paste! You crack me up with your crafty mind!
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Oh Gina, you are just fabulous! My mega/giga punches love you! What an amazing and oh so creative mind you have.
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Wow! That is just too fun, too creative! I can't wait to try this! I even have a mini can of tomato paste that I want to try. Should work with one of my circle punches! You are BETTER than MacGyver (giving away my age?)!!
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Thanks, now I save money to buy more stamps.. hip hip hooray!!!
You are a blessing!
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How in the heck did you ever think that up! This totally amazes me. Were you sitting at home one day and thought "hmmm......, what can I do with this can of tomato paste". I sure wish I thought like that. All I could dream up would be a pot of spagetti sauce.
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Ha! Cool!
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I thought of using a dry embossing technique and then a circle or square punch. A can is much faster and simpler.
Thank you.
I didn't know what you meant by web site.
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Way cool!! But I'm wondering like some of the others....do you sleep?!! LOL Thanks for the great idea.
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Bravo!
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How do you come up with this stuff???
Wayyyy too clever!
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I just heart you Gina K.
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Girl, you are CLEVER!!!
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love this gina... aren't you so clever!!
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Oh My Gosh! You are so smart! :o)
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What an ingenious idea!
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Gina, once again I just want to thank you for taking the time to post another tutorial. Your blog is truly my favorite one of all. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this for us!
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WAY too cool!!!!!
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Holy Cannoli!! Wow!! Now that is a super fun tutorial!! Should I ask HOW you come up with these ideas??? No, don't tell.........just surprise us all with these fantastic and creative ideas!!!
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How come the snow and flu have frozen my brain but you escaped? Is it because I have many more years of getting frozen than you? Or is it the brain deadness of Michigan in general. This is way smarter and cheaper and now, you need to do an oval and some other shapes.
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Gina, how cool is that? Who'd a thunk it? I love it when something beautiful is made using something so simple. Thanks for sharing.
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You are such a smart cookie - what a fantabulous idea - tfs!
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You are the most brilliant person in blog land!!!!! Wow,that's awesome,TFS!!!
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You are so brilliant-you are so busy yet have time to figure this out??? Wow-you are my hero Gina K!!!!
But I still want the Nestabilities-I will not be showing this to DH!! Surely he will toss a can of peaches my way and say "try again babes" lol
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Gina you think of EVERYTHING!
I am so impressed! that is the coolest idea ever!
You bet I will try it!
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you are just a genious and a sweetie to boot! (no pun intended!!
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This idea is way too cool...thanks for sharing!
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You are DA BOMB!!! Thanks for this awesome tutorial!
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Gina!
This is so GREAT!! I just CANNOT afford nestabilities AND all my wonderful stamps, so this is just what I need...Oh the possibilites! Now, where is that tomato paste can?!?
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You are some kind of paper crafting genius. Wow! This is just too cool. I can't wait to try this. Thanks for sharing this fabulous idea.
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I bow down to you "the Goddess of all Papercrafting"! Thank you for and inexpensive way to get a cool effect.
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Necessity (not Nestabilities) IS the Mother of Invention! What a fun thought. I've used small saucer plates before when I needed to draw a half circle on card stock to cut out before. Love this tip!
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GENIOUS! how did you think of this?
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How DO you do it?!?!? This is brilliant! I guess I need to keep those canned goods stocked up! TFS!!
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I LOVE this idea!!! You always have the greatest tutorials. I will be trying this on the weekend!!!
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Your a GENIOUS!! This is a fantastic idea. Thanks for sharing
Tiffany
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This is hilarious! Excellent job coming up with your Nestabilities technique!!
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Thank you, thank you, thank you. thanks so much for giving us an idea that doesn't cost a ton of money. Our husbands will be so happy.
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WOW! I hear cupboard doors all over the country being opened and closed! Thanks for sharing this GREAT idea w/ all of us who haven't yet purchased the nestablities. I can't wait to try it! THANKS, Gina!
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Gina, your cost-saving clever ideas never cease to amaze me! Just goes to show you that some of us are true thinkers in the world, and unfortunately I'm not one of them! You are something else!!! Love this idea!!!
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crazy cool! I can see a run on Hunts paste at the store! I will look at my canned goods in a whole new way! Your tutorials are great!
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Thanks for the clever idea! I'll have to give this a try. I haven't bought any nesteis "yet"!
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Oh my goodness! What a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing!
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Gina,
What can I say girl.......Your a natural. I am just totally in WOW with the things you have come up with lately!! Keep the inspiration comming!
((Hugs))
Monica
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I guess it would be safe to "assume" that by doing this "nesti" way, wouldn't have to worry about "cracking the B plate"?????lol!!! Great idea...how do you have time to think up all this stuff? Ohhh I know...when you are under 10' of snow.... you have lots of time!!! TFS!! Can't wait to see what else you come up with. Barb S.
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Oh My Goodness Gina ~ this is so fabulous!
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I always wonder what made you think of this stuff? Dang, you are so creative and I love it!
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Have I told you lately that I love you? Thank you so much for this tutorial. Just when I think I got my stamping stuff a little bit more "up to date" they come out with something else new. Ergh! I haven't even bought Copics yet!!!!
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Oh Gina! What would we do without your creativity!! That is so fun! Luckily I only bought about 4 of those punches before the Nestabilities got big! Now I have those too!!!!
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seriously....how darn savvy can you get....you rock Gina!!!!!
how innovative....can't wait to hear more!
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You just crack me up! (In a GOOD way!) I just love how creative you are. And I wonder when and how THIS idea ever came to you. You SOOO SMART girl! And SO NICE for sharing all your ideas and tips with us! Thank you! But darn it all, I still WANT those Nestabilities!
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And I LOVE the MacGyver comment... It's SO TRUE!
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Gina you are so clever! I absolutely love to read your blog and see your fabulous tutorials and projects. I was catching up on some of your tuts yesterday and now I have to place an order for some supplies! Thanks!!
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Great idea ... why didn't I think of that?
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So awesome! I can't wait to try it. Thanks for the great tutorial!
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You are something else. This is so cool. I have been wanting the nestabilities but as you say, they are not in my budget right now. I will use this technique today. Thanks for sharing.
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Gina! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for this tutorial. I have been wanting nestabilities but not in the budget this year. I knew there had to be a way to do this thanks for coming up with it!
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Thank you for your plain good sense!
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Gina,
And when does your mind rest?????
Like, NEVER?????? Good thing for all of us out here....TFS...you're the BESTEST!!!
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There you go again --- thinking of us "common" folk. Not only is your invention terrific; your readers are the best (and funniest) around!
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You never cease to amaze me. I love how you think outside the box and make stamping fun and affordable for everyone. Thank you for all that you do.
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Simply genius! I LOVE THIS!!!
Many Blessings,
M.
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You are a genius! I just purchased some nestabilites and am not sure what to think - using them in my new Big Kick made me nervous - just have to pplay around with them - sure wish I was closer to attend your classes.
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Your so SMART!!!!!!!
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BRILLIANT!!!
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Gina, This is so darn cool! Thanks so much for showing us this great tip. My friend just spent big $$$ on Nestabilities today at the Portland CK Convention. I'm sold glad that I kept my wallet in my purse.
Have a great weekend - Regina
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LOL - this is great! (and cheap!) You are a very clever woman.
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Get out of town!!!! You are the ABSOLUTE BEST! Can't wait to go raid the cupboard for my canned goods!
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Gina,
You rock my universe!!!!!!! I have been thinking that one of my next investments might be the nestabilities, but I hate to spend the money....when there are so many other things that I don't already have. Soooo...this will do for now!
HUGS!!!!!
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This is so neat, Gina. I was afraid my punches weren't going to be that useful anymore and I love them! Now to find some things that will fit the punches!
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You must be a blast to hang out with. I might have to laugh if my friend said "Hey let me show you what happens when I step on a piece of cardstock with my tomoato paste can!".
But again, you are a GENIOUS!!!
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Great idea! I love that you don't need to buy an expensive piece of equipment which makes this ideal for stampers on a budget!
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Thanks for this great tutorial! I haven't taken the jump into buying nestabilities yet-but really want to. I sat here one day trying to figure out what I could use in my cuttlebug to make a nice embossed rectangle on a card- still haven't found something I could use. Love this idea for circles!! Hey maybe I'll have to get a can of Spam or sardines for a rectangle!! LOL!
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Ever wonder why we all think you rock? Well.....hello! Take a look at this tutorial! THIS is why you rock, my friend! You rock hard!
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So clever, and your card is gorgeous!!!
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Thank you! Love it. You always have the BEST tips.
~ jess k
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Are you kidding me? This is awesome, why didn't we think of this sooner! I'm off to my pantry right now! Thanks!
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How cool! Now DH is going to think I've completely lost it if he comes out and sees me stepping on all the canned food, but what a great little trick!
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THANKS so much for thinking of "the rest of us!!" I don't have nestabilities and am not sure I'll get them----things change so fast in this industry I don't know if I want to invest that much money just to have something new come out----anyway, thanks again for an idea if I just HAD to have something embossed!
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That is so clever! Thanks for the tutorial!!!
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and THAT is why YOU are Gina K! *grins* tfs
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That is awesome!
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I LOVE THIS IDEA!! OMGosh - thank you so much for sharing!!
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You are a genius. So simple and I don't have to buy anymore STUFF!
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Another great (and inexpensive) idea. Love it and can't wait to try it!
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LOVE THIS! It's just so clever! Thanks for sharing!
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Very inventive!!! I love it!! Thanks for sharing!!
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totally clever thank you soo very much for the idea
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So freaking smart! I must do this.
Thanks for sharing.
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You are a genius!!Pure and simple!!!!!
Thank you.
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What a great idea...sure am glad I found this site.
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I really love your idea of using something around the house (a can) - instead of purchasing yet another item. Thanks.
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girl this is Awesome , wish I had known this while waiting for mine. But I am still going to do because I love the idea.
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Thank you for sharing this fun tutorial! You are such a creative thinker, and I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts with all of us!
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ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! Thank you for this wonderful idea! Now I can save my money for stamps!
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Thanks, will have to give this a try, can't afford the others but I love this look!
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Kept my eyes open at grocery store - Spam and Treet come in rectangular cans also (someone above mentioned fancy coffees in rectangle cans! Haven't tried using them yet though to see if they work. Still thinking about what could use for ovals!
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Ok- you r a GENIUS! So until my hobby makes me rich, I'm tomato sauce shoppig! TFS!
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Wow! I must really shop differently now. I am going to look even in the food section for great crafty tools.
Thank you.
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Lovely site. Love your designs
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Hey, that was interesting,
o wow thanks for the tips on embossing, i would never thaught of this tip... really greatfully. keep up all the good work..
Thanks
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I was trying to think of something I could use. Thanks. I cant afford the nestabilities but love the idea.
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