The Grip Mat made of photopolymer, comes packaged on clear acetate - just like our photopolymer stamps do - but included in the package is a measured placement guide printed on acetate. I chose to mount my Grip Mat onto the measured guide and leave it there which allows me to move my 8.5" square mat, but the paper and stencils stay put! After using, I give it a good cleaning with a fresh baby wipe and cover it with the clear acetate on top. It has found an easy-to-reach home in my studio!
- Take a look at a setup. You can actually see in the photo how well it holds that stencil, right? It doesn't budge allowing as much, or as little inking as you'd like!
- Next, I used my Grip Mat to hold a few die-cut tiny little bees that were bound to buzz off to parts unknown if I'd tried to hold them with my fingers!
- Those inks aren't going anywhere either! My favorite way to add ink is with a brush that I tap off into the lid - you know how much I hate to waste anything!
Happy Bee Die set
- The Grip Mat does a great job of holding those little bits in place while assembling the layers - and the glue cleans up without leaving any residue.
Here's how all of the bits came together:
I also used my mat to hold my card base in place while adding a little shadow of ink behind another cover die...
Waffle Flower has a handy add-on to their Grip Mats, too... their Stencil Extender allows you to use several sized stencils with their mat. The included 3-inch circle cutout to layer up more than one stencil...
After mounting my Stencil Extender, my A2 panel is placed onto the mat using the placement guides - I did add two small
pieces of tape to hold the mask as it did not come into contact with the mat. Then comes a 6" square stencil that tucks into the tabs that will hold it in place...
See how it tucks right into the 'tabs'? WF made tabs for 6" stencils, 6.5 x 5.25" stencils, and 5.25 x 4.25" stencils. Besides the open circle, they also included the 3" circle mask. Here are the results using WF Brick Wall stencil...
Are you ready for the cuteness that came out of my first use of this amazing tool?
Happy Bee die, Brick Wall stencil, Nesting Circle Frames dies,
Sketched Daffodils stamps and dies.
Outlined Hexagon Die, Happy Bee, Happy Bee Day combo set
Hexagon Texture Die, Happy Bee, Happy Bee Day combo
I'm so happy you stopped by today - guess what?! I have been gifted ONE 4.25 x 5.5" Grip Mat to give away to one lucky person who leaves a comment!! That's right YOU might BEE the lucky one! BUT only one comment per person, and you must comment by July 30, 2023 to be eligible to win! The winner will be chosen from the comments left here - so be sure I have your email address!
Good luck!
=] Michele
First of all, the cards are just delightful! I'm on a wait list at Waffle Flower for a grip mat, but would love to win a different size. It was hard to decide what to choose. I'm quite sure it will be like the MISTI--regularly used.
ReplyDeleteGood morning I have to check you out right away in the morning to see what you created.love everything you do so much inspiration! The grip Matt looks like something that would be very useful fingers are crossed have a great creative day
ReplyDeleteThose cards just make me happy! I do love my bees! That grip mat looks like a pretty handy tool too! And you have put it to good use here!
ReplyDeleteSuch cute bees! Love the cards you created!
ReplyDeleteThe grip mat looks like a great tool! I love the way you used it to aid with coloring of the die cut bees as well as for stenciling. The 4.25 x 5.5" size for the mini MISTI would be great, as the mini is the size I have.
Your sweet bee cards are so fun and full of activity! The Grip Mat looks like it would be a great tool to have! I’d love to win one!
ReplyDeleteWonderful and informative post Michele about the grip mat...I love mine that fits in my mini MISTI!! And your cards just couldn't bee cuter...I'm absolutely in love with those sweet bees!! (May have to borrow those dies sometime!!) Hugs. :0)
ReplyDeleteI've been eyeing this new product but didn't understand all that it can do until I saw this post. You make things come alive so very often with your great explanations and videos. Thanks for this chance and for all the sweet inspiration!
ReplyDeleteHmmm... this sounds like the tool to have. I'm putting it on my wishlist -- the one by my computer which grows longer and longer. You did a great job demonstrating it. And your darling cards! Love all the fun I'm seeing here today!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you were approached by Waffle Flower. I am not at all surprised. Thanks for the clear instructions on how the grip mat and stencil extender work. They definitely look like they are worth having especially for managing tiny die cuts. I am always chasing them round my desk and onto the floor! Your three cards are all very cute, but my favourite has to be the daffodil xx
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a 'must have' product, thanks for sharing how it can be used,
ReplyDeleteFabulous card too!
Hello! I adore your bees, they have sooo much personality! A crafting friend has this grip mat and I was able to see it in action. I loved all the things she showed me it could do, but she didn't use it to hold die cuts in place. I am always losing track of the little cut pieces and find them stuck to various body parts or hidden under something on my desk. I think this is a wonderful tool and leave it to Waffle Flower - I love everything they create for us! Their quality is top notch!
ReplyDeleteI have been watching videos about these mats and I have to say that I am in love with them. I think they are genius! Where have they been all our card making lives?! LOL You demonstrated it so clearly Michele, know I know I HAVE to have one! Your cards came out adorable, but I expected as much. Thanks for the chance to win one. Good luck to everyone! Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteWell as much as I stencil the grip mat sure would come in handy and your cards are adorably CUTE, I have been enabled by your cards to purchased more then once, love those fun plump bees!! I love my card making 'tools' and this one looks down right handy!!
ReplyDeleteI love all of the photos with your trips and tricks listed, Michele! Your cards are all just as sweet as they can BEE! Fingers crossed, I sure would love to get my hands on this nifty little tool!
ReplyDeleteCuteness overload, Michele! Your cards are just adorable and fun, plus your possible mat to win? Wow!
ReplyDeleteI love these cards. the bee is so cute. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe grip mat is an ideal tool to have as you don't need magnets.
Love it and the fact it comes in different sizes.
What a fun post full of delightful cards! I think you need to become a permanent member of their team. Your work always inspires!! Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a cool product! Thanks for a chance to win one. Would be fun to check out. Your cards are fabeelous! Thanks for sharing these beeutiful cards!
ReplyDeleteYour cards are bee-utiful and adorable and very you! I especially love the one with the daffodils. The mats look great. Great job on presenting them.
ReplyDeleteI have wanted one of these since I first saw it but true to course everyone is out of stock, especially of the one that fits the MISTI. I'm tired of inky fingers when I try to color little die cuts.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are all so cute, Michele, and you've shown us just how advantageous one of these mats can be.
Thanks for all the info! Your bee card is wonderful. Now to get one of the mats, hope, hope.
ReplyDeleteThese cards are the bee's knees. Thanks for the info about the grip mat.
ReplyDeleteYou have sold me on this tool, Michele! I keep hoping they will be back in stock soon. Love, love, love all three of these sweet bee cards! So much fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun cards!! As for the grip mats - I can see just how great a tool they are, and plan on having more than one eventually!
ReplyDeleteFabulous cards, Michele. Enjoyed the tutorial too. Those mats look like a must have for sure.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your clear instructions with lots of photos on how the grip mat and stencil extender work, Michele! Sounds like they're very useful! I want one. I'm sure Nina is happy with your post, and she's lucky to have you to showcase the new product.
ReplyDeleteLove your sweet bee cards! They're so cute and fun!!
Hideko xx