April's Review	Andrea's Review	Catherine's Review	Penny's Review	Karen's Review

Review by April

When asked if I would like to review the Staedtler Mastercarve carving tools and blocks, I jumped on it because I love trying new things! The idea of carving my own stamps seemed a little overwhelming, but I was totally up for the challenge and excited about the possibilities! For my review, I received the Mastercarve carving tool set and 2 cases of Artists Carving blocks with a total of 12 carving blocks in them. There were three carving tools with three different tip sizes: 1V, 2V, and 5U. They were comfortable and easy to hold with rubber grips, and also had the added bonus of being color coded. They came with a nifty reusable plastic storage case, and also claimed to be easily re-sharpened. The artist carving blocks were made with a soft vinyl material, offer the option of 4 different sides to carve on, and can also be cut into smaller pieces as well.

After a couple of practice rounds on the side of my first carving block, I started carving my first image and was really surprised at how easy it was. I free handed a butterfly wing with a charcoal pencil, used the #1V carving tool to carve an outline around my image, switched to the #2V tool to finish out the carving of my image, and then used the #5U carving tool to carve away the rest of the block. Being my first stamp, I might have gotten a little ambitious and carved a little more than I should have, but that was all it took for me to get the hang of it, so then I was ready for stamp #2! On two of my stamps, I added some fine line detail for a more unique look. I used the #1V carving tool to add lines across my "A" stamp, and also to outline a smaller star inside of the larger one. This produced a really cool affect when I used them on my projects later.

The first thing I wanted to do after carving my stamps, was to try them with different mediums. I tried them with regular brush markers, watercolor brush markers, fluid chalk ink, dye ink, distress ink, and acrylic paint. I also tried heating them after applying the brush markers, as suggested in the instruction manual, and this made the colors "lift" off the stamp. All of the above yielded different results and I was happy with all of them!

For my first layout, I used my newly carved "A" stamp with a watercolor brush marker, stamped it directly on the paper and then outlined it with a colored pencil. On a separate sheet of paper, I used acrylic paint with the star and arrow stamps, cut them out, and then adhered them to the layout. I printed the top photo out on cardstock and colored in the background with a colored pencil. To complete the layout, I added journaling, and patterned paper.

Title: A+ for Memphis
Materials Used:
Cardstock (Prism Prismatics: Mystic Dark)
Patterned Paper (Daisy D's & Making Memories)
Tools (Staedtler Mastercarve Carving Tools )
Stamps (Staedtler Mastercarve Artist Carving Blocks)
Watercolor Brush Markers (Staedtler Marsgraphic 3000 duo)
Paint (Ranger Paint Dabbers)
Pens (Zig & American Crafts)
Colored Pencil (Crayola)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

Since I love arrows, I thought making my own personal arrow stamp would be really cool! I used it along with the double heart stamp I carved, on my second layout. I used a combination of Staedtler's brown and orange watercolor brush markers on both stamps. To complete the layout, I added rub-ons, jeweled brads, journaling, and inked the edges of my cardstock, and photos.

Title:Sweet Chocolate
Materials Used:
Kraft Cardstock
Tools (Staedtler Mastercarve Carving Tools )
Stamps (Staedtler Mastercarve Artist Carving Blocks)
Watercolor Brush Markers (Staedtler Marsgraphic 3000 duo)
Rub ons (Maya Road & 7gypsies)
Brads (7gypsies)
Ink (Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I really enjoyed the carving process and had a lot of fun creating my own stamps. After getting used to the process, I am excited about designing future stamps with even more detail. The possibilities are endless, and I couldn't get over how pretty the carved stamps looked just sitting on my shelf. I now consider them new scrapbooking tools and part of my scrapbook room decor! Although it might seem a little intimidating at first, carving your own stamps can be a lot of fun and very rewarding. Not only do you end up with unique personalized stamps, you can take pride in the fact that you actually had a hand in making your own scrapbooking tools!

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Review by Andrea

Staedtler is a company that I'm very familiar with from the arts and craft world. I've used their waterbrush markers and watercolor pencils with great success. When the Mastercarve review became available, I jumped at the chance to get on the review! I've wanted to learn how to carve stamps before, so this was it!

We received a set of 3 carving tools, all just under 6" long with a plastic handle and permanently attached carving blades. They come in a hinged clear clamshell plastic case that closes for storage. The tools are in a pocket in the case so that the tips are protected. The tools themselves are color-coded for distinguishing the tip sizes - fine v-shaped, medium v-shaped and large u-shaped. All of them can be used on vinyl or linoleum carving blocks and can be resharpened. A rubber grip close to the tip allows for easy holding during carving, something you appreciate after writing with a pen for a long period of time! I found that I had no hand cramping during my carving sessions due to the comfortable size and feel of the handle. The package also had a handy black and white guide with carving directions for the beginner.

Also included in the package were two 6-piece sets of Artist Carving Blocks in a 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 3/4" size. They are just like big white erasers! The material is soft and flexible, but firm enough to carve and use as a stamp. There are 4 other larger sizes available in the Mastercarve line should you need a larger surface to carve. Each block comes wrapped in clear cellophane with a cardboard sleeve containing information about the product.

The hardest decision was to figure out what design to carve! I've been wanting to create a customized name stamp to use on the projects that I complete, so I began with my name. Using a pencil, I drew the letters and surrounding image on a piece of standard white paper. When the design was finished, I flipped it over and burnished it onto the surface of one of the carving blocks. The graphite pencil transferred easily to the stark white surface, even with the detail. Starting with the smallest tool, I carved away the detail areas around the text so that the even top surface remained intact because that is the stamping surface. Once I started, remembering that the carving needed to be around the image came much easier! After removing the majority of the space around the design, #1 is the first stamp impression. Not bad! I removed the inside of the "B" and a little around the other letters and got impression #2. With a little more refining, I got #3!

Not bad at all and actually pretty easy! Here is the front and back of a card using this stamp. I inked only the "A" to stamp on the transparency for the front, then that entire stamp for the back. I can see customized name stamps as a GREAT gift for friends over the holidays! I think I may make a personalized version for them!

Title:A Surprise Party Card
Materials Used:
Cardstock (Prism Prismatics: Frosted Yellow)
Patterned Paper (Urban Lily)
Overlay (Luxe Designs)
Stamp (Carved from Staedtler's Mastercarve Block)
Ink (Tsukineko StazOn Jet Black)
Rub-ons (BasicGrey)
Brads (unknown)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I'm a flower design rubber stamp collector! I love flower and leaf stamps, so I created the 5 petal one here. It's a bit like a Paradise Flower spread out. I colored the image with Staedtler's Brush Markers and stamped onto white cardstock to get the image. Rub-ons went over the stamped image well to make the centerpiece for this card.

Title: Happy Birthday Card
Materials Used:
Cardstock (Prism Prismatics: White and Exclusives: Ferro)
Patterned Paper (Urban Lily)
Stamp (Carved from Staedtler's Mastercarve Block)
Color (Staedtler Watercolor Brush Markers)
Rub-on (BasicGrey)
White Pen (Uni-ball Signo)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

Staedtler recommends using brush markers for coloring the image before stamping, but I found dye, pigment or solvent inks worked just as well. All of the colorants stained the vinyl, but that's not an issue for me. I really liked the fact that I could put the whole stamp under running water for clean-up! That makes it really easy. I know that having the right equipment is important, so now I can definitely have more fun carving other images. This is MUCH easier than I anticipated! It does take a little time to carve the image and I haven't quite mastered carving a really detailed image yet, but know that with more practice it will come out fine. I highly recommend this tool set and carving blocks to anyone wanting a custom stamp. Think of all those doodles you could carve into a stamp to have forever! Hmmmm...

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Review by Catherine

Earlier this year, I attended a stamping convention. I milled around the convention space for a while, with nothing really catching my eye. That is, until I happened across a wonderful stamp designer creating his own stamp. I stood there spellbound as I watched him carve a beautifully intricate stamp using carving tools into what looked to me like a big eraser. What an amazing talent! I immediately searched out what I would need to do the same thing. I was so excited to try my own hand at creating stamps that I never even got the stamp artists name! The products that he had been using were Mastercarve products from Staedtler.

Since getting my first carving block from Staedtler, I have made several stamps for various purposes. I have to admit that I became completely addicted to carving my own stamps. However, I have had a hard time finding more carving blocks to create more. I was super excited and pleased when I was assigned this review, and even more excited to see the products that I was sent! The Staedtler company was extremely generous in the number of Carving Blocks they sent and the set of tools. I could not wait to get started creating!

A few years ago, I bought a stamp making kit from a different manufacturer. I can’t even remember where I got it now, but it was one of those spur of the moment purchases that ended up going nowhere. I was not impressed with that kit at all. The tools were not detailed enough and the blades had to be exchanged in and out of a wooden handle, which proved extremely dangerous for me. Additionally, the carving block was not as easy to carve as I had hoped. I quickly put my supplies away in a cabinet and didn’t look at them again. The Staedtler Mastercarve products have proved just the opposite for me. Since receiving my tools for this review, they have not left the top of my scrap area. I want them to be in eyesight, so that I can make sure to remind myself that I COULD carve the exact stamp I would need for any given layout. There are three carving tools included in the set that I was sent. There is no need to change the razor-blade sharp tips. Each tool is color coded so you will know exactly what you are picking up when you deep in the process of your design work. The three tips range from a broad angled tip to and extremely small detail tip. The three tools also come in a handy plastic storage case, which I found wonderfully comforting. No need to worry that I am going to stab myself with a razor-blade tip when I am searching for something else in my toolbox.

The Mastercarve Blocks themselves are extremely easy to carve. Using these carving blocks with the Staedtler Mastercarve Tools is like carving into butter. The Mastercarve blocks range in size from 2 ½” square to 9” X 12”; A great range of sizes for even the pickiest designer. We were sent several of the 2 ½” square blocks to review. The blocks are made of very soft and pliable vinyl, and they hold great detailed lines. The biggest drawback that I’ve found is my own limitations. There were times when I haven’t been able to get as crisp of a look as I wanted with my stamps. However, I think that this was due to my own limitations and lack of smooth carving ability. I think that with further use and practice, I will be able to get the smooth lines that I would like for future stamp applications. Carving stamps definitely seems to be a process that requires a practiced hand. However, I was extremely pleased with the results I was able to achieve.

For my first project, I had an idea in my head of creating a bird stamp to go with some pictures of my youngest son. None of the bird stamps that I have in my stash seemed to be “quirky” enough for the layout I had in mind. I drew my little bird onto my Mastercarve Carving block, after practicing it a few times on paper, then began to carve. I started by carving the inner details and the lines directly around the image I wanted with the smallest (1V) carving tip. I then began carving away the larger sections using the largest (5U) carving tip. I love the look that I was able to create!

Title:On the Go, Go, Go
Materials Used:
Cardstock (Prism Exclusives - China)
Patterned Paper (Imaginisce)
Stamps (Own Design using Staedtler Mastercarve Products)
Ink (Colorbox Fluid Chalk Inks - Clearsnap)
Chipboard Letters; Letter Stickers (Heidi Swapp)
Felt Stickers (American Crafts)
Metal Letters (Scrapworks)
Tab Sticker (7gypsies)
Journaling Tabs (Heidi Swapp)
Adhesive (Adtech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I’ve seen zig-zag and scallop border stamps recently, but have been able to order one. So, I decided to create my own zig-zag stamp for my second project. I used the same process as I had done before, then stamped with my newly created stamp over and over again to create the border that I wanted for a fun page about my crazy family. I also carved a cute monkey-faced stamp to further enhance and support the theme of my layout.

Title:Crazy Silly Monkey-Faced Boys
Materials Used:
Cardstock (Prism Exclusives - China)
Patterned Paper (Love, Elsie)
Stamps (own design using Staedtler Mastercarve Products)
Ink (Colorbox Fluid Chalk Inks - Clearsnap)
Foam Letters (American Crafts)
Stickers (Love, Elsie)
Alphabet Stickers (Making Memories)
Chipboard Letters (Heidi Swapp)
Adhesive (Adtech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I wanted to do one final project for this review. I have also been wanting a scalloped border to use on my pages. So I created one. I think that in order to really appreciate this stamp, I will need to order a longer Mastercarve block so that my border is more fluid and less choppy.

Title:Shh..
Materials Used:
Cardstock (Prism Papers)
Patterned Paper (KI Memories – Baby Boy)
Stamps (own design using Staedtler Mastercarve products)
Ink (Brilliance - Tsukineko)
Chipboard Letters, Frame, Shape (Heidi Swapp)
Stickers (7gypsies)
Rubons (BasicGrey)
Adhesive (Adtech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

In summary, I have nothing but good things to say about the Mastercarve products from Staedtler. What a wonderful, innovative product line! Having the Mastercarve products in one’s arsenal makes the options limitless as far as what one could create. I’ve you’ve ever thought that you needed a perfect stamp for something but haven’t been able to find it, then the Mastercarve products from Staedtler are exactly what you need. Carve your own stamp today!

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Review by Penny

How would you like a custom-designed stamp? Sounds too good to be true doesn't it? Not so!

I was recently introduced to Staedtler's MasterCarve Artist Carving Blocks and Carving Tools. Prior to working with them I did some online searching for some reviews or tutorials but was unable to find a helpful resource. This is a product that must be explained in detail in order for its abilities to be appreciated.

I grabbed a 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 3/4" Artist Carving Block and traced the block dimensions on a piece of paper, then I sketched several designs until I was happy with one of them. Darken your pencil lines and then place the paper face-down on the Carving Block and rub gently with your fingers. Your sketch has now transferred to the Carving Block and you can begin carving out your design. See my step-by-step photos below.

A set of three different carving tools is available: a #1V shaped liner, #2V shaped gouge and a #5U shaped gouge. Now how to begin carving? This is the tricky part. The #1V shaped liner has the smallest carbon steel blade for all of the fine details. The #2V shaped gouge has a nice V-pointed blade that worked perfectly for outlining your stamp before getting into the larger carving. Once your stamp image has been outlined well, use the #5U shaped gouge which takes away nice flat strips of the block. The carving tools have color-coded non-slip grips so the different sizes are easy to spot. The plastic case they come packaged in is resealable for storage.

The carving tools come with easy to follow directions and some rough hand-drawn sketches, however it was hard for me to understand just how these tools worked best. My first carved stamp image was the word "she" pictured in the layout below. During my carving attempts the letters lost some of their crisp edges but it turned out as a fine distressed word stamp.

Title:she stamp

Title: she
Materials Used:
Patterned Paper (Rusty Pickle)
Stamp (Staedtler MasterCarve block and tools)
Ink (ColorBox, Stampin' Up!)
Deco Scissors (Provo Craft)
Stickers (Sandylion)
Fibers (BasicGrey)
Gem (Doodlebug)
Other: butterfly applique

Once you get started you don't want to stop! My first stamp was carved in one sitting in front of the TV. My second was carved on my lunch break at work...I told you they are addicting!

I enlisted my husband to sketch out the owl image I used on this stamp. I found a great sketch made it much easier to create a great carving.

Title: Sister
Materials Used:
Patterned Paper (Creative Imaginations)
Stamp--owl (Staedtler MasterCarve block and tools) and label frame (7Gypsies)
Transparency (Hambly Screen Prints)
Chipboard (Lil Davis, My Minds Eye)
Ink (ColorBox, Ranger Alcohol Ink)
Watercolor Pencils (Stampin' Up!)
Acrylic Paint (Making Memories, Deco Art)
Stickers (BasicGrey, Heidi Grace, Chatterbox)
Ribbon (Perfect Ribbon Co.)
Adhesive (Ad Tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

Besides some experimentation with the tools, I suggest carving in a tidy tray or over a towel or plate as the carvings do make a mess and can spread easily. My flaw in the carving process is knowing when to stop. I tried to get the stamp to look perfect with crisp outlines and an even block base, but this is a self-defeating quest - at least for me. The flat image that you stamp with does have to be perfect. Every nick or scratch you make here will show up in your stamping. A good practice is to carve away the stamp until it looks just right, then ink it up and do a test stamp and make sure the image is exactly as you want it.

Staedtler recommends using stamping markers with these stamps, but regular stamping ink seems to work just fine. The white block will not stay white for long - it retains whatever ink color you use on it.

This product is one that I never would have tried on my own but I am so glad I was given a chance to review it. It's easy and fun to do! As I mentioned earlier, there is not much information on the internet to guide you and this could be greatly improved. This also has posed a problem when trying to order more MasterCarve blocks. If you can find some, go ahead and give them a try. You might just fall in love with it!

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Review by Karen

When I was in grade school we always did this cool art project where you used a clean meat tray and a ball point pen to draw pictures on the meat tray. Once we had our picture we would ink it up and make a print. I LOVED that project and looked forward to it every year. This review took me back to that time, when I was a kid doing something that I looked forward to.

So what is this product that took me back to my younger days? Well it’s the Mastercarve products by STAEDTLER. My kit included 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" blocks and a set of three carving tools. The first thing I did was to open one of the blocks. I wanted to feel the material that they are made from. It reminds me of a white eraser. It’s a bit squishy and smooth on the surface. The tools are a nice weight and are easy to hold.

I decided to start with a simple shape, to see how easily I could create a stamp. Honestly, this was about as easy as it could be. I think that Anna Claire would be able to handle the tools without poking herself, but I didn’t let her try… yet. I used a regular pencil to draw a heart, then I carved it out. The tools make this such an easy process. Once I had my heart, I inked it up with a dye ink by Ranger. I LOVE how it stamped. From there I carved a skull, arrow, a block with X and O on it, and a set of cross bones to go with the skull.

My first project uses four of the stamps I made; the skull, crossbones, heart and arrow. I started with a sheet of cardstock and stamped the skull and crossbones all over it. Then I stamped the heart in a dark pink ink on light pink paper, and a dark blue arrow on light blue paper. I am really pleased with how this turned out! I love that I was able to create a skull and crossbones stamp, since I couldn’t find one locally.

Title: Lil Pirate
Materials Used:
Cardstock Light Suede Brown, Stormy Dark, Nautical Light Blue, Iced Pink (Prism Prismatics)
Carving block and tools (Staedtler Mastercarve)
Ink (Ranger)
Letter stickers (American Crafts)
Circle Journaling spot(Heidi Swapp)
Pen (American Crafts)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner, A Fine Line..., The BORDERLine)

In my second project, I decided to leave the block mostly uncarved. I cut out the letters X and O and created a border around the block. I want to do some more of this type stamp with the words Love and Wish. I think that this would make a great stamp for cards.

Title: We love Rides
Materials Used:
Cardstock Twilight Light, Herbal Garden Light, Iced Pink (Prism Prismatics)
Carving block and tools (Staedtler Mastercarve)
Ink (Ranger)
Letter Stickers (Mustard Moon)
Journaling spot(Heidi Swapp)
Pen (American Crafts)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner, A Fine Line..., The BORDERLine)

I loved my trip down memory lane. I had fun creating stamps that fit exactly what I was looking for. The blocks are soft enough to easily cut a design out of, but they aren’t so soft that they deform while cutting. The tool slides though them like butter. Also they are 3/4" thick, this is enough of a depth that you can cut an image on each side of the block.

If you haven’t guessed yet I had a blast working with this product. Staedtler should be so proud to be producing a product that is not only a creative outlet but one that is so well made and easy to use. I do have one word of caution … the Mastercarve blocks should come with a consumer warning that reads, “buyer be forewarned that this product is addictive. It has a side effect of making you smile as well as giving you a creative outlet.” Thank you Staedler! I loved this product and whole heartedly recommend it!

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