Tip of the Day: Stop that Dreaded ATG Tape Slip

One of my very favorite tools in my craft room -- something I use every time I'm crafting -- is my "Adhesive Tape Gun" (ATG) by Scotch 3M.  I use the pink one, where the refills are typically 1/4".

From time to time, I sponsor a group "buy-in" of off-brand tape refills which seem to me to be just as great as the brand variety, though they are a lot less expensive.  I buy them from Tape Jungle, where with a purchase of 144 rolls (12 dozen), the price is $1.16/roll, including shipping. 

No matter if you buy off-brand or brand refills, many of my crafting friends say they've experienced the dreaded "tape slip".  Even a perfectly-threaded refill will fall off the applicator roll in the front, causing the tape to jam and the need to rip, disconnect and rethread the tape.

There just HAD to be a solution. Well here it is....











The tape needs a shim over the roll of tape, and you can create your own, either electronically, with punches, or by hand.  I used my Silhouette Cameo 2 (new, this Christmas -- thank you, Hubby!)  to create a disc out of cardboard that is 3" in diameter, with a 1" cut-out in the center, like this:

Just place the shim over the roll of refill tape that you've loaded into the ATG gun. 

Here's my offer to my readers:  If you just don't feel like making one of these shims yourself, just leave a comment here, and send me an e-mail (to cardmonkey@comcast.net) with your address and I will mail one to you, free! 

Be in touch if I can help you with this crafty tip!


DeFiaNtLy DiFfeReNt & CreAtiVeLy Yours,

TBB Friday: Bling out your GUN!

Happy Beautiful Friday, Friends and Followers!

It's that time again for The Buckle Boutique Friday, when I post some of the blingy-est of wonderful projects made possible using the fab supplies of The Buckle Boutique (TBB).  

Here is a nifty way to make YOUR Adhesive Tape Gun (ATG) stand out in a crowd, especially when you take it to a crop and it seems like everyone has an ATG.  Bling it out!

To make this project, I used TBB's versatile "Dazzling Diamonds" rhinestone resin sticker sheets. 

The best way to make a neat version of this would be to use flower dies to cut the flower and the background space, using your Big Shot, Cuttlebug or any other cut/emboss tool. My machines were on the fritz when I cut this, so I did it by hand, with an X-Acto knife. The resin cuts like butter. Then, just assemble your design, peel off the adhesive backing on the rhinestone resin sheets. 

WIN IT!

Want to win a kit to make your own blinged out ATG? Comment on this post and refer a friend to do the same, and your name/e-address will be entered into a drawing to be held in June when I celebrate my 4th YEAR BLOGAVERSARY with a "PAY IT FOUR-WARD! PRIZE". This prize includes the brand new, in package ATG by 3-M, and a sampler pack of Rhinestone Resin Sticker Sheets to design your own cover. To be eligible to win, your comment MUST include your name, your e-mail address, the name of the friend you've referred, and the words "BLING MY ATG". All comments must be received by June 30, 2014 in order to be eligible to win. No purchase required; restrictions apply. 


FYI:  I have the privilege of serving on The Buckle Boutique's Design Team. You can see creations I've made for The Buckle Boutique posted here on my blog, and on TBB's social media sites, on the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month. 

The Buckle Boutique’s Link Listing

The Buckle Boutique’s Website . . . click HERE
The Buckle Boutique Blog . . . . click HERE
Facebook Page . . . click HERE
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DeFiaNtLy DiFfeReNt & CreAtiVeLy Yours,