I-Rock Rocks!

A girl can never have too many tools! So when I heard about I-Rock from Imaginisce, I got curious. I-Rock is an applicator for bling. Just what I need, a marriage of two things I love - Tools + Bling!

l-r: Jewel-Setter Sticks, Crystal and Stud Heat-Setting Tool, Stencil Kit, Hot Rocks Compact

The Crystal and Stud Heat-Setting Tool - runs on 3 AA Batteries

The system is very easy to use. First, dip the Jewel Setter Stick into a little bit of water to dampen the tip. Then, pick up a piece of crystal using the tip. You can also opt to use tweezers instead. Please ignore my nails. I know they badly need some loving!

Use the stencil to create a pattern for your crystals. Simply set appropriate size of bling on the hole of the stencil.

Then switch the tool to the "on" position. This does not heat the tip yet. You have to press the small button on the switch to start heating the tool. You have to keep this pressed until the crystal is set, which won't take longer than a few seconds. Just lightly press the tip of the tool on the crystal to prevent it from sliding. Note that the stencil is made of heat proof material similar to the Ranger Craft Mat or Bazzil Splat Mat.

You can also opt not to use the stencil and just make your own designs.

Add bling to embellish a stamped image

Use the stencil for easy patterns

Here is one of the finished cards. I used a die cutter to cut the label shape and embossed it using an embossing folder. Then I distressed the edges using Distress Ink. The butterfly is a digital stamp which I colored using Copic Markers, then cut and adhered to the card. I added a handwritten sentiment on a piece of scrap paper. The jewel swirl was created using an I-Rock stencil.

On this second card, I adhered jewels on the butterfly image. Then I applied more jewels randomly on the card using the I-Rock tool.

What can I say? I-Rock rocks!!! Overall, the I-Rock tool is very easy to use. There is a huge selection of crystals, pearls and studs. Different patterned stencils are also available. The Jewel-Setter Sticks are very useful specially for the teeny tiny pieces of crystal. For the bigger pieces of bling, you can either use tweezers or just pick them up with your fingers.

I-Rock products are now available at My Little Attic. Nenette just got the box of goodies late last week so these aren't posted yet on the website as of this writing. Just send her a quick email to reserve. If you hurry, you might just get your hands on this cool tool.

UPDATE: I-Rock products are already posted at the MLA website. To check them out, click here.

Tool-a-holic

So, I'm thinking if I should get this.

I know I have far too many tools already. But I loved my Crop-a-Dile hole puncher and eyelet setter so much that I don't leave home for a crop without it. So this tool made by the same company should be another gem for a tool-a-holic like me. After all, I love rounded corners on my layouts and cards that I also don't leave home for a crop without my corner rounder. So what makes this special? Well, just like the hole puncher, it can cut through tougher materials like cardstock, acrylic, leather, etc., without much effort! How cool is that?!

So, should I give in and get myself a chomper?

Maybe I should just wait til honey surprises me with one. (*wink*)

Tool Spotlight – BG Rub-On Roller

Rub-Ons have graced my scrap-shopping carts for quite some time already, though I tend to use them sparingly in my layouts. I usually just buy the alpha sets, though swirls and flourishes also find their way to my scrap table. Recently though, I have been using rub-ons more and more, and I’ve been buying a variety of designs and colors. So, it was then that I discovered that not all rub-ons are the same. Some are a breeze to use – American Crafts and Daisy D’s have been my favorite so far. Others are a big pain in the neck. Fancy Pants have some of the most beautiful designs around but they are VERY difficult to work with. Unfortunately, I’ve already hoarded a couple of sheets before I discovered that they are not very scrapper-friendly.

Then a friend gave me the American Crafts Rub-On Tool. Big help, but it still is not THE ONE. I’ve seen the BG Rub-On Roller in the magazines but I first read a real-consumer testimonial over at Ali Edwards’ blog. Since then, I’ve been lusting after this elusive tool. Whenever it would go on stock, I’d have a mental debate on whether I should get one. My AC tool does the job after all, save for a little sore arm after tackling an FP rub-on sheet. My “sensible” side always wins (re: grab some other scrapping stuff!). However, triggered by a recent struggle with one of my beautiful FB Rub-On sheets, I finally relented and actually brought home my BG Rub-On Roller last Friday night (after another mental debate!). I immediately worked on a project and used about 75% of a sheet of FP Rub-Ons.

What can I say? I guess I’ll be buying FP Rub-Ons again – as soon as my current stash is used up. BG Rub-On Roller is indeed THE ANSWER to my rub-on woes!

The American Crafts Transfer Tool would be a good runner up.