Review of Rock-a-Block Stamping System from Crafter's Companion

Take a look at this full profile of Rock-a-Blocks for more detailed information about the product. The items I used in this review are the Rock-a-Block stamping blocks and the Stick and Spray glue and a selection of stamps were used with this including the Cute Companions stamps by Jayne Nestorenko.

The blocks are formed from a purple transparent plastic. One of the first things that I noticed is that the blocks are not solid like traditional acrylic stamping blocks, which makes them light to hold. Although the blocks are light weight, they do feel well made.

There are four different sized blocks included in the pack and these are 6"x4", 6" x 1½" , 4"x3" and 1"x1". What defines these blocks is their curved surface. Instead of having the normal flat surface that is important with stamping blocks, the Rock-a-Blocks have a curved surface so that the blocks are 'rocked' when used.

I started using stamps from the Cute Companions stamp range by Jayne Nestorenko. These are unmounted stamps that are supplied as a sheet of stamps. I simply had to cut around the stamps in order to prepare them for use and the stamps came in a cd-style case which makes them ideal for storage.

In order to use the stamps I needed to spray the backs with Stick and Spray which is a repositionable adhesive spray. This left a tacky finish on the back of the stamp which allowed the stamp to be temporarily attached to the blocks. I found the spray glue worked well, however I found that the 'stick' got less reliable after a few uses and I needed to freshen it with another spray of glue.

The stamps held firmly to the blocks - which is essential for a good, clear stamped image. I stamped (or should it be 'rocked') a few images. I found that it took me a couple of goes before I got a perfect image. There were two reasons why my first images were not crisply stamped, the first was that my work surface was not completely flat and level and the second was that I was sitting down. I found that if I used Rock-a-Blocks standing up then I got a much clearer and consistent image.

I then went on to use different stamps and had good and consistent results with one exception. This was when I was using a relatively large stamp and the edge of the stamp was near the edge of the block. The rocking motion caused the stamp to leave an unclear print. This was simple to rectify by using a larger block or smaller stamp.

The rails on each side of the block ensure that stampers are able to 'rock' a consistent image each time as the pressure is applied equally. The rails stop more pressure being put on a single side that will cause the stamped image to be faint on one side. I found the blocks relatively easy to use with unmounted stamps and clear stamps. There is a definite 'knack' to using the blocks, however once this has been mastered they are simple to use. My tips for using the Rock-a-Block blocks are:

• Ensure the stamping surface is flat
• Rock the stamp once, do not repeat as this will give fuzzy images
• When inking the stamp, ensure that ink does not get on the rails. I did this once or twice and this meant that I got inky tracks down the page
• Use the Stick and Spray adhesive in a well ventilated area

Before buying there are some key positives and negatives to consider:

Positives

• The blocks give good consistent images
• There is a good selection of sizes and the long thin block is ideal for stamping sentiments or text
• The blocks work well with clear acrylic stamps as well as unmounted rubber stamps

Negatives

• The rocking motion makes it a little difficult to precisely place the stamp
• The blocks do not stack as neatly as flat or solid blocks
• Enthusastic inking of the stamp can result in the inking of the rails which, as I experienced, will leave inky tracks up the paper.

Some stampers are going to love this system, others are going to prefer their acrylic blocks. The Rock-a-Block system will be ideal for people who use unmounted or clear acrylic stamps and are looking for way of stamping more consistent and clear images. Experienced stampers, who don't have problems stamping good images, may find the system of less benefit.