Product Review: Build-A-Frame Stamps

by Elizabeth Wickland


When I saw this Build-A-Frame stamp set by Iron Orchid Designs, I had to have it. It's a huge stamp set, and for about $20 it was a good deal! I loved the designs and planned to use the images separately, since I'm not big into frames. I took it home and played with it in a few different ways to create this layout...


1. I stamped the corner and side stamps to create a frame around the patterned paper. IOD advertises that the pieces go together for a seamless look, and I have to say that they were right. The way the corners are designed lends itself well to blending with the side pieces for a seamless frame.

2. I stamped a stripe down one side and across the bottom of my page, then stamped an edge stamp around all four sides. IOD claims their stamps fit together just right for stamping on a 12x12 layout - and they do! I love what they look like as a distressed edge in distress ink!

3. I stamped the butterflies in the corners to see how they stamp on textured cardstock. They stamp beautifully, even over layers!

3. I stamped the butterflies and flowers on patterned paper and cut them out to use as embellishments. I loved the result!



This is a stamp set I will use over and over again. With several corners and edge pieces to choose from, I can create a custom frame for just about any project. The edge stamps will be great for cardmaking, too. I love the coordinating accent stamps, like the butterflies, heart, and flowers. The stamps themselves are high quality. They stamp crisp images, adhere well to a clear block, and resist staining, even when used with Staz-On ink. They clean up nicely and are easily stored back in the original packaging. This is the most versatile stamp set I have seen in a long time and I'm looking forward to using it a lot!

**NEW** Iron Orchid Designs

Have you seen Keepsakes' newest products from Iron Orchid Designs? In the last year Prima Marketing (maker of the all-favorite Prima flowers) has come out with some wonderful things, but these two take the cake...

Transparent Scrapbooking Tape


For less than $6 you get a dispenser and 3 rolls of clear tape (one of each design shown above). And with almost 33 meters of tape, there's a LOT of playing room with this stuff! It dispenses cleanly and can be used for anything you would use tape for - and more! Use the tape to cover the seam of two abutting papers for a beautiful transition. Tape around the edges of your photos to adhere them to a layout and frame them at the same time! This tape is beautiful, versatile, and best of all it peels away from your paper and photos without tearing them if you don't like where you have it positioned! It will quickly become a favorite adhesive and design element!

Build-A-Frame Stamps



These beautiful stamp sets include corners and straight edges that can be used individually or combined to make a variety of frames. Use them together on acetate to create your own clear frames! Stamp the corners on your photos to give the look of a digital layout! The frame strips are designed to stamp end to end seamlessly so you can create 12 inch frames - try framing an entire 12x12 layout! Add your own frame to your favorite patterned paper for a custom look! The possibilities are just about endless...