Today’s review is kind of a lark. I had purchased these punches MONTHS ago at a discount store, and in true Jenny fashion squirreled them away and mostly forgot about them. It’s amazing how a few hours of studio cleaning can remind you of the things you own- (!!) so I dusted them off, broke them open, and got ready to play with the Stamp and Punch sets from Martha Stewart Crafts by EKSuccess.
As the name implies, these are stamp sets nestled into a punch! It’s kind of genius, really.
Here’s how it’s described on a retail site:
Martha Stewart Crafts® Flower stamp and punch set ideal to be used in cards, party favors and scrapbooks includes 3 stamps that are stored inside the punch.
Martha Stewart Crafts® Flower stamp and punch set features two different functions for creation of perfectly shaped cutouts. Set allows to stamp one of the 3 designs and then punch out the shape.
- Design: Flower
- White
- Size: 1″
- Stamp and punch sets allow you to stamp one of three designs and then punch out the shape
- Punch conveniently stores three included stamps
Let’s take a closer look!
The punch has a little cover on the face, showing you the design of the punch. But inside, there is space for THREE mini cling-mount stamps. Here’s the set I got for the flower.
They can be used separately or layered together. I also got the leaf set.
Here you can also see the inside of the lid, which is supposed to be a stamp mount. I personally don’t like that at all. You cannot see precisely where you are stamping and it’s challenging if not difficult to line up the stamps if you are trying to layer.
(In the bottom left of the above photo is a little ladybug to sit on the leaf. Kinda cute.)
The bottoms of the punches are open so you can easily align the punch over your stamped image.
Let’s take a look now at all of stamps that come with each set.
Here I stamped each layer so you can see it, plus all three layered. I also punched it out and so you could see the actual punch size. They are about 1″ in size, but it’s a little misleading when you stamp. The stamped images are actually a bit LARGER, so that when you punch it out you don’t have to be so exact and you won’t have any white space left over.
See? You will have a larger image than the punch.
I found the stamps to be just fine and easy to use with my acrylic blocks. Like I mentioned earlier, using a block is optional, but I really like to see where I’m stamping. I also would use the stamps on the own without the punch!
As for the punch, well…they are great for paper. I wasn’t in love with them for other surfaces, though. Take a look:
The tissue paper did not cut cleanly, nor did the cereal box cardboard. Glossy paper, text weight paper, and cardstock were all just fine. Even cork paper cut pretty well! But these are not heavy-duty punches and you should stick to paper.
Now…for some samples! I decided to use the stamps on their own with the first design.
As you can see, I stamped a background with the stamps but then used the punch to add some dimension. (In case you are wondering, I was using the WorldWin Paper and Memento Luxe Stamp Ink Pads I’ve reviewed previously. )
The card on the first has a 3-d layer while the one on the right is stamped cork paper. I’ll have a quick video tutorial for you soon!
On the whole, the Martha Stewart Stamp and punches are pretty fun. They retail for $13.99 USD and as mentioned, you actually get 3 stamps and the punch for that cost. They are a fun way to build your crafty toolbox for not a lot of cash- and the storage IN the punch is ingenious! Wouldn’t they be a great stocking-stuffer, too?
Current designs: Floral, Butterfly, Leaf, Polar (snowflake) , Bird, Cupcake, Pumpkin, Stocking, Present, Tombstone, and Heart.
What are your thoughts? Would you add them to your wish list?
Disclosure: product purchased with my own funds. My opinion is based on my use of the tools and materials, and is solely by own.
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I do own 11 of MS stamp punch sets the only one I don’t have it the tombstone and I love them I had them several years and use them all the time. My granddaughter started using them when she was 4 years old punching and stamping with them and loves them too. I think it’s an awesome idea and have fun with them. Your review was very accurate and fair. I love what you created using them in different ways.
Tee-hee, bet Martha would like this blog. Personally, I love all the punch sets that are available, but I like the idea that there is no white around the edges. Thanks for finding them in your stash.
I have a bunch of these and enjoy using them, but you’re right on the money, Jenny, as they work best on light cardstock. I do like the versatility of being able to use just 1, 2 or all 3 of the stamps for the designs, though. TFS!!!
I’m pretty sure they’ve changed these since I bought them when they first came out. The images didn’t used to stamp larger so there was no white space around the image. In fact, I think I have this exact punch and the stamps are different. No center for the flower, just three full sized stamps all with slightly different patterns. This is much better!
I have several Martha Stewart punches and love them. I don’t, however, have any of these that can stamp and punch. I had wondered if they really worked as designed. Thank you for taking the time to share your review! I will be in a local craft store tomorrow and will check them out.
I bought one from ebay. It is the double edge punch bangle chain trim. I was so looking forward to using this punch. But disappointingly, the punch would grab the paper once punched and then just rip. I tried everything I could to get it going but just could not. So am waiting for answer from seller as to return and/or replacement.
Kaycy
Kaycy- that is a different punch than the ones I reviewed here. However, you might try a few tricks before giving up. First, use some tri-flow machine oil (or WD-40) to lubricate the metal. Then punch through several thicknesses of aluminum foil to sharpen the edges several times. See if that doesn’t help.
I’m with Jenny- I keep WD40 and some older candles around close by just to keep punches, dies, and scissors sharp, smooth and doing their best and their jobs. I also have both these sets but don’t use them fully like I want to. I really like them, but agree with Jenny that using a small acrylic block is way more effective than the thin plastic non-see lid they recommend you use to stamp with (not happening). So, that’s it from me for now — carry on — love this place!!!