Tools

Altenew makes stamping platforms, ink blending brushes, and cleaning and scoring tools.

Stampwheel

A stamping platform with a rotational clear flip plate that locks into place at 16 equal intervals, and a photopolymer sticky mat that holds paper and stencils in position without adhesive.

Price: $99.99.

The patent

The Stampwheel is covered by US Patent 11,541,676, "Positioning aid for a stamping tool," granted January 3, 2023. The named inventor is Tasnim Ahmed, Altenew's co-founder. The priority date is February 17, 2021.

The patent describes a flat base with a raised platform around its edge, a removable grid film, four corner alignment tabs, and a clear flip plate with radial lines running from centre to edge.

The Stampwheel was unveiled publicly at NAMTA Creativation 2022 in April 2022. Development began in 2020.

What it is for

Repeat placement. Stamping the same image at a known rotation, and returning to that exact position.

This matters most for wreaths and radial arrangements, and for multi-layer sets where every layer must land in the same place as the last.

You do not need it to use layering stamps

Altenew's layered stamp sets are designed to be aligned by eye through the clear polymer. The Stampwheel makes repeat placement faster and more consistent. It is not a prerequisite for using layering stamps.

Sticky mat care

The mat loses grip over time as it picks up dust, paper fibres, and skin oils. It is not worn out. Remove it, rinse under lukewarm running water while rubbing the debris away, and let it air dry. The tack returns.

Dark inks will stain the mat. The staining is cosmetic and does not affect grip. Wiping ink off promptly reduces it.

Rubber cling stamps

Standard mats are cut for thin clear polymer. A SlimGrip Sticky Mat, available in black, white, and translucent, accommodates the thicker profile of rubber cling stamps.

Ink blending brushes

Densely packed bristles for laying down smooth gradients.

To clean, wash gently with mild soap and warm water until the water runs clear, reshape the bristles, and lay flat to dry completely before the next use. Do not soak the handles.

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