Tag Archives: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine

April 2023 DIY: Friends are like seashells

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Every year when Stampin’ Up! announces the Last Chance list, there is at least one thing on that list that breaks my heart. This year, it’s Friends Are Like Seashells. I know there are wonderful things in the 23-24 Annual Catalog (cuz I’ve seen it!!) but I’m still sad. It will be bittersweet to see this calendar all month:

Small calendar with sea shells
  • Stamps: Friends Are Like Seashells
  • Color Palette: Shimmery White, Mint Macaron, Blushing Bride, So Saffron, Bermuda Bay – ALL RETIRING!!
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Seashells dies, Seashells 3D Embossing Folder, White 3/4″ Frayed Ribbon, Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I have mixed feelings about the retiring of our Pearl Basic Jewels. I don’t use them a lot any more, but I do love these tiniest peals. I’ll miss them but since they’re all I really love in the pearl assortment, it’s ok that they’re on the Last Chance list.

I used a cotton swab to apply the ink to these images. They’re mostly trimmed from the 3D embossing folder, and even the daubers were too big to have the control I needed for this project. Moving the ink around on Shimmery White paper is easy as it is very forgiving. You might want to pick up a few packages as Shimmery White is on the Last Chance list too.

I disassembled the Frayed Ribbon to get those yarn-like fibers. Ribbon isn’t sacred – I cut it apart and tease out the pieces to get the size and texture I want.

The stamps, dies, embossing folder, ink, pearls and ribbon are ALL on the Last Chance list! Shop early, shop often. Note carefully: the discounts are effective beginning April 4, but all items on this list are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. Here are the updated Last Chance lists. If your list doesn’t say “updated March 31” you need to replace it with this linked list:

ANNUAL CATALOG LAST CHANCE

JANUARY – APRIL MINI LAST CHANCE

It’s the first of the month, so be sure to visit Cheryl and Crystal to see the DIY calendars for April. We really enjoy creating these little desk top treasures, and hope you do to. You can check our PINTEREST board for more inspiration!

Banner with Paper Pumpkin logo and mosaic-style flowers

Be sure to subscribe by April 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The April kit is called ALL THE LITTLE THINGS. It’s a card kit featuring iridescent foil accents – don’t miss it! Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you.

There are some gorgeous new crafting options about to join the family! I can’t wait to get my hands on them! If you’d like to be first on your block to have them, ask me about the best paper crafting deal around – becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator. Join on April 4th and you can choose these fresh new colors in your introductory kit. Or go ahead and take the plunge and JOIN NOW and place your first order in technicolor!

The MINI POCKET ENVELOPE and the EASTER BUNNY

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The Easter bunny used to bring eggs when my kids were younger – real eggs we colored ourselves, and the plastic ones filled with chocolate and money. That doesn’t happen any more. Must be the price of eggs. Fortunately, this little mini pocket is just the right size for a gift card so that you can send a friend to the grocery store for a dozen.

  • Stamps: Easter Bunny, Thanks a Bunch (SAB 23, no longer available)
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Petal Pink, Soft Succulent, Sahara Sand
  • Accessories: Bunny Punch, Big Boss, Mini Pocket Envelope dies, Tailored Tag dies, Something Fancy dies, Country Gingham Designer Series paper, White Watercolor pencil, Stampin’ Dimensional, Tear n Tape (TNT), retired ribbon

Well, we really do love our punches! This bunny punch isn’t available until mid-May – too late for Easter 2023 – but if you were lucky enough to get your hands on one before they went out of stock, this project is for you!

A little bit of White Watercolor Pencil adds softness and definition to the bunny’s ears, belly and tail – obviously the softest parts of the bunny! A dab of Petal Pink in on the tip of the nose is just enough color – anything darker is too much (ask me how I know.)

This Mini Pocket die is big enough for a gift card, but it also holds a Tailored Tag quite nicely. I recently indulged in a SECOND set of dies. I make a lot of these, and I decided to cut my die-cutting time in half by cutting two at once. That was an excellent investment.

The mini pocket envelope is an all-season essential – shop for it at the Online Store.

Be sure to subscribe by March 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The March kit is fresh and botanical, and includes a bonus stamp set to celebrate 10 years of Paper Pumpkin. It makes 9 cards and includes coordinating envelopes, and this month’s Stampin’ Spot is Polished Pink.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

New products in the January-April Mini Catalog are flying off the shelves – like the bunny punch. Message me if you’d like to know when it’s back in stock. I’ve got a list and I’m checking it twice!

A BEAUTIFULLY HAPPY NOTE CARD

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The Beautifully Happy Sale-a-bration stamp set didn’t catch my eye right away, but I saw someone else’s sample and…well, I’m pretty confident you know the end of that story. Before long it was at my doorstep! I paired it with our note cards and a little heat embossing:

  • Stamps: Beautifully Happy
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Pear Pizazz, Polished Pink
  • Accessories: Big Boss, Deckled Rectangle dies, Heat Tool, Embossing Tool Kit, White Embossing Powder, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I can’t remember the last time I made a card without Stampin’ Dimensionals. Huh.

Use a blender pen to wipe the ink off that white embossing powder so it won’t smear. And I used a lot of “dits” around this image, so I chose to stamp them off so that they would be more subtle. You can also stamp off the filler images that add the color inside the line drawings. It gives your project a softer look, especially when you’re using a bold color.

Sale-a-bration is nearly over. Beautifully Happy is one of the great options you can choose for FREE with a qualifying purchase. But don’t wait – February is almost over, and there is only one Sale-a-bration promotion in 2023. Shop and choose soon! See the choices HERE.

Be sure to subscribe by March 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The March kit is fresh and botanical, and includes a bonus stamp set to celebrate 10 years of Paper Pumpkin. It makes 9 cards and includes coordinating envelopes, and this month’s Stampin’ Spot is Polished Pink.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

New products in the January-April Mini Catalog are flying off the shelves! Even better, when you place a qualifying order you will choose FREE Sale-a-bration products. Sale-a-bration ends February 28th and as always, those products are while supplies last.

EDEN’S GARDEN in MONOCHROME

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Eden’s Garden hasn’t seen much ink recently, but I needed a sympathy card and this starry Sky monochromatic design was just the thing:

  • Stamps: Eden’s Garden, Something Fancy
  • Color Palette: Very Vanilla, Starry Sky
  • Accessories: Masking Paper, Dainty Flowers DSP – SAB 23, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I was inspired by Christie’s Stampin Spot and kept close to her design. This is a card I’ll make again to have on hand – it’s a design that lends itself to a variety of uses.

I also made a Crumb Cake version. I’m happy with it, but definitely prefer Starry Sky. The extra touch of the Dainty Flowers Designer Series paper really sets it off.

Earn product for FREE with a qualifying purchase during Sale-a-bration 2023. Everyone’s favorite Stampin’ Up! promotion ends February 28th. See the choices HERE.

Be sure to subscribe by March 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The March kit is fresh and botanical, and includes a bonus stamp set to celebrate 10 years of Paper Pumpkin. It makes 9 cards and includes coordinating envelopes, and this month’s Stampin’ Spot is Polished Pink.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

New products in the January-April Mini Catalog are flying off the shelves! Even better, when you place a qualifying order you will choose FREE Sale-a-bration products. Sale-a-bration ends February 28th and as always, those products are while supplies last.

COUNTRY FLORAL with COLOR and CONTOUR

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Happy Valentines Day, my crafty friends! I have one more Valentine for you using the Country Floral Lane Designer Series Paper. This time I’ve paired it with the Color and Contour stamp set. It’s an older set so you might have it – you could whip this card up this afternoon for last minute giving! (Well. Assuming you have nothing else that is demanding of your time. Quite the assumption.)

  • Stamps: Color and Contour, Country Bouquet, Friendly Gnomes
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Petal Pink, Sweet Sorbet, Daffodil Delight, Balmy Blue
  • Accessories: Big Boss, Scalloped Contour dies, Stitched Rectangle dies, Stylish Shapes dies, Country Floral Lane Designer Series Paper, Stampin’ Blends, White Crinkle Seam Binding Ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals

You might have seen versions 1 and 2 of this card a few days ago in THIS post. The change in DSP makes a big difference – there’s a lot of (Balmy) Blue in this version and it just FEELS different. Gotta love our DSP.

I keep a stash of pre-cut Basic White panels measuring 4″ x 5 1/4″ next to my primary work space. All of my cards have an interior white panel, even if they’re a lighter color. I like the crisp look of that white panel on the interior, and I think it’s a beautiful finishing touch. It makes any interior stamping stand out as well.

To borrow a concept, I did a Love It Chop It move on this entire pack of DSP. I don’t always love EVERY design in a package, but I sure loved Floral Bouquet! It’s a great balance of large and small, monochromatic and colorful designs with very appealing colors. You might just need to get yourself a package to see.

There’s still time! You can make someone’s day a little brighter doing something you love! Give a Valentine or two to someone who won’t be expecting one. ❤️ And Happy Valentines Day from the Maui Stamper 😘

Sale-a-bration 2023 is a great time to stock up on basics – or add something new and special to your craft stash. Earn product for FREE with a qualifying purchase. See the choices HERE.

Be sure to subscribe by March 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The March kit is fresh and botanical, and includes a bonus stamp set to celebrate 10 years of Paper Pumpkin. It makes 9 cards and includes coordinating envelopes, and this month’s Stampin’ Spot is Polished Pink.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

New products in the January-April Mini Catalog are flying off the shelves! Even better, when you place a qualifying order you will choose FREE Sale-a-bration products. Sale-a-bration ends February 28th and as always, those products are while supplies last.

ADORABLE OWLS in GINGHAM

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Gingham!! It’s timeless, it comes in limitless colors, and it’s a versatile design pattern. Today I’ve paired our Country Gingham 6×6 inch Designer Series paper (you need this!!) with some gingham ribbon and our Adorable Owls. I’ve love how it looks – what do you think??

Fun fact: the Gingham pattern was invented in the 1600’s with roots in Asia, possibly Malasia. After over 400 years of enduring popularity, I’d say it’s a pretty solid tradition!

  • Stamps: Adorable Owls (SAB 23), Rays of Light
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Smoky Slate, Crushed Curry, Balmy Blue
  • Accessories: Big Boss, Stylish Shapes dies, Versamark Ink, Stampin’ Blends, Paper Snips, Black & White Gingham ribbon, Fine Sparkle Gems (retired, sorry!) Stampin’ Dimensionals

These are square cards measuring 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″. You can create an envelope to fit them precisely, but you’ll need to pay extra postage in the US for a non-machinable card. Or you can just grab our medium envelope and mail them in that – they don’t need to fill the whole thing!

Each of these owls has been fussy cut with Paper Snips. I know that’s a deal breaker for some crafters, but it’s not for me. Do what you love and be happy about it. If you don’t like to fussy cut, die cut that circle from Basic White card stock and add some stamping around the edge. Don’t stress, this is FUN.

The “Hoot hoot” owl has a sassy “come hither” backwards glance that cracks me up. And don’t let the prospect of coloring all these owls hold you back. They’re simple, and you can leave lots of white space as I did to simplify the task. Remember, we’re having FUN. (Says the Drill Sergeant Stamper.) The background stamp for this card is Spiral Dye, stamped again in Versamark. That’s one of my favorite ways to add texture – Versamark ink!

This owl was almost a tragedy. I colored the eyes with the Sweet Sorbet Stampin’ Blend marker, since that’s the color of the Gingham DSP. I IMMEDIATELY regretted my choice, as they had that creepy demon-in-the-night sort of look! I toned them down with a couple of the Natural Blends (sorry, don’t remember which ones as I was in a panic!!)

Do you see what I mean? Kinda spooky. But now you know, and you won’t make this mistake. (You’re welcome.)

There’s another mistake you don’t want to make: you don’t want to miss Sale-a-bration 2023! These owls are available as a free selection with a qualifying order, but only until February 28th. They’re not the only option, but I think they’re one of the best! And if you’ve already added them to your stampin’ ensemble, there are 10 new options available as SAB rewards. Whoooo’s ready to SHOP?

Be sure to subscribe by February 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The February kit has a sunny theme and includes everything you need to make 9 cards and envelopes. These cards are sure to brighten the day and for the first time ever, there are coordinating dies available as an add-on!

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

New products in the January-April Mini Catalog are flying off the shelves! Even better, when you place a qualifying order you will choose FREE Sale-a-bration products. Sale-a-bration ends February 28th and as always, those products are while supplies last.

EMBOSS RESIST with BIGGEST WISH

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I get pretty excited when something turns out on paper the way I see it in my head. This rainbow emboss resist technique birthday card REALLY made me dance! I wanted bright colors, and friends, I GOT bright colors!!!

  • Stamps: Biggest Wish
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Orchid Oasis, Tahitian Tide, Parakeet Party, Daffodil Delight, Flirty Flamingo, Polished Pink
  • Accessories: Big Boss, Deckle Rectangle dies, Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, White Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Embossing Tray, Heat Tool, Blending Brushes, Glossy Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I embossed a stack of Happy Birthday messages and started playing. Not all of them were Ready For Prime Time results, if you know what I mean. But that’s part of the process, and it’s just paper. This one surely made the cut!

It’s time to open a fresh jar of White Embossing powder. The humidity here in the tropics is brutal. My take on this is that it’s intentional, as it adds more texture. {wink} One little tip: Use a blender pen on top of those broad embossed lines to wipe off any excess ink from the ombré Blending Brush technique. Your white will pop!

I used a larger piece of paper to create the ombré effect with the blends. There are a lot of advantages to doing that: it helps hide any dark spots you might get from working over an edge, and it allows you to choose the best balance of colors when you die cut it. The Deckle Rectangles are my new go-to shape, and stacking them in layers really sets off your focal point.

Another bonus of working on a larger piece of paper is that I had a nice strip left over when I cut the rectangle, which gave me a perfect embellishment for the interior of the card. I love how it brings the rainbow theme inside.

Shop for all the supplies at my Online Store.

Have you been Sale-a-brating? There’s nothing quite as sweet as FREE – and it’s so easy to place a qualifying order. See the choices HERE. If you haven’t purchased our Embossing Tool Kit, add it to your order. You’ll thank yourself over and over again. (If you’ve held off because you have our old tray, wait no longer! This tray has a threaded cap instead of a cork-style cap. Your fingernails will thank you.)

Be sure to subscribe by February 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The February kit has a sunny theme and includes everything you need to make 9 cards and envelopes. These cards are sure to brighten the day and for the first time ever, there are coordinating dies available as an add-on!

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

New products in the January-April Mini Catalog are flying off the shelves! Even better, when you place a qualifying order you will choose FREE Sale-a-bration products. Sale-a-bration ends February 28th and as always, those products are while supplies last.

COUNTRY BOUQUET VALENTINE

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It’s nearly Valentines Day, my crafty friends! I’ve combined the Happiness Abounds bundle with the Country Floral Lane Designer Series Paper to create a pair of sweet Valentines. Check your stash of stamps and papers, because I’ll bet you have the supplies to make this card. (If you don’t, hurry off to the Online Store.)

  • Stamps: Happiness Abounds, Country Bouquet, Friendly Gnomes
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Petal Pink, Sweet Sorbet, Daffodil Delight, Mint Macaron
  • Accessories: Big Boss, Blossoming Happiness dies, Stitched Rectangle dies, Stylish Shapes dies, Country Floral Lane Designer Series Paper, Stampin’ Blends, White Crinkle Seam Binding Ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals

The colors in this paper are perfect for Valentines, but they don’t insist on it. This could be a Valentine, a birthday card, a girlfriend card, or a just-because-you’re-so-amazing card. I need to send more of those. I made this one a Valentine, and the “Love You” sentiment comes from Friendly Gnomes – that’s all I used from the set.

One of the delights of our DSP is that the colors, patterns and designs are so easy to mix and match. I flipped things around a bit, and colored the Happiness Abounds flowers with Sweet Sorbet instead of Petal Pink. One design will give you a lot of cards.

It helps to think out your panel sizes before you start cutting. 😉 Our 12 x 12 DSP yields 6 panels measuring 4″ wide and 5 1/4″ tall if you cut carefully. That’s a perfect card front layer, and you’ll still have a nice 1 1/2″ x 12″ strip to play with.

This is a standard 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ card base with that 4″ x 5 1/4″ DSP layer. The smaller DSP panel is cut from the 4th Stitched Rectangle die (counting from largest down to smallest) and the card stock behind it is 2 3/4″ x 4 1/8″. You can do this!!

Whether you choose this design or one of your own, a paper Valentine sent through the mail is a message of love. You can make someone’s day a little brighter doing something you love! Send a Valentine or two to someone who won’t be expecting one. ❤️

Sale-a-bration 2023 is a great time to stock up on basics – or add something new and special to your craft stash. Earn product for FREE with a qualifying purchase. See the choices HERE.

Be sure to subscribe by February 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The February kit has a sunny theme and includes everything you need to make 9 cards and envelopes. These cards are sure to brighten the day and for the first time ever, there are coordinating dies available as an add-on!

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

New products in the January-April Mini Catalog are flying off the shelves! Even better, when you place a qualifying order you will choose FREE Sale-a-bration products. Sale-a-bration ends February 28th and as always, those products are while supplies last.

A COUNTRY FLORAL LANE VALENTINE Z-FOLD

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I love templates that yield great results without a lot of effort. The Z-Fold card created with the Country Floral Lane Designer Series paper requires one extra score line and a focal panel that you would have made anyway, right? Take a look:

  • Stamps: Country Bouquet
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Mint Macaron, Sweet Sorbet, Petal Pink
  • Accessories: Big Boss, Deckle Rectangle dies, Water painter, Country Floral Lane DSP, Country Gingham DSP, Country Bouquet Punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Unfortunately, the Country Bouquet punch is out of stock until the week of April 17th. Maybe you have another heart punch or some dies that will do the trick! This template would work with a lot of different patterns. Let yourself be inspired!

I scored the front panel 2 1/2″ from the center fold of the card, leaving 1 3/4″ to turn back towards the card front. I used a big sheet of Country Floral Lane DSP on the inside of the card because I liked the look, but also because it left just a small panel to write a note. Sometimes you don’t have a lot to say – but what you do want to say is important.

I used a similar pairing of these papers for some Valentines earlier this month (see it HERE). The mix of patterns, colors, and monochrome designs make it easy to put together a card that pops, but nicely. Happy Valentines Day to all my crafty friends!

Sale-a-bration is halfway through month #2 and new choices are available. Earn product for FREE with a qualifying purchase. See the choices HERE.

Be sure to subscribe by March 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The March kit is fresh and botanical, and includes a bonus stamp set to celebrate 10 years of Paper Pumpkin. It makes 9 cards and includes coordinating envelopes, and this month’s Stampin’ Spot is Polished Pink.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

New products in the January-April Mini Catalog are flying off the shelves! Even better, when you place a qualifying order you will choose FREE Sale-a-bration products. Sale-a-bration ends February 28th and as always, those products are while supplies last.

Love Cats in Dainty Flowers

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Everyone loves an orange cat, right? This Love Cat is suspended in a Dainty Flowers DSP garland that I fussy cut exactly ONCE. I love the surprise in the color combinations of this card!

  • Stamps: Love Cats
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Basic Black, Polished Pink
  • Accessories: Big Boss, Timeworn Type 3D Embossing Folder, Stamparatus, Paper Snips, Basic Black Journaling Pen, Wink of Stella, Stampin’ Dimensionals, daubers, Dainty Flowers DSP (Sale-a-bration 2023)

I fussy cut that oval from the new Dainty Flowers DSP. It was definitely an act of love, because I got all OCD about it and really worked the edges. I inked up this kitty in Crushed Curry on the Stamparatus, then added some details with Cajun Craze on a dauber and stamped again. This is an ideal application for the Stamparatus!

It’s hard to see the Stella – there must be a trick to capturing it, but it’s not in my toolbox! You can see that Timeworn Type though. It’s an ideal background when you don’t want to draw a lot of attention, but want a little texture. And I pulled the Rich Razzleberry for the card front straight from the DSP. There’s a lot of inspiration in those designs!

The Dainty Flowers DSP includes shapes like this on paper that has a textural element. That background in the center of the floral oval isn’t embossed, it just has a wonderful stucco kind of printed texture. I think it adds a lot!

If this isn’t a great Valentine message, I don’t know what is. Add the Love Cats stamps to your shopping cart right HERE.

New products in the January-April Mini Catalog are flying off the shelves! Even better, when you place a qualifying order you will choose FREE Sale-a-bration products. Sale-a-bration ends February 28th and as always, those products are while supplies last.

Be sure to subscribe by February 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The February kit has a sunny theme and includes everything you need to make 9 cards and envelopes. These cards are sure to brighten the day and for the first time ever, there are coordinating dies available as an add-on!

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

The 2023 DIY Template is available for just $5. You may use it to make as many calendars as you like. It includes a page of covers, 12 monthly calendar blocks (4 to a page), and a set of cutting instructions. The blocks are designed to be cut to 3 1/2″ square.

Maui Stamper 2023 DIY Easel Calendar template $5

Contact me to make your payment – I use Square to invoice, and you don’t need an account to use it.