PTI stands for Papertrey Ink. This is a collective smack blog and Papertrey Ink review page. Papertrey Ink's continuously poor customer service has lead to a page dedicated to discussion of this stamp company and recommendations for alternative stamp companies. Minimal censorship here- I prefer to leave it up to posters' discretion.
The opinions posted on this blog belong to our visitors and we are not paid for our honest reviews ;)
(summary: LittleMissT/Solid Gold Dancer asked if there would be a color collection button on the website on the 15th and NH's response: "It depends on whether or not Julie has the time to put that functionality into place. I should be able to report on the morning of the 15th as to whether or not it will happen.")
Yes, and it is dead as a doornail. I think now that PTI is back to their regularly scheduled program of unicorns and rainbows on the forum, there is no reason to chat on his site.
HOW much longer do we have to wait to get the forgotten sentiment on the "You" stamp set... I bought 2, per mistake because it took 4 weeks to get here, I had forgotten I already ordered that. I emailed customer un-care to ask to be credited that money and NOT send me the 2nd "You". Never got a reply, so now I have the set twice. I've been given a ticket on the un-Zendesk, but there is no update about how long it will take to ship those out... All of this happened before I completely cut the cord with PTI.
One thing I always picked up with my PTI orders was square kraft envelopes. Now I haven't been placing orders, and there's also the little matter that they've been out of stock on my favorite size for ohhhh, about 2 months or more now, which certainly makes it easy not to shop.
Has anyone had experience ordering from Envelopes Express (or any other site that you'd recommend, for that matter)? I'm looking to buy 5 1/2" square and 6" square, specifically.
Julie is not programming the website. Julie works with the developers to manage the website. Funny thing is...Julie did program the first website that they used for 4+ years. Completely. With no help. Every product, page, etc... all her..
The site has only been an issue since an outside company took over development..
How can they be out of Kraft envelopes for so long? Don't they get their paper products all through Heskamp printing? Or has Julie totally botched up inventory control on that side of the fence too?
Dang, I was hoping to like the new Garden Variety frame so that I could add it to my future wish list. Why does it have to be so top heavy? That's what I didn't like about the first one.
I had a dream last night that Rick posted this instead
Julie is not the programmer; however, as an owner she is jointly responsible for selecting the programmer and accepts responsibility.
We realize the site does not meet our customers' needs. At this point, we can only ask our customers for patience as we work through all of the corrections that are needed to make the site fully functional.
In the meantime, we are suspending production and release of new products and hiring and training additional staff.
We hope you agree with us that a delay in the release of new products and the additional of trained staff will be worth the wait.
why are people using glassine bags cut down into things other than bags so much? I've never actually seen a glassine bag in person so I don't know what makes them so special. Why not use a sheet of vellum instead? Just curious...
^^ 4:47 - I thought the same damn thing. LOL. When NH used her kid's name in other sets, it was kinda cute. But the events of the last few months makes this new "Cedar Ridge" shout out vomit inducing.
Anyone with experience dealing with My Cute Stamps? Would love feedback on their quality, ship times and CS. Their designs are cute (and the Chinese and Japanese sets are accurate). Plus all stamps are 50% off.
I just bought My CUte Stamps from their 50% off sale. Very fast shipping and cheap (international). Quality as good as PTI, stamp nicely with crisp image. I got 3 or 4 sets (plus postage) for less than JUST THE POSTAGE from PTI
What the hell is Erin Lincoln blabbering on about with her strawberry patch playlist post? I re-read it a couple times and can only see that for some reason she is trying to think of strawberry themed songs. huh?
I was considering purchasing the GV2 set until I saw the Cedar Ridge mention as well. Absolutely not! Why not make up something generic, or use a reference to some historical garden or place? A constant reminder of the House that Stamps Built is something I do not want in my craftroom.
Sorry, you lost me at "I was considering purchasing the GV2 set"
I am still on a PTI freeze. I will use my older sets but I won't buy anything new for a few months until it looks like they are really on the right track.
That's too bad though because I really like the strawberry set.
Um...did Nichole forget that today's post was supposed to be about the BB: Postmarks set too? That's what the title of her post says, but I only see previews and info about the Garden Variety and YOF sets. Oops.
Does anyone else think Nichole's pairing of Heather's vintage scripty polka dots and the Year of Flowers images looks totally stupid? The two styles do not mix well! Gah.
I'm sorry but spelling the plural of gladiolus as "gladiolas" just makes them look ignorant. They ought to hire a proofreader. Or bookmark a damn dictionary.
I did not get GV1 and was thinking today that I liked GV2. I thought if I really like it, just don't put projects online. I could use it to make things to sell locally esp. in the flower shops.
Then I came to my senses and knew I would not order based on their disregard for customers/service.
Then I saw "Cedar Ridge." That made me a bit ill. Will never order it after all. How arrogant.
I appreciate Rick standing up for Julie. We'll never really know how things operate behind the scenes except for poor business choices. Three people carry the responsibility for their problems squarely on their THREE shoulders. I think they are all equally to blame.
The entire DT situation on the forum is sad. Just so sad. I wonder why they're all still there.
"Gladiolus, also called Gladiola, plural Gladioli, Gladiolus, or Gladioluses, Gladiolus [Credit: Franklin Photo Agency]genus of about 300 species of flowering plants of the iris family ..."
So "gladiolas" is really bad.
It's really comical that they always screw up something simple like this!
Sometimes stamp companies do similar products and it really isn't stealing. Things are done so far ahead and sometimes they really do have the same ideas. But this one? I don't buy that. It's generic enough to outright copy and still get away with claiming you had the idea too.
Now, see, 'gladiolus' is one of those words that I don't use very often and I wouldn't have known the plural form off the top of my head either. But then again, I DO know how to look it up. And there's a little part of my brain that likes me to look up the words I am unsure of before I share them. Maybe some people don't even know that they are doing it wrong? Even if their text gets little red ziggity-zaggities under it while they're typing?
Well. Paper with text-filled polka-dots has been around for YEARS, coming into and falling back out of popularity over time. So it's not an original concept by any means. And I know that when something "trends" into being popular, everyone jumps on the bandwagon and then things get done (TO DEATH). There does seem to be a whole lot of copying of the general ideas going on between everyone, just so they can all do what is trending as popular at the moment. If designers come up with their own original interpretations, fine. I don't think there are too many different ways to do dots filled with text, but on the other hand you should be able to make yours look original, KWIM? I would not smack Nichole or Heather for using the general concept; just for if their interpretation looks too much like someone else's. But it does get tiring to see everyone and their dog come out with the same concepts just because they are popular. Oh well.
Mish and Lisa being on team lite seems to have taken all their creativity away. Just seems like they aren't in to it anymore.
And Cedar Ridge Nursery? An homage to the house that stamps built. How sweet. Gag. With the exception of really wanting the new color but not enough to spend the money to get to free shipping, I am totally safe with this release. Makes things so much easier when PTI creative sucks.
I have a question for the smackers. Lots of people talk about stamp companies taking illustrations from elsewhere and using them to make stamps, but does PTI really do this? All of their illustrations look so similar in style that I always assumed NH was drawing them in Adobe Illustrator or something. She does have a graphic design degree, I think, and it's not that hard to draw things in Illustrator. So does anyone have any evidence of PTI doing this?
Also, does anyone find the seed packet designs on the front of cards confusing? Like, if I got a card like that, I'd be thinking I was supposed to rip off the seed packet and find some seeds in it. I don't understand some of the images these companies come up with to stick on the front of cards.
And on that note, I'll just say that PTI has been coming up with sets playing off of other sets for a long time - bigger this, smaller that, version two of a set. I'm sure there are customers asking for those things on the forums, but those things seem to be taking over the releases lately.
Same anon as 6:52 - forgot to ask a question. Anyone know where I can find wool felt in pretty colors like PTI has? It doesn't have to match the PTI colors or anything. I just don't know where to find a variety of nice colors. The felt sheets at our local craft stores are cheap and ugly, and the few bolts of actual wool felt they have only come in basic, boring colors. I've seen other designers use felt on their cards that weren't PTI colors, so I know it must be out there somewhere!
I bought a large piece of white wool felt from Joanne Fabrics and dyed them in a bunch of different colors using food coloring. Yep, here's a link to the blog I got the idea from: http://moonchildhandworkstudio.blogspot.com/2007/04/dying-wool-felt-with-food-dye.html
I actually prefer the wool/rayon felt blend over the 100% wool PTI sells, it's softer and prettier IMO.
I haven't read all of the messages, but someone asked where to buy envelopes. I buy at clearbags.com, specifically for the 5 1/2 square look here http://www.clearbags.com/white-premiums-envs-5-1-2-x-5-1-2.html
Regarding the illustrating of stamps. Most stamp companies start with clip art that they use in their sets as is or manipulate slightly. This is totally legal as the art is available for everyone. Some companies buy the rights to certain images.
Even illustrators that attach their name to the stamp sets do this practice. This is helpful for designers like Dawn, who have an idea for a set, but are not line art designers by trade.
However, there ARE stamp illustrators that draw complete sets all on their own, but nowadays this is not the norm.
Cedar Ridge aka the house that stamps built is Nichole's house. If you look on the sidebar of her blog, she has a separate blog for the building of said house.
Rick, I know you might not be able to say, but, do you think the new web site will be changed to make it better? Is there hope for the future for easier shopping?
Why did they even change to the new site when it still doesn't do many of the things that people had requested, such as alternatives for international shipping, a wish list and so on, which couldn't happen because of the Yahoo cart system on the old site?
Why do the these people feel the need to put things so personal to them on the stamps? It's so egotistical! Dawn put her anniversary and a bunch of other things pertaining to her and her (NOT) "hottie hubs" on her newspaper background stamp. I don't want to be reminded of those two when I'm making a card for someone else. If they want to do that, fine. Just don't tell everyone you did it. Again, the egos of these people are unbelievable.
Did you see NH comment about the spelling. Basically said if you don't like it don't buy it, buy something else. WTH she is getting worse, maybe she should just stay off the forum.
I thought NH's comment was snippy, unprofessional, and completely unnecessary. Who does that woman think she is? Someone should answer her with "OK, we will buy from another company then".
New postby nichole » Sat Apr 14, 2012 11:08 am I'm sorry to hear that some of you feel the execution of this set does not meet your expectations. I used vintage seed packets as an inspiration for the titles, and that may not be everyone's preference. I would say that if you don't care for the selections made, you can totally pass on it and spend the money on another item from your wish list.
0736: When there's nothing else to smack? There's plenty of things to smack, and I think grammar is one of them.
0839: You make a LOT of generalizations here. This post just sounded like you wish you knew what you were talking about.
"most," "totally," "some," "norm." Did you just want to say that there's variety in the ways such a huge number of stamp companies develop stamp designs? Wow. Such a revelation.
Sorry, "So there" is a reference to Stacy Jillian sending out a mass email instead of sending it to just one friend. It basically said that if you didn't like her class then don't take it and that you couldn't make everybody happy. So there.
Then she went on to say that in the scheme of things the poor value of her class was such a small problem....men were fighting wars...blah,blah,blah.
How many threads have there been over the years in places like SCS where someone just needs to vent about spelling or grammar errors and you see so many people joining in?! Permanent-marker-carrying, sign-changing people!!! Stampers!
It matters to people. So shove the attitude already.
Thanks for your comment on the PTI forum, Donna :) .
I actually corrected some teenagers' grammar at a bake sale today. They were customers ~ thank goodness they were probably so surprised they still bought "them brownies."
04:47 asked about the glassine bags that were used in several projects. My guess would be that there is a large stock of the bags on hand. Not a bad marketing technique.
A number of posts back, people were talking about felt. If you're feeling somewhat extravagant and are looking for a beautiful product, take a look here: http://purlsoho.com/purl/products/76-crafts-felt. Their stuff is gorgeous, and so is their store. I took my daughter-in-law, who is a knitter, along with me to get her some yarn treats. I indulged in a few of the felt sheets for myself. Great stuff.
It should be a rule of the forum that when you reference a post made by Ted, you should quote said post so that your comment still makes sense when he changes/deletes.
I'm sorry to hear that some of you feel the execution of this set does not meet your expectations. I used vintage seed packets as an inspiration for the titles, and that may not be everyone's preference. I would say that if you don't care for the selections made, you can totally pass on it and spend the money on another item from your wish list. :)
I don't know if this was already discussed, but here goes my rant.
Since I couldn't order in February because of the disaster called the new site, I waited until March to order. What I really wanted to do was get the new anniversary set and cash out my points.
I couldn't find it on that stupid search site, and found out it was out of stock.
WTF??? How can they not have enough on hand?
This month is so uninspiring, I'll just wait a while. They are such dumb asses.
I think it means they can do calculus, because it sure has nothing to do with their ability to run a business or understand customer service, or to have an organized store, or to (on and on and on).
There have been a lot of comments regarding grammar and spelling here, so I feel compelled to throw in one of my pet peeves. Every time I'm on the forum and I see someone refer to Nichole as 'Nicole', it really bugs me. Especially when it's one of the people who have been around for awhile, follow her blog, etc. Details, people.
Sadly, 15:05, there is in fact no other explanation if they truly are brilliant business women. This irks me far more than incompetence. It means they are only about money.
To hear that they are "brilliant" does nothing but make me more disgusted with hoe they run this company. Tell me they are retarded and all of PTI is one big sheltered workshop? Yeah, then maybe I will be a little more understanding.
I won't be able to see the answer to this today but could someone answer it at the top of the next blog post tomorrow or the next day?
After a certain number of comments are made I can't get to the next page ... there is nothing at the end that says "page 2" etc. The last comment I see is 19:39.
Lordy bees, I am tired of dimwits who can't figure out how to see past 200 comments.
PTI Smacker, can you please put those directions on the front page somewhere? You'll still get people asking, but damn it. It's just so irritating to read over and over.
Don't let anyone make you feel stupid about not seeing the second page. There is NO WAY to have known how to do it without directions or previous experience with it.
Each month that I don't buy, I am putting that $70 in a fund for a trip to Hawaii with another stamper who is doing the same thing. It makes it really easy to walk away.
I am one of the dimwits that asked about the 200+ ages ago. Why is such a stupid question? If you don't click on the title of the post u wouldn't be able to find it......it's not an obvious thing to do that if you normally just click on the 'comments'.
Yeah, sorry guys, I think sometimes when people start smacking on blogs like this the smacker attitude starts to seep into other things. It brings out the bitch in otherwise nice people. Suddenly even dumb little insignificant things that people would normally just not worry about become smack-worthy, because hey, it's the smack blog!
The question has been asked and answered ad nauseum. I don't get what's so hard about clicking around and trying to find the comments or the answer to your question.
Ted, even your silly thread titles rub me the wrong way and that's without even reading the post. Your playful sarcasm makes me cringe.
"Gee, thanks a lot, Debbie! ;)"
Hmm, wonder what that's going to be about? Let me guess, you weren't even looking at a certain stamp set/product until you saw Debbie's samples, right?
Last release I cleaned out my rewards points. Most months I am a "want it all" kinda girl, but this month won't buy anything. Usually, I spend lots of time putting great ideas in my Evernote files, this month nothing. Count me underwhelmed.
Michelle's posts are SO different than they use to be. Why does she even bother? It's all "come back in a few weeks when I'm not as busy". Why even mention that? Just post what you've got. I hate when people take advantage or make excuses when being on a DT. There are hundreds of people who would love to be in the spot you are in, I am sure. If you can't be on the team, or team lite for that matter, then don't. Debbie doesn't seem to have trouble putting up beautiful stuff. Lisa put up a bunch of projects and she mentioned having back problems and a car accident!
First! W00T!
ReplyDeleteSecond!!
ReplyDeleteThird! Never this early before!
ReplyDeleteDamn. I knew this was coming and I missed being first!!
ReplyDeleteWhat is with the new frame die? All you'd have to do is cut a rectangle then use the old die of that shape in the middle. ???
ReplyDelete19:26 I think nh & co are hoping that no one will catch on that she hasn't come up with a new idea in ages
ReplyDeleteJulie puts functionality into place on the website? Well no wonder the website is FUBARed!
ReplyDeletehttp://forum.papertreyink.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=34748&start=0
(summary: LittleMissT/Solid Gold Dancer asked if there would be a color collection button on the website on the 15th and NH's response: "It depends on whether or not Julie has the time to put that functionality into place. I should be able to report on the morning of the 15th as to whether or not it will happen.")
Wait. Julie is programming the website? WTF?
ReplyDelete21:56
ReplyDeleteShouldn't be a problem, since they won't have too many orders to worry about anyway.
Someone asked earlier if Ted still has his forum.
ReplyDeleteYes, and it is dead as a doornail. I think now that PTI is back to their regularly scheduled program of unicorns and rainbows on the forum, there is no reason to chat on his site.
HOW much longer do we have to wait to get the forgotten sentiment on the "You" stamp set... I bought 2, per mistake because it took 4 weeks to get here, I had forgotten I already ordered that. I emailed customer un-care to ask to be credited that money and NOT send me the 2nd "You". Never got a reply, so now I have the set twice.
ReplyDeleteI've been given a ticket on the un-Zendesk, but there is no update about how long it will take to ship those out...
All of this happened before I completely cut the cord with PTI.
One thing I always picked up with my PTI orders was square kraft envelopes. Now I haven't been placing orders, and there's also the little matter that they've been out of stock on my favorite size for ohhhh, about 2 months or more now, which certainly makes it easy not to shop.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone had experience ordering from Envelopes Express (or any other site that you'd recommend, for that matter)? I'm looking to buy 5 1/2" square and 6" square, specifically.
^^ Christie - u cut the cord too late
ReplyDeleteJust read the Anniversary Set thread - couple of people still have not received all their sets.
ReplyDeleteNew releases - meh
ReplyDeleteTruly underwhelming.
Julie is not programming the website. Julie works with the developers to manage the website. Funny thing is...Julie did program the first website that they used for 4+ years. Completely. With no help. Every product, page, etc... all her..
ReplyDeleteThe site has only been an issue since an outside company took over development..
And the band plays while the ship sinks.
ReplyDeleteHow can they be out of Kraft envelopes for so long? Don't they get their paper products all through Heskamp printing? Or has Julie totally botched up inventory control on that side of the fence too?
Dang, I was hoping to like the new Garden Variety frame so that I could add it to my future wish list. Why does it have to be so top heavy? That's what I didn't like about the first one.
ReplyDeleteAt least this Garden Variety frame doesn't look like a toilet seat. It's still not great.
ReplyDeleteI'm probably going to order the YOF titles, they're a useful addition to the YOF set, which I use all the time.
ReplyDeleteGarden Variety II frame is pretty IMO, but I honestly don't need more than one of those.
I had a dream last night that Rick posted this instead
ReplyDeleteJulie is not the programmer; however, as an owner she is jointly responsible for selecting the programmer and accepts responsibility.
We realize the site does not meet our customers' needs. At this point, we can only ask our customers for patience as we work through all of the corrections that are needed to make the site fully functional.
In the meantime, we are suspending production and release of new products and hiring and training additional staff.
We hope you agree with us that a delay in the release of new products and the additional of trained staff will be worth the wait.
why are people using glassine bags cut down into things other than bags so much? I've never actually seen a glassine bag in person so I don't know what makes them so special. Why not use a sheet of vellum instead? Just curious...
ReplyDeleteOMG, the new Garden Variety has a sentiment that says "Cedar Ridge Nursery" - now I will definitely NEVER buy it!
ReplyDeleteOh, 4:47 #1, one can only dream. Wait...
ReplyDeleteJulie did the website and customer service? Maybe she just had way too much on her plate.
ReplyDelete^^ 4:47 - I thought the same damn thing. LOL. When NH used her kid's name in other sets, it was kinda cute. But the events of the last few months makes this new "Cedar Ridge" shout out vomit inducing.
ReplyDeleteAnyone with experience dealing with My Cute Stamps? Would love feedback on their quality, ship times and CS. Their designs are cute (and the Chinese and Japanese sets are accurate). Plus all stamps are 50% off.
I just bought My CUte Stamps from their 50% off sale. Very fast shipping and cheap (international). Quality as good as PTI, stamp nicely with crisp image. I got 3 or 4 sets (plus postage) for less than JUST THE POSTAGE from PTI
ReplyDeleteWhat the hell is Erin Lincoln blabbering on about with her strawberry patch playlist post? I re-read it a couple times and can only see that for some reason she is trying to think of strawberry themed songs. huh?
ReplyDeletei think NH could announce toilet paper in PTI colors and the unicorns would go crazy for it!
ReplyDeleteI was considering purchasing the GV2 set until I saw the Cedar Ridge mention as well. Absolutely not! Why not make up something generic, or use a reference to some historical garden or place? A constant reminder of the House that Stamps Built is something I do not want in my craftroom.
ReplyDeleteIt appears as though the dt is trying to come up with a certain number of posts when it's their day. Maybe Erin just ran out of things to talk about?
ReplyDeleteSorry, you lost me at "I was considering purchasing the GV2 set"
ReplyDeleteI am still on a PTI freeze. I will use my older sets but I won't buy anything new for a few months until it looks like they are really on the right track.
That's too bad though because I really like the strawberry set.
Then, as my mother would say ... "if you don't have anything sensible to say, don't say anything.". Erin's officially the new Dawn.
ReplyDeleteI think that the dt has a new post quota in order to keep the forum lively and thus they have to say something.
ReplyDeleteUm...did Nichole forget that today's post was supposed to be about the BB: Postmarks set too? That's what the title of her post says, but I only see previews and info about the Garden Variety and YOF sets. Oops.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else think Nichole's pairing of Heather's vintage scripty polka dots and the Year of Flowers images looks totally stupid? The two styles do not mix well! Gah.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry but spelling the plural of gladiolus as "gladiolas" just makes them look ignorant. They ought to hire a proofreader. Or bookmark a damn dictionary.
ReplyDeleteI did not get GV1 and was thinking today that I liked GV2. I thought if I really like it, just don't put projects online. I could use it to make things to sell locally esp. in the flower shops.
ReplyDeleteThen I came to my senses and knew I would not order based on their disregard for customers/service.
Then I saw "Cedar Ridge." That made me a bit ill. Will never order it after all. How arrogant.
I appreciate Rick standing up for Julie. We'll never really know how things operate behind the scenes except for poor business choices. Three people carry the responsibility for their problems squarely on their THREE shoulders. I think they are all equally to blame.
The entire DT situation on the forum is sad. Just so sad. I wonder why they're all still there.
Who has pink mariGOLDs?
ReplyDeleteThe background!! Yep I noticed that too - used on one thing I think and never really "presented."
ReplyDeleteToo focused on herself. Plus maybe she's embarrassed it's a ripoff of the Hero Arts scripty dot background.
From Encyclopedia Brittanica:
ReplyDelete"Gladiolus, also called Gladiola, plural Gladioli, Gladiolus, or Gladioluses, Gladiolus [Credit: Franklin Photo Agency]genus of about 300 species of flowering plants of the iris family ..."
So "gladiolas" is really bad.
It's really comical that they always screw up something simple like this!
^^^Oh that made me LOL. When has Nichole ever been embarassed that their designs are not so original?
ReplyDeleteHeehee. Should it be "squarely on their SIX shoulders?" haha -get the point though ;)
ReplyDelete06:20 you have a point.
ReplyDeleteSometimes stamp companies do similar products and it really isn't stealing. Things are done so far ahead and sometimes they really do have the same ideas. But this one? I don't buy that. It's generic enough to outright copy and still get away with claiming you had the idea too.
Now, see, 'gladiolus' is one of those words that I don't use very often and I wouldn't have known the plural form off the top of my head either. But then again, I DO know how to look it up. And there's a little part of my brain that likes me to look up the words I am unsure of before I share them. Maybe some people don't even know that they are doing it wrong? Even if their text gets little red ziggity-zaggities under it while they're typing?
ReplyDeleteWell. Paper with text-filled polka-dots has been around for YEARS, coming into and falling back out of popularity over time. So it's not an original concept by any means. And I know that when something "trends" into being popular, everyone jumps on the bandwagon and then things get done (TO DEATH). There does seem to be a whole lot of copying of the general ideas going on between everyone, just so they can all do what is trending as popular at the moment. If designers come up with their own original interpretations, fine. I don't think there are too many different ways to do dots filled with text, but on the other hand you should be able to make yours look original, KWIM? I would not smack Nichole or Heather for using the general concept; just for if their interpretation looks too much like someone else's. But it does get tiring to see everyone and their dog come out with the same concepts just because they are popular. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteMish and Lisa being on team lite seems to have taken all their creativity away. Just seems like they aren't in to it anymore.
ReplyDeleteAnd Cedar Ridge Nursery? An homage to the house that stamps built. How sweet. Gag. With the exception of really wanting the new color but not enough to spend the money to get to free shipping, I am totally safe with this release. Makes things so much easier when PTI creative sucks.
The BB is Heather's idea and not NH's right? Don't they design and have these manufactured months in advance?
ReplyDeleteI have a question for the smackers. Lots of people talk about stamp companies taking illustrations from elsewhere and using them to make stamps, but does PTI really do this? All of their illustrations look so similar in style that I always assumed NH was drawing them in Adobe Illustrator or something. She does have a graphic design degree, I think, and it's not that hard to draw things in Illustrator. So does anyone have any evidence of PTI doing this?
ReplyDeleteAlso, does anyone find the seed packet designs on the front of cards confusing? Like, if I got a card like that, I'd be thinking I was supposed to rip off the seed packet and find some seeds in it. I don't understand some of the images these companies come up with to stick on the front of cards.
And on that note, I'll just say that PTI has been coming up with sets playing off of other sets for a long time - bigger this, smaller that, version two of a set. I'm sure there are customers asking for those things on the forums, but those things seem to be taking over the releases lately.
Same anon as 6:52 - forgot to ask a question. Anyone know where I can find wool felt in pretty colors like PTI has? It doesn't have to match the PTI colors or anything. I just don't know where to find a variety of nice colors. The felt sheets at our local craft stores are cheap and ugly, and the few bolts of actual wool felt they have only come in basic, boring colors. I've seen other designers use felt on their cards that weren't PTI colors, so I know it must be out there somewhere!
ReplyDelete6:56 try feltonthefly on etsy
ReplyDeleteI bought a large piece of white wool felt from Joanne Fabrics and dyed them in a bunch of different colors using food coloring. Yep, here's a link to the blog I got the idea from:
ReplyDeletehttp://moonchildhandworkstudio.blogspot.com/2007/04/dying-wool-felt-with-food-dye.html
I actually prefer the wool/rayon felt blend over the 100% wool PTI sells, it's softer and prettier IMO.
When there's nothing to smack people start on grammar and copying.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read all of the messages, but someone asked where to buy envelopes. I buy at clearbags.com, specifically for the 5 1/2 square look here http://www.clearbags.com/white-premiums-envs-5-1-2-x-5-1-2.html
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to share your disappointment in the new release.
ReplyDeleteEllen Hutson has great felt and she has a color that is Autumn Rose exactly.
ReplyDeletealso, look here for felt. https://www.heatherbaileystore.com/default.asp
ReplyDeleteI heart papers has nice felt.
ReplyDelete"Background Basics: Postmarks will be available for sale on April 15th.
ReplyDeleteIt will retail for $18."
So $15 sets are now $18??
Anyone else think those notched flowers are a stretch?
ReplyDeleteWhy did Pinefeather put a little green worm in the center of each one of her see packets?
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that I ever see when I look at Pine's projects is that Kraft cardstock. For that reason alone I have taken her off of my Google reader.
ReplyDeleteI like kraft, but not used in such a drab way. On the other hand, Dawn's pink and orange is blinding me.
ReplyDeleteDid anyone thing Lexi's bottles and fish hanging from a mobile was odd? Also her cutting was poor.
Maybe Nichole meant for Cedar Ridge Nursery to go with the baby mobile :)
So what is Cedar Ridge? I am out of the loop.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the illustrating of stamps. Most stamp companies start with clip art that they use in their sets as is or manipulate slightly. This is totally legal as the art is available for everyone. Some companies buy the rights to certain images.
Even illustrators that attach their name to the stamp sets do this practice. This is helpful for designers like Dawn, who have an idea for a set, but are not line art designers by trade.
However, there ARE stamp illustrators that draw complete sets all on their own, but nowadays this is not the norm.
Cedar Ridge aka the house that stamps built is Nichole's house. If you look on the sidebar of her blog, she has a separate blog for the building of said house.
ReplyDeleteAnyone notice the inconsistencies of plurals vs. singulars on seed packet titles? It just drives me crazy that they are so illiterate!
ReplyDeleteLooks like Ted is now in charge of directing everyone to zendesk.
ReplyDeleteThanks 8:42!
ReplyDeleteThat is interesting about Julie and the web site.
ReplyDeleteRick, I know you might not be able to say, but, do you think the new web site will be changed to make it better? Is there hope for the future for easier shopping?
Why did they even change to the new site when it still doesn't do many of the things that people had requested, such as alternatives for international shipping, a wish list and so on, which couldn't happen because of the Yahoo cart system on the old site?
The seed packet titles look like they just slapped on an s to the end of everything. The font seems off to me.
ReplyDeleteWhy do the these people feel the need to put things so personal to them on the stamps? It's so egotistical! Dawn put her anniversary and a bunch of other things pertaining to her and her (NOT) "hottie hubs" on her newspaper background stamp. I don't want to be reminded of those two when I'm making a card for someone else. If they want to do that, fine. Just don't tell everyone you did it. Again, the egos of these people are unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteWhere is the newspaper background you speak of?
ReplyDeletehttp://thecreataholic.blogspot.com/2012/04/now-thats-strawberry-stamp.html
ReplyDeletehttp://dawnmcvey.typepad.com/these_are_a_few_of_my_fav/2011/02/newsprint-banner-birthday.html
ReplyDeleteHere's the link to Dawn's Newsprint stamp where she talks about it on her blog.
Did you see NH comment about the spelling. Basically said if you don't like it don't buy it, buy something else. WTH she is getting worse, maybe she should just stay off the forum.
ReplyDeleteI thought NH's comment was snippy, unprofessional, and completely unnecessary. Who does that woman think she is? Someone should answer her with "OK, we will buy from another company then".
ReplyDeleteSo there.
ReplyDeleteRe: Misspelling in new YOF Titles set?
ReplyDeleteNew postby nichole » Sat Apr 14, 2012 11:08 am
I'm sorry to hear that some of you feel the execution of this set does not meet your expectations. I used vintage seed packets as an inspiration for the titles, and that may not be everyone's preference. I would say that if you don't care for the selections made, you can totally pass on it and spend the money on another item from your wish list.
Thanks for sharing your disappointment in our spelling and grammatical errors. If you don't like them then just go away.
ReplyDeleteSo where?
ReplyDelete0736: When there's nothing else to smack? There's plenty of things to smack, and I think grammar is one of them.
ReplyDelete0839: You make a LOT of generalizations here. This post just sounded like you wish you knew what you were talking about.
"most," "totally," "some," "norm." Did you just want to say that there's variety in the ways such a huge number of stamp companies develop stamp designs? Wow. Such a revelation.
Sorry, "So there" is a reference to Stacy Jillian sending out a mass email instead of sending it to just one friend. It basically said that if you didn't like her class then don't take it and that you couldn't make everybody happy. So there.
ReplyDeleteThen she went on to say that in the scheme of things the poor value of her class was such a small problem....men were fighting wars...blah,blah,blah.
"there are plenty of things to smack"
ReplyDelete(like people who try to type too fast) :0)
I think grammar and spelling are big issues. Especially when they are on rubber stamps, thus making each of us look like an illiterate ass.
ReplyDeleteWould now be a bad time to point out that plants, such as daffodils and roses, don't grow from seeds??
LOL on rose and daffodil seeds!!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't help myself. Had to post about bulbs instead of seeds.
ReplyDelete:) Couldn't help myself - had to say something, too!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't care what your "inspiration" is - just spell it right.
How many threads have there been over the years in places like SCS where someone just needs to vent about spelling or grammar errors and you see so many people joining in?! Permanent-marker-carrying, sign-changing people!!! Stampers!
ReplyDeleteIt matters to people. So shove the attitude already.
So there.
ReplyDelete;)
"I think grammar and spelling are big issues. Especially when they are on rubber stamps, thus making each of us look like an illiterate ass."
ReplyDeleteThis is especially important for people like me who wouldn't even notice a misspelling!
http://thecreataholic.blogspot.com/2012/04/now-thats-strawberry-stamp.html
ReplyDeleteRepeating this link - wonderful. Be sure to stop by and give our friend some props for not buying "that other" strawberry stamp!
Did anyone notice that Dawn thinks the notched flowers are Sweet Peas per her pink and orange seed packet?
ReplyDeleteNancy, that is one gorgeous strawberry set!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment on the PTI forum, Donna :) .
ReplyDeleteI actually corrected some teenagers' grammar at a bake sale today. They were customers ~ thank goodness they were probably so surprised they still bought "them brownies."
"OoooooOOOOoooo" by Ted, lol. Back atcha, Ted!
ReplyDelete04:47 asked about the glassine bags that were used in several projects. My guess would be that there is a large stock of the bags on hand. Not a bad marketing technique.
ReplyDeleteA number of posts back, people were talking about felt. If you're feeling somewhat extravagant and are looking for a beautiful product, take a look here: http://purlsoho.com/purl/products/76-crafts-felt. Their stuff is gorgeous, and so is their store. I took my daughter-in-law, who is a knitter, along with me to get her some yarn treats. I indulged in a few of the felt sheets for myself. Great stuff.
ReplyDeleteIt should be a rule of the forum that when you reference a post made by Ted, you should quote said post so that your comment still makes sense when he changes/deletes.
ReplyDeleteWow! That really is a beautiful strawberry image!
ReplyDelete11:47 so don't go looking for that little pearl of wisdom then, eh? :face:
ReplyDeleteI cannot find any pearls made by Ted. Did he delete already?
ReplyDeletecome on i refuse to visit the forum. quotes already!! thanks
ReplyDeleteI guess the 14th is Nichole's turn on the message board.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that some of you feel the execution of this set does not meet your expectations. I used vintage seed packets as an inspiration for the titles, and that may not be everyone's preference. I would say that if you don't care for the selections made, you can totally pass on it and spend the money on another item from your wish list. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, this has already been quoted.
ReplyDeleteSomeone asked for the quote earlier. Let it go. Posting it twice is nothing to get huffy about.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if this was already discussed, but here goes my rant.
ReplyDeleteSince I couldn't order in February because of the disaster called the new site, I waited until March to order. What I really wanted to do was get the new anniversary set and cash out my points.
I couldn't find it on that stupid search site, and found out it was out of stock.
WTF??? How can they not have enough on hand?
This month is so uninspiring, I'll just wait a while. They are such dumb asses.
since Rick said all 3 owners are "brilliant businesswomen" you decide what is going on here.
ReplyDeletesince Rick said all 3 owners are "brilliant businesswomen" you decide what is going on here.
ReplyDeleteWhat does that mean?
I think it means they can do calculus, because it sure has nothing to do with their ability to run a business or understand customer service, or to have an organized store, or to (on and on and on).
ReplyDeleteit means that if these women are brilliant then the problems that customers are having are not the result of incompetence.
ReplyDeleteit is because they do not care.
There have been a lot of comments regarding grammar and spelling here, so I feel compelled to throw in one of my pet peeves. Every time I'm on the forum and I see someone refer to Nichole as 'Nicole', it really bugs me. Especially when it's one of the people who have been around for awhile, follow her blog, etc. Details, people.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me rant.
Sadly, 15:05, there is in fact no other explanation if they truly are brilliant business women. This irks me far more than incompetence. It means they are only about money.
ReplyDeleteTo hear that they are "brilliant" does nothing but make me more disgusted with hoe they run this company. Tell me they are retarded and all of PTI is one big sheltered workshop? Yeah, then maybe I will be a little more understanding.
ReplyDelete*how
ReplyDeleteTo the person asking about a source for envelopes, I adore this company!: http://www.capaper.com/
ReplyDeleteI won't be able to see the answer to this today but could someone answer it at the top of the next blog post tomorrow or the next day?
ReplyDeleteAfter a certain number of comments are made I can't get to the next page ... there is nothing at the end that says "page 2" etc. The last comment I see is 19:39.
Thanks in advance :)
Lordy bees, I am tired of dimwits who can't figure out how to see past 200 comments.
ReplyDeletePTI Smacker, can you please put those directions on the front page somewhere? You'll still get people asking, but damn it. It's just so irritating to read over and over.
I've given the answer at least three times myself and I agree -- please PTI Smacker put it on the sidebar or something :) .
ReplyDeleteI don't know why some people have a hard time figuring this out!
Click on the actual POST TITLE and then "newest."
ReplyDeleteDon't click on Comments.
Don't let anyone make you feel stupid about not seeing the second page. There is NO WAY to have known how to do it without directions or previous experience with it.
ReplyDeleteUsing the word retarded is extremely offensive to those of us with disabled children. Please use your integrity and use a different word.
ReplyDeleteWhomever used the word retarded.....stop. its highly offensive.
ReplyDeleteEach month that I don't buy, I am putting that $70 in a fund for a trip to Hawaii with another stamper who is doing the same thing. It makes it really easy to walk away.
ReplyDeleteI am one of the dimwits that asked about the 200+ ages ago. Why is such a stupid question? If you don't click on the title of the post u wouldn't be able to find it......it's not an obvious thing to do that if you normally just click on the 'comments'.
ReplyDeleteMaybe we are not all as smart *ass as you!
Ugh. I want to stamp tonight but have absolutely NO mojo :( What's inspired you lately?
ReplyDeleteI'm the "dimwit" 20:03 who asked the question ... had just figured out how to do it and came back here now to read and was surprised by the response.
ReplyDeleteThanks 20:29 for the answer, and20:31 and 21:17 for understanding and sympathy...
I just discovered this blog a few days ago and understand how repetitive/answered questions would be frustrating but...
Yeah, sorry guys, I think sometimes when people start smacking on blogs like this the smacker attitude starts to seep into other things. It brings out the bitch in otherwise nice people. Suddenly even dumb little insignificant things that people would normally just not worry about become smack-worthy, because hey, it's the smack blog!
ReplyDeletethink it is unfair and a bit much to criticize a company for putting out ideas that are not new.
ReplyDeletethere are very few "new" ideas. PTI has a rep for some innovative ones but you cant expect every paper, stamp, die, etc to be a new one.
just do it well, price it fairly and deliver it on time.
The question has been asked and answered ad nauseum. I don't get what's so hard about clicking around and trying to find the comments or the answer to your question.
ReplyDeleteso we should search a stinking smack blog rather than ask?
ReplyDeleteOh PTI must love it when the smackers eat each other for breakfast!!!
So we shouldn't expect adults to attempt to solve problems on their own?
ReplyDeleteOh, how PTI must love it when smackers eat each other for breakfast! LOL!!!!!
I just read through Michelle W.'s blog post because I like her work and I also like the strawberry set.
ReplyDeleteIt felt cold and rushed. That's too bad.
Ted, even your silly thread titles rub me the wrong way and that's without even reading the post. Your playful sarcasm makes me cringe.
ReplyDelete"Gee, thanks a lot, Debbie! ;)"
Hmm, wonder what that's going to be about? Let me guess, you weren't even looking at a certain stamp set/product until you saw Debbie's samples, right?
Last release I cleaned out my rewards points. Most months I am a "want it all" kinda girl, but this month won't buy anything. Usually, I spend lots of time putting great ideas in my Evernote files, this month nothing. Count me underwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteMichelle's posts are SO different than they use to be. Why does she even bother? It's all "come back in a few weeks when I'm not as busy". Why even mention that? Just post what you've got. I hate when people take advantage or make excuses when being on a DT. There are hundreds of people who would love to be in the spot you are in, I am sure. If you can't be on the team, or team lite for that matter, then don't. Debbie doesn't seem to have trouble putting up beautiful stuff. Lisa put up a bunch of projects and she mentioned having back problems and a car accident!
ReplyDeleteSay what you will about the DT, Debbie and Lisa are pros.
ReplyDelete