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 ;)
i'm trying to make it through the MIM video and I just can't take the sucking of teeth sound she's got going on. and nichole isn't the only one who does it. i notice it in alot of peoples craft videos. irks me. i want to mute it but i also want to hear what she's saying.
nichole, if you are reading this, please quit smack and sucking during the video. drink water before you start shooting.
The forum seems exceptionally quiet. Aside from the people who are thrilled with the theme of Stamp-a-Faire (if not the pricing), I'd be SO curious to know what the ones who aren't posting think of the whole thing. I'm talking about the ones who are still fairly pleased with PTI overall, but think the theme is unappealing (me) or are worried about the costs and potential for major screwups (me again).
And now the DT, or at least some of them, have videos and projects to prepare for SAF as well as the regular stuff for three releases ahead of SAF, all while babysitting the forum and keeping things perky over there.
I feel like these next few months will be the real test for PTI. Either they'll show just how much they can pull everything together (what are the odds?), or they're going to make such a giant mess of everything with the additional workload and SAF demands that they'll write their own obituary. They're under the microscope enough these days, I don't think they've got a lot of wiggle room left for customers to be understanding and forgiving. Except, of course, for those that believe in them no matter what.
We can't help how boring the forum is, but we can certainly liven things up here. I want to start SMACK-A-FAIRE 2012. Who's in?
Pick out one of the million tote bags you have in your hall closet. Fill it with pencils. Take yourself, and a friend out to lunch with what you've saved on shipping. For you internationals - that means lobster and champagne lunch. On a yacht.
Oh, how I wish we could post pictures here. With our faces blurred, of course. Lol. Let's get this party started!!!!
After watching the MIM for today and having none of the new PTI inks, I am pretty sure I don't want them. Did you notice how much trouble she had getting good even coverage with every single ink she used?
I don't usually watch the MIM videos but I did because of the comments here.
About the smacking noise, I thought it was odd at first that she was talking so quietly - like she was trying not to wake someone up or something. I think the mic is too close so you pick up on mouth sounds you shouldn't.
And the ink - wow. It took her forever to ink that background stamp up and it still didn't stamp solidly (of course maybe that was the 'look' she was after). That would be a huge turnoff for me.
The center of the yellow label did not stamp at all even though she was inking, inking, inking, and then used a foam pad under. You can see at 2 different times that the center of that label has a big white splotch in the center. I would think that for a video they want all the customers to watch, they would have cut that part and redone it.
She endlessly inked that yellow stamp over and over and over and yet did not get a good coverage. I could not believe how much time she spent inking and reinking.
Just a reminder that today is the last day of the Impress Sale 20% off online. They are the only place that carry Fresh Inks. The code is "annual sale".
I agree that you'd think they would want it to look good without effort for the video. If NH can't get good ink coverage, with a special mat that I am never going to buy, then good luck to the average schmuck. I would also think that NH would have access to a zillion ink pads and re-inkers ... why would she settle for bad coverage? If she was going for that look then she should have mentioned it.
I think a lot of people here are happy to find out about a good alternative to PTI ink especially since some have found others that are good matches for pti cardstock that they have.
After today's video, I wouldn't try that PTI ink in a million years -- all of that inking and it's a smaller size pad too. I wonder just how long those pads last anyway before reinking.
Seeing Nichole ink up that mat piece in Fine Linen and still come up with a blotch - that was unimpressive to say the least.
I, for one, am grateful to all those who posted about Impress and the Fresh Inks. I absolutely love them. Now I can throw away those smelly PTI pads!
As for SAF, the camping theme means nothing to me and I am speechless that people are willing to spend an outrageous amount of money for pencils and badges.
Just wondering if anyone here has any tips about getting a refund through PayPal for undelivered goods. I won't get into the gory details. Yes, I should have known better than to order from PTI one last time. Basically, I just want my money back. I can't even blame USPS because PTI mislabelled my package. Thanks for any help you might have.
I'd like to try the impress inks, but I'm not really sure a good base of colors to try out. I have most of the new PTI colors (thanks to huge amount amt of GCs and points to use up.
I haven't had a ton of issues with them but I'd like to find some others. The color chart online for Impress looks a bit "off" from my monitor so I guess I'm asking what are your favorites/go to colors?
Or would I be better off ordering some from Amuse?
@Sonya.. You have a limited time to file a claim with paypal and I think it's something like 45 days. If you are past that, I would contact your local attorney general and file a claim. I would also still try to file a claim with paypal and make sure you have all your emails and anything else you have that documents the situation.
Badges! Are you kidding me. We are not little girls. Do you think Nichole's daughter is a Girl Scout? I wouldn't spend my money on pencils and badges either. The tote maybe. Water bottle not so much. Wish they would sell items independently. The goodie bag last year at SAF was so much better. Worth every penny of the registration. Can't believe that the price she is selling SAF items are DEEPLY discounted as noted. Ten dollars off is not a deep discount.
I'm another smack reader who loves hearing about Impress and Amuse. I love both inks! Today after watching Nichole trying to ink her stamps, I especially appreciate Amuse and Fresh inks because it just takes a gentle tap, tap tap and I'm ready to stamp an image with complete, solid coverage. I think it has already been mentioned here but Amuse is having an ink sale starting May 1st.
No one says you have to like or not like any product in particular to come visit here. But some here DO like Impress. Still others DO want more info on their products.
What exactly is your problem with some helping the others????
I watched the MIM with Nichole tapping the crap out of her ink pad....yes, she still got crappy coverage for all her efforts but I think that's how she stamps regardless of the ink. I've seen other videos of her pouncing the hell out of the poor ink pad. If I lived in a house with someone who stamped that noisily I think it would drive me ape shit.
For solid stamps I always use ColorBox pigment ink. I haven't matched up any of the colors because it's not something that is important to me but I thought I'd put that out there as an alternative to dye or chalk ink.
I don't have any Impress ink pads but hearing about their sale is tempting me to pull the trigger. So thanks to whoever posted it here and I don't give a flying flip if it was the store owner who posted it. If I can try out a new stamp pad at a discount then bonus for me. I don't care where the money is going if I'm getting a quality product in return.
08:57, you don't have to like Impress to be here. I have never tried them. But you can damn well be tolerant of others who do. Just skip those posts - why question them?
I noticed on the "FAQ" section for Stampafaire on Nichole's blog that you cannot USE reward points to purchase the tote or kit, and you will not EARN reward points by purchasing. So then why not buy the items you actually want separately and get the rewards? Oh, but you might miss out on that deep 2.5% discount! WTF?
Speaking of other companies, I put in my first WPlus9 order yesterday and got a shipping notice....is this a fo realz shipping notice, or is it a PTI "we'll ship it when we get around to it" notice? You gals enabled me to grab a stamp n die combo...shame on you :)
Just watched the MIM video. Gosh I wish I had a dollar for every time Nichole tapped her stamp on the ink pad.
Also, does this whole "rule of three" thing Nichole keeps going on about bug anyone else besides me? Sure, it is a good design 'tool' or whatever you call it. But sometimes it seems to me that the PTI sheeple latch onto it as the holy grail of design and think they *must* use it, and only it, to create anything of worth. I just see a bunch of mindless robots doing it because she says to. And of course they always refer to it as "Nichole's rule of three". Barf. Like she invented it.
Who calls it "Nichole's rule?" I sure hope she doesn't - that would be too much.
It may be a common "rule" of graphic design but I think people are way over the top with it, too. My guess is that someone with no innate aesthetic sense needs to rely on "rules" instead of instinct.
Well, wasn't NH nice to list what was "necessity" for SAF? And I mean that sincerely and not in a snarky manner. I look at "a few feet of each type of ribbon" and I wonder what happened to Ribbon&TwineShareGirl. She completely disappeared from the forum.
And for those who want to see The List of "necessary" product from NH: A few feet each of all 6 ribbon types Stamper's Select White cardstock at least 1 sheet Hawaiian Shores cardstock at least 1 sheet Aqua Mist cardstock at least 1 sheet Simply Chartreuse cardstock at least 1 sheet Raspberry Fizz cardstock at least 1 sheet Vellum cardstock 12" Hawaiian Shores Bitty dot Ribbon 3 Simply Chartreuse Buttons a few ink refills for tie-dye techniques
Other than that, there will be several tutorials per challenge using a variety of supplies, so it depends on which one project you decide to focus on. Several of the mini book projects use a variety of different dies, but many of them you could "recreate" by hand, it would just take a bit more time.
For the card set challenge, most of the designers are presenting ideas on how to use our White Notecard set, however you could just score & fold your own white card bases and utilize your own white envelopes. They are also showing different ways to package the card sets using a variety of options within our store. If you just had one of these options, you could complete one of their packaging ideas... Clear Card Box Nugget Tin Brown Lunch Bag Berry Basket die 2 Large Glassine Bags
The Friendship Beaded Bracelets will be created with the new die & papers included in the tote, but you could recreate your own with some careful measuring and cutting with some other lighterweight papers that may be in your stash. That's all I can think of off the top of my head. If I think of anything else, I will update my post. I hope this at least gives you a basic idea.
Well, wasn't NH nice to list what was "necessity" for SAF? And I mean that sincerely and not in a snarky manner. I look at "a few feet of each type of ribbon" and I wonder what happened to Ribbon&TwineShareGirl. She completely disappeared from the forum.
And for those who want to see The List of "necessary" product from NH: A few feet each of all 6 ribbon types Stamper's Select White cardstock at least 1 sheet Hawaiian Shores cardstock at least 1 sheet Aqua Mist cardstock at least 1 sheet Simply Chartreuse cardstock at least 1 sheet Raspberry Fizz cardstock at least 1 sheet Vellum cardstock 12" Hawaiian Shores Bitty dot Ribbon 3 Simply Chartreuse Buttons a few ink refills for tie-dye techniques
Other than that, there will be several tutorials per challenge using a variety of supplies, so it depends on which one project you decide to focus on. Several of the mini book projects use a variety of different dies, but many of them you could "recreate" by hand, it would just take a bit more time.
For the card set challenge, most of the designers are presenting ideas on how to use our White Notecard set, however you could just score & fold your own white card bases and utilize your own white envelopes. They are also showing different ways to package the card sets using a variety of options within our store. If you just had one of these options, you could complete one of their packaging ideas... Clear Card Box Nugget Tin Brown Lunch Bag Berry Basket die 2 Large Glassine Bags
The Friendship Beaded Bracelets will be created with the new die & papers included in the tote, but you could recreate your own with some careful measuring and cutting with some other lighterweight papers that may be in your stash. That's all I can think of off the top of my head. If I think of anything else, I will update my post. I hope this at least gives you a basic idea.
Sorry about the post is right. Why in the world would anyone here care to have you copy & paste info from Nichole about SAF to begin with? Are you new?
Petty vent of the day. I hate reading post titles that say vague things like "is it just me?" or "what do you think?" This is especially true when it's a poster that I am already bothered by. Petty vent over.
I'm going to give Nichole credit for giving a serious answer to the question of what supplies are needed for people who can't or don't want to spend the $80 to get the tote. It would have been really easy to dodge the question, and it wouldn't have surprised me, frankly. So I'm impressed with that.
I have never felt the need to have exactly the same thing that's being used in an example in order to make something, so it wouldn't matter to me if I were planning to participate. But I do understand that some people really want or need to duplicate the example 100%.
In case anyone is interested, here is a list of Impress and Amuse inks that I think are fantastic matches for PTI. (IMO)
Pure Poppy = Impress Red Currant = Amuse Cranberry Canyon Clay = Amuse Pumpkin Orange Zest close match to Amuse Orange Summer Sunrise = Amuse Bellini (Amuse Papaya and Impress Mango are close as well) Lemon Tart = Impress Chamomile Harvest Gold = Amuse Buttercup Ripe Avocado close to, but darker than Impress Tuscan Olive and Amuse Fern New Leaf = Impress Basil Simply Chartreuse = Impress Celery = Amuse Sage Spring Moss = Amuse Lichen Hawaiian Shores = Impress Pool Plum Pudding close to Amuse Blackberry and Amuse Heather Sweet Blush = Amuse Shell Raspberry Fizz = Impress Fuscia Hibiscus Burst = Impress Pink Lemonade Melon Berry = Impress Peach Scarlet Jewel = Impress Merlot = Amuse Currant Fine Linen = Amuse Wheat Dark Chocolate = Amuse French Roast Soft Stone = Amuse Pebble Smokey Shadow = Amuse Slate
I did not find good/perfect matches for Terracotta Tile, Spring Rain, Blueberry Sky, Enchanted Evening, Aqua Mist, Ocean Tides, Pinefeather, Royal Velvet, Lavender Moon, Berry Sorbet, Autumn Rose, and Kraft, but then again I'm picky.
11:18, I totally agree with you about vague thread titles. It makes it too hard to know whether I want to read that thread or not, and if it is a thread that happens to have useful info posted, it makes it hard to search for it later.
Who's policing who here? You want to be allowed to smack whatever you want yet I don't happen to like Impress and *I'm* the one that's intolerate? Pot meet kettle. Bunch of fucktards.
11:02 and 11:04, about the double post: Someone said earlier that if she posts from her phone and then hits the Back key (or was it refresh, can't remember), it posts again.
@Sonya.. I had an issue where I didn't receive a stamp set. I sent a note to CS and received the non-responsive return email where Dave didn't appear to have even read my initial problem. I sent a subsequent email stating that if I did not receive my stamp set by -insert date - that I would file a complaint with PayPal. I received a response saying it would be mailed and I actually did receive the set within the time period (cutting it real close) but I was fully prepared to file the complaint. This was around the time of the EDS (email deletion scandal).
Who's policing who here? You want to be allowed to smack whatever you want yet I don't happen to like Impress and *I'm* the one that's intolerate? Pot meet kettle. Bunch of fucktards. 30 April 2012 11:54
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Yup, you done been smacked. It's a smack blog. It's what we do here. Try and keep up.
I just watched today's MIM video because of all your comments.
Nichole was brilliant to use a million different products. All the Kool Aid drinking unicorns will have to spend big $$$ to recreate the project exactly.
I don't care if you like or don't like Impress or Amuse. You can even like PTI if you want. Just please don't tell me what I have to like. That's all. ;-p
yep - looks like lots of folks not ordering wonder if PTI will pull something out of their butts to fill in the holes - an added bonus that those who had the faith to order or some BS
It is nice to see so many of the PTI faithful stating that they don't see the value in the tote. It might make a bigger impression on the PTI folks coming from them, rather than some of us proven "troublemakers".
I think that the only way that I would order an SAF tote bag would be if it was filled with a mix of some exclusive and some discounted stamping supplies. The discount would also need to be greater than 5% given the shipping charges. It would still be a good way for them to get rid of some lesser selling product. That being said, it's too bad that this might not be as successful financially as PTI might have hoped. I do applaud Nichole for spelling out all of the terms so clearly on her blog and through the forum. Less chance for people to complain later on.
My main issue with the tote is that I can not come up with a valuation on what's in the tote that equals $80 much less $100.
I can understand people wanting to have the totes and lanyards especially because it looks like a couple of the events will be large, but this tote doesn't even compare to last years SAF tote.
If the kit was even lowered to $60 WITH free US shipping, I'm sure the diehard unis would stay up late to preorder. The free shipping would make it seem like a bargain even if it's still a ripoff. LOL
"Does anyone know what fonts Nichole used on the blog today for the "Inspired Color Challenge" titles?"
The one for Color Challenge looks like it could be this one (based mostly on the R and G).... http://www.myfonts.com/fonts/jnlevine/awkward-gothic/regular/
The inspired looks like this... http://www.whatfontis.com/Carolyna-Pro-emily-lime.font
Thanks @12:08. At this point I don't even really want the product anymore - too much hassle - I just want my money back. Its good to know that the threat of action through PayPal gets them off their butts.
I've never filed (or threatened) to file a Paypal claim against PTI, but I've done it a few times with ebay sellers. Paypal is very quick to settle the claims, and I've never heard of one that didn't get settled in favor of the buyer.
What the heck are they going to do with all those extra totes and pencils when they figure out no one wants to buy them? What a ridiculous price for dollar store merchandise! Yeah, NH needs that pool PRONTO!
I like Berry Sorbet with Fresh Strawberry. Use it all the time together.
I also agree that the SAF tote package is a joke. Why didn't they put their efforts into a bigger (and better) stamp set or other exclusive paper craft item (die? patterned paper?).
It's lame that they revealed the challenges for SAF already. I'm sure there are some dorks already working on their projects now. I played last year and the challenge of making something with little preparation was part of the fun.
14:58, there won't be any "extra" totes and pencils, because they are taking preorders. They'll just order however many the customers preorder, plus maybe a few for latecomers.
I am still waiting for MW to post amazing samples of her strawberry set. I am pretty disappointed... ======================= I hadn't cared enough to notice, but now that you mention it ... wasn't bad weather one of the issues she couldn't focus on stamping? And yet, she scrapbooked a "TORNADO" themed page? Ok.
Going back to an earlier topic, I did a comparison of Amuse and Impress inks. Here is what I found with regards to inks that are duplicates or near duplicates. Of course this is just my opinion...you may see the colors differently.
Amuse Sage = Impress Celery Amuse Fern is very similar to Impress Tuscan Olive Amuse Eucalyptus is very similar to Impress Steel Blue (Eucalyptus is a little bluer and darker) Amuse Cranberry = Impress Red Currant (Cranberry is retired) Amuse Slate is almost identical to Impress Slate (Amuse is a wee bit darker) Amuse Cocoa is almost identical to Impress Cocoa (Impress is slightly darker) Amuse Currant = Impress Merlot Amuse French Roast is very similar to Impress Chocolate Amuse Blush = Impress Sugar Amuse Toffee = Impress Honey 29 April 2012 14:43
---- thanks for this comparison! I hope if you didn't mention the color (like the blue tones) then they didn't have a color duplicate?. Cause I am ordering tonight before the discount code expires!
Nichole has jumped in to defend the pricing of the $80 kit. Sounding a bit touchy, but she was polite. I think they've got to be getting worried that this event might not be the money-maker that they'd like it to be.
That ink thing just won't leave my mind. Have those who used them found them as hard to ink as in today's MIM video? Are they that bad in real life? 30 April 2012 18:28
I have the PTI inks... I have found that I like them more and more the more I use them.
I didnt initially like the first 3 I bought - but then used them a bunch more, and now I really like them.
They have MUCH better coverage than the Jenni Bowlin, Memento, and Distress inks - but if you are looking for 100% solid coverage EVERY time for say, a solid stamp, you need to go to pigment or you will never be happy.
I dont have the patience nor the incessant need for perfect coverage every time - so the dye inks work for me.
speaking of memento - does anybody else have these and do they "froth" when you are applying the ink to your stamps? does this mean they are too juicy/new? several of mine do this and it really makes the image splotchy. the pad gets tiny bubbles... weird...
Nicole's explanation on the price of the $80 kits sounded really lame. Last years SAF was available for everyone to participate online. I can see how it might be more expensive to compensate the design team for You Tube videos, but surely it had to be more expensive to pay for their hotels & airfare. The conference center had to be pretty pricey. If they made money last year it was probably just from the supply shopping.
19:06 - I listed only the inks that I felt were duplicates or very similar. I didn't list inks that had similar tones, but were lighter or darker than their counterparts, e.g. Amuse Bermuda is the same tone as Impress Pool, but a lot lighter.
I feel like the blues are quite different between the two companies, as are the pinks.
The design team is their price of business and is not up to the customers to feel they are compensating them. It is not our problem if dt take 10 hours or 2 minutes to get something that attracts customers. That would be like saying stamp set prices would be based upon the number of hours it took the designer think up the ideas.
Thanks 19:43. I placed my order and took a chance. I ordered 7 inks, so between these and the Amuse I already have, I can probably sell off my existing SU inks.
19:52-- I just thought it came across like "we are doing SAF for free so we are charging more for our tote bag kit" (which sounds to me like the tote bags are subsidizing SAF)
I think that compared to last year's SAF this tote bag kit seems to be overpriced. Although last year I thought SAF was underpriced. I just can't reconcile the same "price" for such drastically different experiences.
I agree completely with you that PTI has a tough time winning no matter what they do these days.
I had a completely different idea for what I thought online SAF would be like. I thought there would be a kit including a stamp set and all of the consumables for "make it take its" with card stock cut down and card bases ready to go - like you would get in a class. Then the design team would show projects make with your stamp set and consumable supplies. Maybe it would have included an add on kit with inks to use.
OH NO! Nichole had to come and defend herself on a thread that TED started!! How long before he comes back and apologizes for starting such a controversy? 5 4 3 2 1...
PTI would have run SAF the same as last year if they had of made money out it. Obviously, cost out-weighed profit. (or they made more money from the online ordering that weekend so decided to go the easier path). This year it will be a flop.....I can't see many people pre-ordering. Either people will wait for the day and place $100 order or just make the projects themselves with what they have....for free. They would have been better off putting together an 'exclusive kit' with stamps/dies/ink etc and the class is free OR the option of no kit and you pay for the class. Either way they do well from it because people will buy a kit that is filled with supplies + exclusive. Otherwise they pay for the class. Win, win situation for them.
Anonymous said.. I had a completely different idea for what I thought online SAF would be like. I thought there would be a kit including a stamp set and all of the consumables for "make it take its" with card stock cut down and card bases ready to go - like you would get in a class. Then the design team would show projects make with your stamp set and consumable supplies. Maybe it would have included an add on kit with inks to use.
It's just different than what I anticipated -----------------
I had in my head it would be like this also. Not saying it is bad, just not what I had expected.
I have noticed some of the bigger stamps, especially their background stamps, cannot be stamped without a blind spot with dye ink. With pigment ink, chalk ink or even Versamark it works fine. (On a side note, I cannot believe the amount of self-braggadissimo with Ashley on the "get to know her" part!)
118 comments:
please don't let that happen again.
hth
Wow, I've never been second before. You folks are slacking!
I was here second but I had nothing to say. Yes, I'm slacking.
i'm trying to make it through the MIM video and I just can't take the sucking of teeth sound she's got going on. and nichole isn't the only one who does it. i notice it in alot of peoples craft videos. irks me. i want to mute it but i also want to hear what she's saying.
nichole, if you are reading this, please quit smack and sucking during the video. drink water before you start shooting.
I'm sorry, head-of-the-smack-blog, that you misunderstood my needs to have fresh space after 200 posts. I post here as a courtesy to you.
J/K Thanks for all you do, whoever you are.
The forum seems exceptionally quiet. Aside from the people who are thrilled with the theme of Stamp-a-Faire (if not the pricing), I'd be SO curious to know what the ones who aren't posting think of the whole thing. I'm talking about the ones who are still fairly pleased with PTI overall, but think the theme is unappealing (me) or are worried about the costs and potential for major screwups (me again).
And now the DT, or at least some of them, have videos and projects to prepare for SAF as well as the regular stuff for three releases ahead of SAF, all while babysitting the forum and keeping things perky over there.
I feel like these next few months will be the real test for PTI. Either they'll show just how much they can pull everything together (what are the odds?), or they're going to make such a giant mess of everything with the additional workload and SAF demands that they'll write their own obituary. They're under the microscope enough these days, I don't think they've got a lot of wiggle room left for customers to be understanding and forgiving. Except, of course, for those that believe in them no matter what.
We can't help how boring the forum is, but we can certainly liven things up here. I want to start SMACK-A-FAIRE 2012. Who's in?
Pick out one of the million tote bags you have in your hall closet. Fill it with pencils. Take yourself, and a friend out to lunch with what you've saved on shipping. For you internationals - that means lobster and champagne lunch. On a yacht.
Oh, how I wish we could post pictures here. With our faces blurred, of course. Lol. Let's get this party started!!!!
After watching the MIM for today and having none of the new PTI inks, I am pretty sure I don't want them. Did you notice how much trouble she had getting good even coverage with every single ink she used?
I don't usually watch the MIM videos but I did because of the comments here.
About the smacking noise, I thought it was odd at first that she was talking so quietly - like she was trying not to wake someone up or something. I think the mic is too close so you pick up on mouth sounds you shouldn't.
And the ink - wow. It took her forever to ink that background stamp up and it still didn't stamp solidly (of course maybe that was the 'look' she was after). That would be a huge turnoff for me.
Are those inkpads like the old Palette ones that were kind of linen (like SU)?
The center of the yellow label did not stamp at all even though she was inking, inking, inking, and then used a foam pad under. You can see at 2 different times that the center of that label has a big white splotch in the center. I would think that for a video they want all the customers to watch, they would have cut that part and redone it.
She endlessly inked that yellow stamp over and over and over and yet did not get a good coverage. I could not believe how much time she spent inking and reinking.
Just a reminder that today is the last day of the Impress Sale 20% off online. They are the only place that carry Fresh Inks. The code is "annual sale".
I agree that you'd think they would want it to look good without effort for the video. If NH can't get good ink coverage, with a special mat that I am never going to buy, then good luck to the average schmuck. I would also think that NH would have access to a zillion ink pads and re-inkers ... why would she settle for bad coverage? If she was going for that look then she should have mentioned it.
is this the Impress spam blog now?
Nope, it is the "help each other out" blog. Are you one of us?
I think a lot of people here are happy to find out about a good alternative to PTI ink especially since some have found others that are good matches for pti cardstock that they have.
After today's video, I wouldn't try that PTI ink in a million years -- all of that inking and it's a smaller size pad too. I wonder just how long those pads last anyway before reinking.
Seeing Nichole ink up that mat piece in Fine Linen and still come up with a blotch - that was unimpressive to say the least.
I like hearing about the sales especially!!
And there's a whole list of other companies to the right, too.
I love people who think they're the smack police.
I, for one, am grateful to all those who posted about Impress and the Fresh Inks. I absolutely love them. Now I can throw away those smelly PTI pads!
As for SAF, the camping theme means nothing to me and I am speechless that people are willing to spend an outrageous amount of money for pencils and badges.
I'd rather read about Impress than read your shitty handslap.
Just wondering if anyone here has any tips about getting a refund through PayPal for undelivered goods. I won't get into the gory details. Yes, I should have known better than to order from PTI one last time. Basically, I just want my money back. I can't even blame USPS because PTI mislabelled my package. Thanks for any help you might have.
I'd like to try the impress inks, but I'm not really sure a good base of colors to try out. I have most of the new PTI colors (thanks to huge amount amt of GCs and points to use up.
I haven't had a ton of issues with them but I'd like to find some others. The color chart online for Impress looks a bit "off" from my monitor so I guess I'm asking what are your favorites/go to colors?
Or would I be better off ordering some from Amuse?
The "help each other out" blog? That's the funniest thing I've read in a while.
So if I don't happen to like Impress than I can't be part of the smack club? So sad :(
@Sonya.. You have a limited time to file a claim with paypal and I think it's something like 45 days. If you are past that, I would contact your local attorney general and file a claim. I would also still try to file a claim with paypal and make sure you have all your emails and anything else you have that documents the situation.
Badges! Are you kidding me. We are not little girls. Do you think Nichole's daughter is a Girl Scout?
I wouldn't spend my money on pencils and badges either. The tote maybe. Water bottle not so much. Wish they would sell items independently.
The goodie bag last year at SAF was so much better. Worth every penny of the registration. Can't believe that the price she is selling SAF items are DEEPLY discounted as noted. Ten dollars off is not a deep discount.
I'm another smack reader who loves hearing about Impress and Amuse. I love both inks! Today after watching Nichole trying to ink her stamps, I especially appreciate Amuse and Fresh inks because it just takes a gentle tap, tap tap and I'm ready to stamp an image with complete, solid coverage. I think it has already been mentioned here but Amuse is having an ink sale starting May 1st.
8:57 with the stick up her ass....
No one says you have to like or not like any product in particular to come visit here. But some here DO like Impress. Still others DO want more info on their products.
What exactly is your problem with some helping the others????
Quit trying to create shit where there is none.
I watched the MIM with Nichole tapping the crap out of her ink pad....yes, she still got crappy coverage for all her efforts but I think that's how she stamps regardless of the ink. I've seen other videos of her pouncing the hell out of the poor ink pad. If I lived in a house with someone who stamped that noisily I think it would drive me ape shit.
For solid stamps I always use ColorBox pigment ink. I haven't matched up any of the colors because it's not something that is important to me but I thought I'd put that out there as an alternative to dye or chalk ink.
9:16 here...
I don't have any Impress ink pads but hearing about their sale is tempting me to pull the trigger. So thanks to whoever posted it here and I don't give a flying flip if it was the store owner who posted it. If I can try out a new stamp pad at a discount then bonus for me. I don't care where the money is going if I'm getting a quality product in return.
08:57, you don't have to like Impress to be here. I have never tried them. But you can damn well be tolerant of others who do. Just skip those posts - why question them?
I appreciate hearing about sales and other options out there.... Hand slapping, not so much.
I noticed on the "FAQ" section for Stampafaire on Nichole's blog that you cannot USE reward points to purchase the tote or kit, and you will not EARN reward points by purchasing. So then why not buy the items you actually want separately and get the rewards? Oh, but you might miss out on that deep 2.5% discount! WTF?
Speaking of other companies, I put in my first WPlus9 order yesterday and got a shipping notice....is this a fo realz shipping notice, or is it a PTI "we'll ship it when we get around to it" notice? You gals enabled me to grab a stamp n die combo...shame on you :)
Thanks @09:01. I'm well within the 45 day period with Paypal. Just gritting my teeth and getting ready to tackle the zendesk mountain.
Just watched the MIM video. Gosh I wish I had a dollar for every time Nichole tapped her stamp on the ink pad.
Also, does this whole "rule of three" thing Nichole keeps going on about bug anyone else besides me? Sure, it is a good design 'tool' or whatever you call it. But sometimes it seems to me that the PTI sheeple latch onto it as the holy grail of design and think they *must* use it, and only it, to create anything of worth. I just see a bunch of mindless robots doing it because she says to. And of course they always refer to it as "Nichole's rule of three". Barf. Like she invented it.
Who calls it "Nichole's rule?" I sure hope she doesn't - that would be too much.
It may be a common "rule" of graphic design but I think people are way over the top with it, too. My guess is that someone with no innate aesthetic sense needs to rely on "rules" instead of instinct.
Well, wasn't NH nice to list what was "necessity" for SAF? And I mean that sincerely and not in a snarky manner. I look at "a few feet of each type of ribbon" and I wonder what happened to Ribbon&TwineShareGirl. She completely disappeared from the forum.
And for those who want to see The List of "necessary" product from NH:
A few feet each of all 6 ribbon types
Stamper's Select White cardstock
at least 1 sheet Hawaiian Shores cardstock
at least 1 sheet Aqua Mist cardstock
at least 1 sheet Simply Chartreuse cardstock
at least 1 sheet Raspberry Fizz cardstock
at least 1 sheet Vellum cardstock
12" Hawaiian Shores Bitty dot Ribbon
3 Simply Chartreuse Buttons
a few ink refills for tie-dye techniques
Other than that, there will be several tutorials per challenge using a variety of supplies, so it depends on which one project you decide to focus on. Several of the mini book projects use a variety of different dies, but many of them you could "recreate" by hand, it would just take a bit more time.
For the card set challenge, most of the designers are presenting ideas on how to use our White Notecard set, however you could just score & fold your own white card bases and utilize your own white envelopes. They are also showing different ways to package the card sets using a variety of options within our store. If you just had one of these options, you could complete one of their packaging ideas...
Clear Card Box
Nugget Tin
Brown Lunch Bag
Berry Basket die
2 Large Glassine Bags
The Friendship Beaded Bracelets will be created with the new die & papers included in the tote, but you could recreate your own with some careful measuring and cutting with some other lighterweight papers that may be in your stash.
That's all I can think of off the top of my head. If I think of anything else, I will update my post. I hope this at least gives you a basic idea.
Well, wasn't NH nice to list what was "necessity" for SAF? And I mean that sincerely and not in a snarky manner. I look at "a few feet of each type of ribbon" and I wonder what happened to Ribbon&TwineShareGirl. She completely disappeared from the forum.
And for those who want to see The List of "necessary" product from NH:
A few feet each of all 6 ribbon types
Stamper's Select White cardstock
at least 1 sheet Hawaiian Shores cardstock
at least 1 sheet Aqua Mist cardstock
at least 1 sheet Simply Chartreuse cardstock
at least 1 sheet Raspberry Fizz cardstock
at least 1 sheet Vellum cardstock
12" Hawaiian Shores Bitty dot Ribbon
3 Simply Chartreuse Buttons
a few ink refills for tie-dye techniques
Other than that, there will be several tutorials per challenge using a variety of supplies, so it depends on which one project you decide to focus on. Several of the mini book projects use a variety of different dies, but many of them you could "recreate" by hand, it would just take a bit more time.
For the card set challenge, most of the designers are presenting ideas on how to use our White Notecard set, however you could just score & fold your own white card bases and utilize your own white envelopes. They are also showing different ways to package the card sets using a variety of options within our store. If you just had one of these options, you could complete one of their packaging ideas...
Clear Card Box
Nugget Tin
Brown Lunch Bag
Berry Basket die
2 Large Glassine Bags
The Friendship Beaded Bracelets will be created with the new die & papers included in the tote, but you could recreate your own with some careful measuring and cutting with some other lighterweight papers that may be in your stash.
That's all I can think of off the top of my head. If I think of anything else, I will update my post. I hope this at least gives you a basic idea.
sorry about that double post. not sure WTF happened.
Sorry about the post is right. Why in the world would anyone here care to have you copy & paste info from Nichole about SAF to begin with? Are you new?
Have fun "earning" those virtual badges!
10:13: To answer your question about whether you got a "fo realz" shipping notice, here's what Dawn just said on Facebook:
Wplus9 Design Studio, LLC
Off to do a post office drop. If you've received a shipping notice, your package is on it's way!
Petty vent of the day. I hate reading post titles that say vague things like "is it just me?" or "what do you think?" This is especially true when it's a poster that I am already bothered by.
Petty vent over.
I'm going to give Nichole credit for giving a serious answer to the question of what supplies are needed for people who can't or don't want to spend the $80 to get the tote. It would have been really easy to dodge the question, and it wouldn't have surprised me, frankly. So I'm impressed with that.
I have never felt the need to have exactly the same thing that's being used in an example in order to make something, so it wouldn't matter to me if I were planning to participate. But I do understand that some people really want or need to duplicate the example 100%.
Be forewarned, long post...
In case anyone is interested, here is a list of Impress and Amuse inks that I think are fantastic matches for PTI. (IMO)
Pure Poppy = Impress Red Currant = Amuse Cranberry
Canyon Clay = Amuse Pumpkin
Orange Zest close match to Amuse Orange
Summer Sunrise = Amuse Bellini (Amuse Papaya and Impress Mango are close as well)
Lemon Tart = Impress Chamomile
Harvest Gold = Amuse Buttercup
Ripe Avocado close to, but darker than Impress Tuscan Olive and Amuse Fern
New Leaf = Impress Basil
Simply Chartreuse = Impress Celery = Amuse Sage
Spring Moss = Amuse Lichen
Hawaiian Shores = Impress Pool
Plum Pudding close to Amuse Blackberry and Amuse Heather
Sweet Blush = Amuse Shell
Raspberry Fizz = Impress Fuscia
Hibiscus Burst = Impress Pink Lemonade
Melon Berry = Impress Peach
Scarlet Jewel = Impress Merlot = Amuse Currant
Fine Linen = Amuse Wheat
Dark Chocolate = Amuse French Roast
Soft Stone = Amuse Pebble
Smokey Shadow = Amuse Slate
I did not find good/perfect matches for Terracotta Tile, Spring Rain, Blueberry Sky, Enchanted Evening, Aqua Mist, Ocean Tides, Pinefeather, Royal Velvet, Lavender Moon, Berry Sorbet, Autumn Rose, and Kraft, but then again I'm picky.
Amuse doesn't have cranberry anymore. They do have cherry.
11:18, I totally agree with you about vague thread titles. It makes it too hard to know whether I want to read that thread or not, and if it is a thread that happens to have useful info posted, it makes it hard to search for it later.
Does anyone know what fonts Nichole used on the blog today for the "Inspired Color Challenge" titles?
Who's policing who here? You want to be allowed to smack whatever you want yet I don't happen to like Impress and *I'm* the one that's intolerate? Pot meet kettle. Bunch of fucktards.
Why don't you like Impress? I'm curious.
11:02 and 11:04, about the double post: Someone said earlier that if she posts from her phone and then hits the Back key (or was it refresh, can't remember), it posts again.
@Sonya.. I had an issue where I didn't receive a stamp set. I sent a note to CS and received the non-responsive return email where Dave didn't appear to have even read my initial problem. I sent a subsequent email stating that if I did not receive my stamp set by -insert date - that I would file a complaint with PayPal. I received a response saying it would be mailed and I actually did receive the set within the time period (cutting it real close) but I was fully prepared to file the complaint. This was around the time of the EDS (email deletion scandal).
I had a 72 hour turn around from WPlus9.
Who's policing who here? You want to be allowed to smack whatever you want yet I don't happen to like Impress and *I'm* the one that's intolerate? Pot meet kettle. Bunch of fucktards.
30 April 2012 11:54
***************
Yup, you done been smacked. It's a smack blog. It's what we do here. Try and keep up.
I just watched today's MIM video because of all your comments.
Nichole was brilliant to use a million different products. All the Kool Aid drinking unicorns will have to spend big $$$ to recreate the project exactly.
Hey grumpy Impress hater, I just bought 3 ink pads.
Hugs!
Signed,
First Time Impress Buyer
I don't care if you like or don't like Impress or Amuse. You can even like PTI if you want. Just please don't tell me what I have to like. That's all. ;-p
Ted started a thread asking who was going to pre-order the tote and so far there are a total of "0" people ordering! LOL !
I guess there won't be any problems if nobody orders.
yep - looks like lots of folks not ordering wonder if PTI will pull something out of their butts to fill in the holes - an added bonus that those who had the faith to order or some BS
Oooooh, maybe the bonus will be a couple of erasers and the actual water for the bottle!
It is nice to see so many of the PTI faithful stating that they don't see the value in the tote. It might make a bigger impression on the PTI folks coming from them, rather than some of us proven "troublemakers".
I think that the only way that I would order an SAF tote bag would be if it was filled with a mix of some exclusive and some discounted stamping supplies. The discount would also need to be greater than 5% given the shipping charges. It would still be a good way for them to get rid of some lesser selling product.
That being said, it's too bad that this might not be as successful financially as PTI might have hoped. I do applaud Nichole for spelling out all of the terms so clearly on her blog and through the forum. Less chance for people to complain later on.
My main issue with the tote is that I can not come up with a valuation on what's in the tote that equals $80 much less $100.
I can understand people wanting to have the totes and lanyards especially because it looks like a couple of the events will be large, but this tote doesn't even compare to last years SAF tote.
If the kit was even lowered to $60 WITH free US shipping, I'm sure the diehard unis would stay up late to preorder. The free shipping would make it seem like a bargain even if it's still a ripoff. LOL
"Does anyone know what fonts Nichole used on the blog today for the "Inspired Color Challenge" titles?"
The one for Color Challenge looks like it could be this one (based mostly on the R and G)....
http://www.myfonts.com/fonts/jnlevine/awkward-gothic/regular/
The inspired looks like this...
http://www.whatfontis.com/Carolyna-Pro-emily-lime.font
Thanks @12:08. At this point I don't even really want the product anymore - too much hassle - I just want my money back. Its good to know that the threat of action through PayPal gets them off their butts.
I've never filed (or threatened) to file a Paypal claim against PTI, but I've done it a few times with ebay sellers. Paypal is very quick to settle the claims, and I've never heard of one that didn't get settled in favor of the buyer.
Ack. I'll grammar police myself. Pretend that I got the parentheses in the right place on that last post.
What the heck are they going to do with all those extra totes and pencils when they figure out no one wants to buy them? What a ridiculous price for dollar store merchandise! Yeah, NH needs that pool PRONTO!
I like Berry Sorbet with Fresh Strawberry. Use it all the time together.
I also agree that the SAF tote package is a joke. Why didn't they put their efforts into a bigger (and better) stamp set or other exclusive paper craft item (die? patterned paper?).
It's lame that they revealed the challenges for SAF already. I'm sure there are some dorks already working on their projects now. I played last year and the challenge of making something with little preparation was part of the fun.
I predict a great big SAFlop.
14:58, there won't be any "extra" totes and pencils, because they are taking preorders. They'll just order however many the customers preorder, plus maybe a few for latecomers.
15:01, they haven't fully revealed the challenges yet, just the general topic and some supplies that will be needed if you want to replicate exactly.
I am sure shipping is included in the high price of the tote. I wish there were more stamping supplies in the tote.
9:19 "If I lived in a house with someone who stamped that noisily I think it would drive me ape shit."
Hilarious!!!
Come on JJ, don't be shy. We don't bite.....much!
Off topic...
When Nichole tweets pics, how can I find the original blog site? I'm not a tweeter so I have no idea.
My amuse pads are drying out fast, anyone else?
When Nichole tweets pics, how can I find the original blog site? I'm not a tweeter so I have no idea.
----------------
I'm assuming you mean the MIM shout-outs? I think the only way really is to go to the inlinkz list on the blog and click through from there.
Good thing that the SAF tote is a pre-order! Some of the die hards are not even planning to order on the 21st for the free stamp set.
I can understand that. There's nothing really special about that stamp set.
A question about the Fresh & Amuse ink pads again. What are the pads like? I mean are the tops like versafine (love those) or are they like PTIs?
I am still waiting for MW to post amazing samples of her strawberry set. I am pretty disappointed...
I forgot about the strawberry samples. I guess Michelle isn't really getting that big of a financial incentive from the sale of the stamps.
That ink thing just won't leave my mind. Have those who used them found them as hard to ink as in today's MIM video? Are they that bad in real life?
I am still waiting for MW to post amazing samples of her strawberry set. I am pretty disappointed...
=======================
I hadn't cared enough to notice, but now that you mention it ... wasn't bad weather one of the issues she couldn't focus on stamping? And yet, she scrapbooked a "TORNADO" themed page? Ok.
Amuse and Fresh Ink are a foam pad like Versamagic. Not a woven/linen type like SU. I don't know what the new PTI pad is like.
Going back to an earlier topic, I did a comparison of Amuse and Impress inks. Here is what I found with regards to inks that are duplicates or near duplicates. Of course this is just my opinion...you may see the colors differently.
Amuse Sage = Impress Celery
Amuse Fern is very similar to Impress Tuscan Olive
Amuse Eucalyptus is very similar to Impress Steel Blue (Eucalyptus is a little bluer and darker)
Amuse Cranberry = Impress Red Currant (Cranberry is retired)
Amuse Slate is almost identical to Impress Slate (Amuse is a wee bit darker)
Amuse Cocoa is almost identical to Impress Cocoa (Impress is slightly darker)
Amuse Currant = Impress Merlot
Amuse French Roast is very similar to Impress Chocolate
Amuse Blush = Impress Sugar
Amuse Toffee = Impress Honey
29 April 2012 14:43
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thanks for this comparison! I hope if you didn't mention the color (like the blue tones) then they didn't have a color duplicate?. Cause I am ordering tonight before the discount code expires!
^^ meaning the duplicates between Amuse inks and Fresh Ink. I have all the Amuse colors and want more blue and pink colors.
Nichole has jumped in to defend the pricing of the $80 kit. Sounding a bit touchy, but she was polite. I think they've got to be getting worried that this event might not be the money-maker that they'd like it to be.
That ink thing just won't leave my mind. Have those who used them found them as hard to ink as in today's MIM video? Are they that bad in real life?
30 April 2012 18:28
no its fine
wow 19:26----you're manning both boards so well tonight
I have the PTI inks... I have found that I like them more and more the more I use them.
I didnt initially like the first 3 I bought - but then used them a bunch more, and now I really like them.
They have MUCH better coverage than the Jenni Bowlin, Memento, and Distress inks - but if you are looking for 100% solid coverage EVERY time for say, a solid stamp, you need to go to pigment or you will never be happy.
I dont have the patience nor the incessant need for perfect coverage every time - so the dye inks work for me.
speaking of memento - does anybody else have these and do they "froth" when you are applying the ink to your stamps? does this mean they are too juicy/new? several of mine do this and it really makes the image splotchy. the pad gets tiny bubbles... weird...
Nicole's explanation on the price of the $80
kits sounded really lame. Last years SAF was available for everyone to participate online. I can see
how it might be more expensive to compensate the design team for You Tube videos, but surely it had to be more expensive to pay for their hotels & airfare.
The conference center had to be pretty pricey. If they
made money last year it was probably just from the supply shopping.
19:06 - I listed only the inks that I felt were duplicates or very similar. I didn't list inks that had similar tones, but were lighter or darker than their counterparts, e.g. Amuse Bermuda is the same tone as Impress Pool, but a lot lighter.
I feel like the blues are quite different between the two companies, as are the pinks.
The design team is their price of business and is not up to the customers to feel they are compensating them. It is not our problem if dt take 10 hours or 2 minutes to get something that attracts customers. That would be like saying stamp set prices would be based upon the number of hours it took the designer think up the ideas.
I agree that the Impress blues and pinks are quite different except for those listed above.
^^^^^^???????????
So now those buying the tote bags are subsidizing SAF for everyone? That seems perfectly bizarre and thus perfectly papertrey.
19:50 not here to defend but I didn't take it that way. I think she can't win either way
No, she cannot win either way because online SAF is not that great an idea.
19:54 I respectfully disagree.
I ordered the Impress Paper White and I have to say that on the one stamp I inked up, it covered well and I can actually SEE the white.
I also ordered Sicilian Blue and it is very light. I like it though.
19:32, if you were attempting to smack me, I don't see what your issue is. I read there and commented here. Big deal. That's what we do.
Thanks 19:43. I placed my order and took a chance. I ordered 7 inks, so between these and the Amuse I already have, I can probably sell off my existing SU inks.
SAF would have been just as successful $$ wise for PTI(or not) if they decided to charge an attendance fee. There would be far more complaints though.
This way everyone gets to attend if they want which is better for the customer. Sadly, NH does sound like a whiny crybaby.
19:52--
I just thought it came across like "we are doing SAF for free so we are charging more for our tote bag kit" (which sounds to me like the tote bags are subsidizing SAF)
I think that compared to last year's SAF this tote bag kit seems to be overpriced. Although last year I thought SAF was underpriced. I just can't reconcile the same "price" for such drastically different experiences.
I agree completely with you that PTI has a tough time winning no matter what they do these days.
I had a completely different idea for what I thought online SAF would be like. I thought there would be a kit including a stamp set and all of the consumables for "make it take its" with card stock cut down and card bases ready to go - like you would get in a class. Then the design team would show projects make with your stamp set and consumable supplies. Maybe it would have included an add on kit with inks to use.
It's just different than what I anticipated.
OH NO! Nichole had to come and defend herself on a thread that TED started!! How long before he comes back and apologizes for starting such a controversy?
5
4
3
2
1...
^^^
Yep. And he did. Perfect. He's so predictable.
So, so, so tempted to post on the thread about Nichole's MIM, the following: "I learned so much about the PTI inks by watching this".
Yeah, I was surprised how splotchy the inks were.
Anyone have Impress white and Colorbox Frost white to compare the two?
20:22- I also thought the SAF kit/tote would be more like what you said.
I definitely will not be getting what is being offered.
PTI would have run SAF the same as last year if they had of made money out it. Obviously, cost out-weighed profit. (or they made more money from the online ordering that weekend so decided to go the easier path).
This year it will be a flop.....I can't see many people pre-ordering. Either people will wait for the day and place $100 order or just make the projects themselves with what they have....for free. They would have been better off putting together an 'exclusive kit' with stamps/dies/ink etc and the class is free OR the option of no kit and you pay for the class. Either way they do well from it because people will buy a kit that is filled with supplies + exclusive. Otherwise they pay for the class. Win, win situation for them.
Anonymous said..
I had a completely different idea for what I thought online SAF would be like. I thought there would be a kit including a stamp set and all of the consumables for "make it take its" with card stock cut down and card bases ready to go - like you would get in a class. Then the design team would show projects make with your stamp set and consumable supplies. Maybe it would have included an add on kit with inks to use.
It's just different than what I anticipated
-----------------
I had in my head it would be like this also. Not saying it is bad, just not what I had expected.
They should have hired you to help them. Your idea is brilliant (no sarcasm).
:-)
I have noticed some of the bigger stamps, especially their background stamps, cannot be stamped without a blind spot with dye ink. With pigment ink, chalk ink or even Versamark it works fine.
(On a side note, I cannot believe the amount of self-braggadissimo with Ashley on the "get to know her" part!)
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