Pages

Wednesday, 31 October 2012

new post sans politics and religion

Big hello to our smackers living in parts of US hit by Sandy. Hope you're all safe.

Let's keep all political and discussion of religion to the previous post.

Has everyone been busy making Christmas cards? If you did, what stamps are you using for your projects? Anyone unable to use their pti stuff right now after all the dramatics from them? 

225 comments:

  1. (now that I claimed first ;) )

    Christmas cards... every year for the past 4 years I have seen a card from Nichole (or more recently the DT) that blew me away and was easily adapted to be mass-produced (I make well over 100 cards every year).

    This year, nothing has jumped out at me at all and I have to design my card myself - haha - the horror!!

    I checked out a couple of the other blogs and like some things I'm seeing, but this year I'm really not into it the same as I usually am.

    Going to do a December Daily this year for the first time - Doing Journal Your christmas with Shimelle. I think that will be very excited and can't wait to throw a kit together.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I know this is a PTI smack blog but I need inspriation for *small* co-worker gifts. I'm thinking it will be something with vinyl on glass. I saw cute small jars at Dollar Tree in the candle asile. Thought I could monogram or cut a xmas shape with my cameo.

    Any good inspriation you can point me to?

    ReplyDelete
  3. 11:31 Sorry, I don't want to be mean, but would you really be interested in receiving a Dollar Tree glass jar with a vinyl decal on it? Why do we do this to ourselves? Stop the ridiculous gift exchanges already! Receiving a nice card or something good to eat from you would be good enough for me!

    ReplyDelete
  4. In my opinion, if you are going to do small co-worker gifts, make them consumable. You can still use your Cameo to decorate. It's nice that you are thinking of your co-workers. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you PTI Smacker for the new post! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. For the first time ever, I've gotten a start on my holiday cards. Lots of die cutting and lots of glitter. I love the Memory Box dies. I actually really like the non-traditional holiday colours combos from the last PTI blog hop.

    I second the thanks for the new post.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jeez, I put of all my Halloween preps until today. Sitting here watching tv with dh waiting to hear a knock on the door now. I haven't even started thinking about or planning for Christmas yet. I just haven't been able to feel 'into it' this year. I used to get so excited with all the decorating and gifts and stuff and the last few years I have been feeling more and more bleh about the holidays. *sigh*

    I agree with the idea of making coworker gifts consumable. I love candles, or any kind of food/candy. If you really like the jars from the dollar store you can use vinyl to make masks and then sandblast them or use etching cream. (Did you know you can buy a sandblasting kit at the craft store that uses canned air to blow the sand?) Candles would look beautiful in them. So yeah, jars are not consumable, but jars are awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  8. send them nicely packed gift cards lol!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Use the jars for something you make to eat!
    I am making peppermint bark snowflakes in silicone molds for co-workers this year.

    I do 100-150 cards for Christmas. Mine are done as I make them a year ahead because I love stamping all through Dec. I send my cards right after Thanksgiving and then start the new ones.

    ReplyDelete
  10. For the first time in years I am not using PTI for Xmas cards. I am using "Snowy Postcard" which I think is by Stampendous. I notice that Michaels has the wood version, but I bought the cling on ebay. There are some amazing samples on Pinterest.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have received my replacement die I asked for last week. I returned the defective one, as per their request, and I got the new die plus a stamps.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thats great! I dont think its unreasonable that they want the defective one back. I am sure they will want to show the manufacturer

    ReplyDelete
  13. Fresh ink has 3 new colours and one looks just like Kraft!! Yeah!! Now to wait for their next coupon code....

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for the new post....people were getting on my nerves re: politics and religion. Just live and let live. Anyway...To the girl that wanted to use the little jars - I saw a pin that was so cute. It had a very small glass jar with very small lettering in vinyl that said cookies, and then they put tiny little cookies in it (I guess some favorites come in smaller sizes). It wss very sweet. Just a thought....

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is the link to the small cookie jar ... http://rebeccathuss.com/portfolio_detail.php?page=favors&ctr=7

    ReplyDelete
  16. Memento also has a great kraft colour "Toffee Crunch".

    For the co-worker gifts, what about a set of cards/tags as gifts. I would love that; sometimes over the festive season I get a little overloaded on cookies.

    This year I am doing a 'Lawn Fawn' and WMS Christmas so I have a happy mix of cute and traditional.

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a relief for this new post.

    With PTI almost out of the running now - hard to smack when the problems are 'hidden' - this might turn into a nice place for recommendations for each other without the hard sell.

    I have been stamping for years and probably shouldn't buy any more stamps, haha (hard to resist WMS tho). But I am always on the prowl for tools, sticky things, inks, dies etc.

    More and more companies seem to be bringing out ribbons, matching cardstock, inks and dies. PTI no longer have the scoop in this area.

    ReplyDelete
  18. ^^copycats lol!

    I remember seeing post of brownies baked in jars by one the PTI DT long ago. They were very yummy looking. I have never tried making them so I have no idea if they are easy to make or not.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I have the new Impress Fresh Ink colors on the way to me. I'll post a review/color comparison once they're here.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Copycats? Everyone in this industry is a copycat. Even PTI. Didn't Stampin Up produce coordinating inks and papers and accessories way before PTI?

    ReplyDelete
  21. Who cares who came up with the coordinating color with paper/ink/ribbon first? Does that really matter? I just want good design and decent customer service!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Has anyone seen the stamps featured on Moxie Fab World today?

    http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2012/11/moxie-fab-stamp-of-approval-avery-elle.html

    Anyone have experience with Avery Elle stamps?

    ReplyDelete
  23. How does one stay "excited" over Wplus 9 when they only have releases every other month and they don't update their blogs? I am a new customer and I'm really disappointed.

    ReplyDelete
  24. There was alot of love posted for them a few threads back...designs look great and I've heard good things about the service....

    ReplyDelete
  25. ^^ I love their products and shipping was fast so I'm not complaining about that. The Christmas tree die was out of stock when I ordered and they never updated the website when it came back in stock. I just happened to find it back in stock one day. I emailed them and never got a reply. You'd think they'd update their blogs to keep the interest alive.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have 2 of the Avery Elle sets and love them!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Loving the new Our Daily Bread Christmas sets. The bird ornaments are gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I've ordered from every Avery Elle release. Shipping has been very fast and I'm pleased with the stamp sets, cardstock and ribbons I've ordered.

    ReplyDelete
  29. All the new little stamp companies have great shipping times. Let's face it, they are a 1 woman show running from their garage (or similar) and the orders trickle in. They are happy and eager to get their stamps out to the customers.

    I would say order from any of the new ones with confidence.

    ReplyDelete
  30. If you are so bored.....

    ReplyDelete
  31. So on the suggestion thread 'here's your chance' there is a woman who has the most specific, itemized and lengthy list
    THEN at the end of it she asks PTI to slow down their releases??!!!!?!???!
    Did you not just read what you wrote??

    ReplyDelete
  32. pleasespammenow wrote:
    I was excited, too, for most projects. Using dies for projects, great color combos, etc.

    I was disappointed, though, to see a Seder plate as a background for a Hanukkah item. It's akin to putting an Easter egg on a Christmas card. It's just off.

    El
    ==================================
    I'm sorry you were disappointed in one of the projects, however I do think that that particular image could be interpreted as more of a medallion, so perhaps that was the thought behind using it on a Hanukkah project. Regardless, I'm glad that there were lots of other projects to inspire you!

    ===================================

    For some reason, that first line really ticks me off.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Look at the top 9 threads and the dates posted. The dt clearly have a schedule to try to raise some talk on the board. Ted is back too/

    ReplyDelete
  34. of course the DT has a schedule! duh. they are being paid on a rotational basis. PTI really should learn to be more subtle....

    and I'll yawn if I want.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Avery Elle has really fast shipping and great customer service.

    ReplyDelete
  36. A little disappointed with my first purchase from Lawn Fawn. The images are not clean and crisp like PTI's stamps. I should have known better. I'll stick with PTI.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I've had nothing but great experiences with my Lawn Fawn stamps. Maybe you are used to PTI's stamps/inks and are pressing too hard? You don't need to do that with Lawn Fawn stamps;)

    ReplyDelete
  38. ^^ I haven't ever had an issue with their stamps either. Fantastic quality. Maybe yours are defective somehow??

    ReplyDelete
  39. Yesterday's 7:04, have you checked out WPlus9's facebook page? Dawn updates that regularly with news and card samples. She posted to her blog yesterday that her computer died and she changed from a PC to a Mac, causing her to be down for a while.

    Also, her Flicker Gallery has a lot of nice card eye candy.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I am pretty new to PTI. I am aware of the customer service issues and I am sorry for the people who were not treated right. But the more I use their products (with the exception of inks) the more I love them.

    I think of it this way...I have a favorite restuarant and occassionaly I get a bad meal or bad service. But the good out weighs the bad and I still consider it my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  41. 15:12, it's a bit different when you get served bad food at your fav restaurant, you tell the manager on duty, the manager says "oh well" and asserts that you are only complaining in the hopes of getting your meal comped. Oh, and they piss in your drink refill.

    ReplyDelete
  42. All of my Lawn Fawn sets are wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  43. WMS now shipping from US. I sure wish the 2 big stars were not part of a set. I don't like the cowboy thing.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Another Lawn Fawn fan - love 'em too; and they work really well with die inks like Memento.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I love that WMS is now shipping from the US althugh the shipping times from Northern Ireland were always impressive. I hope it works out well. I still haven't used the WMS Christmas stamps I bought last year.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Love WMS though I'm not into the whole western thing, I'm glad it's working for her
    And the set Avery Elle previewed today is gorgeous I love it!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Love today's Avery Elle set, too. It's really great to see the whole set with the samples on preview day.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Ordered the new Fresh Inks on 10/20 at 5:00 PM and got them today in the mail. I am clear across the country. They look great, and Birch looks very "krafty."

    ReplyDelete
  49. Meant ordered them on 10/30...so that was only 2 1/2 days to get my order across the country.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Thanks 11:30. Was wondering if Birch would work for Kraft.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Birch is just gorgeous. I live 500 miles away from there but always receive my order io 24-48 hours.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Now that SU has redeveloped their ink pads, seriously they are the way to go. Their colors are amazing, reasonably priced and you know you are gonna get quality. And most people have some (or all) of their cardstock colors so you know the color you are getting. Lots of their colors work with paper from PTI, GinaK and Bazzill. Just saying.

    ReplyDelete
  53. They are not even close to the quality of Fresh Ink or A Muse.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I have not tried A Muse but Fresh Ink is the way to go. I had not really been using colored ink pads all that much (and I do have many of the old SU ink pads)because they always looked so faded or washed out. Then I tried the Fresh Ink and I am loving them.The rich vibrant colors really kicks your projects up a notch.

    ReplyDelete
  55. I understood that SU ink pads were not archival quality and therefore could fade over time. Not good for scrapbookers.
    Are the new pads any different?

    ReplyDelete
  56. Can anyone recommend a good, deep brown ink?

    Thanks, smackers!

    Also, any tips for inking the edge of paper/die cuts? I am getting better as I go, but I'd love to achieve the really subtle shading that some cardmakers are so great at.

    ReplyDelete
  57. ^^^^^ I have Memento but keep going back to SU chocolate chip.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I use a round craft sponge that I buy at M's (3 to a package, about $2, found in the artist's brushes/paints section). I cut the round sponges into about 6 wedges. I hold the narrow part and use the wide edge to sponge ink onto edges.

    Like this method because I can control how much ink I put on.

    For a dark brown ink, I use Presh Ink chocolate or Ranger Archival Ink coffee.

    ReplyDelete
  59. For dark brown inks I use Fresh Ink Chocolate and Memento Espresso Truffle. To ink my edges I have a round sponger. I put the paper down on a smooth surface. I start moving the sponger in a circle slightly off the card and work my way into the edges. Distress Inks are great for inking edges.

    ReplyDelete
  60. I've seen a lot of stampers get really soft inking with a stipple or stencil brush.
    It's pictured on Claire's blog somewhere in the last few posts... With her Christmas cracker template

    ReplyDelete
  61. I use the round sponge dauber too, but if you want an airbrushed look, JudiKins Ink Dusters are the way to go. I never clean them. I have one dedicated to each basic color. You can sweep them over your baby wipes if you want to remove most of the ink, but never ever wash them. I have been stamping for 20 years and they are the one item I cannot do without.

    ReplyDelete
  62. http://www.colorduster.com/

    ReplyDelete
  63. Sometimes when I want really subtle shading I use chalk instead of ink. Easier for me to control. For large areas I usually just grab a tissue or square of paper towel to apply it, whatever's handy. But for small areas I have those pom-pom alligator clip handle thingies. Love them.

    ReplyDelete
  64. For brown I tend to use SU Chocolate Chip or Early Espresso. I do plan to get the Fresh Ink though.

    ReplyDelete
  65. I would lke to get a about 5-6 Fresh Ink pads for a gift for someone. What colors should I get. Basic colors or complimentary colors for two step stamping?

    ReplyDelete
  66. 18:50, is the person already a stamper? If not, I would go with basic colors. If they already have a collection of inks, I would go with some of the more unusual colors.

    Really, any of the colors Fresh Ink offers would make a great gift.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Meh, sneak peeks. The take care set, not very original. And don't care for the font on Heather's set. If the "subway style" is what they are going for, they need to use some bold fonts. IMHO . . .

    ReplyDelete
  68. MIM is nice today!

    My favorite Fresh Inks are Red Currant, Chamomile, Mango, Lemonade, Basil, Pool, and French Lavender. But, I will have to say I have almost all of them and there is not a single one that I don't use.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Thanks for the brown ink recommendations and the tips for inking edges, everyone!

    I'm waiting for Impress' next sale and think I am going to switch from Colorbox ink to Fresh Ink.

    I love my Colorbox, don't get me wrong, but it's hard to find refills for a lot of my older pads and I'm ready to try something new.

    ReplyDelete
  70. just keep buying

    ReplyDelete
  71. Colorbox used to be a favorite for me and now it pales in comparision to FI or A Muse. They are not gooey like CB, and they wash off your stamps easier. Not to mention a much superior result.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Thanks for the advice. I think a variety of FI inks is the way I will go!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Well, I ordered some Fresh Inks on October 24 but my package only shipped out on November 1 and, of course, is not here yet. So I'm not impressed.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Sorry, should have said I'm not impressed with their Customer Service (a week to ship out is way way too slow), but I hope to be impressed with their inks.

    ReplyDelete
  75. I placed an order with Impress on the 27th and received it sometime late last week (Friday or Saturday). I live clear across the country.

    Maybe something was out of stock and that delayed your shipment?

    ReplyDelete
  76. Buttons are cute but hell no if they are more than $5.

    ReplyDelete
  77. The buttons that I already have are difficult to line up with the dies. I like the stitching but if it is a $5 set, it would be pretty small. I love the floss card idea. Still won't be buying though.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Simon Says stamp seems to have a lot of new exclusive stamp sets for holiday and general and plus their own dies. What is your experience on buying with them.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Punch your buttons out of designer paper and then you don't have to line anything up. Plus if you put some glossy effects on them, they look real. The stamped ones never look real.

    ReplyDelete
  80. The Martha S. button punch punches and embosses at the same time for very real looking buttons.

    ReplyDelete
  81. I love the peeks today! Doesn't mean I will buy them but they are still way cute. I look forward to seeing the projects done with them.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Simon Says Stamps is very slow with their shipping. Having said that, I love their new dies and stamps.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Simon Says MAY ship a bit slow sometimes, but I would rather work with Tiffany (in CS) any day of the week! She is professional, responsive and friendly! Had a defective stamp, emailed her and within 2 days, another stampset was on its way out to me! And this was over the weekend! She emailed me on saturday! I have never had anything but great, RESPONSIVE customer service from SSS! I love their dies (made by Memory Box) and the handwritten sentiment stamps! Very nicely done!

    ReplyDelete
  84. I ordered from MFT last night and had a shipping notice this morning.

    ReplyDelete
  85. 0656 But does Martha Stewart's punch cut through cardstock? In the past the punches I have that are MS will cut dp paper but not cardstock.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Anyone tell me where is a good place to order Fresh Inks that will ship to the UK?

    ReplyDelete
  87. Impress is the only place you can buy fresh inks :(
    Simon says stamps is also one of the only places that will offer free Canadian shipping after a certain amount

    ReplyDelete
  88. Yes, my MS button punch cuts through and embosses the cardstock just fine, but I prefer to use DP anyway for the patterns.

    ReplyDelete
  89. MS punches don't handle heavy cardstock (say like PTI) too well. Good on SU cardstock and DP.

    I am international and always have my orders from SSS within 2 weeks.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Thanks every for your input on SSS. I am also loving their new handwritten stamps plus KP stamps of course. So might place an order with them this time instead of PTI.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Sanity and freedom reign. 4 more year and a supportive senate. Get it done this time! I can retire thanks to Obamacare in 2 years. All I needed was a way to have healthcare for some serious problems and now I can relax!

    ReplyDelete
  92. Well, I took the plunge and placed a nice, fat order for some Fresh Ink.

    Y'all are enablers :)

    ReplyDelete
  93. 22:14 Socialism and oppression on the horizon. Wait, you'll see. I'm outta here.

    ReplyDelete
  94. 22:14 Socialism and oppression on the horizon. Wait, you'll see. I'm outta here.

    ________

    You should run your tinfoil hat through your Big Shot with an impression plate. At least then you'll look crafty crazy and not just plain crazy.

    ReplyDelete
  95. fired up? shut up

    leaving the country? good bye and please take rush with you

    now, anyone know anything about the gina K ink???

    ReplyDelete
  96. New release sneak peeks - recycled, not impressed at all. Meh (IMHO)

    ReplyDelete
  97. Ask your question(s) about Gina K. ink in the StampTV forum. You should get some more info.

    ReplyDelete
  98. I like the new background set, but why does it have to say "pray" in it? It jumps right out at you... Even though I'm a Christian, I dont' like to have a terribly huge amount of stamps that are specific so I worry about who I'm making the card for so as not to offend them. I guess if you have all religious friends it doesn't matter, but that isn't the case for me.

    ReplyDelete
  99. Yes, I noticed the "Pray" too. They should have thought about that one.

    I do think the stitching set is going to appeal to me.

    ReplyDelete
  100. Yep, the 'pray' was the first thing that jumpped out at me, too! No thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  101. BTW, I believe in prayer, but I don't put it in the face of others.

    ReplyDelete
  102. 3:33, I believe Gina said her inks would be released in January!!

    she did a release video a week or so ago and used the new inks. Even showed them in the camera, it didn't have her logo on it, but it looked to have amazing coverage with clear stamps!

    ReplyDelete
  103. Funny, it was the "pray" I saw first and it put me off too!

    ReplyDelete
  104. Does anyone know of a nice dark grey? Gina K used to offer one but it seems to have disappeared from the website. TIA.

    Y'all are enablers. I placed a SSS order last night, too.

    ReplyDelete
  105. The "pray" leapt off the page for me,too. No thanks. Other sneaks? Well, I have stitching stamps from years ago. No need for more. Button stamps. Yawn and as someone said pp look better anyway. Subway art that doesn't look like subway art. No thanks again. "You bring out the best in me" - I have absolutely no use for these kinds of sentiments.

    In summary, blech on this release.

    ReplyDelete
  106. Before it gets whisked away to the zendesk:

    Shocked!
    by Sharon Betts » Wed Nov 07, 2012 3:16 pm

    I'm shocked that a friend of mine has been told that if her parcel is missing, she has to wait 90 days to file a claim? Is this really correct? 90 days? Thats crazy! Whatever happend to improving customer services? Having to wait 90 days will mean the Christmas stuff she ordered will be no good for Christmas, not this year anyway. I personally wouldn't like to be out of pocket for 90 days, and would mean I would not be able to replace buying items from anywhere else.

    I'd just like to add, although I am aware of her issue, I have posted this, as I am shocked by this, and in my view, PTI's lack of customer service.

    link here: http://forum.papertreyink.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=38994

    ReplyDelete
  107. Well I think the embroidery hoop is really fun, and I absolutely would send a friend a card that said "you bring out the best in me". I am still not buying but I do appreciate designs that I think are awesome. Y'all are free to disagree of course.

    ReplyDelete
  108. If her parcel is missing and she has to wait 90 days to file a claim that closes her window of opportunity to get her money back from paypal or a cc provider, doesn't it? This stinks to high heaven of low-down dishonest downright blatant thievery to me. I am disgusted once again. I truly hope it is just a misunderstanding.

    ReplyDelete
  109. Thanks for posting that as it will be pulled.

    I hope that she can just get a refund. Who wants Christmas stamps after Christmas?

    ReplyDelete
  110. I like some of the peeks and if I was buying, I would probably buy this month. I am happy to see that they aren't going straight from Christmas to Valentine's Day. I have enough holiday stamps in my stash.

    ReplyDelete
  111. Looks like you can follow some of the UK folks discussing the real problem here: http://www.inlovewithstamping.com/forum/showthread.php?s=09d7bade3c15cce843743d3b0bdbad96&t=1299&page=724

    not sure if the UK has the same deadlines on filing a complaint as the US does....

    ReplyDelete
  112. I really like the embroidery hoop stamp.

    ReplyDelete
  113. Argh! How can I be completely out of black cardstock? I have half a forest worth of paper here, and yet the black folder is empty, with no spares. Wah.

    ReplyDelete
  114. if you send me your address, I'll get some black cardstock out to you tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete
  115. I got my Waltzingmouse order US bundle on the fifth day after ordering. Love them!

    ReplyDelete
  116. Am I the only one not getting the new releases? A "knitting" set of stamps, care instructions... I like to knit, but I certainly don't need a set of stamps about knitting. What has happened to PTI?

    ReplyDelete
  117. yeah I don't get the new release either......it could be cute for the right 'niche' of crafter/knitter/sewer but it doesn't really work well for the majority imo

    ReplyDelete
  118. I have a few friends who knit and am just starting myself. I am very excited about this release. These stamps could be good for gift enclosures and gift tags for knitted gifts. Plus I could see using the cable knit as a background for winter cards.

    As for the embroidery hoop, I already have the Stampin' Up version and have not used it once yet.

    ReplyDelete
  119. SU has already released an embroidery hoop and knitting set-like last year or maybe even longer than that? BORING.....

    ReplyDelete
  120. I really like this release even though I don't knit. I just like the whole feel of it. Even if Stampin Up has similar stamps, I hate using rubber now.

    ReplyDelete
  121. I use my SU hoop set all the time. I think the care instructions are just plain stupid. The "close knit" sentiment is too cheesy. Nope, I don't need any of it. They are stretching to try to create something new and missing the mark terribly.

    ReplyDelete
  122. MFT also releasing Their own ink- through color box
    Not a fan of chalk ink, but some people are
    I like their calendar stamp though, now I dont need to buy the refills from PTI

    ReplyDelete
  123. I might be swayed by the cable knit background...we shall see

    ReplyDelete
  124. I am looking forward to seeing the design team projects. I really like the look of this release including the care instructions. To each his own. I won't be buying but at least the cards will be nice.

    ReplyDelete
  125. MFT has a nice gray. The inks aren't chalk. They are dye. Says so on the package. Calendar stamps are ok but there are tons of free printable ones online especially for no more than I would use it.

    No interest in knitting. Or knitting stamps. Another boring easy on the budget month from PTI at this point.

    ReplyDelete
  126. I guess November is unofficially textiles month at PTI.

    I have to say Dawn's thread about the TH storage folders is interesting food for thought. How do you store your stamps?

    ReplyDelete
  127. That "simply put" sentiment drives me crazy. It is an example of many PTI sentiment sets that drive me crazy. The emphasis is always on the wrong words. If you made both "simply" and "put" in the large font, it wouldn't be so bad. But it just looks ridiculous to see it emphasized like this:

    SIMPLY!!!!! (put, I'm so glad we're close knit.)

    Really, when you look at a greeting card do you want the first and only word jumping out at you to be "simply"? It makes no sense. It makes me want to pull my hair out and bang my head on the desk and shake Nichole while yelling at her, "Why don't you GET it, woman?!!?"

    *twitch*

    ReplyDelete
  128. I agree. As a MS teacher I do not expect this from 13 year olds, much less a professional woman.

    ReplyDelete
  129. Yeah, if I bought that set, my scissors would be doing some surgery to that sentiment.

    ReplyDelete
  130. I am currently switching to the Tim Holtz folders for stamp storage and I love it. I'm planning on switching all my stamps to this system.

    I'm also sorting my stamps by category (keeping manufacturers separate). It's made it so much easier to find what I want and has also helped me use stamps I haven't used in a while.

    ReplyDelete
  131. The Tim Holtz folders are also great for stamps that come on the carrier sheet, i.e. WMS and Lawn Fawn. I just slip the whole set into the folder - don't have to worry about stamping images on acetate etc. Popped into a storage box, they are really easy to flip through.

    ReplyDelete
  132. PTI release - SIMPLY put ... *yawn*.

    ReplyDelete
  133. Another desperately boring release. I may have to restock some cardstock but the stamps just don't do anything for me and haven't in a long, long time.

    ReplyDelete
  134. Is it wise for PTI to release all one "theme" this month? I can't image that many people buying several knitting/sewing stamps in one month. For the rest of us who don't knit or sew, this is a really boring release!

    ReplyDelete
  135. None of today's peeks are sewing or knitting themed.

    ReplyDelete
  136. If I sewed or quilted or knit and used those item for gifts, I can see enclosing a card that details the care and cleaning of said handmade article. If you sold your stuff at craft fairs or small boutiques, it would be a nice touch.

    Personally, I have no need for these.

    ReplyDelete
  137. I don't know if it's "wise" or not to release stamps in mostly one theme. I dislike Christmas and Halloween stamps but popping in a few sewing sets would have felt disjointed. If the past 3 months had these 3 themes broken up it would have felt even more odd IMO.

    ReplyDelete
  138. no it is not odd. a company can release whatever it wants. how many flowers and snowflakes and tags can one company produce? they come out with something different and you bitch. they come out with same old same old, and you bitch. too many items, bitch. not enough, bitch.

    start your own company.
    unless you already have and are here to bitch against your competitor.

    have a nice day!

    ReplyDelete
  139. The sewing/knitting stamps are everywhere and out of date. SU, Hero, Gina K, all have had them for several years. :PTI is such a follower anymore.

    ReplyDelete
  140. PTI is such a follower anymore.


    Oh honey, where do I begin with this statement. It is not a sentence. It makes no sense. Perhaps you meant to write, PTI is not a trend setter anymore. PTI follows trends set by others?

    And, to the point that you appear to have been trying to make -- stamp companies make stamps of identical things, such as flowers, trees, snowflakes, knitting needles, etc. This is not a bad thing. The trick to success is to make it fresh.

    Must I explain everything around here?

    And where is my $1000?????

    ReplyDelete
  141. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^

    Who appointed you queen bee of the smack blog?

    Take your smarmy self-congratulatory ass back to the forum and STFU already.

    ReplyDelete
  142. self appointed, thanks for asking. i'm not on the forum.

    another grammar quiz.

    fill in the blank.

    You are smarter than [me or I].

    If you are nice to me, I'll provide the answer and explain how you will always know how to end these types of sentences. Trust me, you need this.

    ReplyDelete
  143. Omg 5:23
    Keep acting like a queen bee please it's pretty funny :)

    ReplyDelete
  144. Obviously you are smartre than I (snort).

    ReplyDelete
  145. Yes, that was intentional. I hope that my errors allow you to feel self-important since that seems to bring a smile to your face. You are welcome.

    ReplyDelete
  146. LOLOL, crackers are nothing but empty tp rolls covered with pretty paper. Are they kidding?

    ReplyDelete
  147. If you have a Cameo or other similar type of cutter, check out all the freebie cut files at WMS. Including 2 different versions of crackers.

    http://www.waltzingmousestamps.com/collections/digital-products/template

    ReplyDelete
  148. So, so, so much stuff out there. I need to quit looking at blogs and use my own pile of stuff. Do any of the rest of you find it overwhelming and then eventually none of it even appeals anymore?

    ReplyDelete
  149. I am so overwhelmed with all the ideas and my bursting at the seams craft room I have a difficult time even crafting anymore. Time to quit looking and start stamping.

    And I limit my time here to looking at tips and ideas because the other stuff is annoying.

    Thanks to those of you that offer topic related information.

    ReplyDelete
  150. I am so there, 7:29 and 7:51. I need to start doing and stop buying. Buying is easy and fun and there's the trap. It also doesn't help that my craft area is a complete and total mess. Ugh!!!

    ReplyDelete
  151. $25 for a single die is insane! I did a quick search on the Silhouette online store for "cracker box" and found several... for $.99 each.

    ReplyDelete
  152. Yeah, that popper/cracker box/whatever is weird.

    ReplyDelete
  153. Holy crap! I didn't realize that die was $25. That's just insane.

    And it doesn't close completely at either end. You have to rig up a piece of cardstock to close it off if you include little things in the box.

    ReplyDelete
  154. looking for ink..hows amuse and fresh ink?

    ReplyDelete
  155. If you go back a few posts over the last several months there has been alot of discussion on inks.

    You will need to bypass the politics and religion arguments however

    ReplyDelete
  156. I use AMuse and Fresh Inks almost exclusively. Great coverage, great colors (and some near dead on PTI matches). You can't go wrong with either brand.

    ReplyDelete
  157. I use mainly Fresh Ink but also A Muse. Identical formula and packaging. The only thing I have agains the A Muse is that their refill inks are in teensy bottles and these pads need frequent reinking.

    ReplyDelete
  158. I thought the whole point of "poppers" was that they pull apart and make a popping noise? Did they miss that part?

    ReplyDelete
  159. Looks like Mama Elephant and Casual Fridays are also releasing new stamps on the 15th! I'm loving the sneak peeks that Mama Elephant posted!

    ReplyDelete
  160. To make an authentic "Popper" , you need a special paper insert. Just recently saw the process online, but for the life of me can't recall where. Oh, maybe the most recent Martha Stewart magazine...Yep, just checked, MS magazine. The inserts are called Cracker Snaps.

    ReplyDelete
  161. It appears Jess Witty has not posted in a month and even though Nichole linked her this morning, there is no new post.

    ReplyDelete
  162. Half the DT hasn't posted yet for this boring release.

    ReplyDelete
  163. Jessica only posts once a month. PTI is her only blog gig. Once she leaves PTI she'll switch to another company with a monthly release.

    ReplyDelete
  164. Speaks pretty loudly as the dt loses interest in the whole preview thing, too.

    ReplyDelete
  165. Ugh to Melissa's ugly butterflies--and don't we already have so many butterflies already?

    ReplyDelete
  166. the most exciting thing is the sweet blush pp

    ReplyDelete
  167. Where is Dawn this month? Has there ever been a release she hasn't participated in?

    ReplyDelete
  168. I have some smack for A Muse. On Oct. 1 I ordered their free (but you paid $3) set that will come with a 20% off coupon for an entire order. They said they would ship in 6 weeks. Rumor has it none of them have shipped so far and the coupon EXPIRES end of Nov. I bought the set purely for that coupon and I am pissed. I am going to be out of town for the last 10 days of Nov. so I am screwed.

    ReplyDelete
  169. I like some of the MFT die reveals, but it really annoys me that they don't publish prices before actual release day. Makes for very difficult planning.

    ReplyDelete
  170. I was just thinking the same thing about MIT!! Like the snowdrifts, but no idea how much they'll cost

    ReplyDelete
  171. 10 November 2012 15:19

    we are fine how are you?

    ReplyDelete
  172. I don't understand the big deal about Studio Calico stamps. They seem to have a huge following yet there is nothing (IMO) special or exclusive about them and they are hugely overpriced.

    ReplyDelete
  173. studio calico benefits from forum and cult like status. not cult like a crazy thing, but the online buzz generated by a bunch of ladies with too much time and money on their hand.

    oh, um. sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  174. November release ... ZZZZzzzzzz

    ReplyDelete
  175. Link to SU spring catty???

    ReplyDelete
  176. PTI is just old and worn out. Those stitches are identical to the wheel that SU put out 2-3 years ago. Buttons are old news, too. It would be one thing if they were innovative, but they are just the same old thing we have seen dozens of times from companies who beat them to it 2-3 years ago. I agree that this release is one big YAWN. The only think appealing is the Sweet Blush PP.

    ReplyDelete
  177. Another company with stitches:

    http://soapboxcreations.blogspot.com/2012/11/precious-remembrance.html

    ReplyDelete
  178. For those that like SU inks, there is a promo for new demos. Join for $99 (you get to chose $125 worth of merchandise for that amount) and y
    Through mid December you also get 10 free ink pads (i.e. one of there prepackaged 10-pad sets like "brights," "subtles," etc.). Not bad . . .

    ReplyDelete
  179. Sounds like a good deal, IF you desire to be a demo. Not me.

    ReplyDelete
  180. I think that A muse coupon expires Dec 31st.

    ReplyDelete
  181. Re: SU. I'm not interested in being a demo either, but will sign up to get free inks and purchase some other items (their new paper cutter, framelits dies, paper holders) while paying less for more. I'll be automatically dropped as a demo when I fail to make the quarterly sales count. All in all, a pretty good deal.

    ReplyDelete
  182. I would like to see the SU Spring catty too please.

    ReplyDelete
  183. I was looking forward to seeing the thread holder cards but I was quite disappointed in the dt samples. If somebody had the time they could have showcased a great ribbon/floss/twine storage system.

    ReplyDelete
  184. I won't pretend to be a demo for money or product.

    ReplyDelete
  185. you don't have to pretend to do anything. SU encourages anyone to sign up. It is a sale. Period.

    ReplyDelete
  186. So you don't have to sign a demo contract?

    ReplyDelete
  187. I agree. Zzzzzzzzz

    ReplyDelete
  188. You do have to sign the contract...but thy cant force you to sell their product
    Sight the contract.get your kit
    Put in a big order cause u get 30% off your first order
    Then just let your demo ship lapse
    They still made $$ off you even at 30% off

    And they're hoping you'll stay on to at least make your minimums

    ReplyDelete
  189. That is really dishonest. It is not a sale.

    ReplyDelete
  190. what's dishonest? it's clearly listed as a promotion for new demonstrators. And they are ok with people who sign up just to get the bonus stuff and then lapse.

    ReplyDelete
  191. It is for "new demonstrators" not leeches and people too cheap to buy honestly.

    ReplyDelete
  192. IMHO the reason that they switched the startup demonstrator kit from a prescribed set of basic supplies to completely your choice is because they DO support people signing up just for the discount. Under the old system, if you signed up multiple times, you would end up with a new set of chalks (for example) every single time. Now you can sign up over and over again when there's a good promotion. And since you have total choice what products to get, there's no need to even pretend that you're trying to get a "demonstratable" set of product. It's perfectly fine if you want all ink, or all cardstock, or all tools, or whatever. That says to me that the company is absolutely fine with demonstrators who have no plans to sell anything.

    ReplyDelete