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 ;)
Only 1 peek for today? Nothing so far is my style. Even releasing dies for the YOF sets would not make me want to buy. Before all of this customer service chit I would have been crazy for YOF dies but not now.
7:38 Maybe they are finally cutting down in the amount of stamp sets they release every month. Their releases the last two month were a yawn-fest. So far, this month doesn't show much promise.
I think it's wise that they cut down on their releases. They have gotten out of hand over the past couple of years. And I definitely like the trend to more $5 and $15 sets. I may or may not buy this month - depends on what they have that is not V-Day or wedding/love.
I forgot that it was even peek week (I am so far behind on Google Reader) and judging by the stamps, I'm not sure that I'll even care to see the cards.
Yup times have changed. not ashamed to admit that I miss the old forum. PTI should bring back the ask PTI forum, allow a free discussion of CS issues. That would give me the confidence that it stands behind its practices. Rick, are you listening? Better yet, Julie, how much does it bother you that your income is down?
Come on PTI, I for one love some of your sets. You would have had $300 or so a month from me. mulitply tha by hundreds of us and think about it. Just hire a freaking cs person and get back to the way things were only better.
Oh but PTI insider always claims sales are not down !! I find it hard to believe. I know customers like me have been replaced with newer customers However they dont seem to be whipped in this must buy it all frenzy that the old sheeple - yes me included- used to have
loved Betsy's lab coat card. the rest are too busy for me but even her busy cards are done well. i love all the pti stuff so far this month. yes, i think sales are down a lot, but none of us knows. except rick and he is so smitten with pti that his reports are unreliable.
When I keep hearing that they say sales are not down, that doesn't inspire confidence. That tells me that they are doing well enough so they must not think any cs changes are necessary. So if it's business-as-usual per their past performance, I still won't buy - whether I like their offerings or not.
I agree that Betsy is a genius. She is sooooooooo creative.
The love potion set is cute (the beakers, in particular) but, like others mentioned, how many times can you make/give a card like that? I'd rather that PTI release a scientist/nerd set.
As for the XOXO border, I think the one released by Wplus9 is much better. PTI's is too large.
I agree as well about Betsy. She's hands down the most creative and consistent of the bunch. While I don't have the same aesthetic as she does, I always take away 1 or 2 techniques/ideas every single time.
As for the rest of the cards today. Nichole's seem pedestrian. Not up to her normal standards. Maile's cards and stamps are OK, but kind of SUish. I prefer when she does more graphic/simple stuff.
I like the potions, but wouldn't use it with the Valentine's theme. I'm a grown woman, I don't send out THAT many schmoopy valentine's cards. I wish they did a generic science theme with a valentines add-on. These days it's hard to justify $24 or even $15 on a single theme. To PTI or any other stamp companies listening, I'd rather buy a $10 base with $5 add-ons to customize for the seasons/holidays.
Not a fan of the XO border (either PTI or WPlus9).
That said, I am looking forward to rest of the release. I think the multi-step stamps are coming and those appeal to me (as long as they are made for general stamping not just Valentine's Day).
Leigh wins so much because she enters so many times. She seems like a nice enough person, but ever since I saw her CASE a couple of cards almost exactly and not credit the original, I lost respect for her. Now when I see a card of hers that I like, I can't help but wonder if they were straight copies.
When I saw who won last week's MIM, my first thought was GAG. Now she's going to be more obnoxious on the forum. I get sick of reading about her latest magazine publications. I personally find her cards to be quite lackluster.
And what the heck is up with all of the glittery MIM videos recently? Speaking of Betsy's brilliance, her MIM techniques are the only ones in which I consistently have any interest... everybody else is just a snooze-fest.
the chemistry set is cute but I have little kids who could get mileage out of it. I am going to google for others - I know Paper Smooches has one. I like the dies for the set. And because I have little kids, I also could get mileage out of the Tremendous Treats dies. Will I? Still remains to be seen. I haven't ordered in about a year and I'm okay with that.
I love Betsy. I don't know if I would want her to start her own company though. She hasn't designed any stamps yet, has she?
Personally I would like to see Nichole design most of the sets herself. My favorite stamps are the ones that she has designed or the sets that she and Michelle W collaborated on.
@ 9:38 Most definitely NOT jealous... There is a difference between being irritated/disgusted with a person incessantly fishing for compliments and being jealous. I am the former. Just being honest.
I am another who is really not impressed with this month's stuff. As someone else said, a grown woman doesn't have TOO much need to make oodles of valentines, and I certainly don't have enough need to make me want to purchase a $24 stamp set. Last year's December release introduced Rosie Posie, but I doubt the offerings this month will be anywhere close.
Calling people jealous (or jalous) is a joke. It's a go to phrase that people use when someone is complaining about somebody else's success. There is always that person that chimes in with "You're just jalous (spelling intentional).
"If you are having trouble I can connect to your windows PC and see what is going on. Just open a zendesk ticket and Julie will assign it to me so we can make arrangements. Thanks,Rick"
Why would anyone allow a stranger to access their personal computer remotely. Seems so strange...and dangerous...and wrong. How about just fix your website PTI? There's a thought. I don't have Amazon asking to connect to my personal computer. Weird.
Well, I ordered from PTI and prayed it would be shipped in a timely manner. I ordered last Thursday and my order was shipped today. Awesome. Except it was shipped to the wrong address. Let's just hope there are no mistakes on this order.
I agree with a couple of the previous comments - I would have liked the chemistry set to be more generic as I won't be making those cutesy love cards. Shame because it's nice but that turns me off. $24 saved.
Rick, I know you meant well offering to connect to the customer's PC -- but something is seriously wrong with that offer. There is no doubt in my mind htat you meant it well, but it is so inappropriate as to be downright scary. Would love to know how you planned on doing that. What kind of software do you have that allows you to do that.
No offense, and I mean that seriously, but I will NEVER even click on the PTI forum or the store again. That is one seriously messed up company.
DT is late again. Lexi still hasn't posted yesterday's samples.
In any case, nothing to go crazy over today. Is anyone really going to cut out those teeny tiny bits for Man and Wife? Hate that set name, by the way. I can make NH's heart card with stuff I already have.
Lizzie's chemistry cards today are great. Her set is adorable. Too bad PTI is selling it though because that statment by rick is crazy. Rick's offer, IF TRUE, is bizarre. Anyway to confirm or deny?
I work for a large company, and it is commonplace for offshore tech support to ask permission to take over my computer to resolve IT issues. I can watch their mouse clicks as they resolve my issue. It is much better than describing what I see on my screen and having them direct me to correct my problem.
That said, we are employees of the same company. I have not had an experience like this with an external company.
What might work better is to do something like a Skype voice call / screen share to walk through issues. It is often hard to resolve tech problems by just trading emails.
Cardstock is their biggest selling feature right now Even people like me who can't stand their attitude and CS are having a hard time cutting the cord with the cardstock Why are the then choosing not to release any more colours??!!??
I've had experience with an off-site tech taking over my business POS system to resolve issues. But this was someone from the company who manufactures my hardware & software. Much easier and quicker (when I'm paying by the minute on the phone) than being walked through it verbally. I would not, however, allow some stranger, no matter how good intentioned they were, access like that to any of my equipment whether business or personal.
I think he was trying to be helpful but I wouldn't let him do it either and in general I've liked Rick. I've had support people access my computer in the past too - once i remember because it had died and was still under warranty and they wanted to verify the issues.
The problem is on PTI's end anyway - no other company has issues with some people having problems and others not.... or else it's a deep dark secret.
I agree with everyone about the Valentine concepts -- chemistry would be much more fun if it was generic. Part of their problem is that they have just oversaturated. Sure there are diehards that will buy whatever they make, but most people I know are more selective these days. After even a couple of years of releases, you start to realize just how many of *whatever* stamp do you really need? They should stay focused on the smaller sets. Other companies are doing that too.
7:44.. 'something to talk about' So true!! I'm so sick of the news and the economy and politics and the BIG issues, that i came here for some good old-fashioned griping and gossip. I needed to read about stuff that doesn't even matter!
BTW, Betsy start her own company??? Because she makes pretty cards!??? Dumb, dumb, dumb.
Rick would be the last person I would ask for IT help.
The projects today were pretty blah. Still not feeling any of the cards or sets. The man & wife set looks like a beast to assemble! Where are Lexi's posts? She's 2 days behind! I think it's funny that with the exception of the awesome Betsy, most of the DT only want to do projects promoting their own designs.
8:09 - Regarding the DT only promoting their own designs, I guess I've never really seen it as that. I think Nichole has a schedule where she assigns the senior DT members a day to promote one or two of the stamp sets. Those DT members who design stamps are expected to post about their stamps on all 5 days AND on any of the group posts. Sometimes they even incorporate the stamp set(s) of the day into the design of their cards as well. They also still have to make cards using everyone else's sets for the big release day, so they still use other stamp sets. Now these are just those who are stamp set designers AND on the DT, like Maile and Heather. Melissa, Lexi, and Lizzie are not on the DT but design stamp sets. Now they tend to only use their stamp sets, so maybe these are the ones you are referring to. Keep in mind, though, that they don't get the other stamp sets being previewed because they are not on the DT. I am surprised that Lexi hasn't shown anything with her set, though, and nothing was mentioned about the set being delayed like with Melissa's. Who knows...
^^^ Well Maile is only using her sets today. And last month or the month before, there was a mention of a similar situation when folks were asking where Dawn's posts were. I don't remember her exact response, but the bottom line was that she didn't design any set that month. Maile, Melissa, and Dawn regularly post mostly their stuff with a little of the new stuff mixed in. I don't necessarily hate it, just pointing out the bottom line.
I think they do exactly what Nichole tells them to do. Nichole has a schedule and expectations for each member of the team. Why would Dawn post everyday when she has no products being released? She still makes a TON of cards with sets that are not designed by her for the final reveal day. Also, Maile has included other people's sets on plenty of her cards. Actually, she used one of Nichole's sets on the second card, so she didn't just use her sets on today's cards. I don't really have much respect left for Nichole, who really is looking at the bottom line, but I do like many of her stamp designers, so I feel a need to defend them a bit from what feels like unsubstantiated, negative allegations.
I am international so I don't have to cut the cord with the cardstock. I never could afford the shipping so I didn't get hooked on it.
If I was already ordering cardstock, I might be tempted to throw in a stamp set or 2 every once in a while. I really don't even remember the last time that I ordered though. For the first time I forgot about sneaks and just come here every once in a while.
From Nichole "I just checked in with Lexi and she is a bit swamped right now with family commitments and hasn't had the opportunity to post as expected. She is hoping to have some things up later in the week! Something to look forward to! :)"
Not sure where the defensiveness is coming from there. No one was attacking them. Just pointing out that those designer tend to hock their own wares. It is a reminder that this is about $, period.
The card world is so weird. Why do people feel like they're friends with the PTI DT? I've never met any of the DT and the only times I've "seen" them on my blog was when I've used their product. Doesn't bother me but then again I'm not under the illusion that we're buds. (This is not necessarily directed towards 8:59 btw)
@11:11 "Personally I would like to see Nichole design most of the sets herself."
YES. I hate to say it but some of the "designers" are absolutely terrible at designing. Ugh! It makes me want to puke when I see them have a somewhat cute idea for a stamp set (a la the gingerbread set a month or two ago) and it looks like crap because they ARE NOT TRAINED designers! Give the idea over to someone who has the actual skills to make it look good. I would really like to see the total number of sets sold by some of the other designers compared to the ones that Nichole herself does!
@14:31 I agree. I usually like what Nichole designs and I love Heather's sets too.
I'm indifferent on Dawn's sets, some are great, some ehhh not so much. The same with Maile.
Sometimes they pick horrible fonts for the sets though...and people on the PTI forum rave about how awesome they are...and I'm thinking to myself "Are you crazy? It's terrible!"
Whoever does the Heart-to-Heart sets - better luck next time. I can't stand the way those look!
Sorry to be blunt...but this is the place to do it, right?!
She may not draw them but she knows what works in terms of style/fonts etc. I like the sets that she designed with Michelle W but I suspect that if the same concept was given to another designer, I wouldn't like it as much. An example would be the foodie set. IMO the idea was good but I didn't like the set. It just didn't work.
I'm 12:17 and I find it odd that people seem to follow and care so very much about the details of 10 or so barely talented women who get free stamps for being on a DT. I can assure you that folks with gobs of talent are not earning $7 a day posting lame comments on a forum or making greeting cards that most folks would never buy. They get real jobs or earn real money working at home on their own businesses.
Not saying that these women have no talent. Most of their work is lovely and a million times nicer than my work. But put in perspective, these are not artists - just crafty moms.
And while I enjoy a good smack now and then, I'm amazed that folks keep track of who posts when, whose fonts are good, etc. The attention paid to these women is just plain strange. They get treated like rock stars around here.
They must do it to be stamp celebrities because I bet even with the free stamps they are making about $2 per hour for all the work they put in. You know darn well that the 3 brilliant business women don't have them on salary and benefits, even though the dt is who is doing their selling.
What a waste of paper, ink and postage with that ugly flow chart all over the back of the Saleabration flyer. It is ugly and even the product layout is hard to look at.
agree that the DT, as most, are horribly underpaid. it takes an incredible amount of time and product to produce a card. would love to see DTs everywhere demand to be paid a salary or hourly wage. however, most stay at home moms are so grateful for the opportunity to underwrite their hobbies, that they sell themselves short.
disagree that these folks are just crafters and have mediocre art skills. some DT members, including PTI's, are not all that talented. However, a few are amazing and there is no doubt that they COULD earn a living in the design field if they chose to do so.
agree that we are all way to obsessed with the details of their lives. i am also a stay at home mom with 2 kids in elementary school. honestly, i do have too much time on my hands!!
I buy from PTI all the time and so does my circle stamping friends. Not one of us has ever had a problem with our orders and if we do PTI will resolve it. so if you love the products buy buy ladies. they are fabulous and you are missing out on some crafty heaven.
Shipping is super fast. Orders ship within one to two days. And if that is because business is down then take advantage of the fast shipping. Life is short enough so do what you like.
I have two friends having chemo and another friend found out her two year old has eye cancer and will have his eye removed next week. The obsession here is crazy in comparison
I have two friends having chemo and another friend found out her two year old has eye cancer and will have his eye removed next week. The obsession here is crazy in comparison
_________
I said a prayer for your friends and especially for the two year old. I'm so sorry.
I don't think anyone here was comparing problems with PTI to cancer or anything life-altering or threatening, however.
People pay for product and expect good service. It's not too much to ask.
I started the discussion of the PTI obsession. It isn't the opinions of PTI here that I find odd; it is the detail that some of you keep track of -- it is almost like a few of you are obsessed and not just enjoying sharing about a company's CS issues. There's a fine line between outraged consumer and just a little too involved....
DH told me last night that he "cannot handle" the amount of $ I drop on stamping every month. He works, I work, we have savings. But he says that $100 a month on paper is too much. His hobby is bike riding. He bought a bike 7 years ago and hasn't spent a whole lot since. I spend about 3 - 4 hundred a month but I do the bills so he has no idea.
suspect your DH knows more than you think. yup your marriage is screwed up. i'd say come clean but maybe it is best to just say "i hear you" negotiate a real budget and then stick to it.
predictions. but first I am a bit obsessed with pti but its harmless so back off with the commentary.
Maile is out of PTI soon. perhaps she's jumping over to designing for wplus9. a perfect fit. Nichole's intro to Maile's set (which I love btw) was lukewarm. commpare it to the way she exclaims abuot melissa bickfords set and you will see what i mean.
my husband left me last month. his girlfriend appears to have no hobbies other than keeping him happy. smirk. she's also 30 pounds thinner and 15 years younger. me thinks my stamping had little to do with it. no advice just hope it works out.
What's more important your marriage or stamps/paper? Your marriage may not be screwed up at this point. But yes, if you are hiding what you are spending and being deceptive you're screwing it up.
Nothing from Melissa. Even the dt are so uninspired they cannot come up with anything. What a total dud release. The quilling and the ribbons are just ugly.
05:03 It's bugging your husband enough for him to actually discuss it with you, so it's time for you to listen! I doubt your marriage is screwed, unless you decide to ignore him, at which point resentment will fester. Take a good look at your priorities.
Re: open/Nestie style dies...Spellbinders lost their patent suit so I suspect we'll be seeing more of this. That had been the only reason for making them solid (risk of patent infringement).
16:29, I was thinking the same thing about the degree of familiarity and the detail that some people pay attention to on the DT's blogs. I click and look at all of the designs (when I remember it's that time) and don't pay a bit of attention to whose set is whose, etc. I couldn't even tell you who designs sets and who is on which level of DT. I think it's weird that people get so attached to total strangers.
As for the lady with the cyclist husband. The way you describe your situation - you both work and have savings - I'd be honest with your husband about the spending but justify it too. If you make your contribution to the household, then decide what you both feel is right for savings and for discretionary income after the bills are paid. If he wants to save his share of discretionary income, then that's fine.
My husband is a cyclist too and has spent big $$$ on that hobby. It sounds to me like your husband is just not like that - but you look at your hobby differently and that's okay. And your pursuit requires replenishing your supply and his doesn't necessarily. And he may never be the kind of person who thinks he should have multiple bikes or accessories. Just because you approach your pastime differently, doesn't mean that your way isn't okay.
The DT gals who have designed sets have all of them listed out individually on their blog sidebars, so it's not hard to see who does what. I don't think any of the people who have commented above are actually taking notes and writing down who does what.
For those who think that anyone who "keeps track" of the design team and is therefore obsessed - perhaps some people just remember more of what they've read than you do. After reading PTI blogs for over five years, I know that I've absorbed quite a bit of information about the design team, the company, Nichole's family, and so forth. That's not obsession, just decent memory.
good lord you guys are dupes. there's no one whose husband left her or whose husband is upset over her spending. those are the same poster who claimed to have been bullied. she is just causing trouble here. and hi carol, I mean Rick....
I completely agree with 15:34. I have been a PTI customer since 2007. I read Nichole's blog the most and skim through the rest. I only browse their sites during release time. I often wonder what has happened to some former DT members now and then. I miss Debbie Olson's PTI creations before the release but Betsy has replaced her in my mind. She does amazing work!
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love love love lizzie's set. i may break my 9 month boycott and buy that along with maile's quilling set. they are my style. damn you pti! gina, could you please get some new designers??
I too think that this blog has run its course. There are no more CS issues (that we know of), shipping is faster (less orders??); basically, no problems at PTI any more. The pages and pages of customers waiting with baited breath for release sneak peaks/samples are a thing of the past. Anyone who had a problem in the past seems to have moved on. The forum now seems a place for the DT, a few regulars and their inane postings.
Their designs have become fairly bland and very 'theme' oriented. Nothing has jumped out at me for such a long time - they now seem to be a 'run of the mill' stamp store with nothing special to offer. They have been taken over by more innovative stamp companies, offering better shipping for starters.
Shame really because I was a customer for such a long time and hoped they would get their act together but it seems that a lot of damage has been done and I don't want to spend any money on a business with the attitudes that PTI have displayed.
I am happy to have found other companies, and as an international, have spent HEAPS less on postage.
understand why you say that but disagree on a few points. CS probably improved but hard to know for sure. the fact that there are no angry threads on SCS is probably the best sign. Think that PTI consistently has better designs. every month they produce at least 3 stamps that I love and covet. still think the whole operation is run by one dysfunctional cast of characters but I adore their products and continue to buy them.
Not feeling the embroidery set or projects either. Alone on white cardstock, the embroidery seems thin looking. It looks better on colored cardstock (like shading), but it's still not 100% successful. The idea is a good one, but the actual stamps are duds.
I usually love Maile's stuff but I have no interest in either the quilling or the ribbon bows.
i'm not feeling the bow set either...maybe a good concept, but it doesn't come off well. it seems like she could have spent more time actually drawing & designing the ribbons instead of a single stroke, bland, knotted up stroke of a ribbon that it ended up as. it could have been beautiful, but wasn't executed 100%.
I haven't ordered for a year now, though I almost always see something I'd like to have. This month? Nothing. And is it just me or does Mat Stack 6 look an awful lot like a Spellbinders label set?
8:51-I almost always see something I'd like to have. This month? Nothing. And is it just me or does Mat Stack 6 look an awful lot like a Spellbinders label set?
I have the Spellbinders dies that look almost identical to this. The only difference is that the PTI ones have an extra scallop. The only incentive to potentially buy them from PTI would be the matching stamps that will inevitably be released.
Also, as I look at Maile's and Jess Witty's cards, I can't help but wonder... how long do they ACTUALLY take to make a card? I'm sorry, but the CAS designs from some of them can't take more than 10 minutes. You can tell that BV has some serious time invested in ALL of her contributions. Stamping the same word repeatedly and adding a duck does not a DT member make.
I'm really not feeling much this month. I think the embroidery set is weird-looking; the shape of the flowers is really ugly. The ribbon set... meh. Maybe. The quilling set: definitely not. Can't stand any of Heather Nichols' stuff or the Heart2Heart crap. Last December was an awesome release... too bad they set such a high precedent for themselves.
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I appreciate the CAS cards. They're harder than you think. You can't hide anything behind a bow or button. For me, I have a hard time with the "pile it on" designers. Whether it's shabby chic types or the Studio Calico types, I don't get trying to jam every new embellishment you have onto one card.
Jess's cards are a bit more CAS than usual, but I can see how it's hard to use the embroidery stamps. The irregular edge of those stamps is turning me off. Real embroidery doesn't have the jaggedy edges.
Yeah, I think it's the reason I didn't like the SAF set, 10:53. The stitches don't look right. If you were doing a long stitch and were picking up another color to finish off the long stitch, the effect wouldn't be what these stamps show. The second color would pick up exactly where the first stitch left off. These stamps don't. And that bothers me.
I really liked Melissa P's and Betsy's cards today. Love Nichole's first card. Gorgeous color combination. I am still not sure if I am buying the embroidery set. Not loving the bows set. Quilling set is already on my list.
There's limitless layers hearts set still to be revealed and maybe a matching stamp set?
Agree with 4:07. I only check in here to see if anything has changed. I also think most people have moved on - maybe still buy now and then but not the rabid fans they once were. Sure there are diehards out there and there will be new customers but I think it will always be business-as-usual at PTI. I think my wait for groundbreaking news of improvements is in vain anymore. It seems every release they still have problems but no one really seems to care anymore. Roll the dice, play the odds and order. . . . or move on. good thing there are so many choices.
After "onto the projects" I had to actually read NH's post just for kicks.... the bad thing is that most of her mistakes are not as funny. Today's first paragraph: "they make you wonder who's hands created them"
I don't care for the embroidery stuff and agree that it's not very well done. But if you stop telling yourself it's supposed to look like embroidery, it's not awful for just a design.
The uglies today have to go to Erin for her nauseating purple mess and Melissa for her various messes. I don't blame them - they had to work with that set.
the winners would have to be Jessica for minimizing the effect of the embroidery stamps and her knockout designs with the animals; and Heather knocked it out of the park. She rose above the inadequacies of the embroidery stamps and totally rocked it with white, brown and kraft. Brilliant - she really made lemonade out of lemons here.
I have to agree. Erin's purple card is a hot mess. Yikes. I do like Jess's Duck Dynasty-inspired cards; but I usually like her stuff. I like this set because it makes me laugh my ass off.
I am not hand slapping. I am not defending some ot these cards. But would you guys be able to handle this kind of crtitcism of your work? I know I know dont post or ask if you cant handle it blah blah blah. But still. Ouch. It is a bit hurtful dont you think?
16:02 I know I would be crushed if people talked about my cards like they were trash. I think people are emboldened to post like they do because they are anonymous. It's very tempting to post trash but I am too scared of karma biting me in the ass! I may be anonymous but I still know in my heart and mind what I posted and if it will hurt someone. Not handslapping anyone just replying to 16:02.
Am I the only one who doesn't "get" the ribbon set? To me, it doesn't look anything like ribbons! A bunch of curvy lines, maybe, but not ribbon. I don't care for it at all, and definitely not going to spend $24 on it!
I don't get it either. It seems like a real stretch to make those into a set. I feel the same way about the quilling and the embroidery sets. Just trying way too hard to be innovative and missing the target over and over again this last year or so.
19:47, exactly. The gingerbread man set is another example (I think someone mentioned that set already). I *wanted* to love it. I really did. But I just couldn't. The gingerbread man/woman looked ridiculous and the house is just silly. The Framed-Out series is tired and boring, and Sentiment Signs tried to achieve the Subway Art look, but ended up missing the mark entirely. Purls of Wisdom: Dumb. It's too bad, because a lot of these sets have potential, but proper execution is seriously lacking.
I love the ribbon set! Love the fact that it is not like an actual ribbon. Saw something very similar in an ad yesterday. Gorgeous. Love the quilling set.
And yes it hurts the DT to read these comments. They are regular women. Yes,they "put themselves out there" but until this blog came along, you just didn't make those kinds of comments on line. Think, share it privately with your friends, if you have any. Of course it is only anonymous because no one would have the balls to do it by name. You should be ashamed of yourselves.
proud to be a handslapper and no i'm nt a uni i don't buy from PTI anymore because of the way they've treated customers. and yes i'm anonymous. i'll attack anonymous people anonymously. but i don't name names. if your kids acted this way you would be appalled and you know it.
the cold hard truth is that nichole looks at what customers make with her beautifully designed stamps and coughs up a lung laughing. the crap we all make is embarrassing, you just don't see it. truly amateurish. bad designs. 99% of customers suck at this and don't know it.
after reading the comments about hurting dts feelings, my first reaction was that if i were on a DT I wouldn't be reading a smack blog about the company and if I did read a criticism there I wouldn't take it personally. I wish sometimes i had someone to show stuff to who would tell me honestly if it stunk - especially if I was going to make it public. I don't really care what strangers think.
I wonder sometimes if they don't have a ton of time to do these - it may help if they could set them aside for a bit. you know how you get too close to something and can use a second look.
I won't criticize like that anymore here but we all know we all have hits and misses.
That didn't make sense. I'd like it if someone told me ahead of time that something was awful - because I wouldn't want to upload something awful. Valid criticism that would point out something wrong that I didn't notice would be welcome. But if I uploaded something I felt was good, if a stranger didn't like it, it wouldn't really bother me.
oh good lord, a ton of lies. I posted the Hero Arts is buying PTI; SU is going clear; Jessica is leaving. the list is endless. I often post in response to my own posts.
6:24 - just curious. why do you bother? I'd seek other forms of entertainment if I were you. that's just pure mean spirit. Creepy.
Art critique is a huge tool for artists. Express away - but so will those who view it. Some artists create purely to get the reaction - positive or negative. It's all good.
If someone said Erin's card stunk because they can't stand her. . . well, that's not the same. Honest commentary is as valid as honest artistic expression. I do agree that being tactful would be kinder and thoughtful.
I am neither sad, lonely, nor pathetic. Although pathetic is possible, isn't it? I do it for a very specific reason and my reason should be obvious. Oh, and I am also the grammar police.
10:20, I wonder how many pathetic people would admit they're pathetic ... hmmm.
I haven't hung around here for a while but had been hoping this blog would do some good. I had hoped PTI would turn it around.
I love stamping. I'm so over the brand loyalty thing though.
If I ever order from PTI again I'll take my chances. But recommend them to someone else? Not in a million years.
PTI lost the customers who considered themselves friends. They simply want a hard cold cash business relationship. No strings (even friendly CS) attached.
I buy stamps from whatever company because I like the designs. I don't honestly care if they are sold by meeeaaaann people who have shitty attitudes. I don't buy their products to win their friendship or whatever. They sell to make money and not to be my friend. If they were sold by murderers and such, that's another matter.
5:55 I think it's human nature to be curious. Most people don't want to hear bad things about them but go ahead and check it out anyway.
@16:17 I agree, I buy based on the design of the stamp, regardless of what company manufactured it.
I have never had problems with PTI (fingers crossed) but have only been with them since 2010 so maybe the bulk of the problems were prior to that?
With that being said, some of their stamp sets are beautiful, and some are downright not something I would buy soley because they are poorly executed on the design side.
I have also met Nichole & Julie, Dawn, Mish, Heather, Betsy and Lisa at the Stamping Convention they had a couple years ago in Cinci. They are all lovely ladies. Makes me wonder if maybe some of the CS issues were because of rude customers?!?! Yes, the customer is suppose to always be right, but sometimes when the customer is rude, what can you expect? Again, not saying it's correct, but human.
Wow lots of conjecture flying around Guess what I was also at SAF and CHA and met some of the designers and Nichole Just because hey were nice in person does not negate that there are real CS issues and that Nichole can be rude to people on the forums. I truly think they do have contempt for their customers, ad a general bad decision making habit. That's not the fault of the customers. The company makes a mistake and wants it corrected with a self addresses stamped envelope?? And I still haven't received my replacent stamps!
The free set is a way to generate more sales. Same as a Black-Friday sale, a car rebate, or any other promotion that is geared towards bringing in more holiday revenue. How that could be considered desperate is beyond my understanding.
Nichole can certainly be rude on the forum... I asked a question once about a an issue I had with a die, some other people responded with some negative comments, and I was issued a (snotty) board warning by Nichole for posting CS issues on the forum, in violation of their idiotic TOS. All I wanted to know was if people had had the same problem I had, and whether there was some trick to using it, or if I just had a faulty die. Instead of trying to be helpful, Nichole got all snotty with me. That was the first time that I've ever had an issue with CS, but that was also the first time I've ever had a problem. Shame.
To this, "I love stamping. I'm so over the brand loyalty thing though.
If I ever order from PTI again I'll take my chances. But recommend them to someone else? Not in a million years."
Complete agreement although I doubt I'll ever order again because I don't think they should be rewarded for their bad attitude and poor customer service.
To answer the person who has only been ordering from PTI since 2010, the problems with customer service go back to as far as one year from when they opened and continue. The most vocal opponents to their practices have moved on, and issues are relegated to zendesk. You can go to zendesk and see that nothing has changed.
Speaking of zendesk, anyone else click on the link for the stock update??
"Stamps - The following stamp set is out of stock. Mixed Messages - We are currently working on this set so that it can be manufactured. It is very small and detailed and we want to ensure the highest quality.
Inks Spring Moss, Sweet Blush, Raspberry Fizz, Melon Berry, Berry Sorbet, Smokey Shadow and Pure Poppy - We are not sure when these inks will be available. These colors are being reviewed by the manufacturer as there have been a few inconsistencies between batches. We will update you as more information becomes available. Inks that are out of stock may not be back in stock for 4-6 months due to the issues with the manufacturer. We are so very sorry for the inconvenience. "
So either they've changed manufacturers or every previous set of Mixed Messages that has been sold is admittedly subpar. And they are attempting to fix their latest ink debacle but if you are into matchy-matchy which they promote, you can be as matchy-matchy as you want ..... but not with all of the colors.
There are no fewer problems - a lot of people just don't care anymore.
And to the Liar, the rumor monger: No one pays any attention to your ridiculous predictions and gossip. Get over yourself already.
I have to confess. I have not ordered in a long time in protest of their business practices. But they will lose money on me this time around. I have been critical of their designs, too, but today I looked at the products and tried to remember how I used to feel about this company. I found that I do honestly like a few of this month's sets. But I still won't buy from them. Maybe it's time to stop looking. For awhile, it was kind of comforting to check out the releases - not liking anything made me feel better that I won't order from them.
I'm really annoyed now that they have spoiled it for me.
7:57, I have made two purchases from Mama Elephant, and while I think their name is silly, I am really impressed with the stamps I received. Clear, crisp images & fantastic shipping times. I am a big fan!
I've only ordered once from Mama Elephant but shipping was fast and the stamps are great! I'll order again.
Ellen Hutson coupon code thru Sunday is heroarts13. Get 13% off almost everything in her story (no Copics, sorry). I placed a large Hero Arts and other items order this morning.
My list was already over $100 so the free set is a bonus for me. Looking forward to ordering today.
8:27 I am sorry you feel PTI has spoiled things for you. I hope you find enjoyment in stamping /shopping online again someday. Their designs are truly one of the best out there and there's always a stamp set or two that grab me every time so I order. I don't use them all though, most stamp sets are in my stash just in case I need them ;)
Nichole's hyperbole drives me nuts. Really, Nichole, the blooms and leaves I stamp with the Embroidered Blooms set will LITERALLY come to life and jump from the page? What kind of magic is this? Oh I get it, I'm supposed to be on magic 'shrooms while I stamp.
Agree about N's use of "endless" and other hyperbole. so tiresome.
Anyone order? Not interested in a dang thing this month. Not even the bonus set was tempting. I miss the excitement of the good ole days, but I am happy there are so many other choices these days.
I ordered enough to get the free stamp set. I had to have the LL hearts. I just look at the pictures too and skip all the words unless I need to know certain details.
So I was looking at everyone's final release day posts. I feel like all the designers must have all somewhat copied Nichole's approach with the chemistry set...
When Nichole previewed it, she used aqua, summer sunrise, & orange zest inside the beakers, and overlapped one of each shape on top of a white background, and kept it fairly clean & simple.
Maile used almost the same color combo (aqua, limeade & summer sunrise), and also overlapped images on a white background, c&s.
Jess overlapped two of the images in aqua and yellow on a white background... also c&s.
Christina used aqua and limeade overlapped (and die cut)on a white base with accents of summer sunrise... also c&s.
Even Danielle even used the same colors, aqua, limeade & summer sunrise in all the beakers.
I kind of felt like I was seeing the same cards again & again, since they all seemed to have the same colors inside those flasks...
@ 9:25 I believe the "free" set last year was given to everyone who made a purchase over $100 within the same time frame. This year, instead of surprising us with it, they are letting us know that we have the opportunity to get a free set by spending that amount of money.
Last year I think there were people upset because it was done as a surpise with no announcement and some people missed out/it wasn't included in their order. They must have made more and extended the offer.
If there was a purchase minimum last year, I'm sure it wasn't $100. I got the set (that's the last order I've placed) and I only spent enough to get free shipping.
"Funky Flowers" isn't my favorite, either. I have a feeling the Notched Flower Dies aren't selling well and they created a set to help sell them. Well, I'm not sold on the whole concept.
16:17 "I should add that I really do like that "thank you" stamp. I use it a lot. Funky Flowers...no interest whatsoever."
AGREED. I seriously think it's one of the ugliest sets they have... I thought that Thank You freebie last year was quite versatile and would appeal to most everybody... this one is too distressed and the flowers are a strange shape. Ugh.
LL hearts is already out of stock. Darn! I keep waiting for one last thing (Simple Stripes IP) to come in so I can order, but, with PTI's pathetic restocking times, I'll never be able to time it right.
Also, I doubt those LL heart dies will be back in time to make valentines.
sorry but IMHO that funky flowers set is not "worth" a value of $15!!! it's one small sentiment, three small flower bases and the funk that goes inside them. i would never pay $15 for that...it's a $5 set that they probably packaged as a $15 set so people wouldn't realize that they basically just paid $100 for it LMFAO!
300 comments:
1 – 200 of 300 Newer› Newest»Another lackluster release. :(
6:07 I disagree.
Only 1 peek for today?
Nothing so far is my style. Even releasing dies for the YOF sets would not make me want to buy. Before all of this customer service chit I would have been crazy for YOF dies but not now.
7:38
Maybe they are finally cutting down in the amount of stamp sets they release every month. Their releases the last two month were a yawn-fest. So far, this month doesn't show much promise.
I think it's wise that they cut down on their releases. They have gotten out of hand over the past couple of years. And I definitely like the trend to more $5 and $15 sets. I may or may not buy this month - depends on what they have that is not V-Day or wedding/love.
The pattern sheets usually get me if they have good colors.
I agree about the lacklusterness this month.
Wondered why Amy Rysavy disappeared? She is pregnant and severe morning sickness.
Disappeared from where? I stopped following her blog when she left PTI.
OMG I totally forgot PTI sneaks were on. Usually I check them every day.
Well wishes to Amy R., I know how severe morning sickness can put a crimp in your day.
I forgot that it was even peek week (I am so far behind on Google Reader) and judging by the stamps, I'm not sure that I'll even care to see the cards.
love about half the peeks.
The forum is really quiet re the sneak peaks. Remember when there would be pages of comments drooling over the soon to be released sets, etc. etc.
Only a couple of comments now. Times have changed.
Yup times have changed. not ashamed to admit that I miss the old forum. PTI should bring back the ask PTI forum, allow a free discussion of CS issues. That would give me the confidence that it stands behind its practices. Rick, are you listening? Better yet, Julie, how much does it bother you that your income is down?
Come on PTI, I for one love some of your sets. You would have had $300 or so a month from me. mulitply tha by hundreds of us and think about it. Just hire a freaking cs person and get back to the way things were only better.
Oh but PTI insider always claims sales are not down !!
I find it hard to believe. I know customers like me have been replaced with newer customers
However they dont seem to be whipped in this must buy it all frenzy that the old sheeple - yes me included- used to have
Betsy Veldman is a genius. Her samples today are awesome. I so wish I had 1/8 of her creativity.
loved Betsy's lab coat card. the rest are too busy for me but even her busy cards are done well. i love all the pti stuff so far this month. yes, i think sales are down a lot, but none of us knows. except rick and he is so smitten with pti that his reports are unreliable.
When I keep hearing that they say sales are not down, that doesn't inspire confidence. That tells me that they are doing well enough so they must not think any cs changes are necessary. So if it's business-as-usual per their past performance, I still won't buy - whether I like their offerings or not.
I agree that Betsy is a genius. She is sooooooooo creative.
The love potion set is cute (the beakers, in particular) but, like others mentioned, how many times can you make/give a card like that? I'd rather that PTI release a scientist/nerd set.
As for the XOXO border, I think the one released by Wplus9 is much better. PTI's is too large.
Leigh Penner wins MIM.
I agree as well about Betsy. She's hands down the most creative and consistent of the bunch. While I don't have the same aesthetic as she does, I always take away 1 or 2 techniques/ideas every single time.
As for the rest of the cards today. Nichole's seem pedestrian. Not up to her normal standards. Maile's cards and stamps are OK, but kind of SUish. I prefer when she does more graphic/simple stuff.
I like the potions, but wouldn't use it with the Valentine's theme. I'm a grown woman, I don't send out THAT many schmoopy valentine's cards. I wish they did a generic science theme with a valentines add-on. These days it's hard to justify $24 or even $15 on a single theme. To PTI or any other stamp companies listening, I'd rather buy a $10 base with $5 add-ons to customize for the seasons/holidays.
Not a fan of the XO border (either PTI or WPlus9).
That said, I am looking forward to rest of the release. I think the multi-step stamps are coming and those appeal to me (as long as they are made for general stamping not just Valentine's Day).
Leigh wins so much because she enters so many times. She seems like a nice enough person, but ever since I saw her CASE a couple of cards almost exactly and not credit the original, I lost respect for her. Now when I see a card of hers that I like, I can't help but wonder if they were straight copies.
Betsy is amazing. I wouldn't really use those stamp sets at all, but I love, love, love what she can do with even the most boring of sets.
Betsy now is what Nichole used to be. Betsy needs to start her own company, seriously.
When I saw who won last week's MIM, my first thought was GAG. Now she's going to be more obnoxious on the forum. I get sick of reading about her latest magazine publications. I personally find her cards to be quite lackluster.
And what the heck is up with all of the glittery MIM videos recently? Speaking of Betsy's brilliance, her MIM techniques are the only ones in which I consistently have any interest... everybody else is just a snooze-fest.
the chemistry set is cute but I have little kids who could get mileage out of it. I am going to google for others - I know Paper Smooches has one. I like the dies for the set. And because I have little kids, I also could get mileage out of the Tremendous Treats dies. Will I? Still remains to be seen. I haven't ordered in about a year and I'm okay with that.
7:39 you're just jealous.
9:38, we're all jalous. Didn't you know?
I'm not the original poster, but I wouldn't be jealous of Leigh (no offense).
I love Betsy. I don't know if I would want her to start her own company though. She hasn't designed any stamps yet, has she?
Personally I would like to see Nichole design most of the sets herself. My favorite stamps are the ones that she has designed or the sets that she and Michelle W collaborated on.
@ 9:38 Most definitely NOT jealous... There is a difference between being irritated/disgusted with a person incessantly fishing for compliments and being jealous. I am the former. Just being honest.
I am another who is really not impressed with this month's stuff. As someone else said, a grown woman doesn't have TOO much need to make oodles of valentines, and I certainly don't have enough need to make me want to purchase a $24 stamp set. Last year's December release introduced Rosie Posie, but I doubt the offerings this month will be anywhere close.
Calling people jealous (or jalous) is a joke. It's a go to phrase that people use when someone is complaining about somebody else's success. There is always that person that chimes in with "You're just jalous (spelling intentional).
When I saw that Leigh was the MIM winner I did wonder how 'random' the selection was (no jalousy here)
I guess if you designate yourself PTI's main cheerleader there has to be some benefits.
Speaking of sycophants, where is Ted hanging out these days?
I miss Ted...wonder where he has been?
"If you are having trouble I can connect to your windows PC and see what is going on. Just open a zendesk ticket and Julie will assign it to me so we can make arrangements.
Thanks,Rick"
Why would anyone allow a stranger to access their personal computer remotely. Seems so strange...and dangerous...and wrong. How about just fix your website PTI? There's a thought. I don't have Amazon asking to connect to my personal computer. Weird.
Well, I ordered from PTI and prayed it would be shipped in a timely manner. I ordered last Thursday and my order was shipped today. Awesome. Except it was shipped to the wrong address. Let's just hope there are no mistakes on this order.
Gina K sale after Christmas with retiring sets.
I agree with a couple of the previous comments - I would have liked the chemistry set to be more generic as I won't be making those cutesy love cards. Shame because it's nice but that turns me off. $24 saved.
Betsy's teacher valentine, the one using the dotted oval to make the "atom" shape is freaking brilliant.
Rick, I know you meant well offering to connect to the customer's PC -- but something is seriously wrong with that offer. There is no doubt in my mind htat you meant it well, but it is so inappropriate as to be downright scary. Would love to know how you planned on doing that. What kind of software do you have that allows you to do that.
No offense, and I mean that seriously, but I will NEVER even click on the PTI forum or the store again. That is one seriously messed up company.
Ok
DT is late again. Lexi still hasn't posted yesterday's samples.
In any case, nothing to go crazy over today. Is anyone really going to cut out those teeny tiny bits for Man and Wife? Hate that set name, by the way. I can make NH's heart card with stuff I already have.
Lizzie's chemistry cards today are great. Her set is adorable. Too bad PTI is selling it though because that statment by rick is crazy. Rick's offer, IF TRUE, is bizarre. Anyway to confirm or deny?
Lexi?
I work for a large company, and it is commonplace for offshore tech support to ask permission to take over my computer to resolve IT issues. I can watch their mouse clicks as they resolve my issue. It is much better than describing what I see on my screen and having them direct me to correct my problem.
That said, we are employees of the same company. I have not had an experience like this with an external company.
What might work better is to do something like a Skype voice call / screen share to walk through issues. It is often hard to resolve tech problems by just trading emails.
Cardstock is their biggest selling feature right now
Even people like me who can't stand their attitude and CS are having a hard time cutting the cord with the cardstock
Why are the then choosing not to release any more colours??!!??
I've had experience with an off-site tech taking over my business POS system to resolve issues. But this was someone from the company who manufactures my hardware & software. Much easier and quicker (when I'm paying by the minute on the phone) than being walked through it verbally. I would not, however, allow some stranger, no matter how good intentioned they were, access like that to any of my equipment whether business or personal.
I don't think they make much profit on the cardstock, whereas the mark up on stamps is huge. They're not TOTALLY stupid. $$ talks ya know.
And I'll add, the profit margin on the dies is also huge.
I think Rick was trying to be helpful. I doubt he or anyone at PTI is trying to steal identities. The intended person can just decline his offer.
And at least you all had something to talk about
I think he was trying to be helpful but I wouldn't let him do it either and in general I've liked Rick. I've had support people access my computer in the past too - once i remember because it had died and was still under warranty and they wanted to verify the issues.
The problem is on PTI's end anyway - no other company has issues with some people having problems and others not.... or else it's a deep dark secret.
I agree with everyone about the Valentine concepts -- chemistry would be much more fun if it was generic. Part of their problem is that they have just oversaturated. Sure there are diehards that will buy whatever they make, but most people I know are more selective these days. After even a couple of years of releases, you start to realize just how many of *whatever* stamp do you really need? They should stay focused on the smaller sets. Other companies are doing that too.
7:44.. 'something to talk about' So true!! I'm so sick of the news and the economy and politics and the BIG issues, that i came here for some good old-fashioned griping and gossip. I needed to read about stuff that doesn't even matter!
BTW, Betsy start her own company??? Because she makes pretty cards!??? Dumb, dumb, dumb.
soo... is there another typo issue here? I really like the Sending my Love stamp set, however on her dad card the sentiment says:
"Out of all the moments in my life, the ones spent with you are my very favorite."
Shoudln't it be "favorites"? If ones is plural shouldn't favorite be as well?
maybe I need more coffee.
Rick would be the last person I would ask for IT help.
The projects today were pretty blah. Still not feeling any of the cards or sets. The man & wife set looks like a beast to assemble! Where are Lexi's posts? She's 2 days behind! I think it's funny that with the exception of the awesome Betsy, most of the DT only want to do projects promoting their own designs.
Other people could be having issues with other sites. they just dont have any where to complain where we see it
actually we do have a place where folks can see issues with other sites. this blog and SCS for starters.
8:09 - Regarding the DT only promoting their own designs, I guess I've never really seen it as that. I think Nichole has a schedule where she assigns the senior DT members a day to promote one or two of the stamp sets. Those DT members who design stamps are expected to post about their stamps on all 5 days AND on any of the group posts. Sometimes they even incorporate the stamp set(s) of the day into the design of their cards as well. They also still have to make cards using everyone else's sets for the big release day, so they still use other stamp sets. Now these are just those who are stamp set designers AND on the DT, like Maile and Heather. Melissa, Lexi, and Lizzie are not on the DT but design stamp sets. Now they tend to only use their stamp sets, so maybe these are the ones you are referring to. Keep in mind, though, that they don't get the other stamp sets being previewed because they are not on the DT. I am surprised that Lexi hasn't shown anything with her set, though, and nothing was mentioned about the set being delayed like with Melissa's. Who knows...
^^^
Well Maile is only using her sets today. And last month or the month before, there was a mention of a similar situation when folks were asking where Dawn's posts were. I don't remember her exact response, but the bottom line was that she didn't design any set that month. Maile, Melissa, and Dawn regularly post mostly their stuff with a little of the new stuff mixed in. I don't necessarily hate it, just pointing out the bottom line.
I think they do exactly what Nichole tells them to do. Nichole has a schedule and expectations for each member of the team. Why would Dawn post everyday when she has no products being released? She still makes a TON of cards with sets that are not designed by her for the final reveal day. Also, Maile has included other people's sets on plenty of her cards. Actually, she used one of Nichole's sets on the second card, so she didn't just use her sets on today's cards. I don't really have much respect left for Nichole, who really is looking at the bottom line, but I do like many of her stamp designers, so I feel a need to defend them a bit from what feels like unsubstantiated, negative allegations.
Last release a few of the DT got their packages late I remember
8:01, I think the subject-verb agreement in the sentiment stamp is correct. It's poor phrasing for sure, but it's correct.
Ones = moments
The (moments) spent with you are my very favorite.
I am international so I don't have to cut the cord with the cardstock. I never could afford the shipping so I didn't get hooked on it.
If I was already ordering cardstock, I might be tempted to throw in a stamp set or 2 every once in a while. I really don't even remember the last time that I ordered though. For the first time I forgot about sneaks and just come here every once in a while.
From Nichole
"I just checked in with Lexi and she is a bit swamped right now with family commitments and hasn't had the opportunity to post as expected. She is hoping to have some things up later in the week! Something to look forward to! :)"
I wonder how that conversation went down? LOL!
wow, you guys are all over the PTI DT drama. who cares???
8:59
Not sure where the defensiveness is coming from there. No one was attacking them. Just pointing out that those designer tend to hock their own wares. It is a reminder that this is about $, period.
The card world is so weird. Why do people feel like they're friends with the PTI DT? I've never met any of the DT and the only times I've "seen" them on my blog was when I've used their product. Doesn't bother me but then again I'm not under the illusion that we're buds. (This is not necessarily directed towards 8:59 btw)
wow, you're all over the smack blog goings-on. Why do you care if we care?
(12:49 addressed to 12:17)
http://forum.papertreyink.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=95&t=38739&start=100
Ribbon share girl (designsbykathie) strikes again!
@11:11 "Personally I would like to see Nichole design most of the sets herself."
YES. I hate to say it but some of the "designers" are absolutely terrible at designing. Ugh! It makes me want to puke when I see them have a somewhat cute idea for a stamp set (a la the gingerbread set a month or two ago) and it looks like crap because they ARE NOT TRAINED designers! Give the idea over to someone who has the actual skills to make it look good. I would really like to see the total number of sets sold by some of the other designers compared to the ones that Nichole herself does!
@14:31 I agree. I usually like what Nichole designs and I love Heather's sets too.
I'm indifferent on Dawn's sets, some are great, some ehhh not so much. The same with Maile.
Sometimes they pick horrible fonts for the sets though...and people on the PTI forum rave about how awesome they are...and I'm thinking to myself "Are you crazy? It's terrible!"
Whoever does the Heart-to-Heart sets - better luck next time. I can't stand the way those look!
Sorry to be blunt...but this is the place to do it, right?!
I think maybe some of her stamps are just stock images. They are beautiful stamps and I am sure she pays for them. But she doesn't drawm them.
She may not draw them but she knows what works in terms of style/fonts etc. I like the sets that she designed with Michelle W but I suspect that if the same concept was given to another designer, I wouldn't like it as much. An example would be the foodie set. IMO the idea was good but I didn't like the set. It just didn't work.
I'm 12:17 and I find it odd that people seem to follow and care so very much about the details of 10 or so barely talented women who get free stamps for being on a DT. I can assure you that folks with gobs of talent are not earning $7 a day posting lame comments on a forum or making greeting cards that most folks would never buy. They get real jobs or earn real money working at home on their own businesses.
Not saying that these women have no talent. Most of their work is lovely and a million times nicer than my work. But put in perspective, these are not artists - just crafty moms.
And while I enjoy a good smack now and then, I'm amazed that folks keep track of who posts when, whose fonts are good, etc. The attention paid to these women is just plain strange. They get treated like rock stars around here.
I disagree. IMO people have nothing else to talk about so they are discussing anything that even has a hint of interest.
They must do it to be stamp celebrities because I bet even with the free stamps they are making about $2 per hour for all the work they put in. You know darn well that the 3 brilliant business women don't have them on salary and benefits, even though the dt is who is doing their selling.
What a waste of paper, ink and postage with that ugly flow chart all over the back of the Saleabration flyer. It is ugly and even the product layout is hard to look at.
Anyone notice that Maile is not using PTI ink on her cards?
agree that the DT, as most, are horribly underpaid. it takes an incredible amount of time and product to produce a card. would love to see DTs everywhere demand to be paid a salary or hourly wage. however, most stay at home moms are so grateful for the opportunity to underwrite their hobbies, that they sell themselves short.
disagree that these folks are just crafters and have mediocre art skills. some DT members, including PTI's, are not all that talented. However, a few are amazing and there is no doubt that they COULD earn a living in the design field if they chose to do so.
agree that we are all way to obsessed with the details of their lives. i am also a stay at home mom with 2 kids in elementary school. honestly, i do have too much time on my hands!!
I buy from PTI all the time and so does my circle stamping friends. Not one of us has ever had a problem with our orders and if we do PTI will resolve it. so if you love the products buy buy ladies. they are fabulous and you are missing out on some crafty heaven.
Shipping is super fast. Orders ship within one to two days. And if that is because business is down then take advantage of the fast shipping. Life is short enough so do what you like.
I have two friends having chemo and another friend found out her two year old has eye cancer and will have his eye removed next week. The obsession here is crazy in comparison
And I am not Rick
But we do know who you are.
I have two friends having chemo and another friend found out her two year old has eye cancer and will have his eye removed next week. The obsession here is crazy in comparison
_________
I said a prayer for your friends and especially for the two year old. I'm so sorry.
I don't think anyone here was comparing problems with PTI to cancer or anything life-altering or threatening, however.
People pay for product and expect good service. It's not too much to ask.
I started the discussion of the PTI obsession. It isn't the opinions of PTI here that I find odd; it is the detail that some of you keep track of -- it is almost like a few of you are obsessed and not just enjoying sharing about a company's CS issues. There's a fine line between outraged consumer and just a little too involved....
DH told me last night that he "cannot handle" the amount of $ I drop on stamping every month. He works, I work, we have savings. But he says that $100 a month on paper is too much. His hobby is bike riding. He bought a bike 7 years ago and hasn't spent a whole lot since. I spend about 3 - 4 hundred a month but I do the bills so he has no idea.
advice? is my marriage screwed up or what?
suspect your DH knows more than you think. yup your marriage is screwed up. i'd say come clean but maybe it is best to just say "i hear you" negotiate a real budget and then stick to it.
predictions. but first I am a bit obsessed with pti but its harmless so back off with the commentary.
Maile is out of PTI soon. perhaps she's jumping over to designing for wplus9. a perfect fit. Nichole's intro to Maile's set (which I love btw) was lukewarm. commpare it to the way she exclaims abuot melissa bickfords set and you will see what i mean.
my husband left me last month. his girlfriend appears to have no hobbies other than keeping him happy. smirk. she's also 30 pounds thinner and 15 years younger. me thinks my stamping had little to do with it. no advice just hope it works out.
What's more important your marriage or stamps/paper? Your marriage may not be screwed up at this point. But yes, if you are hiding what you are spending and being deceptive you're screwing it up.
Nothing from Melissa. Even the dt are so uninspired they cannot come up with anything.
What a total dud release. The quilling and the ribbons are just ugly.
so open/nestie style dies now huh? wonder how many will go that route?
05:03 It's bugging your husband enough for him to actually discuss it with you, so it's time for you to listen! I doubt your marriage is screwed, unless you decide to ignore him, at which point resentment will fester. Take a good look at your priorities.
Re: open/Nestie style dies...Spellbinders lost their patent suit so I suspect we'll be seeing more of this. That had been the only reason for making them solid (risk of patent infringement).
16:29, I was thinking the same thing about the degree of familiarity and the detail that some people pay attention to on the DT's blogs. I click and look at all of the designs (when I remember it's that time) and don't pay a bit of attention to whose set is whose, etc. I couldn't even tell you who designs sets and who is on which level of DT. I think it's weird that people get so attached to total strangers.
As for the lady with the cyclist husband. The way you describe your situation - you both work and have savings - I'd be honest with your husband about the spending but justify it too. If you make your contribution to the household, then decide what you both feel is right for savings and for discretionary income after the bills are paid. If he wants to save his share of discretionary income, then that's fine.
My husband is a cyclist too and has spent big $$$ on that hobby. It sounds to me like your husband is just not like that - but you look at your hobby differently and that's okay. And your pursuit requires replenishing your supply and his doesn't necessarily. And he may never be the kind of person who thinks he should have multiple bikes or accessories. Just because you approach your pastime differently, doesn't mean that your way isn't okay.
I ordered at 9pm Friday and my package was delivered today
The DT gals who have designed sets have all of them listed out individually on their blog sidebars, so it's not hard to see who does what. I don't think any of the people who have commented above are actually taking notes and writing down who does what.
I doubt Maile's going to WPlus9. She left them to come to PTI.
www.teamviewer.com - The PTI site works for everyone except for 3 or 4 ladies that have trouble with speed. Not a site issue I am afraid. HTH :)
For those who think that anyone who "keeps track" of the design team and is therefore obsessed - perhaps some people just remember more of what they've read than you do. After reading PTI blogs for over five years, I know that I've absorbed quite a bit of information about the design team, the company, Nichole's family, and so forth. That's not obsession, just decent memory.
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good lord you guys are dupes. there's no one whose husband left her or whose husband is upset over her spending. those are the same poster who claimed to have been bullied. she is just causing trouble here. and hi carol, I mean Rick....
this blog officially sucks
Hahaha 16:05 I was thinking the same thing...
I completely agree with 15:34. I have been a PTI customer since 2007. I read Nichole's blog the most and skim through the rest. I only browse their sites during release time. I often wonder what has happened to some former DT members now and then. I miss Debbie Olson's PTI creations before the release but Betsy has replaced her in my mind. She does amazing work!
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love love love lizzie's set. i may break my 9 month boycott and buy that along with maile's quilling set. they are my style. damn you pti! gina, could you please get some new designers??
I too think that this blog has run its course. There are no more CS issues (that we know of), shipping is faster (less orders??); basically, no problems at PTI any more. The pages and pages of customers waiting with baited breath for release sneak peaks/samples are a thing of the past. Anyone who had a problem in the past seems to have moved on. The forum now seems a place for the DT, a few regulars and their inane postings.
Their designs have become fairly bland and very 'theme' oriented. Nothing has jumped out at me for such a long time - they now seem to be a 'run of the mill' stamp store with nothing special to offer. They have been taken over by more innovative stamp companies, offering better shipping for starters.
Shame really because I was a customer for such a long time and hoped they would get their act together but it seems that a lot of damage has been done and I don't want to spend any money on a business with the attitudes that PTI have displayed.
I am happy to have found other companies, and as an international, have spent HEAPS less on postage.
.
understand why you say that but disagree on a few points. CS probably improved but hard to know for sure. the fact that there are no angry threads on SCS is probably the best sign. Think that PTI consistently has better designs. every month they produce at least 3 stamps that I love and covet. still think the whole operation is run by one dysfunctional cast of characters but I adore their products and continue to buy them.
that embroidery set is very ugly......not one of the DT could make it look nice.
Maile's ribbon set is even worse!
I will buy Mat stack 6 dies one day.
^^ and I love the ribbon and embroidery sets and hate all mat stack dies. go figure
Nichole, "let's get onto the projects" is not the same as "let's get on to the projects."
Not feeling the embroidery set or projects either. Alone on white cardstock, the embroidery seems thin looking. It looks better on colored cardstock (like shading), but it's still not 100% successful. The idea is a good one, but the actual stamps are duds.
I usually love Maile's stuff but I have no interest in either the quilling or the ribbon bows.
i'm not feeling the bow set either...maybe a good concept, but it doesn't come off well. it seems like she could have spent more time actually drawing & designing the ribbons instead of a single stroke, bland, knotted up stroke of a ribbon that it ended up as. it could have been beautiful, but wasn't executed 100%.
I sure thought the embroidery set would be appealing but it fell flat. Bows are not attractive either. I don't even see any new pattern sheet colors.
what else is left for month? That heart stamp set (the peek showed a large multi-stamp heart design)? Anything else?
This quote....
Anonymous said...
Nichole, "let's get onto the projects" is not the same as "let's get on to the projects."
...made me spit coffee through my teeth... so funny.
I haven't ordered for a year now, though I almost always see something I'd like to have. This month? Nothing. And is it just me or does Mat Stack 6 look an awful lot like a Spellbinders label set?
8:51-I almost always see something I'd like to have. This month? Nothing. And is it just me or does Mat Stack 6 look an awful lot like a Spellbinders label set?
I have the Spellbinders dies that look almost identical to this. The only difference is that the PTI ones have an extra scallop. The only incentive to potentially buy them from PTI would be the matching stamps that will inevitably be released.
Also, as I look at Maile's and Jess Witty's cards, I can't help but wonder... how long do they ACTUALLY take to make a card? I'm sorry, but the CAS designs from some of them can't take more than 10 minutes. You can tell that BV has some serious time invested in ALL of her contributions. Stamping the same word repeatedly and adding a duck does not a DT member make.
I'm really not feeling much this month. I think the embroidery set is weird-looking; the shape of the flowers is really ugly. The ribbon set... meh. Maybe. The quilling set: definitely not. Can't stand any of Heather Nichols' stuff or the Heart2Heart crap. Last December was an awesome release... too bad they set such a high precedent for themselves.
Is it just me, or does the embroidery set look a lot like the Natural Beauties set from SAF?
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I appreciate the CAS cards. They're harder than you think. You can't hide anything behind a bow or button. For me, I have a hard time with the "pile it on" designers. Whether it's shabby chic types or the Studio Calico types, I don't get trying to jam every new embellishment you have onto one card.
Jess's cards are a bit more CAS than usual, but I can see how it's hard to use the embroidery stamps. The irregular edge of those stamps is turning me off. Real embroidery doesn't have the jaggedy edges.
Yeah, I think it's the reason I didn't like the SAF set, 10:53. The stitches don't look right. If you were doing a long stitch and were picking up another color to finish off the long stitch, the effect wouldn't be what these stamps show. The second color would pick up exactly where the first stitch left off. These stamps don't. And that bothers me.
I really liked Melissa P's and Betsy's cards today. Love Nichole's first card. Gorgeous color combination. I am still not sure if I am buying the embroidery set.
Not loving the bows set. Quilling set is already on my list.
There's limitless layers hearts set still to be revealed and maybe a matching stamp set?
I think what's off with the embroidery stamped DT cards is that the lines weren't aligned. There shouldn't be that much white space in between.
Agree with 4:07. I only check in here to see if anything has changed. I also think most people have moved on - maybe still buy now and then but not the rabid fans they once were. Sure there are diehards out there and there will be new customers but I think it will always be business-as-usual at PTI. I think my wait for groundbreaking news of improvements is in vain anymore. It seems every release they still have problems but no one really seems to care anymore. Roll the dice, play the odds and order. . . . or move on. good thing there are so many choices.
6:06 LOL!!!! Now I'll probably have to keep coming here for the zingers. "onto the projects" bwaahahaha Totally missed that.
After "onto the projects" I had to actually read NH's post just for kicks.... the bad thing is that most of her mistakes are not as funny. Today's first paragraph: "they make you wonder who's hands created them"
Her grammar is so pathetic.
I don't care for the embroidery stuff and agree that it's not very well done. But if you stop telling yourself it's supposed to look like embroidery, it's not awful for just a design.
The uglies today have to go to Erin for her nauseating purple mess and Melissa for her various messes. I don't blame them - they had to work with that set.
the winners would have to be Jessica for minimizing the effect of the embroidery stamps and her knockout designs with the animals; and Heather knocked it out of the park. She rose above the inadequacies of the embroidery stamps and totally rocked it with white, brown and kraft. Brilliant - she really made lemonade out of lemons here.
I have to agree. Erin's purple card is a hot mess. Yikes. I do like Jess's Duck Dynasty-inspired cards; but I usually like her stuff. I like this set because it makes me laugh my ass off.
I am not hand slapping. I am not defending some ot these cards. But would you guys be able to handle this kind of crtitcism of your work? I know I know dont post or ask if you cant handle it blah blah blah. But still. Ouch. It is a bit hurtful dont you think?
The sentiment "so much thanks" is awful.
It should be "So Many Thanks."
Brilliant business women, indeed!
I think it's meant to be stamped "thanks so much".
16:02 I know I would be crushed if people talked about my cards like they were trash. I think people are emboldened to post like they do because they are anonymous. It's very tempting to post trash but I am too scared of karma biting me in the ass! I may be anonymous but I still know in my heart and mind what I posted and if it will hurt someone. Not handslapping anyone just replying to 16:02.
Am I the only one who doesn't "get" the ribbon set? To me, it doesn't look anything like ribbons! A bunch of curvy lines, maybe, but not ribbon. I don't care for it at all, and definitely not going to spend $24 on it!
I don't get it either. It seems like a real stretch to make those into a set. I feel the same way about the quilling and the embroidery sets. Just trying way too hard to be innovative and missing the target over and over again this last year or so.
19:47, exactly. The gingerbread man set is another example (I think someone mentioned that set already). I *wanted* to love it. I really did. But I just couldn't. The gingerbread man/woman looked ridiculous and the house is just silly. The Framed-Out series is tired and boring, and Sentiment Signs tried to achieve the Subway Art look, but ended up missing the mark entirely. Purls of Wisdom: Dumb. It's too bad, because a lot of these sets have potential, but proper execution is seriously lacking.
Am I the only one who likes the quilling set? It looks modern, whimsy and fun to me.
I love the ribbon set! Love the fact that it is not like an actual ribbon. Saw something very similar in an ad yesterday. Gorgeous. Love the quilling set.
And yes it hurts the DT to read these comments. They are regular women. Yes,they "put themselves out there" but until this blog came along, you just didn't make those kinds of comments on line. Think, share it privately with your friends, if you have any. Of course it is only anonymous because no one would have the balls to do it by name. You should be ashamed of yourselves.
proud to be a handslapper and no i'm nt a uni i don't buy from PTI anymore because of the way they've treated customers. and yes i'm anonymous. i'll attack anonymous people anonymously. but i don't name names. if your kids acted this way you would be appalled and you know it.
i lied. my husband didn't leave me.
merry christmas smackers!
the cold hard truth is that nichole looks at what customers make with her beautifully designed stamps and coughs up a lung laughing. the crap we all make is embarrassing, you just don't see it. truly amateurish. bad designs. 99% of customers suck at this and don't know it.
0241 tempting fate are ya?
2:46 - It's pretty obvious that Nichole views her customers with contempt. That's a rather large part of the problems.
So what other stuff have you posted here thats a lie.
after reading the comments about hurting dts feelings, my first reaction was that if i were on a DT I wouldn't be reading a smack blog about the company and if I did read a criticism there I wouldn't take it personally. I wish sometimes i had someone to show stuff to who would tell me honestly if it stunk - especially if I was going to make it public. I don't really care what strangers think.
I wonder sometimes if they don't have a ton of time to do these - it may help if they could set them aside for a bit. you know how you get too close to something and can use a second look.
I won't criticize like that anymore here but we all know we all have hits and misses.
That didn't make sense. I'd like it if someone told me ahead of time that something was awful - because I wouldn't want to upload something awful. Valid criticism that would point out something wrong that I didn't notice would be welcome. But if I uploaded something I felt was good, if a stranger didn't like it, it wouldn't really bother me.
I know what I mean in my own head. lol
oh good lord, a ton of lies. I posted the Hero Arts is buying PTI; SU is going clear; Jessica is leaving. the list is endless. I often post in response to my own posts.
I would hope as a DT member for any company you would not post something you felt as "awful". Especially during release and sneak peak times.
Art strikes people different. being critical of how some expresses their craft is in bad taste
So I cannot call a pair of shoes ugly because it might hurt the designer?
Love all of MFT release this month. I only wish I could buy it all.
6:24 - just curious. why do you bother? I'd seek other forms of entertainment if I were you. that's just pure mean spirit. Creepy.
Art critique is a huge tool for artists. Express away - but so will those who view it. Some artists create purely to get the reaction - positive or negative. It's all good.
If someone said Erin's card stunk because they can't stand her. . . well, that's not the same. Honest commentary is as valid as honest artistic expression. I do agree that being tactful would be kinder and thoughtful.
To the smack liar. Do you really want to known as such? You sound like a sad, lonely and pathetic person. I really feel sorry for you.
Stampin Up! is buying PTI to get into the clear stamp business. Not a lie.
I am neither sad, lonely, nor pathetic. Although pathetic is possible, isn't it? I do it for a very specific reason and my reason should be obvious. Oh, and I am also the grammar police.
congrats to you. You do a lot of good work on this blog. We're all very proud. tic.
10:20, I wonder how many pathetic people would admit they're pathetic ... hmmm.
I haven't hung around here for a while but had been hoping this blog would do some good. I had hoped PTI would turn it around.
I love stamping. I'm so over the brand loyalty thing though.
If I ever order from PTI again I'll take my chances. But recommend them to someone else? Not in a million years.
PTI lost the customers who considered themselves friends. They simply want a hard cold cash business relationship. No strings (even friendly CS) attached.
Take it or leave it.
I buy stamps from whatever company because I like the designs. I don't honestly care if they are sold by meeeaaaann people who have shitty attitudes. I don't buy their products to win their friendship or whatever. They sell to make money and not to be my friend. If they were sold by murderers and such, that's another matter.
5:55 I think it's human nature to be curious. Most people don't want to hear bad things about them but go ahead and check it out anyway.
Apparently Lawn Fawn sends fake shipping notices. Blergh
16:17 thank you. today you are the voice of reason.
I went to look at the quilling set as well as the embroidery one expecting to hate them because of your comments. Love them both. To each his/her own.
1617. I agree I always thought that some of the complaints boiled down to third grade girly friend issues. Not true CS issues.
And now I even wonder about the credibility to some of the stories.
The free set makes a desperate statement on the part of the company.
@16:17 I agree, I buy based on the design of the stamp, regardless of what company manufactured it.
I have never had problems with PTI (fingers crossed) but have only been with them since 2010 so maybe the bulk of the problems were prior to that?
With that being said, some of their stamp sets are beautiful, and some are downright not something I would buy soley because they are poorly executed on the design side.
I have also met Nichole & Julie, Dawn, Mish, Heather, Betsy and Lisa at the Stamping Convention they had a couple years ago in Cinci. They are all lovely ladies. Makes me wonder if maybe some of the CS issues were because of rude customers?!?! Yes, the customer is suppose to always be right, but sometimes when the customer is rude, what can you expect? Again, not saying it's correct, but human.
Wow lots of conjecture flying around
Guess what I was also at SAF and CHA and met some of the designers and Nichole
Just because hey were nice in person does not negate that there are real CS issues and that Nichole can be rude to people on the forums.
I truly think they do have contempt for their customers, ad a general bad decision making habit.
That's not the fault of the customers.
The company makes a mistake and wants it corrected with a self addresses stamped envelope?? And I still haven't received my replacent stamps!
The free set is a way to generate more sales. Same as a Black-Friday sale, a car rebate, or any other promotion that is geared towards bringing in more holiday revenue. How that could be considered desperate is beyond my understanding.
Nichole can certainly be rude on the forum... I asked a question once about a an issue I had with a die, some other people responded with some negative comments, and I was issued a (snotty) board warning by Nichole for posting CS issues on the forum, in violation of their idiotic TOS. All I wanted to know was if people had had the same problem I had, and whether there was some trick to using it, or if I just had a faulty die. Instead of trying to be helpful, Nichole got all snotty with me. That was the first time that I've ever had an issue with CS, but that was also the first time I've ever had a problem. Shame.
The freebie set is definitely "funky."
Has anyone ordered from Mama Elephant? How was your experience? Thinking of placing an order.
To this, "I love stamping. I'm so over the brand loyalty thing though.
If I ever order from PTI again I'll take my chances. But recommend them to someone else? Not in a million years."
Complete agreement although I doubt I'll ever order again because I don't think they should be rewarded for their bad attitude and poor customer service.
To answer the person who has only been ordering from PTI since 2010, the problems with customer service go back to as far as one year from when they opened and continue. The most vocal opponents to their practices have moved on, and issues are relegated to zendesk. You can go to zendesk and see that nothing has changed.
Speaking of zendesk, anyone else click on the link for the stock update??
"Stamps - The following stamp set is out of stock.
Mixed Messages - We are currently working on this set so that it can be manufactured. It is very small and detailed and we want to ensure the highest quality.
Inks
Spring Moss, Sweet Blush, Raspberry Fizz, Melon Berry, Berry Sorbet, Smokey Shadow and Pure Poppy - We are not sure when these inks will be available. These colors are being reviewed by the manufacturer as there have been a few inconsistencies between batches. We will update you as more information becomes available.
Inks that are out of stock may not be back in stock for 4-6 months due to the issues with the manufacturer. We are so very sorry for the inconvenience. "
So either they've changed manufacturers or every previous set of Mixed Messages that has been sold is admittedly subpar. And they are attempting to fix their latest ink debacle but if you are into matchy-matchy which they promote, you can be as matchy-matchy as you want ..... but not with all of the colors.
There are no fewer problems - a lot of people just don't care anymore.
And to the Liar, the rumor monger: No one pays any attention to your ridiculous predictions and gossip. Get over yourself already.
I have to confess. I have not ordered in a long time in protest of their business practices. But they will lose money on me this time around. I have been critical of their designs, too, but today I looked at the products and tried to remember how I used to feel about this company. I found that I do honestly like a few of this month's sets. But I still won't buy from them. Maybe it's time to stop looking. For awhile, it was kind of comforting to check out the releases - not liking anything made me feel better that I won't order from them.
I'm really annoyed now that they have spoiled it for me.
Last year you got a FREE set for ordering in December.
Now you have to spend $100 to get a promotional set? WTF.
9:25 feeling entitled??
7:57, I have made two purchases from Mama Elephant, and while I think their name is silly, I am really impressed with the stamps I received. Clear, crisp images & fantastic shipping times. I am a big fan!
I've only ordered once from Mama Elephant but shipping was fast and the stamps are great! I'll order again.
Ellen Hutson coupon code thru Sunday is heroarts13. Get 13% off almost everything in her story (no Copics, sorry). I placed a large Hero Arts and other items order this morning.
I am not feeling anything this release. I like the embroidered flowers and the heart dies. But not enough to order today. Maybe down the road.
My list was already over $100 so the free set is a bonus for me. Looking forward to ordering today.
8:27 I am sorry you feel PTI has spoiled things for you. I hope you find enjoyment in stamping /shopping online again someday. Their designs are truly one of the best out there and there's always a stamp set or two that grab me every time so I order. I don't use them all though, most stamp sets are in my stash just in case I need them ;)
08:15 - those Zendesk 'updates' have said the same thing for the past 3 or 4 months.
Obviously not a lot of motivation to get onto those things.
But I guess out of sight out of mind.
Nichole's hyperbole drives me nuts. Really, Nichole, the blooms and leaves I stamp with the Embroidered Blooms set will LITERALLY come to life and jump from the page? What kind of magic is this? Oh I get it, I'm supposed to be on magic 'shrooms while I stamp.
She doesn't know what literally means.
Gah! The way people use the word "literally" these days drives me insane! (almost, but not really literally) :)
I am bugged by NH's use of "endless". Every set she introduces has "endless possibilities."
^^^^Easy solution - dont read her stuff
09:11 fucking bravo!! LOVE IT
Agree about N's use of "endless" and other hyperbole. so tiresome.
Anyone order? Not interested in a dang thing this month. Not even the bonus set was tempting. I miss the excitement of the good ole days, but I am happy there are so many other choices these days.
I could see myself ordering the heart dies in the future, but don't need them right now and nothing else caught my interest so no order from me.
Re: NH choice of words. I've stopped reading the text of all of the DT a long time ago. I just look at the pictures and scan the product info.
I ordered enough to get the free stamp set. I had to have the LL hearts. I just look at the pictures too and skip all the words unless I need to know certain details.
So I was looking at everyone's final release day posts. I feel like all the designers must have all somewhat copied Nichole's approach with the chemistry set...
When Nichole previewed it, she used aqua, summer sunrise, & orange zest inside the beakers, and overlapped one of each shape on top of a white background, and kept it fairly clean & simple.
Maile used almost the same color combo (aqua, limeade & summer sunrise), and also overlapped images on a white background, c&s.
Jess overlapped two of the images in aqua and yellow on a white background... also c&s.
Christina used aqua and limeade overlapped (and die cut)on a white base with accents of summer sunrise... also c&s.
Even Danielle even used the same colors, aqua, limeade & summer sunrise in all the beakers.
I kind of felt like I was seeing the same cards again & again, since they all seemed to have the same colors inside those flasks...
This blog has jumped the shark
LITERALLY!
0829. You dont have any kind of life besides this right?
@ 9:25 I believe the "free" set last year was given to everyone who made a purchase over $100 within the same time frame. This year, instead of surprising us with it, they are letting us know that we have the opportunity to get a free set by spending that amount of money.
Plus, the set last year was a $5 set... this one is quite a bit larger.
Last year I think there were people upset because it was done as a surpise with no announcement and some people missed out/it wasn't included in their order. They must have made more and extended the offer.
Looks like they've learned from last year.
If there was a purchase minimum last year, I'm sure it wasn't $100. I got the set (that's the last order I've placed) and I only spent enough to get free shipping.
I should add that I really do like that "thank you" stamp. I use it a lot. Funky Flowers...no interest whatsoever.
"Funky Flowers" isn't my favorite, either. I have a feeling the Notched Flower Dies aren't selling well and they created a set to help sell them. Well, I'm not sold on the whole concept.
I really like Nichole's 1st and 3rd funky floral cards. I bought the dies.
16:17 "I should add that I really do like that "thank you" stamp. I use it a lot. Funky Flowers...no interest whatsoever."
AGREED. I seriously think it's one of the ugliest sets they have... I thought that Thank You freebie last year was quite versatile and would appeal to most everybody... this one is too distressed and the flowers are a strange shape. Ugh.
That Funky Flowers set is hideous, IMO.
I LOVE the free Thank You set, however, and have used it many times.
LL hearts is already out of stock. Darn! I keep waiting for one last thing (Simple Stripes IP) to come in so I can order, but, with PTI's pathetic restocking times, I'll never be able to time it right.
Also, I doubt those LL heart dies will be back in time to make valentines.
sorry but IMHO that funky flowers set is not "worth" a value of $15!!! it's one small sentiment, three small flower bases and the funk that goes inside them. i would never pay $15 for that...it's a $5 set that they probably packaged as a $15 set so people wouldn't realize that they basically just paid $100 for it LMFAO!
^^ your logic and math are interesting.
Just wanted to be 200, suckas!
they see me rollin....
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