Thursday, 5 July 2012

Yeah.. yeahh..

I don't schedule posts because the traffic can be erratic, sometimes we get a lot of comments on a day and not so much on others. Was also hoping that maximizing each post's comment limits means more people get to see what was written.

Anyway if you don't want to scroll you can leave *troll* ;) Have a great day, take it easy and try not to hair flip too hard and snap your necks!

PS. Thanks to those who shared their Cameo blade settings!

150 comments:

Anonymous said...

First! Hooray!

Anonymous said...

2nd

Anonymous said...

Anyone ever ordered from Clear and Simple Stamps? Any issues? Good stories? Etc.? I am really wanting some of their USA map dies and stamps, but never ordered and my wish list is getting pricey - don't want to get burned.

Lion Their Heads Off said...

I ordered from Clear & Simple. Got a couple stamp sets and paper. It came quickly, was packaged nicely and I'm happy with what I purchased. I'm not a paper expert so can't tell you how the paper compares to pti but it's nice paper in lovely colors.

Anonymous said...

I've ordered from Clear & Simple, too. It's been a few months so I don't remember all the shipping details. Everything was well packed and shipping was a reasonable time.

Anonymous said...

I like the roses and the camera looks like it will be neat.

Anonymous said...

I'm safe, not interested in any of the sneak peeks so far.

Wonder if the mo-fo's will restock the happy hexagon stamp set?

Anonymous said...

RE: today's sneak peaks, you can't even tell it's a camera but for the word "snapshot" and the sentiments next to it. Box with circles in the middle, anyone?

There are a ton of camera stamps out there, some vintage, that look a whole lot better than PTIs.

Anonymous said...

I wonder if there will also be an interactive typewriter stamp this month?

Anonymous said...

OK, so what's so "amazing" about the font combinations on the 'framed out' peek for today? I am so tired of this overblown language.

Anonymous said...

07:22 - hee hee...'mo-fo'

Anonymous said...

07:22 - hee hee...'mo-fo'

Anonymous said...

Yeah. Not getting the "amazing" font combo. ??? It looks like a boring, basic font. The one in the middle looks all off alignment and not in a creative way.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone have a list of the ongoing monthly releases for other stamp companies?

I have such a difficult time keeping up with many of them.

Anonymous said...

She can't be serious with that framed out description!

Anonymous said...

Is it just me or does the camera look like a train on the tracks? I don't see a camera.

Anonymous said...

Now that you mention it, I can see the train on the tracks, but it does look like a vintage camera to me.

Anonymous said...

Like these cameras: http://cdn.crackberry.com/files/u10880/vintage-camera.jpg

Anonymous said...

A quick 'what's this' around here revealed a) a hip flask, b) a train on the tracks.

Telling them it was a camera was met with a bit of disbelief :)

It sounds like this could be the new "old woman/young woman" brain teaser!

http://www.braingle.com/brainteasers/26745/old-or-young-woman.html

Anonymous said...

The camera looks a little vintage for my taste, but I'll reserve judgement until I see the rest of the set and what the DT does with it. I'm hoping there will be lots of punny sentiments.

Anonymous said...

11:01, the PTI stamp looks NOTHING like those twin-lens cameras.

Wonder how many "Vintage Cyclops Camera" sets PTI will sell this month. LOL.

Anonymous said...

Nice try, Nichole. The lens is too freakin' small. I totally agree it looks like a train. If you need to attach some punny sentiment (or regular sentiment) to let the recipient or viewer know its a camera, then it's a big fail.

Now, here is what a (single) lens vintage camera really looks like.

http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-37511308/stock-photo-vintage-camera-on-wooden-background.html

Anonymous said...

I like it but I won't be buying.

Anonymous said...

that camera is awful! seriously the ugliest thing i've seen from nh. the roses from yesterday might not be original, but i think they could be pretty - i want to see what betsy does with them :)

Anonymous said...

Inventory management at PTI sucks! I just updated my cart for my order on the 21st and some of the items are down to a qty of 12 left! Their moronic ways astound me!

Anonymous said...

To me, the vintage camera has parts of it that look like a copy-cat from the hipstamatic D-series app art... the main shape with rounded edge, and little feet on the opposite side looks exactly like these in the picture, but upside down.

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/12/new-hipstamatic-app-kicks-photography-back-to-the-old-school/

Anonymous said...

"Inventory management at PTI sucks! I just updated my cart for my order on the 21st and some of the items are down to a qty of 12 left! Their moronic ways astound me!"

keep buying honey

Anonymous said...

My first thought this morning was that it was a train set. I did not see a camera at all. My boss collects vintage cameras and probably has 30 or so in his office. So I do have some idea what an old camera should look like.

Anonymous said...

I am so pissed! I placed an order with PTI last Friday before lunch...it is still sitting in the warehouse!!! Seriously! Over a week during slow part of month! I know Wednesday was a holiday, I was off work, and think everyone deserves the day off, but WTF about the rest of the week!!!??? They all just shut down for a week or what?

Anonymous said...

I don't think that camera is very attractive at all. Now vintage typewriters or even telephones I can see, or even a Polaroid like the one from Gallery Idol (they could be considered vintage about now). But that image is just, well, not attractive.

Anonymous said...

@13:50

I ordered on July 3rd and i had a label printed on the 3rd, arrived at UPS on the 5th and was delivered today.... Fastest shipping I have had in a long time, usually I'm in your boat

Anonymous said...

13:50 - I'm in the same boat as you.

Also peeved.

Give me a smack people, it would probably be far more liberating than self flaggelation ...

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I fully expect my SAF order to take 2 weeks to get to me. PTI sucks but at least they are only getting $100 in the last 9 months than $100 per month I used to spend.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I expect my SAF order to take that long to get to me...but I placed an order over $100 on June 29th, because I didn't want to wait for SAF! If I would've known it would take this long, I would've waited and gotten my free set!

Anonymous said...

I placed an order with SU on June 30th. Being delivered on Monday. Guess where my next $100 is going...

Anonymous said...

Update:

Ordered from Simon Says on June 21. On July 2, I inquired as it had not arrived. Tracking shows they did not send it until July 3. I received it today missing a major item, which they said was in stock when I ordered but are now saying it is backordered and will be sent whenever it comes. I guess it isn't just PTI that gives customers a run around.

Anonymous said...

I spotted this camera set some time ago, signed up to be notified when back in stock and got it last week. Too adorable. Not vintage in any way but this adorable set has filled the spot in my heart that was waiting for camera stamps. Check it out:
https://www.thereshegoesclearstamps.com/store/oh-snap.html
Love these!

Anonymous said...

@ 15:24 I keep telling y'all NOT to do business with Simon Says! They are marginally better than PTI and that's not saying much!

Anonymous said...

I've heard the same things about Simon Says and that's why I've never ordered from them. I can generally find what I need from more reputable places.

Anonymous said...

Just placed a non stamping order with a company that is new to me. Here is part of the confirmation email:

"We work very hard to provide exceptional customer service. Please let us know if we can improve your online experience. We would not, under any circumstance, get upset if you refer us to everyone you know."

If they deliver, they'll have me for life, and my recommendation.

I think part of what peeves me about PTI is that stupid little note that I get in every order telling me that they want to exceed my expectations in quality and service. It just reminds me every. single. time. that they don't.

The quality is comparable. The service ... Ummmmmmm ....

It seems to suggest that I must have very low expectations - or be a fool.

Yoda the Wise said...

I've never had a problem with Simon Says.

Can people link up more camera stamps they find please.

PTI purposely have popular things out of stock because they know people will then feel pressured :
1. to buy on release + 21st (and then still have a wishlist because they couldn't get the things they wanted)
2. buy stuff they don't even want because what they want it out of stock

Anonymous said...

http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/shop/maya-road/109273-vintage-camera-singleton-stamp/

http://www.amazon.com/Miniature-Kodak-Camera-rubber-stamp/dp/B005A3P79G/

http://www.amazon.com/Vintage-photo-camera-rubber-stamp/dp/B003VKRQVM/

http://www.etsy.com/listing/78018225/antique-folding-camera-rubber-stamp-1473

Yoda the Wise said...

thanks :)

Anonymous said...

http://heroarts.com/products/productInfo.cfm?ItemNo=LP205&subCat=D03

Anonymous said...

You can get many of the Hero Arts stamps from Amazon.

Anonymous said...

Personally, I don't think the new rose set looks like the roses from Kitchen Sink Stamps at all... I think what people were more getting at is that they're attempting to mimic the whole multi-step stamp process that Kitchen Sink is famous for. Yes, I know... SU! has stamps like that too, but they're not quite the same as what PTI is doing here that compares more similarly to Kitchen Sink. JMHO

Anonymous said...

Sorry if this was mentioned already.
http://hemidemisemiquaverdesignblog.com/2012/07/06/4-keeps-and-a-becky-oehlers-stamps-free-cut-files/

Anonymous said...

Another camera stamp. Long link, sorry.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/99022901/photo-studio-sl34-clear-art-stamp?ref=sr_gallery_3&sref=sr_c4beb3c89b58e33b57a7cfb09364c3b349f47c8a66610f126d0c45f3b137f2e9_1341624205_14270101_vintage&ga_search_query=vintage+camera+stamp&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all

christie said...

Is it my computer, or is there nothing under the heading "Unique techniques" on Nichole's page?

Anonymous said...

18:26 - I LOVE your link! Thanks for sharing! Sometimes when people do retro/vintage it looks like they're trying too hard, but these people have some of it spot on.

O.K. I know the're not cameras - but

Wizard of Oz anyone?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/99026322/wizard-of-oz-sl40-clear-art-stamps

Alice in Wonderland?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/99025562/tea-with-alice-sl39-clear-art-stamp

For the gal who mentioned an interactive typewriter earlier ;) - you can interact by inking and stamping I suppose, but this is cute:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/99541380/office-101-sm28-clear-art-stamp-vintage

No, I have nothing to do with the company, but enjoyed the visit!

Anonymous said...

So I was browsing around for a some Kraft colored patterned papers and I came across the old My Minds Eye Life Stories Collection, I love it for what I'm working on. There is a few collections on eBay that have the full paper pictures...then I noticed that one of the papers had the "Pretty Peonies" flower on it...it took me a minute to figure out where I had seen that flower before since I don't own that particular set... It reminded me of the time when someone said that they found the Rosie Posie flower on a font somewehere...so I guess they draw some and then they copy some...my impression was from what Nicole always bragged about was that they came up with their own ideas...wth?

Anonymous said...

oh and here is the link in case anyone wants to see...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/My-Minds-Eye-LIFE-STORIES-12-x12-Kraft-Paper-printed-journaling-26-varieties-/350504386250?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item519bb07eca

Anonymous said...

^^^
Wow. Yes. I see it.

Anonymous said...

Here is a cute camera set that of course came out before PTI.

http://www.wilsondesignsstamps.com/apps/webstore/products/show/3037494

Anonymous said...

16:42 I agree with you. If the release is not one of the greatest then they will move old inventory with people buying to get the free set.

Well I dont like the free set or the new release items

Anonymous said...

The PTI camera looks like the one Don Draper used in episode 8 of season 1 of Mad Men.

Anonymous said...

I had never seen Trell's blog before tonight. Totally HOT!

Anonymous said...

Another grammatical issue--the "that" in the camera sentiment is redundant.

Anonymous said...

^^^
Well not if someone was SO sorry that it actually made them forget your birthday.

:)

Anonymous said...

There is nothing wrong with that "that." It's optional whether you want to include it, but it is not incorrect. Using "so" to mean "very" is somewhat informal, but that fits with the informal sound of the entire sentiment ("Oh shoot").

Anonymous said...

Oh for heaven's sake. I have been hoarding that MME paper for at least a couple years now and never even noticed Nichole's peony set was the same flower until now. The more times someone here shows how Nichole is getting her images from clip art or fonts the more I wonder if she has an original bone [for creating her OWN images] in her entire body. She makes neat cards but is she actually capable of drawing a piece of art from scratch? I used to think she was one of the bright stars of creativity in the industry. I am becoming seriously disillusioned with her because of this blog. (Exposing the truth... not cause of the smackishness of it all.) I don't consider being good at taking images someone else drew and turning them into stamp sets the mark of a great artist. Not even a great designer. She is turning into a sham to me.

Anonymous said...

Is heather framed out the same as the first on, just the negative? I thought it was interesting to have some of them copying to be mini fillable frames but to repeat in the same series.... Weird (and by interesting I mean odd, not interesting)

Anonymous said...

Another lackluster preview. Oh, good, more phrases from Dawn. There's a lot of creativity! Something for Project Life - too bad Mish couldn't have been part of this design. At least she does Project Life.

Anonymous said...

http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-illustration-9635390-peonies-seamless-background.php - the stock image for the peonies.

Anonymous said...

3:05 "truth" bahahahaha

Anonymous said...

hey question smackers, do you think pti has to buy a special license for the fonts that they turn into stamps?

Anonymous said...

There are a lot of free fonts available, but, yes, there are some you need to purchase. For those, I'm sure there is some sort of license agreement.

Anonymous said...

Of course they pay for a commercial license, they'd be opening themselves up to a huge lawsuit if they didn't. They have to pay a hefty fee to use those stock designs commercially too.

Anonymous said...

Some fonts you can buy a home/ personal license for a small fee and use them in your own personal projects. If you want to create things to resell with those same fonts, they have a larger fee for commercial uses. Most fonts are sold this way, but I know that a lot of the early PTI sets used freeware fonts, and nichole sometimes shared the font names, but they no longer do this.

Anonymous said...

There was a good discussion about a week ago about design vs. illustration. Some companies develop stamps both ways. For example, Gina K had some silhouette stamps a while back that came from some images available in the public domain. There's still design skill involved in selecting the image, choosing sentiments/fonts, and developing coordinating products.

Anonymous said...

I have been wanting another sentiment set in Dawn's handwriting for a while now.

Anonymous said...

Gina is defended by 6:47 in using images that are available in the public domain but Nicole is considered a sham for using them by 3:05. Double standards by smackers???

I agree with 6:47. There is a skill involved. I know I couldn't do it. Lets be fair smackers. Nicole is talented. You've got to admit it.

Anonymous said...

Yes, but Nichole has made such a big deal about how she gets HER ideas for HER designs. To find out that it is not coming from HER is a bit of a disappointment. Or as she describes things in such an over the top way, maybe I should say, that the excruciating disappointment causes blinding, agonizing pain.

Anonymous said...

Camera card:

http://stampingmathilda.blogspot.com/2012/07/black-white-105.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+stampingmathilda+%28StampingMathilda%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Anonymous said...

8:05 Oh please...blinding ,agonizing pain?? I think you exxagerate. You don't know where Nicole gets her inspiration. I've never perceived her posts as her making a big deal out of her designs. I suppose when you hate someone everything they do is wrong.

Anonymous said...

When someone says "a set I designed" it implies they actually drew the images not downloaded free clip art somewhere.

Anonymous said...

8:05 - I understand why you used hyperbole. Just getting that in there because it has already been misconstrued.

Anonymous said...

@ 8:05...I get what you wrote as well, too bad 8:35 didn't.....

Anonymous said...

@8:05, I agree. I think Nichole has always made it seem as if the designs were hers and that she drew them. That is how I have always interpreted her blog. Of course, nothing is original under the sun -- too many creative minds and too much time have passed for that. But someone can put their own spin on an idea.

I know many designers in other arenas use images from Dover or purchase commercial images and brushes, so I shouldn't be surprised that PTI does the same. It is fine by me because I don't have the talent to put those things together. What does bother me is no acknowledgement is given. Of course, they don't want you to go buy the font or image and create your own, either. So there's kind of a catch-22.

I do wish someone would tell Tiffany Pastor that the Scriptina font is so 10 years ago. That is the reason I will not purchase the PTI nativity set. I hated that font then, I really hate it now. PTI has invested in some of Rob Leuschke's fonts and she needs to avail herself of those.

Anonymous said...

Holy shit 9:26. That is crazy. I knew about the stock and clip arts being used for stamp sets. But to see them like that really hits home.

Let's face it, not many stamp companies actually have ILLUSTRATORS. Gina is one, good for her!

Anonymous said...

09:26 ITA -- holy cow! I really thought Fancy Flourishes was so unique and original! I have that set and I love it! Goes to show there is ALWAYS another story underneath the hype spewed to the public!

Anonymous said...

I searched istockphoto for the PTI Mehndi Medallion and found the main image here: http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-illustration-12391681-rangoi-design.php?st=ec96ad0

I started looking at licensing fees. They have to buy the Extended License in addition to the "15 credits" required to use the image. That's another 125 credits. So for 140 credits - at about $1.50/credit,they own that one image. All the other images in that set will require similar purchases. BUT, they only had to pay for it once to create both of their Mehndi Medallion sets. I'm sure they've more than made back their money as that is one of their more popular sets. I bet they buy in blocks of credits and not "as they go" - cheaper that way and apparently a gold mine for some of their more popular collections.

I wonder if this is where the Design-Seeds woman buys the photos she uses for her blog.

Anonymous said...

I don't think it is necessary to distinguish whether someone draws an image or purchases an image. You don't get that when you buy paper, fabric, etc. I don't expect it with a stamp.

Anonymous said...

But when someone, a certain someone, says, "I had SO much fun designing this little set", don't you find that disingenuous?

Anonymous said...

RE: today's polaroid stamp sneak peek, does Nichole think we are idiots???

She states, ". . . I able to bring her vision to life. . ."


Um, it wasn't that hard Nichole. There are already at least three stamp sets on the market that include a polaroid-like frame. Sheesh.

http://www.lawnfawn.com/products/say-cheese

http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42296/Hero-Arts-Clear-Stamps/Detail

http://www.stopandscrap.com/studio-calico-stamps-by-hero-arts-airmail-clear.aspx

Anonymous said...

The distinction may not matter for the end result, but when the "designer" is leading you to believe it is her work you better believe it matters.

Anonymous said...

11:46 here. I wanted to clarify b/c I know my post will be interpreted incorrectly. Sure, the PTI stamp will bring something different (i.e. the frames will have patterns). What I take issue with is any statement (note: I'm not saying Nichole has said so, but I'm sure someone will) is that this stamp set is somehow groundbreaking.

Anonymous said...

Do you know ... it's just nice being around people who THINK!

Big hugs all 'round.

Anonymous said...

back atcha.

Anonymous said...

11:46 again. Just in case you are wondering about the dimensions on those lawn fawn and hero arts/studio calico polaroid frames . . .

http://www.studiocalico.com/community/studio-chat/topics/31680-sc-vs-lawn-fawn-polaroid-comparison-for-those-who-asked

Anonymous said...

I'm not that upset if PTI gets some of their images from a stock image site. Making it into a stamp and separating it into the different elements for easy, multi-color stamping is worth something, imho. But this makes me wonder if Nichole designs ANY of the stamps herself. I thought she went to art school or something?

Anonymous said...

Yes, I am now wondering if Nichole is nothing but a card maker like the rest of us.

Anonymous said...

Although, she does make good cards.

Anonymous said...

I just typed in the entire name of a stamp set on the website and it came up. That's an improvement no one seems to have noticed.

Anonymous said...

On average, how many cards do you make with a set before you get bored and don't use it much again?

Anonymous said...

Ha. For me that varies so much from one set/stamp to the next that I could never give an average. Sometimes I get into brainstorming mode and can dream up dozens and dozens of ideas for one single image like a classic bee icon. (My fave is still the one from PSX.) Supported by a variety of other images from my collection of course. Other times a set or image seems so... I don't know what to call it, un-classic? too-specific? ...that once I have used it once or twice it seems like I have already done all there is to do with it. For some reason an old stamp from SU of a guy at his bbq grill comes to mind. How many times could I use that stamp without doing basically the same thing with it over and over? You can only change up the background elements you place it upon, know what I mean? For this reason I tend to love and gravitate more toward things like florals and ornamental borders/elements and stuff like that, that I can use as elements in building up my own designs in many different ways. I never get tired of mixing them up into new configurations.

Anonymous said...

Sets like Rosie Posie and Lovely Layers are timeless. I agree with the above poster that really specific images, particularly those you have to color, are quite limiting.

Anonymous said...

14:46, while there are improvements in some areas of the website, there are backwards steps in other areas. Just yesterday, I tried to fill my cart with some of the inks released in May. I went to the "shop by color" and when I clicked on a color, the inks weren't even listed. Pathetic.

Anonymous said...

Is this the bee stamp that you are talking about 15:26? I have that and I like it as well! I must take it out again.

Anonymous said...

duh, forgot the link. Sorry!

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/PSX-A-608-BUZZING-BEE-rubber-stamp-LOW-SHIPPING-/350567956062

Anonymous said...

My cart dumped in IE, Firefox and Chrome today. And that was without my clearing cookies. Pissed me off, especially when it happened in Chrome because it seems to have been touted as the fix-all browser for their cart issues.

Anonymous said...

No, the PSX bee stamp I am talking about is the symmetrical one that looks like it's from a victorian-era botanical illustration. Top one in this link for however long it lasts:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-rubber-stamps-PSX-B-1731-Bumble-Bee-Large-Bee-Bee-Hive-Hampton-Art-/261030124838?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cc69b9d26

Anonymous said...

Ah, pretty!

Anonymous said...

^^^
I bought this sweet bee alternative yesterday

http://craftysecrets.com/clearartstamps/smallstampsets/cas_queen_bee_stamp.html

Hoping the quality is good!

Anonymous said...

Holy atomic pile, Batman! I just looked at today's sneak peak and it really reminds me of this stamp that I have both in the large and small versions from Judikins. Polaroid vs Kodachome : what's the differnce, and why would you need a "set" of this concept. Suckers born every minute.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KODACHROME-FILM-SLIDE-rubber-stamp-JUDIKINS-low-shipping-/261056228527

Anonymous said...

Heres a good one for you all! I tried to make a Capital One payment of $35 and it said it would not accept a payment of $50,000. When I did an online chat with a rep they told me to try a different browser.

Kinda sounds familiar to cart dumping doesnt it?

Anonymous said...

My cart dumps on my desktop computer but it doesn't on my laptop. Strange isn't it? I can't figure it out. I use IE on both.

Anonymous said...

Someone is selling stamp sets on the buy/sell/trade forum for higher than the PTI price? WTF?
$25

Anonymous said...

My cart is dumping too. A sure sign that the 15th is nearing, lol!

Anonymous said...

19:22 I think it's because the price includes shipping

Anonymous said...

Oh I love love love that Crafty Secrets bee set. Thanks for reminding me that it's on my wish list! heehee

Anonymous said...

Everything in the financial world is glitchy these days.

Anonymous said...

Glad I did not buy a sunburst stamp or stamp set. Borrowed one from a friend and 3 cards later, I am so over it.

Anonymous said...

^^^ I think that can be said about most stamps. Everyone has their favorite go to set and others get rarely used.

Anonymous said...

Am I the only one who is wary of buying from a new forum member?

Anonymous said...

0427 i would be cautious unless another member can vouch for her character

Anonymous said...

Even if her price includes shipping, I would be surprised if anyone would want to pay $25 for a $24 set. Add the fact that she's a new member to the mix and I predict zero sales.

Anonymous said...

^^^ agree.

Anonymous said...

What do you think of the peeks today? I like both of them.

Anonymous said...

I am new to PTI forums and wanted to know how you win this

*Beginning on July 10th, each day of the countdown we will be giving away a $75 Papertrey Ink gift certificate

nichole doesn't specify how to win this. is it on the forums or commenting on her blog?

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately I like both sneek peaks today

Just when I thought I wouldnt be tempted

Anonymous said...

I love both of todays set. Yes, I will be buying them.

Anonymous said...

^^sets

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
I'm not that upset if PTI gets some of their images from a stock image site. Making it into a stamp and separating it into the different elements for easy, multi-color stamping is worth something, imho. But this makes me wonder if Nichole designs ANY of the stamps herself. I thought she went to art school or something?

7 July 2012 14:25
Anonymous said...
Yes, I am now wondering if Nichole is nothing but a card maker like the rest of us.

7 July 2012 14:30

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

She's just a carmaker. She learned how to use the programs for designing the stamps and went from there. Same with all the other designers (with exception to one or two that were actual graphic designers) - they all had to learn to use the programs and figure it out on their own.

Anonymous said...

@6:16 leave a comment on Nicoles blog each day and names are chosen randomly.
If I am wrong, someone please correct me.

Anonymous said...

*CARDmaker - lol

Anonymous said...

Today's peeks are horrible!! Unless you are in elementary school.

Anonymous said...

The peeks are very cutesy. I don't have little kids so wouldn't need them. No SAF order for me because there is nothing I want. More and more I am finding that the PTI style is losing me as much as the rotten CS.

Anonymous said...

So far I like the roses, the camera (I don't already own any of the 1000 camera stamps out there) and the Polaroid frame set.

I will be watching for these over the next few months on the for sale board.

Anonymous said...

It came in real handy to have the appeal of the stamps drop dramatically right at the same time when customer service imploded and Nichole became so abrasive. Makes the whole decision not to buy really so much easier. It is only the cardstock that really appeals anymore.

Anonymous said...

Joan's new blog:

http://creatingwhitespaces.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

3 reasons not to buy PTI Roses:

http://rubystamper.blogspot.com/

3 July 8 posts.

Anonymous said...

Has the new designer (Lizzie) designed anything since the foreign language stamps disaster?

Anonymous said...

^^She hasn't posted anything on her blog (linked from Nichole's) since the end of March?!?!

Anonymous said...

What city does Joan live in? Has she ever said publicly (meaning that if it's only privy to FB friends or IRL friends, I'm not asking for that information to be divulged here!)? I'm just curious because she mentioned the subway and I'm wondering if we live in the same place.

Anonymous said...

I believe Joan lives in WA D.C

Anonymous said...

I don't think Joan lives in Washington, DC proper. There's a Paper Source in DC, but it's in Georgetown and I don't know if any new townhome developments near there. My guess is that she lives in Maryland (Bethesda) or Virginia (Alexandria).

Anonymous said...

^^ meant to type "know OF new developments . . ."

Anonymous said...

11:11 - I enjoyed that optical illusion!

Anonymous said...

I also agree that the description for Framed Out is beyond over-the-top.

I'm assuming that the design for that camera is not so much to portray a realistic one as it is to accommodate the interactive feature.

I'm gonna go and check out some of the vintage camera stuff that's been linked here.

Anonymous said...

I think todays two peeked sets are quite cute. Almost a little too cute for my taste. But wait, doesn't PTI already have an airplane set? And the sunshine and clouds-- I like them, but the occasion seems to already be covered by Dawn's Scattered Sunshine sets. I'm not saying they shouldn't have the right to put out more than one set of the same theme/motif in different styles... I just wonder if someone who already has those other sets will find these new ones redundant or must-haves.

I *really* love the roses. I would buy them, except that I am boycotting PTI on principle. So my first instinct is to want to add them to my (ahem) hefty collection of flower sets and give up the boycott; but then I remember I really don't want to give them my money so I decide I can use other flowers I already own (or plan to buy, like that set from SU just linked above, ha!) to fulfill the desire to create that the rose peek inspires in me. Cause really, do I *have* to use those *exact* roses? No. But also-- now I know that if I ever decide I just can't live without them, some clever smacker might find the original artwork source and post it here for me. hee hee hee hee

Anonymous said...

Walmart has 5 kinds of Washi tape, cute washi tape, for $2 per roll.

Anonymous said...

can't believe someone paid $193 for this mess -- http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120941396212

I've seen some of the ebay things that are actually cute even though I would dream of paying that amount of money but this is just bad imo...good for the seller though, I wish I could tap some of that!

Anonymous said...

where is the washi tape located at WalMart? craft area? school supplies?

Anonymous said...

It is in the Smash area of the scrapbooking aisle.

Anonymous said...

Guess what? From the MFT blog:
Lisa will be joining us as an Illustrator for her own line of stamps and dies, Lisa Johnson Designs, and will also be designing alongside our other amazing Team Members.

Anonymous said...

Just received an email from MFT proudly announcing Lisa Johnson as their new illustrator and design team member. I say good for her!! Looking forward to her new designs.

Anonymous said...

That introduction for Lisa also mentions that MFT has been keeping the news under wraps for months, so yeah, it didn't just happen last week. Especially with the planning involved in rolling out her first products in a few weeks.

I think she'll be a terrific addition to what is already a talented team. I'm not a big fan of their stamps, but they've got some terrific dies, and I always enjoy the DT cards. I hope it works out well for her.

Anonymous said...

Lisa sounds very excited to be with a new team that values her. I loved what she wrote on her blog about how MFT is an awesome company filled with honesty and integrity.

hmmm...wondering if the whole honesty and integrity thing was lacking a bit with the three stooges over at PTI.

Anonymous said...

WOW Lisa has joined MFT Team. I remember somebody had mentioned this earlier. Good for her.