Mary's Stamping Happenings: Tips & techniques Tuesday - May 1, 2018

Today I want to show you something that is happening with Stmapin' Up!. We all n=know the problems with opening the Stamp Pads. Well starting today you will be getting a new style of ink pads and refills.

Let's talk about the new pads.

Now you got a peek at the new colors with the new pads. Let me answer a few questions about this new ink pad before I show you all about it.

Why did we change the case?

The case’s manufacturing mold was about to expire. We can only use a mold a limited number of times before we need to replace it, so we had to decide if we wanted to order more of the same molds or try to improve the design. We chose to improve it!

We wanted to align the updated case with the color refresh and improvements to our ink. In addition, we chose to time these changes with Stampin’ Up!’s rebranding and packaging updates. This way, when you invest in the new colors, you are also getting the new and improved ink pads at the same time! We wanted to make these updates and changes in a way that was most cost efficient for you.

What’s better about the case?

Using research, focus group feedback, comments in, and the L2L program, we discovered a few things that could improve the design of the Classic Stampin’ Pad case.

We wanted the new case to:

Be less confusing to open. Opening the new ink pad case is now more simple and intuitive—just insert your thumb in the lip at the front of the case and lift it to open.

Have a tighter fit between the lid and the base. With the new design, the lid doesn’t accidentally become disconnected, which was a common problem with the old case style. With use, the lid will be easier to slide open and close.

Be stackable. The ability to stack the cases makes them easier to store and transport. We designed a nub in each bottom corner that fits nicely into the dimple on the top of another case. Tip: Removing the label stickers from the bottom of the case (after applying the needed labels to the case) also makes the ink pads stack a little better.

Include improved labels and stickers. Here are a few of the ways we’ve done that:

The top label now has a cleaner, bolder design and a larger color swatch, making it easier to see the ink’s color.

The stickers include a new In Color icon.

We’ve continued to provide color stickers that can be placed on the end of each case to easily identify the ink’s color at a glance.

We’re introducing a new color sticker you can place on the inside of the case, so you can easily distinguish the ink’s color when the case is open.

How is the ink different?

We improved our ink formula because we noticed that our old ink would sometimes bubble, especially on new pads and with lighter colors. When this happened, the ink wasn’t as even and smooth when stamped as we’d like to see it.

The improved ink formula will:

Reduce ink bubbles.

Help you get a smooth coating of ink on the stamp.

Help lay down the ink better.

How do I know if my Classic Ink Refill has the new and improved ink?

Beginning with the 2018–2019 Annual Catalog, all ink refills will have the improved ink formula. Also, if you recently received an ink refill and it has the new branding label, it contains the improved ink formula.

Can I use an old ink refill on a new ink pad or a new ink refill on an old ink pad?

Yes! You absolutely can with the exception of the Basic Gray Archival and Basic Gray Classic Stampin’ inks. Archival and Classic inks should not be mixed. All other Classic Stampin’ inks will work fine.

Where is the archival ink?

Archival ink will no longer be part of our ink offering. Basic Gray will now be part of the Classic Stampin’ ink family. Please note that you cannot use an archival ink refill on the new Basic Gray Classic Stampin’ Pad, as this will ruin the new ink pad. Only use Classic Stampin’ ink refills on Classic Stampin’ pads. Your best options for black ink pads are the Tuxedo Black Memento Pad, to use with Blends and general black stamping needs, and the Jet Black StāzOn Pad, to use for watercolor and nonporous surface stamping. Both will be part of our ink offering. We are confident that both the Memento and StāzOn pads are high-quality inks that perform to our customers’ needs.

Will the updated Classic Stampin’ Pad case fit in the Color Caddy?

Yes, it will fit into the Color Caddy–just not as tightly as the previous ink pad style. If you’ve stored the updated pads in your caddy, you’ll want to be careful when rotating the caddy and not turn it too fast. We are working on a new storage solution for the updated Classic Stampin’ Pad case and do not yet have a launch date.

So now let's look at the new ink pads.

Today you can order the new set of in color ink pads in a bundle along with the Share What You love Bundles - I will tell you more about that in a minute. Just shop here to get your new colors and ink pads.

Another great thing happening today is you can order early a new Suite from the 18 - 19 Stamping Up! Annual Catalog. Share what you love. We have 3 different Bundles and free items in each.