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Can I please have your views on SU ink pads? What are their advantages and disadvantages? How do they compare to other major manufacturers'?
I'm planning to buy my first SU stamp sets soon (probably Roses in Winter, Heartfelt Thanks and Happy Hearts) and I'd like to choose the most versatile type of ink pads. Any suggestions?? Also, what are the most useful colors to have?
One of the best things about SU! pads is their size. They're much larger than most other brands. They also store the ink upside down so they stay juicy. And they come in all the SU! colors so you can match inks to paper very easily. Before I discovered SU!, I can't tell you how frustrated I would get trying to coordinate everything! As far as choosing a stamp pad, are you doing mostly cards or scrapbooking? For cards, I would suggest classic ink because they dry immediately. For scrapbooking, the craft inks last longer but take A LOT longer to dry, so you have to be patient using them. Good luck!
I have tried all sorts of different ink pads from other companies.
One of SU!'s great strengths is the thousands of people who provide constructive feedback, and know their customer and product. The SU! pad is raised, stored upside down (so the ink is at the top), and has that felt/fabric cover that helps give a very sharp image. And the dye dries fast, is non-toxic, and the color is a known factor. I am not a demonstrator, so this is just observation of using the product. They are simply the best for stamping sharp images on smooth paper.
Which is not to say I don't like to play with foam pads, chalk inks, mica inks, and metallics. I do like to experiment.
I think the best part about SU! Inks is the color coordination. I know my inks will match or coordinate with my papers. And, I use the color wheel to match/coordinate with other ink colors.
In addition, I like have an SU! Demonstrator to go to if I have problems. I have NEVER had to return any items, but I know if there was something wrong with my ink pads, I'd have support from my demo.
In addition to the above, you can purchase the re-inkers for a pittance making your pad virtually last FOREVER. You can also do fun things with the re-inkers. I have trouble finding re-inkers for the other brand pads I have.
For colors....think about which colors you might want to use with the stamp sets you mentioned. Check out the gallery for those sets and see what appeals to you. You might want to add cardstock in those colors or an assorted pack in the family you chose. Also don't forget a neutral such as Whisper White or Very Vanilla. Once you use SU cardstock for stamping and color coordination, you may never go back to the other stuff.
You might stay with the pinks/reds/plums based on the sets. From who you wrote, I recommend you go with Classic (dye) pads.
HTH
__________________ Liz
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless ~ Mother Teresa
I have pads from a collection of companies (Tsukineko, ColorBox, Ranger, you name it). Unless I'm looking for a specific finish, like metallic or chalk, I always reach for my SU pads! They're larger, they ink stamps so nicely, and my favorite - the lid hinges & snaps closed, so when I pick it up (from upside-down storage) the lid doesn't fall off and leave me grabbing the inky part of the pad! :shock:
I do a mix of scrapbooking and cardmaking, and even for cards I grab the craft pads more often than the classic. Craft ink seems to have more even coverage on block stamps, and the colors are "truer" on more colors of cs/paper just from the nature of pigment inks vs. dye inks. Another bonus is that I can stamp light inks onto dark cs! Rather than wait for it to dry, I just set it up with a heat gun. They also give plenty of work time for embossing, which I've never been able to do consistently well with the classic pads.
Hope that helps!
__________________ Stamping with a cat - Fur is a fiber | Ribbon is a cat toy |Eyelets are for batting | Glitter is a fashion statement My Photography
Have you thought about buying the Stampin Spots? I know the yare only 1"x1", but I have had the full size pads & now am using the spots. They take up less room and you can get all 48 colors for a lot less than the cost of 12 full size pads. If you still want the full size pads at least with the spots you would be able to see which colors you use the most.
HTH
__________________ Suzanne "Wear fabulous underwear even if you are the only person that is going to see it"
I second all the nice thing everyone has sad about the SU pads. I love them, couldn't stamp without them!!;) In July they discontinued some colors and added new ones. I don't think they will do it again for awhile. I wouldn't by the re-inkers unless you have the extra money or until you are close to needing them. SCS is so informative if they are going to retire a color you will find out from here in plenty of time to order a re-inker!! Hope that helps!!
I love love love them...had to buy all of them when I became a demo! That was expensive but a very good investment. I am finding that I need to reink my favorites after 6 months. But that is ok...I am probably pretty picky...I like them juicey!
Your views on SU ink pads
