Once upon a time, my sister was a demonstrator for Stampin’ UP. We had parties all the time, and I used their products all the time! However, that was before I became a full-time CraftTestDummy, and I have never reviewed a Stampin’ UP product-til now. Hello, Classic Stampin’ Pads!
Here’s a bit of info from the SU website:
Classic Stampin’ Pads and refills come in a wonderful variety of exclusive Stampin’ Up! colors, grouped in families to make choosing coordinating colors simple. Exclusively designed stamp pad lids fold under to make inking large images like background stamps easy.
â– Dye-based ink
â– Acid-free
■Coordinate with exclusive Stampin’ Up! card stock, pastels, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, and Stampin’ Write Markers
â– Slightly raised fabric pad
â– 1/2 oz. ink refills sold individually or in color families
So now let’s take a good look!
So far, I’m impressed with the large surface as well as the upside-down pad storage in the lid! But of course, a good design is useless without a quality ink. So let’s get swatching!
On the right, I used a direct-to-paper technique with a a stencil. On the left, clockwise from upper left corner: white cardstock, black cardstock, sticky-back canvas, watercolor paper, blue cardstock, and printed paper.
In this sample, I tested the water-proof factor. As you can see, I got some bleeding when I ran a water brush over the ink. I also applied it to some fabric paper, which covered up the print fairly well. Lastly, I embossed the bee image. Worked like a charm.
Frankly, the pad is just TOO BIG to hold comfortably for direct-to-paper techniques. I’d recommend using a cosmetic sponge or some such thing to apply ink right to paper. But on the other hand, the large size is perfect for stamping- especially larger-sized stamps.
Here are some cards I made using Stampin’ UP Classic Stampin’ Pads:
To make these cards, I used the Sizzix Stampin’ UP embossing folder to emboss glossy cardstock. I then inked up my brayer, and then rolled it along the top of the embossed cardstock to highlight the texture. I then re-rolled the brayer onto plain cardstock, without re-inking. You can see on blue sample that you get a “ghost” image. Fun, right? Then I re-brayered on yet another piece of cardstock to get the lightest color value. Yup! Three different techniques with one inking of the brayer. (If you want me to do a whole post on this technique, just leave me a comment, k?)
So here’s the deal: the Stampin Pads retail for $5.95 USD, and the re-inkers sell for $2.95 USD. However, you can get deals & reward points if you shop through a demonstrator. (Most demonstrators are online and you can use the locator tool on the website to find someone near you.) Plus with hostess benefits and the like, you can get some extra goodies for the extra step.
Just as a side note, I had purchased some Stampin’ Spots- mini stamp pads- about 7 years ago when my sister was demonstrating. I pulled them out just to see how badly dried-up they were….and surprise- they WEREN’T! They were still nice and juicy, even the opened ones. I thought you’d like to know!
Disclosure: sample provided for review purposes.
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Amy says
Are these a review of the brand new foam ink pads? I don’t believe they have the fabric cover (as mentioned above) any more. SU just redid all the stamp pads to the new foam. Is that what you used? I tried the new in-colors and find these foam pads incredible for even coverage- even on the bold stamps as well.
Jenny says
Amy- these appear to be the new-new foam. (My little Stampin’ Spots have the fabric covering.) The SU folks sent me the new release colors, so I’m unfamiliar with what the “Old-New” pads had! LOL!