Friday, April 13, 2018

A Little About the Case

With the new catalog, there is a lot of new changes ahead.  So as not to overwhelm you with everything at once, I'll share a bit at a time.  How does that sound?


Stampin' Up! has changed the ink pad case.
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 the Product Sandbox, 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.

Thank you for checking this out - I know, it's boring, but it's necessary!  Don't want any surprises to throw you off.

Happy FRIDAY!

~ Donna


2 comments:

  1. I ordered the new stamp pads last night. Looking forward to seeing the difference. I had a little problem with the bubbling once in awhile but not too bad. My main problem was getting the stamp pads open and shut - I was constantly getting them off their track or getting my thumb in the ink. I like the fact that they will stack too and not slide all over. Looking forward to seeing the new colors as well. I told one of my customers all the advantages of the new pads but she said a dollar is a big difference so she ordered 6 of the old pads including 2 retiring colors. That blue looks really pretty!

    Chris R. from Iowa

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    Replies
    1. I'm looking forward to seeing the new inkpads as well. I placed my order a couple of days ago and it shipped today, so early next week it should arrive! I think we've all popped those lids off more than once in our lives. Inky fingers? Isn't that what it's all about? If you aren't inky, you aren't stamping! ha ha ha!

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