I am very excited about the new Firm Foam Ink Pads that Stampin' Up! are introducing from October so for this month's Find Out About Friday I thought I would explain why!
Ink is something we use every time we stamp so any improvements make a big difference so I was excited to try some of these new ink pads for myself. They feel very different to use and they really do change your stamping experience for the better. The coverage they give on the stamp is exceptional, both on solid images and on fine lined images. This coverage is also achieved with fewer lighter taps making stamping even quicker and easier.
These new Firm Foam Ink Pads come in the same patented flip top case that stores the inking surface facing down so they are always ready to go. The cases also have easy to hold grips on the side and since the lid is attached you don't have to worry about loosing it (a very important one for untidy crafters like me!)
Stampin' Up! have also improved the labeling on the new ink pads - as well as a band of colour on the end of the ink pad the labels now also have the name of the color written on them. You can even choose which language you would like this in. The labels on the top of the case have also been improved, the new glossy labels will not fade or chip off. The size of the inking surface remains the same and you can continue to use the lid as a pallet when you colour with your ink pads.
So what are they like to use?
The ink pads give you such a great image as they release more ink onto the stamp. Since they firm foam will not curve and bow like the existing felt pads you will also be sure to get an even contact with the ink pad across all the stamps image. The new foam material will no leave an imprint on the stamped images as the felt ink pads sometimes do again enhancing the quality of your stamped image.
When you take your stamp to the ink pad you will notice it feels different - there is a nice soft bounce to the pad, its not hard like the previous felt ones.
The coverage you get when stamping is fantastic, and the ink will go onto your card evenly and without blotchiness. You may notice that initially it seems darker than images stamped with the felt ink pads, this is because more ink is being put down and you are achieving an increased opacity. The ink still dries quickly and the ink dries to the normal colour.
Since the ink pads release more ink you will need to reink them more often, which is easily done with the matching reinkers. With the exception of 5 colours the ink itself remains the same so you will be able to use your existing reinkers to do this. The colours whose formula has changed are Basic Black, Basic Grey, Marina Mist, Perfect Plum and Tempting Turquoise.
What you will also notice using these pads is that sometimes your stamp will leave a slight indent on your pad, this is nothing to worry about, just wait a few moments and the ink will rise back to the surface. You can use another part of the pad while you wait.
The new firm foam ink pads will be available in all the colours from 1 October 2012 and do you want to know the best bit? With all these improvements there has been no increase in price!
If you would like to try one of these new firm foam ink pads for yourself email bekka@feeling-crafty.co.uk The new in colors are available to purchase now or you can come and try them at any of my Stampin' Events.
Happy Stampin'
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