Spellbinders Betterpress Letterpress

I was intrigued until I saw the price and then all the specialized things I’d need to use it.  My money is better spent on other things.

OK, I just started watching and there's a channel in the live chat that's dominating the conversation and seems to be contradicting some of what the Spellbinders people seem to be saying, including claiming that you can use your glimmer plates. She seems to have 2 videos showing the system already (I haven't watched them) www.youtube.com/@scrapbookingmadesimple/videos

I'm also confused because people have asked questions in the comments and thanked Spellbinders for quick replies but the replies aren't visible.

I could see this answer about using their special paper and ink though: "we curated this offering to deliver the absolute best, stationery quality results - which includes marrying the press plates with the cotton cardstock and the BetterPress ink. But, you will find you can use any paper and dye based inks and get great results. Just play and have fun!"

Clear as mud.

Yeah, it seems Spellbinders was trying to do an announcement video for the system, not a full demo, but they should know by now that us crafters want ALL the info now, lol. To their credit, they do have a FAQ with answers to these questions, but because they want to encourage people to buy their inks and paper, as you said, the answers are very vague. I saw a video from Creativation with a Spellbinders demo (below) and it was super helpful; basically the rep said that you CAN use other inks, they just won't be as vibrant. I wish they had explained that better in the launch video today, as well as really explained that you get a super deep impression with the cotton paper that you won't get with traditional cardstock.

I also think the Scrapbooking Made Simple lady is muddying the waters a bit, which is unfortunate for Spellbinders. She's new to me, but seems to be an owner of a LSS and is selling an exclusive bundle from Spellbinders (so she has a relationship with them), but she's stating as fact that there's different things you can with the Betterpress that Spellbinders doesn't recommend. To be clear, I have no problem with people doing their own experiments and techniques, it's just that it's important to give context to your suggestions. The Spellbinders FAQs say that since glimmer plates are thinner than the press plates, using them will cause the platen to crack, and I'm assuming they did much more thorough testing than she did, so it's a "try at your own risk" type of thing, I think.

I'm interested to see what these new more vibrant inks are. I'm always looking for more vibrancy.

I think the system sounds really cool but after investing in so many dies and foil plates I just don't think I have room in my scrap room or in my budget for an entirely new system. I'm looking forward to seeing what the demo teams do with it, though.

I'm just not feeling this.  You can already do all that with their current dies and hot foil plates and a rubber mat.  You can ink directly on dies or build your own "plate" with cardstock and vellum.

Also, is it one and done?  Without a hinge, how can you repeat the process accurately if you don't get a clear crisp image?  

Unless I'm missing something, this whole system is just weird.

Took the plunge. I adore letterpress and yes, it is one more new thing with cardstocks and inks, BUT I think I'm going to love it. Totally understand if others think it isn't their cup of tea though

I got the starter kit bundle which is $129.99 and is listed as a discount from $142.50. so I guess a bit off. I'll report back when it comes and I try it out. I like the fact that I can use it with my dies, so right now the jury is out but I'm hopeful.

I watched that last night - it was the first time she used it and it worked right out of the box! I like the way it "prints" as the ink is embedded in the paper, almost embossed in the paper. I'm tempted but I need another "machine" like I need a hole in my head LOL.

I thought it was a very good review, trying it out for the first time. I liked that she added/left in her on-the-spot reaction to the first try. Her videos are so professional that I sometimes lose the sense of her really loving stuff but her reaction was very genuinely excited and surprised. I can see why - Letterpress is a uniquely beautiful look. I'll be interested to see her use it more and see how creative she can get with the supplies available. 

I haven't watched yet but there is a live intro/unboxing and discussion with the BetterPress creator on Yana Smakula's channel:
youtu.be/XazxNjCWUuI

I watched the Jennifer McGuire unboxing video a couple of days ago. It’s lovely, and it looks like a very well designed tool and products. The results are gorgeous, and I like to support those who create innovative products.

It’s tempting, but not in the budget by the time I add a few plates. Not right now, anyway.

Avoid YT completely for a while! I have new BetterPress videos from Yana, Jennifer, Simon Hurley, and Mindy Eggen in my sub feed this weekend. 

I took the plunge. I used their discount of $25 off $125, plus I had another $25 off on rewards, and my regular 20% off for subbing to the large and small die club. I bought the system, some ink, one set of paper and a few plates to try it with. I’m excited to try it out. By the way, I like that you can stack discounts with them.

I caved and ordered it; the videos got me I ordered the main setup from Scrapbookpal and then one of the plates I really wanted and the ink refills from Scrapbook.com. From what I've seen, it looks like most of the plates for it are pretty versatile - some of them come with dies that let you cut parts of the design selectively and if you use the special letterpress inks, you can watercolor the designs. One of the videos showed re-pressing the design if you don't get good coverage. Even though the press isn't hinged, the top plate attaches to the bottom with magnets and lets you press again in the same spot. Once I get it, I'm going to compare the Spellbinders paper to some regular watercolor paper that I have, and I'm going to compare my Archival inks to the Better Press inks. Strictly for the benefit of science, you know.