Deleted
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Nov 28, 2024 3:52:59 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2023 22:44:57 GMT
I find it verrry interesting that this discrepancy with the stamps coincides with the exact timing of Heidi Swapp's kits changing their 3x4 stamp sets to the cheap material. Heidi Swapp is also manufactured through Inked. At least she mentioned it in one of her lives. But it was on the down low. I'm not sure how many people realized that HS switched the stamp material. ANd it's the bad quality like the $1 sets that Michaels' used to sell. Truly a poor business decision. I'd rather pay more for a quality product. But we all know Inked's opinion on that.
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Post by Citygirl on Feb 1, 2023 23:16:16 GMT
Ugh such a disappointment. I use my 3x4 stamps quite often. The kits keep going up in price but now quality is going down 😒
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Post by lanena on Feb 1, 2023 23:40:48 GMT
I agree, thanks to all your comments here, I tested my Jan and Feb stamps, both feel thinner and do not stick to the back transparency (the one with the print) but I was hardly able to remove them from the top transparency (the clear one). It's almost as if they were produced the other way around (if that makes sense and is even possible?). They also did not stick well to a stamp block. Not happy. Yes, this exactly! Is everyone starting a convo? At least to provide feedback. I just sent them a message...had intended to do so awhile ago, but this thread nudged me to provide some feedback. I'm sure the response will be similar to what others have received, but they need to know that customers are noticing the change. I did not purchase any of the newly released stamps because I couldn't be sure of the quality. I'm disappointed to know that Heidi Swapp's stamps are changing, too! |
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Post by Texas Scrap on Feb 2, 2023 0:34:33 GMT
Heidi Swapp has mentioned for months that the 3x4 kit stamps are acrylic so not sure what is new, but I had not heard anything I from anyone else about a change. Anyone notice changes with 4x6 or 6x8 stamps?
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Post by honeypea on Feb 2, 2023 0:34:42 GMT
Well, I noticed the 3x4 stamps in the SC DK looked a little funny when I got them a few months ago, but I didn’t really investigate. I didn’t care about those particular stamps, and had just set them aside. They looked wrinkly. I thought it was maybe just weird storage or packaging. Well, I just pulled out the November DK stamp to look into it and I think it’s this crappy quality you all are referring to. The stamps are thinner, sort of floppy. I only tested a leaf one several times and I think it clung to the block okay, however when I wiped it on my shammy (I always wipe the stamp while still attached to the block on the shammy before removing and returning to the stamp sheet) the stamp just fell off the block when wiping. That’s super annoying.
I’ll be sending a message.
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Post by mom on Feb 2, 2023 0:37:57 GMT
Well, I noticed the 3x4 stamps in the SC DK looked a little funny when I got them a few months ago, but I didn’t really investigate. I didn’t care about those particular stamps, and had just set them aside. They looked wrinkly. I thought it was maybe just weird storage or packaging. Well, I just pulled out the November DK stamp to look into it and I think it’s this crappy quality you all are referring to. The stamps are thinner, sort of floppy. I only tested a leaf one several times and I think it clung to the block okay, however when I wiped it on my shammy (I always wipe the stamp while still attached to the block on the shammy before removing and returning to the stamp sheet) the stamp just fell off the block when wiping. That’s super annoying. I’ll be sending a message. They are legit Ali Express quality now. |
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Post by honeypea on Feb 2, 2023 0:41:11 GMT
Well, I noticed the 3x4 stamps in the SC DK looked a little funny when I got them a few months ago, but I didn’t really investigate. I didn’t care about those particular stamps, and had just set them aside. They looked wrinkly. I thought it was maybe just weird storage or packaging. Well, I just pulled out the November DK stamp to look into it and I think it’s this crappy quality you all are referring to. The stamps are thinner, sort of floppy. I only tested a leaf one several times and I think it clung to the block okay, however when I wiped it on my shammy (I always wipe the stamp while still attached to the block on the shammy before removing and returning to the stamp sheet) the stamp just fell off the block when wiping. That’s super annoying. I’ll be sending a message. They are legit Ali Express quality now. I have never purchased from AX before, but I might now. I will not pay top dollar for shit quality. Absolutely no. |
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Post by amp on Feb 2, 2023 3:03:05 GMT
They are legit Ali Express quality now. I have never purchased from AX before, but I might now. I will not pay top dollar for shit quality. Absolutely no. I'm about done with AE. The quality of the stamps is so low, and they put EVERYTHING in so much cheap plastic wrap...somethings are even double wrapped. They even put the kits that are in the cardboard envelopes in a cheap plastic wrap. (Yes, the cardboard envelopes that they switched to so they could save the environment!) It came quick, but it looks like looks like a big box of cheap crap from China. |
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Post by needtime2scrap on Feb 2, 2023 3:53:17 GMT
My SC DK stamps for both Dec & Jan were that crappy quality. Not too impressed for sure!
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Post by Citygirl on Feb 2, 2023 16:46:32 GMT
So I opened the latest Story Stamp and the 4 sets from the latest Story Play Collection and stamped with them. All of them are the good made of the good stuff. Hopefully they don’t change these. It seems like it’s just the 3x4 from the SBTM & OLW mini kits that have changed. Very disappointing. The quality is definitely inferior and it would’ve been nice to know ahead of time. amp and yes totally agree the individual packaging has always been cringey, especially the papers. I miss those plastic envelopes. I know a lot of people complained but they are so good for storage and organizing. |
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Post by honeypea on Feb 2, 2023 17:56:12 GMT
I started an exchange about the stamps on the latest Studio Calico insta post (introducing the Feb release).
This is your invitation to join the chat over there. I think public discourse is more likely to have an impact than privately reaching out to customer service.
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Post by mom on Feb 2, 2023 22:50:17 GMT
I started an exchange about the stamps on the latest Studio Calico insta post (introducing the Feb release). This is your invitation to join the chat over there. I think public discourse is more likely to have an impact than privately reaching out to customer service. well let me head right over and add my two cents. |
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Post by janesays on Feb 2, 2023 23:37:03 GMT
Aside from the issue with the quality of the 3x4 stamps, I’d like to know how you are doing with the new style of Stories By The Month kits.
I am just now getting around to opening January and February and I am very uninspired by them both. All the contents look like a mish-mash of designs with no cohesiveness compared to last years awesome kits. I just feel like I don’t know what this kit is.
In the January classroom, I noticed none of the ladies in charge of coming up with ideas for this kit used that 6x8 paper with the double postage stamp design on it. Also, no one used the 3x8 January paper. The layouts were very photo heavy so I just didn’t see much product from the kit being used. The February ideas are even more disappointing to me because one person only used one 3x4 card, a 4x6 card cut in half and two pieces of chipboard. She also cut apart the packaging to make a February title card and then used kit add ons more than the products that came from the actual main kit. The other two people did a lot of cutting of the cards and also the tutorials of how to use the embellishments on plain white cardstock to make your own cards…..just no. I am not on board with having to cut cards up or my own plain white cardstock to have to use the kit embellishments to make my own cards. Also, no one used that 3x8 February paper either. I like the pink shades for a February kit but I’m not feeling the watercolors design on the small handful of cards we got. I just do not understand this kit. I really don’t.
We know Ali’s team reads these posts here so that’s really why I’m writing this very honest review of the new kit. I do not mean any harm to the ladies that are trying to make the most of this kit with their ideas.
When I unwrapped a 6x8 paper from the January kit, I thought I was missing a paper or more because the paper was wrapped in plastic. I went to look through Ali’s blog to see what paper they didn’t include in the paper I had unwrapped and saw that no, I wasn’t missing anything. They just wrap each individual paper in plastic. How odd!
I’m sorry to say that aside from the quality of the 3x4 stamp, I don’t like the designs of the month that will be on it every month this year. That rectangle with the month abbreviation in it with a blank space underneath. That stamp design is on one of the four 3x4 cards we get so I don’t understand why we are getting that design in the stamp as well.
Last years kit was the best. I loved the designs and the months look great all together in an album…..I just don’t know how you go from that kit to this kit. It is just so odd.
I was reading through the comments in the SBTM classroom and I feel like Ali came across defensive in a couple of her replies to comments. I guess I would be too if I were her but it’s not something I want to see.
These were my last two months in my subscription so I am canceling it now.
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Post by amp on Feb 3, 2023 2:24:45 GMT
I started an exchange about the stamps on the latest Studio Calico insta post (introducing the Feb release). This is your invitation to join the chat over there. I think public discourse is more likely to have an impact than privately reaching out to customer service. well let me head right over and add my two cents. I can't find it...did they delete the posts? That is distressing. There is no way to tell them anything, provide meaningful feedback. I can only conclude that Inked just doesn't care. Maybe the loud mouth over-the-top fan girls who (in general) are trying to become the next scrapbook stars will keep Inked afloat. They'll buy anything that AED sells. And go on about how great it is. Maybe the average scrapbooker doesn't generate enough income for them, and they don't care what we think. But I'm mostly upset because this product used to be SOOooo GOOOoood. Ali is a creative genius. She never ceases to amaze me after all these years. Her ideas (except, possibly, all the feet photos) inspire me so much. And although her products are expensive, it used to be SOOOoo very worth it. I would be so happy when my monthly box would arrive and just go through it all. I don't like the new SBTM kits, the new chipboard, and those 3x4 stamps. I've been following Ali since her first layout on 2Peas. I subscribe to all the physical subscriptions. I think that is about to change, and I am so sad because it was SOOOOooo good. First to go will be SBTM and new 3x4 stamps. I realize it is just scrapbooking product but making these albums is a big part of my life and brings me joy. |
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Post by lanena on Feb 3, 2023 2:46:40 GMT
well let me head right over and add my two cents. I can't find it...did they delete the posts? That is distressing. There is no way to tell them anything, provide meaningful feedback. I can only conclude that Inked just doesn't care. Maybe the loud mouth over-the-top fan girls who (in general) are trying to become the next scrapbook stars will keep Inked afloat. They'll buy anything that AED sells. And go on about how great it is. Maybe the average scrapbooker doesn't generate enough income for them, and they don't care what we think. But I'm mostly upset because this product used to be SOOooo GOOOoood. Ali is a creative genius. She never ceases to amaze me after all these years. Her ideas (except, possibly, all the feet photos) inspire me so much. And although her products are expensive, it used to be SOOOoo very worth it. I would be so happy when my monthly box would arrive and just go through it all. I don't like the new SBTM kits, the new chipboard, and those 3x4 stamps. I've been following Ali since her first layout on 2Peas. I subscribe to all the physical subscriptions. I think that is about to change, and I am so sad because it was SOOOOooo good. First to go will be SBTM and new 3x4 stamps. I realize it is just scrapbooking product but making these albums is a big part of my life and brings me joy. The posts are gone! Including the reply from Studio Calico admitting they are using a different manufacturer for the 3X4 stamps. It's weird because there's a post from someone else in reference to the changes, and that one still remains, but there's no context. You are absolutely right that Ali is a creative genius, but the business side has become so shady. I imagine Inked is making a lot of the decisions that affect the kits. I'm sorry you're so disappointed. I still enjoy many of the products, but I pick and choose what makes sense for me. I'm not a fast scrapbooker, so I don't need a lot of products. |
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paget
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,121
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on Feb 3, 2023 2:51:11 GMT
I’m sorry about people being so bummed out.  I thought this seemed to be the thoughts of more than a few people here so I was surprised to read Ali’s Instagram sneak with the xoxo story kit and read that SBTM is on a waitlist now due to the increase in subs and story kit is almost there! Whoa. I have to say I have not used the January or February SBTM stamps yet (or the OLW mini) - I’ll get a chance to try them tomorrow. I barely ever use the SBTM stamp so it’s not a huge deal to me if it’s true but it would stink. The reason I barely use them is like someone mentioned- the stamps are often the same as the cards so once I use the cards why would I use the stamp? I agree I don’t care for the repeated month block card and then it is an extra bummer to have that one as a stamp as well. I loved, loved, loved last year’s SBTM too and that made me a major AE purchaser for all things. This year so far….eh. But according to Ali’s post it doesn’t matter- other people do and are buying it all. I am using the 3x8 cards In my OLW - they are unusable for PL are the month names so far are too long to cut down. I did manage to use every piece of Jan kit but I didn’t love it like I did last year. And I got only one layout out of it rather than 2 that I always did last year. I haven’t touched February yet but felt uninspired. I have my March SBTM kit on skip to see what I think since I’m so eh about it. But now FOMO will take over and I’ll probably get a couple more and see what comes of it. |
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Post by mom on Feb 3, 2023 4:06:46 GMT
well let me head right over and add my two cents. I can't find it...did they delete the posts? That is distressing. There is no way to tell them anything, provide meaningful feedback. I can only conclude that Inked just doesn't care. Maybe the loud mouth over-the-top fan girls who (in general) are trying to become the next scrapbook stars will keep Inked afloat. They'll buy anything that AED sells. And go on about how great it is. Maybe the average scrapbooker doesn't generate enough income for them, and they don't care what we think. But I'm mostly upset because this product used to be SOOooo GOOOoood. Ali is a creative genius. She never ceases to amaze me after all these years. Her ideas (except, possibly, all the feet photos) inspire me so much. And although her products are expensive, it used to be SOOOoo very worth it. I would be so happy when my monthly box would arrive and just go through it all. I don't like the new SBTM kits, the new chipboard, and those 3x4 stamps. I've been following Ali since her first layout on 2Peas. I subscribe to all the physical subscriptions. I think that is about to change, and I am so sad because it was SOOOOooo good. First to go will be SBTM and new 3x4 stamps. I realize it is just scrapbooking product but making these albums is a big part of my life and brings me joy. I posted on Studio Calicos page. This post: http://instagram.com/p/CoIJ4yVqBjC |
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Post by mom on Feb 3, 2023 4:07:32 GMT
I’m sorry about people being so bummed out. I thought this seemed to be the thoughts of more than a few people here so I was surprised to read Ali’s Instagram sneak with the xoxo story kit and read that SBTM is on a waitlist now due to the increase in subs and story kit is almost there! Whoa.
I have to say I have not used the January or February SBTM stamps yet (or the OLW mini) - I’ll get a chance to try them tomorrow. I barely ever use the SBTM stamp so it’s not a huge deal to me if it’s true but it would stink. The reason I barely use them is like someone mentioned- the stamps are often the same as the cards so once I use the cards why would I use the stamp? I agree I don’t care for the repeated month block card and then it is an extra bummer to have that one as a stamp as well. I loved, loved, loved last year’s SBTM too and that made me a major AE purchaser for all things. This year so far….eh. But according to Ali’s post it doesn’t matter- other people do and are buying it all. I am using the 3x8 cards In my OLW - they are unusable for PL are the month names so far are too long to cut down. I did manage to use every piece of Jan kit but I didn’t love it like I did last year. And I got only one layout out of it rather than 2 that I always did last year. I haven’t touched February yet but felt uninspired. I have my March SBTM kit on skip to see what I think since I’m so eh about it. But now FOMO will take over and I’ll probably get a couple more and see what comes of it. I 1000% think that post is a lie trying to get people to have FOMO. |
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Post by amp on Feb 3, 2023 15:26:25 GMT
I’m sorry about people being so bummed out. I thought this seemed to be the thoughts of more than a few people here so I was surprised to read Ali’s Instagram sneak with the xoxo story kit and read that SBTM is on a waitlist now due to the increase in subs and story kit is almost there! Whoa. I have to say I have not used the January or February SBTM stamps yet (or the OLW mini) - I’ll get a chance to try them tomorrow. I barely ever use the SBTM stamp so it’s not a huge deal to me if it’s true but it would stink. The reason I barely use them is like someone mentioned- the stamps are often the same as the cards so once I use the cards why would I use the stamp? I agree I don’t care for the repeated month block card and then it is an extra bummer to have that one as a stamp as well. I loved, loved, loved last year’s SBTM too and that made me a major AE purchaser for all things. This year so far….eh. But according to Ali’s post it doesn’t matter- other people do and are buying it all. I am using the 3x8 cards In my OLW - they are unusable for PL are the month names so far are too long to cut down. I did manage to use every piece of Jan kit but I didn’t love it like I did last year. And I got only one layout out of it rather than 2 that I always did last year. I haven’t touched February yet but felt uninspired. I have my March SBTM kit on skip to see what I think since I’m so eh about it. But now FOMO will take over and I’ll probably get a couple more and see what comes of it. Well, then they will be relieved when me and possibly others cancel their subscriptions. They can then move people off the wait list. And FOMO is no longer an issue with AED or Studio Calico for me. I lost all thoughts of FOMO when I received this last box of crap in huge amounts of cellophane wrap. I half way expect the album to fall apart, thinking it is that same quality as the rest. Why didn't they keep the same quality stamps and just raise the prices a dollar or two, instead of selling junk? |
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Post by janamke on Feb 3, 2023 15:38:37 GMT
Timely topic. I opened January SC kit and immediately had issues with the stamp. It definitely feels like the clear stamps from long ago, not photopolymer. Smells different too.
Anyway, the stamp wouldn’t stick the block. I started a convo with SC. I asked them if something had changed. If the material was different. I’d this was going to be the stamp material going forward.
The response I got was “Sorry you have issues with the stamp, we are sending you a replacement with your February kit.” Uh, thanks? None of my questions weee answered.
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Post by amp on Feb 3, 2023 16:33:19 GMT
Timely topic. I opened January SC kit and immediately had issues with the stamp. It definitely feels like the clear stamps from long ago, not photopolymer. Smells different too. Anyway, the stamp wouldn’t stick the block. I started a convo with SC. I asked them if something had changed. If the material was different. I’d this was going to be the stamp material going forward. The response I got was “Sorry you have issues with the stamp, we are sending you a replacement with your February kit.” Uh, thanks? None of my questions weee answered. That is disappointing. I want to use the stamps to make more cards (I'm 99% a pocket page scrapbooker). If I can't use the stamps any longer... the kit doesn't work for me. I hope Inked provides answers. In the mean time, what other kits do you Peas subscribe to that are good quality? |
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paget
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,121
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on Feb 3, 2023 17:22:59 GMT
Oh man. I just used the JAN SBTM and OLW stamps and you guys are right- they changed it and it’s garbage. First if all, damn, they were hard to peel off the sheet! And they are so thin. It’s weird though because they lowered the quality of the stamps but gave us a nicer sleeve to store them? I just want a decent stamp. Now I don’t want to buy any stamps in case it’s going to be this type. |
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Post by lanena on Feb 3, 2023 17:25:47 GMT
amp, I enjoyed subscribing to Cocoa Daisy for many years. It's a smaller company, and they have a variety of kits. Their stamps, even the smaller ones, are wonderful. You can definitely use their stamps to create your own journaling cards. As with any subscription, it sometimes makes sense to take a break. I wasn't using up all of the supplies I was buying. I do miss their rub-ons and chipboard. I'm hoping to re-subscribe at some point.
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paget
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,121
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on Feb 3, 2023 17:35:41 GMT
Oh man. I just used the JAN SBTM and OLW stamps and you guys are right- they changed it and it’s garbage. First if all, damn, they were hard to peel off the sheet! And they are so thin. It’s weird though because they lowered the quality of the stamps but gave us a nicer sleeve to store them? I just want a decent stamp. Now I don’t want to buy any stamps in case it’s going to be this type. Quoting myself- I just started a conversation with AE stating I wanted to note my displeasure with the stamps and find out how I would know in the future which stamps would have which quality as without that information I no longer wanted to purchase stamps from AE. The rep was nice- I felt she was being genuine- and seemed surprised that it appeared my new stamps were different. I went on in more details and she said she is going to check with the team and get back to me with an answer via conversation so it will be interesting to see what she says. |
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Post by honeypea on Feb 3, 2023 19:07:53 GMT
I am so bummed about this stamp situation.
VERY annoyed that SC disappeared all the comments that were voicing concern over the change.
Soothing myself with the knowledge that Paper Person, Citrus Twist, Everyday Explorers, and Keri Bradford make very good stamps. I’ve never bought from the ink companies, but I’ll assume they’re making good ones. Sigh!
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Post by amp on Feb 3, 2023 19:14:31 GMT
amp , I enjoyed subscribing to Cocoa Daisy for many years. It's a smaller company, and they have a variety of kits. Their stamps, even the smaller ones, are wonderful. You can definitely use their stamps to create your own journaling cards. As with any subscription, it sometimes makes sense to take a break. I wasn't using up all of the supplies I was buying. I do miss their rub-ons and chipboard. I'm hoping to re-subscribe at some point. AWESOME!!! I'll check into thus. Thanks for the recommendation!! |
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Post by honeypea on Feb 3, 2023 19:28:59 GMT
I 1000% think that post is a lie trying to get people to have FOMO. Mom, I’d have agreed with you, but I just noticed the Open SK is marked as sold out. |
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Post by amp on Feb 3, 2023 21:33:14 GMT
I 1000% think that post is a lie trying to get people to have FOMO. Mom, I’d have agreed with you, but I just noticed the Open SK is marked as sold out. It's possible they reduced the amount of kits they make, so it sold out pretty quickly. |
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paget
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,121
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on Feb 3, 2023 22:09:23 GMT
This is the response I received from AE customer service regarding the change to the stamps in the kits:
Hello, Thank you for writing in about the stamps in our Stories by the Month and One Little Word mini kits. We have moved our kit stamps to be manufactured along with the rest of the product in the kit, in order to streamline the process and navigate the ongoing worldwide challenges with shipping.
While these kit stamps are different than our shop stamps, we find that they stamp well but need a softer touch, as stamping with too much pressure will give you a bad image. We truly appreciate you being a subscriber and member of the Ali Edwards community.
Please reach out to us with any questions or if we can be of any assistance. Thank you, Leia
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Post by Citygirl on Feb 3, 2023 22:11:19 GMT
This is the response I received in my convo about the stamp quality:
Hello, Thank you for writing in about the stamps in our Stories by the Month and One Little Word mini kits. We have moved our kit stamps to be manufactured along with the rest of the product in the kit, in order to streamline the process and navigate the ongoing worldwide challenges with shipping. While these kit stamps are different than our shop stamps, we find that they stamp well but need a softer touch, as stamping with too much pressure will give you a bad image. We truly appreciate you being a subscriber and member of the Ali Edwards community. Please reach out to us with any questions or if we can be of any assistance. Thank you, Leia
Pfft! The image is not the issue.
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I thought this seemed to be the thoughts of more than a few people here so I was surprised to read Ali’s Instagram sneak with the xoxo story kit and read that SBTM is on a waitlist now due to the increase in subs and story kit is almost there! Whoa.