Stampin’ Blends Q & A
Many of you have lots of questions about Stampin’ Blends, so I’ve pulled together the answers for the questions, I’ve been asked frequently over the past few days.
Q: I bought the Blendabilities when Stampin’ Up! first introduced them, are the Stampin’ Blends any better?
A: I honestly I do not know. Let me tell you what I do know: The old blendabilities were on the market for MONTHS before issues with them drying out due to the air-tight caps not being “air tight” were discovered. Since then Stampin’ Up! has done endless hours of testing to learn from mistakes to prevent this situation reoccurring.
In 29 years, Stampin’ Up! has released literally hundreds of products, the Blendabilities was one product line didn’t meet what we’ve come to expect from their high quality products. As soon as Stampin’ Up! discovered the products issues, they did their best to make it right – firstly by issuing replacements and then when they withdrew the product, they offered a product credit for Blendabilities purchases. Stampin’ Up! clearly demonstrated that they stand by their products. I feel confident in saying that if there is an issue, Stampin’ Up! will do everything they can to make it right.
Q: There only two shades of each color, why?
A: Stampin’ Up! wants to make it easy for you! This is simplicity at its finest. If you are really looking for 28 shades of green, then these are not the markers for you – try a complex alcohol marker system like Copic. I strongly advocate for taking the easy Stampin’ Up! option! Why make it hard for yourself?
Q: Do they stink?
A: All alcohol based markers have an “alcohol” smell no matter what brand. Due to allergies, I’m quite sensitive to smells. I found that I didn’t really notice a strong “alcohol” smell unless I held it up to my nose and took a deep breath! (Not recommended!)
Q: How should I store my Stampin’ Blends?
A: Since the markers are dual tipped, it is beneficial keep the ink level between the two tips so store them horizontally. The Wood-Mount Stamp Cases (Full) are a good marker storage option.
Q: There are only 12 colors! Will they come out with more?
A: Thank goodness there are only 12! My family actually needs to eat! They wouldn’t be able to do that if I spend our grocery money on markers! Jokes aside, rumors has it that there are more colors but then again there are murmurs that this is it! I have no idea until Stampin’ Up! decides to tell us. My advice is to enjoy the colours that available! If you combine the colours with the neutrals you have even more options!
Q: Do I need the whole set?
A: YES! NO! Seriously, of course you don’t! Take a look at your projects and stamps and then decide. Think about the projects you are going to make first and then decide what you need. I am optimistic (or is that delusional?) that I will get ahead on my card making in 2018, so I wanted to have all the Autumn colours like Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Cobbler and Daffodil Delight but the pretty soft springtime colours and the bolds for right now. Go with what works for you.
Q: I can only get one set right now, which should I get?
A: Honestly, if you can’t afford at least three colours, two neutrals and a colour lifter, Please don’t get any. If you only get one colour, you will not have the best marker experience. I have pondered over this for hours. If you only have one color, I’m worried that you will be rapidly disappointed that you don’t have two or three colors. I want you to be delighted with your purchase! As you should be! Wait until you can purchase the three colors, two neutrals and the lifter before buying any. (Well… that wasn’t very “saleperson” thing to say!) Here’s my blog post explaining why you need to follow the 1,2,3 rule
Q: Is it less expensive to purchase entire set than buy them individually?
A: No! However, if you get the entire set of 27 you are close to the 10% Stampin’ Rewards that kick in at $250 in merchandise. And that is so much better than getting a free marker! So it is a good opportunity to stock up on other things you need such as whisper white card stock, memento ink and refill, adhesive, and of course, a stamp set.
Q: How much do they cost?
A: Stampin’ Blends are $7.75 each, a duo set for $15.50 or the full set for $209.25. but you can also purchase them individually.
Q: What is the difference between Stampin’ Up!’s previous alcohol markers that were discontinued?
A: The overall alcohol marker concept is the same as the previous ones, except you only need two markers to get a great result rather than three. The previous product were sold in a “3 pack” with no option to buy individually. Now they are a set of 2 and can be purchased individually, as a duo or a full set. The discontinued markers had potential problem with the seal of the cap. Stampin’ Up! was unable to resolve the issue with the manufacturers, so they choose to discontinue them rather than continue to sell potentially defective product. I say “potential” because some of my stamping friends still have their Blendabilities and use them with no problems at all. At the time, It was more of a consistency issue with quality on the caps.
Fast forward to 2017, Stampin’ Up! has new manufactures and more rigorous testing – not to say there wasn’t rigorous testing before, it was just an issue with the manufacturer more than anything else. Sometimes manufacturers can be your best asset or your worst nightmare.
Q: What is the Lifter?
A: The Lifter is a must have! It is like the ultimate marker! Just like magic – it is your eraser, blender, highlighter, texture pen and much much more.
Q: If you buy the entire set, is the Color Lifter included or is it sold separate?
A: YES it is included AND you can choose to buy it separately.
Q: Are they refillable? Can I get replacement tips?
A: Sadly, there are no refills or replacement tips available for the Blends at this time.
If you have more questions, be sure to leave them in the comments!
