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Hey all! I am kind of a novice posting around here so I hope you'll forgive me if I get this in the wrong place. . .
Teresa Collins announced on her blog today (http://teresacollins.typepad.com) that she is releasing a new stamp making machine. It is a machine that lets you make your own photo polymer stamps using any artwork or font, including your own!
It is supposed to retail for $169.99 with the consumables retailing at around $1 each!
I am so excited about the idea of taking my own hand drawings and turning them into stamps.
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There are quite a few of these types of machines/kits on the market. I can't remember the name of one that was advertised here SCS a while ago. I don't think it was as expensive either.
I saw that and thought it definately needed a home at my house! Wonder how much it costs 1. to buy initially and 2. for the extra stuff when you run out of what comes with it.
Anyone know what company already makes ones as referred above? I'm curious to see some reveiws..
I saw that and thought it definately needed a home at my house! Wonder how much it costs 1. to buy initially and 2. for the extra stuff when you run out of what comes with it.
Anyone know what company already makes ones as referred above? I'm curious to see some reveiws..
Andrea
I read the post the other day and it will sell for $169.99 and extra stuff prices dont look as though they are still to be announced. Apparently the machine will be sent to stockist some time in august and we can purchase from there. I gather the costs of refills will come to light then.
If anyone can help Im trying to figure out how you make the black image you put in the machine with the pink blob thingo. As that hasnt really been shown.
Lisha, it looks like a piece of acetate (or similar) with a printed image on it. It seems to work like silk-screening (negative image) and "melts" the stamp material where the black is or something.
I'm following her blog in the hopes of more updates, I want to be in on the first pre-order. It's the first stamp maker I've ever seen on the market and tons cheaper than the one linked above from Australia. Even if the consumables are fairly expensive, I know I'll make my money back from my stamping groups who will pay me for the consumables + a couple bucks to be able to make stamps of their own. Several of my friends are artists and are already plotting what they going make first!
Ahh thanks for that. Although I dont know when we are able to order these though :( august is the suppliers shipping date :( I wonder if oh my crafts will have them.... Im planing on seeing if my craft store will stock them
I found some info on the product supplies needed for the stampmaker on the Photocentric site ..which is the company the manufactures Teresa's Stampmaker.
I am the Design and Education manager for Photocentric and I also do product support so I can answer any questions about the systems and the products. If you are going to be at CHA tradeshow only please stop by Booth 1343-we have some amazing things going on and sign up for our make and takes.
I just wanted to clarify a couple comments I have seen posted.
The Stampit kit is our daylight polymer kit and uses a regular 60 watt lightbulb. This had a slight learning curve and takes some practice.
We also have the Imagebox which is a large UV light unit that can do a4 size sheets of stamps-this has a large learning curve but once you figure out the timing you can get amazing results. This one retails for $379.00 USD
The other Stampmaker kit on our website is similar but only comes with polymer for stamps. You have to buy the starter kits for both embossing and stencils if you want to make them.
The TC stampmaker maker kit comes with polymer for stamps, stencils and embossing. It also comes with 8 premade negatives and inkjet film. There really is no learning curve with this machine other than if you print your own negatives and then it is just making sure they are dark enough.
I'm excited about this machine - I have a whole file of stamp ideas that I've always wanted to be made into stamps. Unfortunately the big draw back for me is the size of the stamp - if I understood correctly, the largest size is 4 x 2 3/8, which to me doesn't seem too big.
lol HoosierMama, are you Canadian?
There's actually a version of the TC stamp maker on the market already, one of the companies that sells it is Photocentric. They also sell a light box, retailing about $400... in that you can fit 8.5x11 sheets of the stamp goop. You can print an image that has a ton of stamps on it and then just cut them up when it's made.
If you check out my blog and click the label "Products" I did a write up about three different kinds of stamp making kits.
lol HoosierMama, are you Canadian?
There's actually a version of the TC stamp maker on the market already, one of the companies that sells it is Photocentric. They also sell a light box, retailing about $400... in that you can fit 8.5x11 sheets of the stamp goop. You can print an image that has a ton of stamps on it and then just cut them up when it's made.
If you check out my blog and click the label "Products" I did a write up about three different kinds of stamp making kits.
LOL. Not Canadian! When I joined SCS I lived in Indiana - hence the name.
Loved the writeup on your blog, was very helpful. I'm probably going to consider the teresa collins version although I'm going to wait a few months and see what the availability of refills is. I would hate to buy something and not be able to find the polymer packets anywhere.
Hmm, I imagine that since the TC is the same design as the middle priced one from Photocentric (and I'm sure other companies have similar) that finding refills will be easy enough from other companies if TC can't keep up with demands. I don't see why she'd be using different polymer packs.
It's nice to have priced out options for refills!
Let me know if you buy it, I'm still working on the husband to get mine lol
Cannot wait for them to arrive.
I am so exited to design my own custom stamps. I have not been more excited about any other tool in a long time (if ever)
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I am very curious about this machine. It seems very inexpensive and I can get stamps I truly want. If this machine is as great as reported thrus far before the actual release then I will buy 1 at X-Mas along with my unrelated Cricut Create.
I am very curious about this machine. It seems very inexpensive and I can get stamps I truly want. If this machine is as great as reported thrus far before the actual release then I will buy 1 at X-Mas along with my unrelated Cricut Create.
Sheena
Sheena, it is a fabulous machine and its all the great things that has been said about it, words cannot express how I love this machine... I do have the Teresa Collins Stamp Maker... As I won the machine that was given away by Teresa recently, so I have the hands on experience already.
Hmm, I imagine that since the TC is the same design as the middle priced one from Photocentric (and I'm sure other companies have similar) that finding refills will be easy enough from other companies if TC can't keep up with demands. I don't see why she'd be using different polymer packs.
I'm not totally sure about this.. I do think some packs vary for different machines as I know the Aussie company it takes longer to make the a stamp, and it was more washin with chemicals which you don't need to do with the polymer packs for Teresa Collins Machine...
I 'm not sure about the other Photocentric machines ..as I haven't used other machines its only from watching videos on the net.
Maybe the person from Photocentric can confirm this !!!!???? That posted previously
Hi,I am also from Photocentric and wanted to answer a few questions. The TC Stampmaker contains everything to make stamps,stencils and embossing dies (the embossing dies are basically hard,thin stamps that you can use with a big shot or cuttlebug etc. to press your design into card etc. They are also great for stamping into polymer clay as the image stays clear and crisp). It also has 8 printed TC designs and 20 more on the CD. More will soon be available to download from TC's website. It makes stamps in 5 minutes, stencils in 2.5 and embossing dies in 3 - incredibly fast. Polymer is red but will fade to clear if you wish with a longer post exposure time.
The larger imagebox that some people have mentioned will make 8 1/2" x 11" sheets but takes 25 minutes and has a learning curve. This is more for those who want to sell clear stamps.The polymer packs have different exposure times and thicknesses so you do need to ensure the packs go with your unit.Polymer for imagebox is clear.
The smaller Stamp !t that works with an ordinary lamp and was featured here a couple of years ago is still around. It is inexpensive but again has a learning curve. Polymer packs for this kit are yellow.
The TC Stampmaker is the result of our R&D to provide a really simple,clean and fast way to make a stamp.
With all units, it is important to make your negative as black as possible (check printer options before printing:use black ink cartridge, increase ink density if possible, use normal, not best quality and often photo paper matte as a paper option). They all work by the black ink stopping light and the clear letting light through to harden the polymer and make the stamp - you can use a design cut into black card also or a piece of lace.
In terms of TC polymer packs, the only other compatible packs would be the imagepac stampmaker refills.
Hope this helps!
Sally
Last edited by SallyB99; 08-12-2010 at 01:32 AM..
Reason: missed a word out
well it looks like i might be accidently getting TWO of these machines instead of one (according to my credit card charges anyway!) i was going to contact them about sending one back but then i thought i would see if anyone here wants it? PM me if interested. i don't know what shipping will cost until i see the machine and weigh it. i would sell it for 130.00 plus shipping.
Hey Ladies! I stumbled across this thread while searching for more information on the StampMaker! I was lucky enough to have stumbled across one of these FABULOUS little tools while at a craft show.
Did I ask for a demonstration? Of course I did! I am an extremely curious girl when it comes to all gadgets. So here is my take on what I have learned so far! Remember, this is just my personal opinion.
Price wise this machine is definetly do-able for the average bear even if you had to save for a few months for it.
I still have quite a few questions about replacement parts though. What does a bulb cost to replace? How much can I get the refills for as this company was telling me $15 for a pack of five which would cost me $3 each time I made a stamp set. Although $3 doesn't sound like much try making 10 stamp sets and add it up!
From what I could see the size of stamp it could make was approximately 3 inches by 4 inches. This is OK if you are just using this as your own personal toy and don't intend on making stamps any larger than this.
One of the biggest drawbacks I saw was that you still had to mount your "clear" stamp to cling mount as the imagepac adheres to the backside of your stamp leaving behind a very smooth (non-sticky) surface. Kind of like a sheet of acetate.
This is definetly NOT a stamp machine that you would buy if you had the intention on re-selling the stamps you make as the quality is OK but not top notch like you buy in the stores! For personal use this machine is great!
I liked the fact that you did not have to use chemicals to clean your stamps afterwards like you do with some of the other more involved stamp machines. I also liked the fact that you can use your inkjet printer to make your negatives instead of having to use a laserjet like some other stamp making machines require.
One of the biggest advantages I loved about the machine was the ease of operation! If you want to make your own personal stamps and are not one to learn a complicated machine then the StampMaker would be the perfect machine for you.
Unfortunately I was unable to get a demo of the other features as the lady selling this machine had just received hers in time to make a few stamps and head to the craft show.
Although this machine has some drawbacks I am thinking I might eventually take the plunge and purchase one. My main use for this would be for some of those fantastic digi stamps out there. I am not a huge fan of using digi stamps but I do love so many of the images. As long as I am careful to follow all of their angel policies and terms of use I would like to purchase some of the digi stamps I have been drooling over and turn them into my own personal rubber collection.
Hopefully I have been helpful in getting you some more info! As soon as I take the plunge and get one of these bad boys in my hands I will definetly let you know more!
We at Photocentric really appreciate all your comments about the stampmaker. But I wanted to clear up a few questions and concerns we have noticed.
We do sell replacement bulbs but they will last a very long time-I probably use mine a lot more than the regular person and I have had one of my systems for almost a year and I use it almost every day.
This machine was not meant for the person that wants to make a living mass producing stamps-we have a machine called an imagebox that would be more suited to this. It was meant for the person who wants to create their own custom stamp images.
You use dish soap and water to clean these stamps and our polymer is non toxic.
MSRP is about 12.00USD for 5 medium stamps and 10.00 USD for 5 small stamps for refills
This process is so easy because you only do one side of the stamp unlike regular Photopolymer stamps that stick to a block but the adhesive and a small acrylic block come in the kit.
Quality is excellent and directly comparable to rubber stamps. You can get very fine detail - we recommend "flashing" the back for 3 second for fine detail.
You can create embossing dies and stencils with this system. You can also use your electronic diecut machines to create negatives for creating stamps.
This looks very much like the STAMPCRITTER that came out a few years ago. I bought one and it was a big rip off. The customer service was awful, and I was one of the few people who ever managed to get a decent stamp from it. I did a tutorial on my blog on how to use the machine and the Stampcritter Company copied it to their website and used it as a customer testimonial - pictures and all - without my permission.
When I first got the machine I was very excited and thought it was great. I was sure with more practice, I could make some great stamps. The two guys who "invented" the stampcritter were very helpful at first, I thought they were wonderful also. But the stamps didn't get easier to make, as a matter of fact it got worse, and then when I needed the two wonderful guys for help, they were no longer returning my emails. Now the poor things sits in a cabinet. As I already stated I did get a few decent stamps out of the whole mess which cost me about $300.
Needless to say the company disappeared, people tried to get their money back and it was just a mess. People were emailing me for help because they posted my tutorial on their blog. I felt so bad, but there wasn't much I could do. I did give out the private email address and the phone number I had for these guys so others could try and contact them.
Anyway, I don't know a thing about Teresa Collins or her company so I'm not trying to run her down, so please don't slam me. I'm just saying do your research, because this machine looks just like what I have collecting dust in my cabinet.
We at Photocentric really appreciate all your comments about the stampmaker. But I wanted to clear up a few questions and concerns we have noticed.
We do sell replacement bulbs but they will last a very long time-I probably use mine a lot more than the regular person and I have had one of my systems for almost a year and I use it almost every day.
This machine was not meant for the person that wants to make a living mass producing stamps-we have a machine called an imagebox that would be more suited to this. It was meant for the person who wants to create their own custom stamp images.
You use dish soap and water to clean these stamps and our polymer is non toxic.
MSRP is about 12.00USD for 5 medium stamps and 10.00 USD for 5 small stamps for refills
This process is so easy because you only do one side of the stamp unlike regular Photopolymer stamps that stick to a block but the adhesive and a small acrylic block come in the kit.
Quality is excellent and directly comparable to rubber stamps. You can get very fine detail - we recommend "flashing" the back for 3 second for fine detail.
You can create embossing dies and stencils with this system. You can also use your electronic diecut machines to create negatives for creating stamps.
Thank you,
Lara from Photocentric
Lara, thanks for the information. Do you know if any plans are in the works to create a larger StampMaker?
Hi Kim,
I wanted to reply to your comments about Stamp Critter. Those people did not make their polymer. Photocentric is the inventor of easy to use "polymer in a bag" and is not going anywhere! We worked with Teresa Collins to bring out a kit at the most affordable price possible for this technology. Stampmaker is designed to be very simple to use, exposing on one side only (unless "flashing the back for 3 seconds for very fine stamps) and you have a finished stamp in just 5 minutes.
I believe that one of our other products will work with Stamp Critter. If you would like to contact me at [email protected] and tell me the thickness and size of the packs you used, I can confirm this. If the packs don't fit, we can maybe find you a clamp so that you can use your light at least, with Teresa Collins polymer packs.
Hi Kim,
I wanted to reply to your comments about Stamp Critter. Those people did not make their polymer. Photocentric is the inventor of easy to use "polymer in a bag" and is not going anywhere! We worked with Teresa Collins to bring out a kit at the most affordable price possible for this technology. Stampmaker is designed to be very simple to use, exposing on one side only (unless "flashing the back for 3 seconds for very fine stamps) and you have a finished stamp in just 5 minutes.
I believe that one of our other products will work with Stamp Critter. If you would like to contact me at [email protected] and tell me the thickness and size of the packs you used, I can confirm this. If the packs don't fit, we can maybe find you a clamp so that you can use your light at least, with Teresa Collins polymer packs.
Thank you, I really don't think I would be interested in buying anymore pouches for the stampcritter, but I would be interested in your new pouches if you think they would work with my machine.
Again, I wasn't trying to knock your product. I just know how disappointed people were with the stampcritter, and I didn't want anyone else to waste their money on another machine that didn't work.
I do have a question, one of the issues with the stampcritter was the "cooking" times. The instructions gave you suggested times, but then I was told that you may have to adjust your time due to your climate or altitude. The problem was people were wasting all their pouches trying to figure out the best time for them. Do your pouches have this same issue?
Hi Kim,
Room temperature is best, yes. Polymer will thicken and get slower when very cold and more liquid and faster when very hot, however this will make almost no difference with Stampmaker. With Stamp Critter you had to expose on 2 sides and make a floor or base to your stamp, this is the hardest part of commercial stamp making to get right - you want it to give a good support to your stamp but not too high or you will get ink on it. With Stampmaker, the polymer is designed to be exposed on one side and the plastic acts as the support so you always get a nice deep etch. With 99.5% of designs, the times will always be 3 minutes exposure + 2 mins post exposure (to harden and dry on top). Of those, maybe 20% or so will have fine lines where we recommend the 3 second flash on the other side also to really attach those small dots and thin lines to the backing so they won't wash away. Very rarely, eg. with small 6 point text in a difficult to read font you will want to expose for longer.
Hope this helps.
Sally
If anyone is interested I just uploaded a couple of projects made with some stamps I made with the TC Stampmaker. I took the pics with the negative and the stamp as well to show how they look.
Teresa Collins Stampmaker!
