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I LOVE the new cattie - esp the dies - my bank account is going to suffer big this time around :-) That jeep with the dog...that is sooo cute - and I love lots of the papers...
I need to make my list later today - and because I am impatient, I will be expediting tomorrow :-)
The cover is beautiful and the card samples are nicer. But it doesn't seem like there are that many new sets. Several of the new sets are very similar to older retired sets. I thought the point of having two catalogs a year was to have greater variety. I really wish SU would go back to one catalog a year plus four big mini catalogs but that's a different discussion.
The DP is pretty and I like a lot of the Big Shot dies. There are a couple of sets I like. Overall, I'm disappointed and my wish list is small. Like some other posters, I've been an SU girl for a long time and I'm looking for fresh new sets (Game Night and Card Games are cute and different), not recycled older set designs.
I got my catty but I am NOT overly excited. No sets aimed for teenagers again. I love how they say they are up to date with trends - NOT. If that were trues they would know that Skateboarding/snowboarding & motocross are the #1 action sports.
Instead - they give us a surfing & BMX set that is CHILDISH looking.
I haven't seen the new cat yet, but saw a preview of a flower set I liked. What I have learned about my own preferences:
1.) I like a large variety of stamps, especially unmounted ones as I store almost all of my stamps in CD cases. I LOVE the Magnolia stamps, still need to order some though, and I really like the new Hero Arts Stamps as well. Bottom line: Stamp purchases from SU won't be high on my list as I have a huge assortment of their stamps already and I want more variety in my images.
2.) SU has great markers, paper and ink pads. I absolutely love how they all work together, this year I plan buying more paper and ink from SU for that reason. Bottom line: This is the year I stop buying paper from M's as it is never very good quality and the colors never go together (you don't want to know how many sheets of blue toned/tinted card stock I have and still can't use because the colors aren't "right."
3.) I love buying the full sheets or half sheets of unmounted rubber, the cost is usually around 15 to 20 dollars for 15 to 30 images, given the state of our budget this seems to work for me. I also do NOT like that SU does not give you the option to not buy the wood mounts (if they were to do this I think their sales would go up). I have to purchase something I don't want and don't use.
__________________ AfterHoursStamper.blogspot.com �It is easier to believe a lie that one has heard a thousand times than to believe a fact that no one has heard before�
I LOVE the new catalog! My wish list is about a mile long! I just love so much of the new stuff! The paper is fantastic and the new stamps are gorgeous! I can't wait to place an order tomorrow
I just received my new Catty yesterday and to be honest I'm not over the top IN LOVE with it. There are a few sets in there that I absolutely love though like Fifth Ave. Floral, Central Park, Cheep Talk and Trendy Trees.
I'm another one who is pretty disappointed by the new catalog. Only 3 sets on my wish list, and 2 of them I consider to be so ridiculously expensive that I probably won't buy either of them (guess I don't like them that much). Then again, I didn't get any stamps from the last catty either.
There is one SAB set that I like, so I guess I will be sticking with ink, paper and punches for my SAB order.
BORING!!!!! I am so disappointed in the new catty. The papers and embellishments are nice, but not impressed with the stamps. I think SU needs to go back to one catty a year. And while they're at it, if they can't get the catty samplers out BEFORE the regular catty is released, what's the point?
I will continue to purchase cs, punches and ribbon through SU, but I think my days of SU stamps are on their way out. :-( Makes me sad because I have a dear friend who is a demo and I want to support her as much as possible.
I think the SU team in Utah should seriously consider surveying their demos and regular customers to what they think about how things have changed over the last couple of years.
I wasn't impressed with it at all. I think if your new to stamping you might feel quite differently. I did love the new papers and some of the die cuts though. I thought the new brads were way to expensive. I haven't seen the salebration flyer yet, I hope there is some stamps in there I like, as I didn't find any that I must have in the new catty.
Just got the new catty today. Must say it is beautiful, unfortunately that is all I can say about it. There are some nice new sets, like the new sympathy set, I really do like it. But it just so happens that Papertrey released one that is much prettier this month and is a much better value. That is the problem I am having, I can't justify the cost of their stamp sets anymore, when I can get sets from other places for less money, more stamps, that I plain just like better.
The new accessories are nice but they are pricey as well, and I am not into SU's dp. I guess I am gonna buy 2 of the die's at the SAB, and some cs.
My first go-through, I only found 2 stamp sets I had to have. Have since added a few more to my list, but have found some paper and accessories I'm going to order.
I still don't have one - my demo hasn't received her boxes yet and of course tomorrow is a postal holiday. This fact alone is quite irritating to me so SU! starts from behind.
From sneak peeks and comments I've read, I feel like I know what to expect. I didn't like many stamp sets from the last one either and I don't like anything in the SAB catalog.
The expense of the stamp sets is a drawback and an rubber-only option would make a huge difference to me (notice I didn't say "unmounted" because someone would say - "but that's how they come, unmounted!"; I do mean no cases or blocks).
All considered, I still look forward to actually seeing the catalog -- must be nostalgia or something?! Curiosity?
Hi - Since I became a demo last May, I have learned to look at new catty's differently. SCS has proven me wrong soooo many times! I can't tell you how many sets I haven't cared for then I spend time here and find TONS of ideas I like! I don't spend as foolishly (sp?) but I can ALWAYS find things to buy in every catty! haha
Four stamps sets, a paper set, and a ribbon set? Sure do preference items from regular catty you have to purchase just about on every page. Who needs instructions on paper piercing in the SAB?
Are they kidding? I don't think it's going to boost their sales...
This is the first catalog that really didn't Wow! me. As far as stamp set go, this is my shortest wish list - and I have been making lists for about 7 years now! I must say their accessories are different and interesting so that is where I will be spending money.
I got my new catty yesterday at our SU workshop. Very disappointed with the sets. There are only 3 that I marked to purchase. Some of the DPs are nice - Raspberry Tart for example. Just Buzzin By is really cute - but how often will I use it for $28?
Did anyone notice that there are no "card recipes" in the back of the catty like before?
My demo ordered the preview catties as soon as she could and only one person at our workshop had received theirs. So far no one has received the SAB catty.
Su really needs to rethink some of their changes and go back to one catty per year with 4 mini catties and find a way to lower the prices on their stamp sets. They have pretty well priced themselves out of my wallet.
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Overall I am pleased with the new catty. There's plenty in it for me to buy. There are a couple of sets that underwhelmed me or made me go "Whahh?", but that happens most times. ;)
I think the frog set and scrapbook set are cute. I like a lot of the DP. I'm going to get Top Note even though I don't have a Big Shot. I saw quite a few good ideas that I plan to try myself.
I also agree that SU should go back 1 catty & 4 mini's. Way to many flower sets again.
Only 1 new masculine set.
No teenager sets.
Only a few kids sets.
I do like the new sympathy set and a 6 others I will seriously consider buying.
My big purchade this year will be the big shot. I wanted one anyways so I will get that now for sure.
I am placing a large order tomorrow- apparently you either like the catty or you don't. They have some new fun sentiments and cute fun images. I have thought a lot of their stuff was geared more toward a different age bracket than mine (younger AND older!) and I like this catty. They new papers are great- the new buttons are cute- I have been needing some new flowers- I like it! I have my own feelings about some of the marketing, but I like the content!
went thru the catalog today. so disappointed. only 1 set i want, love the dies, but will try to get the reg. line ones at stores, with coupons , a few exclusives I want. Love alot of the papers. miss the ingredients page. Maybe we could all email Stampin up and give them an idea of what stampers are looking for.
You girls are making me very jealous. We wont get our new catty's for another couple of months yet. It will be interesting to compare notes then with the Aussie version.
that once I see all of the designers make beautiful cards with the sets and I realize how versatile they are and how they looked combined with paper and all the extras the maybes and just ok's become oh my goodness, I must have that too. I see that the sympathy set is going to go fast and it's on my second to buy list. I really want those items I listed earlier - I want to get online asap when it comes up... if the site lets me in...
I've not yet seen the catalogue yet but... here's a thought...do you think the reason so many people are not impressed with the catalogue is because we all have tons of stamps? I know I am getting a lot pickier with what I buy because I don't want to buy something similar to what I already have. I felt uninspired with the last catalogue already. Oh, and don't get me started on SAB sets for this year.
__________________ I got a Nikon camera. I love to take photographs, so momma don't take my kodachrome away."
Paul Simon
I've not yet seen the catalogue yet but... here's a thought...do you think the reason so many people are not impressed with the catalogue is because we all have tons of stamps? I know I am getting a lot pickier with what I buy because I don't want to buy something similar to what I already have. I felt uninspired with the last catalogue already. Oh, and don't get me started on SAB sets for this year.
I think this is true. If I showed the catalog to my friend who is just starting to enjoy SU, she would drool.
There are also so many sets from the previous catalog. But, there are still plenty of those that I like that I haven't gotten. Honestly, some of them are just so expensive! Perhaps many of you already bought all of the sets you liked from the last catalog.
I also think it's silly to have a dormant list and not just include them in the catalog.
I think you are right about that [craftygirl04, post #69]. The competition has increased and even though I started with SU just two years ago, it is not my go-to place for stamps. I think anyone who has been stamping for awhile and has built up any kind of collection of SU stamps, and/or bought from other stamp companies, is now more discerning. And as someone else mentioned, the SU prices are high.
It seems to me that SU will always want to be the company for getting started in stamping, always making sure they have the basics covered, and innovation will be sporadic. And even though there are a variety of styles in each catalog, sometimes with an overriding trend, the artwork will stay in the SU comfort zone. It seems a bit dated to me, but in a way, maybe it isn't such a bad thing. I actually get a big nostalgic when I get the catalog in my hands, remembering when I first started stamping and what a thrill it was the very first time I put rubber to paper.
Then, too, they do get us a bit hooked on the color coordination of everything else so the stamps aren't always what we look for from SU! ~ although if other companies like Papertrey Ink start providing that, and doing it as well as they do, that part of their business may diminish too.
The greatest asset for SU, IMHO, is it's demos. So many of them can make a silk purse from a sow's ear! And they are enthusiastic. If SU! didn't have this system . . . I wonder how long they would last as an online store. So if you love SU!, just hope that they are keeping your demos happy ;)
...It seems to me that SU will always want to be the company for getting started in stamping, always making sure they have the basics covered, and innovation will be sporadic. And even though there are a variety of styles in each catalog, sometimes with an overriding trend, the artwork will stay in the SU comfort zone. It seems a bit dated to me, but in a way, maybe it isn't such a bad thing. I actually get a big nostalgic when I get the catalog in my hands, remembering when I first started stamping and what a thrill it was the very first time I put rubber to paper.
Then, too, they do get us a bit hooked on the color coordination of everything else so the stamps aren't always what we look for from SU! ~ although if other companies like Papertrey Ink start providing that, and doing it as well as they do, that part of their business may diminish too.
The greatest asset for SU, IMHO, is it's demos. So many of them can make a silk purse from a sow's ear! And they are enthusiastic. If SU! didn't have this system . . . I wonder how long they would last as an online store. So if you love SU!, just hope that they are keeping your demos happy ;)
Phantom, ITA with all you said here...very nicely stated. My DEMO totally ROCKS! (Hi, Danielle!)
As for your "it seems a bit dated" comment, yes, it does, and this nostalgia can definitely be used creatively and to our advantage if we look at it positively. Within 30 minutes of thumbing through the new catty on Saturday, I ran up to my craft room and started to check out my older sets to see if I could get the newer look out of them, particularly the Manhattan/Urban thing, which is so very, very cool.... Anyway, using stuff from my considerable stash, I took old, retired sets that haven't seen ink (and one newer one that hadn't yet either) and made some cards that made me very happy. I'll post some of them later.
My new year's resolution was to use every image stamp I own this year and get rid of the ones that just don't work for me. This is a HUGE goal, considering the size of my stash, but I'm super energized. The new catty gave me a huge boost of ideas for achieving this, and it's actually really, really exciting. I'm off to create more as soon as I pull away from here, LOL!
I love the accessories much more than the stamp sets this time around. In this economy, I think that is a smart business decision. Be sure you go all the way to the very end of the catalog; there is a page of single stamps for sale--great if you are starting out or don't want to buy a full sentiment set. I love that they have upgraded some of the DSP to include gloss or texture!
It's funny... I was happy when I saw the catty last week. But, I've only gone through it once. It was the same with the last catty. I had a good flip through, and then left it alone for a few days. I've looked at bits and pieces since, but I needed to get through the rest of the sales period before I really got into this one.
I love some of the new stamps - birds!!! The accessories are awesome, and there are some great Big Shot dies.
There has been such an explosion of new stamps since I became a demo 2 1/2 years ago. I only became acquainted with SU! in September 2006, and became a demo shortly after. When I go back to older catties, I find that I'm not that drawn to the stamps that are in them - I prefer the styles of the stamps that they have now. I can see though why people are looking to other companies for their stamps because there is such an enormous selection out there.
For my money though, you CANNOT beat the ink and paper that SU! has. I've been a papercrafter for 15+ years, and the stuff that the big craft chains sells does not compare. Nor am I willing to chop up a 12x12 piece of Bazzil paper to make a card. Don't even get me started on the matching of paper to ink!!!
If you buy nothing from your demo but ink, paper, the odd stamp set and accessories, you'll continue to be a customer for years to come because the quality just can't be beat.
My must-have list has grown shorter with each catty. I stared as an SU customer in Jan. '06 so I was starting from nothing. Now I have quite the collection of stamps and accessories so I'm less wowed with some products. I'm also looking at this catty as a demo since I'll be joining on 2/1.
Some of the accessory prices are so high I don't plan to ever demo them (Love the fleurettes but at $9.95 for 12 and you only get 4 each I could afford to have them on a project for more than 4 people).
It took me like 2 hours to figure out what I wanted to get in my starter kit. I really like "Thoughts & Prayers" since I don't have any sympathy sets and with aging parents unfortunately it's been neccessary lately.
Hopefully my first workshop will go well. It's during SAB (I wasn't thrilled with the sets either and only 1 pack of paper and 2 little ribbon spools with a $50 purchase seems a little cheap to me). I do have a list of about 10 sets I really like though...
Like previous posters, the new catty doesn't WOW me. But I love the new DSP, especially Raspberry Tart. There are a couple of sets I like (For the Bride and Cheep Talk...I'm loving that bird!!) I'm happy to see that there are quite a few new sets that cost less than $20. No matter how much I love it, I cannot justify spending $30+ for a stamp set.
Ok I've just looked quickly through it online but I found a LOT that I like and want to get. I'll probably wait for a larger order at sale a bration to get the paper and ribbon in saleabration. I like a lot of the paper, accesseries and honestly there are more stamps that I HAVE to have in this catty than in lots of the past cattys. My demo didn't order them soon enough so I won't get one IRL until late this week
Andrea
