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I've been a Stampin Up hobby demo on/off for many, many years. I've also dabbled (just as a customer) with CTMH (but that was YEARS ago). I remember having only a handful of stamp sets from CTMH and I believe I only used 1-2 of those sets. I really didn't care for the way them stamped. Never really had a clear image. (these were the days before the Misti or other stamping platforms). So I remember that I got rid of them during one of my big craft room clean outs.
Well, I've been looking online through their catalog and really like a lot of their sets. But I'm afraid of getting them and they're not the best quality. But then I think.....I have a stamping platform, so that might help.
So can someone tell me if their stamps have changed? Or maybe I'll have better luck using my stamping platform?
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Life is NOT a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely BUT...to skid in sideways, chocolate in hand and screamingWOOHOO-WHAT A RIDE!
I have no idea if they've changed since I own exactly one CTMH set. But it was purchased in the last 12-24 months and it worked just fine for making a college basketball scrapbook for a neighbor's son.
The set was called Game Day if you want to get an idea of the types of images.
The issues most have with photopolymer isn't the stamps, it's the ink. Some formulas just do not want to play well with clear stamps - especially if they are acrylic vs photopolymer. There are entire threads devoted to that issue. I'd find one for you but I'm tired and being lazy... One thing of note: CTMH is geared more to scrapbooking than cardmaking, so the images tend to be larger, as a general rule. That being said, I have many, many CTMH sets (some go back to 2003, some I got this year) and love them all, and I DO NOT make scrapbook layouts. The older sets have been stored both correctly and incorrectly, so some of them are getting soft and fragile, but they still stamp fine if I don't get too aggressive.
I’ll need to look at a current CTMH carry online. Previously, they seemed big on
Characterachure-like google eye people and animals. Definitely not my style.
I know what you mean about older CTMH sets not stamping well.
IMO, they are much, much better than they used to be. I think they switched from acrylic (they used to be called "my acrylix") to photopolymer, which would explain it.
They do have a lot of scrapbooking, but I find plenty for cardmaking. Their current stamp of the month looks like a great one for cards. I recently splurged and got their May-August card kit.
i use CTMH sets, primarily alphabets, almost every day. I have had really good results and will continue to buy from them. A few tips:
1. Ink the stamp then stamp and rub a bit (like an erasing motion) on scratch paper to condition the stamp. It should ink up fine after that quick step.
2. Press lightly both on the ink pad and on the paper. It is easy to apply too much pressure and squish the image. It is a world of difference from wood mounted rubber.
3. Use a foam mat or the thin mat that comes with the set every time you stamp. Rubber stamps have the foam cushion layer but photopolymer stamps need you to add the cushion under the paper.
Happy Stamping!
Mary Beth
Just to clarify: I only make cards, not scrapbooks, so of course the CTMH stamps work just fine for cards. I was just pointing out that the images are often larger than those from SU. That, in my opinion, can be a very good thing, and I often feel that you get more for your money. Agreed on the cushion under the paper - that's why that foamie thing is included.
I have many from both companies. I've always loved the way the CTMH ones stay on the acrylic block and have many favorites that I've used over the years.
I love CTMH stamps. I create cards and feel that the size and quality are perfect for cardmaking. There are sets that are for scrapbooking as well; and I buy them for cards too.
Steps for using CTMH stamps:
1. Pat with your palm or clean with stamp shammy before using. (You have to remove the leftover coating from when they are made.)
2. Be sure to use foam pad under them when stamping.
I use my Misti now and it has foam.
3. Ink them very well. I use CTMH ink; and this works very well with them.
4. I stamp twice for most of them, using the Misti; but many of the sentiments are good on the first try.
5. CTMH has a stamp shammy that you use only water to clean the stamps with. I stopped using stamp cleaner now due to the smell.
Message me on Facebook Messenger if you have questions.
Thanks. Gloria Shirr
I’ve purchased both companies’ products in the past 3 years. My opinion is SU is a better quality than CTMH. However, Altenew is a better quality than both, in my opinion. Especially their inks (I buy the inspots). CTMH’s dry out faster; SU’s sponges are soft and the lids don’t stay on as well.
When I receive a clear stamp set, the first thing I do is wash the stamps with Dawn Dish Soap. Then I use a sandpaper sponge (really light grit) and VERY LIGHTLY, go over the image. Then wipe the stamp with a damp cloth, to remove any dust. I then go ahead and stamp with my platform stamper. I haven't had a problem with any ink.
Hope this works out for you!
Glad to hear the reviews as there are 2 CTMH stamps I am thinking about. They are both oversized sentiments that would cover most of a card face.
Glad you asked the question!
if you splurge I'd be interested to hear your thoughts about them ( stamps being sold now) I did not have good luck with their brand when they moved from rubber to clear so. I am curious but, not peeking at their site. ( I have enough stamps... I have enough stamps...) said no one ever. :lolo:
I’m a CTMH consultant, and I swear by them. They are cheaper than Stampin up, their dies come on a magnet, their card stock is two toned, lighter on one side, they don’t take up as much room, and they stamp beautifully.
Regarding seasoning the stamps, I put them on a block and rub them on my arm one or two times. Really helps with stamps that have large areas to stamp.
Stampin Up vs Close to My Heart
Tip for using CLEAR STAMPS
