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For those of you that have them, I was thinking about getting a small one for a desk top to work on cards at night. I feel its hard to see good at night even with the lighting I have in my house. Now my question is: do you think they are worth the $$? Its alot to shell out for a lamp and bulb. thanks
Yes, it is absolutely worth it to me. I work in an attic with one window and used to be frustrated after dark trying to match colors with 'yellow' light bulbs. Now I have 3 natural light floor lamps, and 2 natural light bulbs in other lamps. I still have 2 yellow bulbs in lamps and will replace them as soon as I get to it.
I only have one 'Ott' light, the others are from Big Lots and were $29.99 each.
If you check Joann's, they have them on sale (40%) often or you can use the coupon that they put out. The Ott lights are wonderful. I have 2 of the floor lamps with the magnifying glass attached, a large desk lamp with magnifying glass and then a smaller craft lamp that folds up, to take to craft get togethers. All of them are well worth the $$.
I have a knock off that uses a full spectrum bulb and I love it. It's amazing how different colors look under different lighting. When I use this light, I know the colors are true.
I have the desk lamp w/clip and magnifying lens. It also has a little organizer tray at the bottom. I bought it when it was 50% off and Jo-Ann's had a coupon for an extra 10% off. It is totally worth it, as I don't get headaches now when stamping or scrapping. DS, home from college, liked studying with that light.
I have two of them and they are totally worth the money! I can't imagine crafting without one! Michael's has them on display with a regular lamp and you can definately see the difference! Go check it out and you will agree!
I just recently got a small Ott light for my crafting table at Michaels. It was the least expensive one they had, about $59.00, and I got it on sale. It came with the lightbulb.
I just love it. I couldn't believe how much difference it made from the regular table lamp with 100 watt bulb that I had been using. I would highly recommend it.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
There are natural light bulbs out there that just screw into a light socket, but there are others that are shaped differently. So yes, you can get them to fit a regular lamp, but you have to pay attention to what you are buying.
I have 2 ott lights but don't get them at any craft store because you'll spend twice the money. I got mine at Lowes for twenty dollars, it was an open box and I asked and they gave me a discount. So check out the major hardware stores first, you might save alot of money.
Jannette
So you could just put a full-spectrum bulb in a regular desk lamp and it would be the same?
My husband tried to get me to do this before I invested in the Ott. It was not the same. He brought home 3 different types of bulbs and I tried them all,but the light just wasn't as true as the Ott. I bought the floor model so I could pull it over to my table and work directly under it. I love mine.I bought mine at JoAn's 50% off. I think with tax it was right at 100.00.
I was hesitant to spend the money for my OTT lamp, but boy, am I glad I did. Like others have suggested, I waited to use a 40% off coupon at Joann's and it was very affordable then. I think I read in a prior post about 50% off which is even better!
I have the desk style Ott light that folds up and I LOVE it! I bought one for my mother and mil for Christmas and even my MIL likes it! You would have to know her to know what a big deal that is LOL!
Because my mom liked the Ott light so much, she wanted to buy a floor model but they were so expensive. Then in the magazine section of the Sunday newspaper, there were adds for full spectrum lights by Bell & Howell. They were reasonably priced floor lamps - like $49, I think. She bought me one of those and I like it just as well as the Ott light.
They make a huge difference when I paint or stamp - my eyes don't get anywhere near as tired and I can accurately see the colors I'm using. I think they are worth every penny!
I have a "daylight company" brand compact lamp which is virtually identical to the OTT brand. Here in New Zealand they are waaaay cheaper than OTTs but that might not be the case in the US.
My mum worked in a store that sold both brands and tested both - and decided they were equally good.
I love mine because I can fold it up and take it anywhere and not risk damaging the bulb. I've had mine for nearly 3 years, I use it every night and all day in the weekends and I've yet to replace a bulb.
I use mine for colour matching and also when I'm sewing my bears. I couldn't cope without it. I have far fewer headaches than I used to too, because the strain on my eyes is far less.
I actually have three OTT lamps. The big one I got as a gift and the other two I bought on sale. One was a really really really deep discount. But yes, I do believe they are worth the price. Just make sure you buy one with a coupon at JoAnns or something!
__________________ Julia Gluten free on 9/15/2008. I am a Celiac. 1 in 133 Americans is a Celiac and 97% of those who have Celiac Disease are still undiagnosed. Are you one?
Not that you need another testimony, but I think they are great and totally worth the money especially with a coupon. I started with a small one at my bedside for reading. I couldn't believe how much better you can see with that lighting technology. I ended up buying two that mount to the edge of my craft table and provide overhead lighting. I still have lighting on in the room when I craft, but the Ott lights just make color selection and everything else that much more clear! Don't hesitate.
GET ONE!!! or two. I have two - one on my stamp camp table (for general use by one and all - THEY love it) and one on my own table. "Mine" is the swivel and magnifier model and the other is the basic model. I just can't say enough about how these help with detail, color, everything. Well worth it and use your Michael's or Joann's coupon! hope this helps. deb
I just found one last night for $40 at Tuesday Morning. It was down low by the scrapbook supplies all the way in the back - I LOVE it!! DH keeps going back to see if they have any more!
Another two cents" worth...OTT is a high end brand name. However there are other brands of full spectrum lighting that is just as effective and far less expensive. My recommendation is to search them out on Consumer Reports on the internet. Natural full spectrum lighting is healthier for your eyes and your color combos!! Have a Happy...Cotton
I take photos of my cards after I finish each one. My photo colours were distorted, though, until I began to place my cards under my Ott lamp when taking their pictures. Then...voila!...perfect reproduction.
I have the Task Lamp and LOVE IT!! I wish I had a bigger one too but they get really pricey. Mike's and Joann's both carry them, in fact....I just bought one for a friend with a 50% off coupon.
OTT Lamps
