Anna Griffin impression dies in the Spellbinders BetterPress system, do they work?

[@claremacdonald3261]

Problem is, Betterpress ink has an oil base, and AG Impression dies have to be used with water-based inks in order not to damage the velvety coating on them (I did extensive testing and after a while, the coating starts to come off after repeated uses of oil based pigment ink). I found that Versacolor water-based pigment ink gave results with the Impression dies that look like the results you got with the Betterpress inks

[@PoshPaperPerfection]

Thanks for sharing, Clare!

[@joycegouwens1206]

Thanks for your honest review of the BetterPress. I wasn't impressed with the Yana video when she and the Spellbinders guy demonstrated it, and I thought it was overpriced. However . . . you gave SO MUCH great info about using the plates on the Empress and I'm most excited to get the inks since I've never found a brand of ink that was so successful with my Anna Impression Dies. Can't wait to get some! Great video once again!

[@debraschenz]

I love my BetterPress, and I use it like it is supposed to be used. It is amazing!!!

[@dustya2502]

THANK YOU!! so much for doing this so I dont have to. Just confirms what I felt about the better press. One more thing I dont need, thank you again. Will probably buy the dies they are beautiful

[@karenjohnson3495]

I was wondering if the Impression dies would work. Thanks for testing them out for all of us. I love just how real you are with your crafting. If I were you I would email Spellbinders and let them know that your BetterPress is falling apart. It is new and they are expecting people to have some problems. It looks to me that one should run the system both ways in a manual machine to save on breakage. You are right about Anna's inks. There was always a problem with those.

[@pammartin7917]

Great way to learn about stuff before a buying. Appreciate the information. Thanks for sharing.

[@jrecm4816]

This was just the information I was looking for with the AG impression dies. I only have a few because of the inking situation. Thank you so so much.

[@laurelhowell1830]

Thank you for you’re unbiased review. I just love how you try these items and I love you’re observations.

[@DiEtta]

Great video! Spellbinders needs to put these warnings you show in your video it big bold letters at the beginning of their instruction booklet!! Thanks for sharing……it was a very expensive learn for you……❤️🙋🏻‍♀️🤗 You saved me so so much money.(The inks are “oil based” that’s why you get such a nice impression.) I think the card stock and inks would be great for the Spellbinders Stitched/Embroidery dies too. Just a thought.

[@karenjohnson3495]

It does tell you in the directions that comes with the BetterPress.

[@mssewdiva]

There is a difference between manual and electronic.

[@annietx3740]

Thank You for your honesty and demonstrating on this product. I will buy Spellbinders paper, ink and some dies. I can not use my manual cutting machine so I will just use my Empress with the supplies I buy. THANK YOU ❤❤❤❤❤

[@sueplendidsue4999]

I ran the BetterPress through a BigShot and one of the little legs broke off after running it through three times. I emailed Spellbinders and explained the situation and they sent me a new system right away. I don't know if I would spend the money again if I had to do it over again. I agree, the ink, plates and paper are fabulous. I just wish I had seen your video first. It was very informative.

[@barbarahill6365]

Thank you for the great explanations! As an electronic die cutter person this is very useful information!

[@jeanettelemay4521]

Wow! Thank you for being so brave to really test the options! I’m sure we are all wondering about these options. I did not get this new tool….just thought it was way too pricey! But good to know about the ink. All the plates for better press are nice but also another “one trick” tool so I’m happy to wait for a sale after the “newness” and “gotta have it” craze dies down.

[@barbarasmith4600]

Terrific video, well thought out! Thanks for all your work

[@Dotalina33]

Fabulous review! I wasn’t totally “ impressed” with the finished product from betterPress either. But when you ran it through on a rubber mat what a difference. I bet they didn’t think of that and that’s why they’re putting out thicker cardstock. I would never think of the order you put it in either! I subscribed because of this review you did! Way to go!!!!

[@marytomlin5326]

Fabulous demonstrations! Thanks for your diligence! I like the demo with AG. Not sure I’ll invest in this.

[@sharmandeluca1082]

Wow on Wow. I don't really know how I found you, just a ad on the side of my computer (Ha ha) but you did an amazing job testing all of these out. I do have the better press system and the inks but I must say, I LOVE LOVE how you impressed that real deep emboss with the AG placing the sandwich differently. That was my favorite and I definitely will be trying that. I will be sharing this video with people so thank you so much and I did subscribe to your channel...

[@cammiebenson2270]

This was the best review yet. I wasn't getting the press just that one more thing I wont use. And I don't have the spellbinders die machine. I have 3 others and don't have the space for more. But I will buy the dies and inks. Sorry your press cracked doing this demo for us. I love watching your video's. Have a nice 4th July

[@anneberens5991]

You answered every question! Thank you for doing this video!

[@monicarolnickelson3492]

What a great video! I was considering the Betterpress but now I’ll try the inks and plates first and may save myself $80. Terrific tips.

[@chantalroger3363]

Thanks so much for making us save money and trouble your way does the trick! I tought that this press could do it all, cut, press, and impress so finaly its just another expensive gadget that isn’t a « must have » that I wont spend money on… I subscribed because you really point out the good and the bad aspects of the product unlike sponsored people that wont point out the flaws and defaults of the product they present…

[@netwear7433]

Appreciate your efforts. Love your videos. Replacement top plates and the platen will be sold separately starting in July. My friend tried it successfully in the Switch machine. Her tip was to insert the system handle first into the machine. I don't think the impressions were meant to be as deep as the ones you achieved with the embossing mat. But as long as you love the results, who cares! Right? LOL!😄

[@karenjohnson3495]

You are right she over did it.

[@cathygreear2598]

Thanks for this excellent review and sacrificing your better press because you know others would have tried. ❤

[@navoff1]

I get the marks in the platen even with a manual machine. I have the Platinum 6, used Spellbinders papers, plates, and inks, and followed the instructions that comes with it. It also left an impression in the platen when I removed 1 of the shims. I still haven't tried it with fewer than 2 shims. Makes me concerned that it will not accept thicker paper. I have some 100% cotton paper in 134lb cover weight that I also want to test on the BetterPress.

[@theresah4846]

That helped me make a lot of decisions. Thanks so much!

[@diannamangrum68]

Absolutely well done review. 👏 Tysm! Very thorough. Honest and insightful.

[@carolinariley]

Wow!!! You are Fabulous! Not buying Better Press!!!! TY

[@diannamangrum68]

I wonder if the viscosity of the versafine ink would also work?....😮

[@Marilynlovesebiking]

Hi, Tammy. Thanks for the answer to a question I had. I really wondered if the Betterpress would go through the Empress. I do not own a large manual die cut machine anymore. So, I cannot get this type of system. I do think the Betterpress does a beautiful job on its own plates based on people’s youtube videos. The fact that the betterpress needs its own paper and special cleaner has turned me off. But the results you got with the plate embossing it through the Empress is brilliant. I could do that.

[@karenjohnson3495]

No the empress opening will not take the thick BetterPress

[@aurorariffee9571]

Thanks for this informative video. I was on the fence about buying another new product. I always ask myself, would the recipient know the difference? Would they appreciate the extra money I spent to get my card made? If you can’t really see the difference then they can’t either. 30:41

[@annecronin1267]

So informative! I’ve been toying with the idea of trying Anna Griffin Impression Dies using the BetterPress but thought the cutting aspect of the dies would etch the platen. I have the Couture Creation Go Press and you just saved me from trying to put the base, chase and platen through it. I am So sorry about the damage to the magnets. I’ve read that the Sizzix Switch can be used, but I have not seen video or reports on it. As to the AG impression dies, the BetterPress inks look like the solution for inking the dies. The Jacquard/Color Box inks are a fail since the ink bubbles. I hope you can still get by using the base because it looks like the magnets still depress. I bought an extra platen from Spellbinders online for $14.99 along with plates I ordered and it is delivered. As to the Anna dies, I am going to take my Big Shot plates, tape paper to the cut plate and try a Sizzix sticky grid to hold the die to the bottom plate and then ink it. I just have to figure out a sandwich on the Big Shot that will accommodate and still ink the paper and cut. I certainly appreciate your warnings. I had bought a Platinum 6 and Glimmer Plate system for foiling after Crafters Companion abandoned its foiling system. I probably would have passed on the BetterPress if I had not purchased those items. Now that I have all of that, I am gonzo for the BetterPress. It would be like finding the Holy Grail if we can just get the Impression dies to actually work well doing a riff on the Spellbinders BetterPress ideas.

[@jadec2180]

Very informative, I just ordered the betterpress. I have a couple of old Stampin up letterpress plates and I remember how my paper would shift when I used it with the embossing pad, the elevated platen sold me. I'll have to see if the deboss is good enough for me.

[@julianneracheck2969]

What a great video. Thank you for sharing!!

[@user-sf9ck3fp7l]

great job!

[@pamw.8676]

New subscriber because of your review. Quite refreshing…

[@jacquelinelipson888]

Thank you so much for being a Guinea pig. What a great review. I appreciate it very much

[@joygardner9859]

Hugely helpful!

[@GinaLovestocraft]

Great share and tutorial and tips ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@laurieparente3425]

This was a really helpful video. I just got the Salon Nouveau set so I didn't have Anna's inks. Do you have Anna's hybrid inks if so do they work on the impression Dies? I am still on the fence regarding buying her new inks because she doesn't have refills. In the past I had more than 20 of her ink pads dry up on me. Now that I have seen this video I would be tempted to purchase some of the other companies imp. dies as well w/o getting the better press system. Ty😊

[@wandasimons3305]

Great video. You did an amazing job. Do you think using the letterpress plates could damage an Empress?

[@funtimecrafts2472]

@wandasimons3305 I don't think so, I have used them in mine on the embossing mat and they work great.

[@marilyncruz7679]

I so appreciated your review of the betterpress. I was wondering what the cons were.

[@pattiepan]

Did you try to spray light water on both sides of the paper to help with cracking.? On the last attempts did you try to add another shim for a bit more pressure when going through your manual machine. It seems that it isn't the best way putting it through the electronic machine. To much cracking and stuff so just use it with your manual machine and see how it all goes down. Thanks for all the showing..it is always disappointing when things don't go as we expect but I think you have found a way to get what you want with a manual machine. Good Luck...Call Spellbinders and maybe they can work it out with you. They are a good company and now that your top plate is broken maybe they will help you out...but then use it only on a manual machine.

[@kesami123]

I also got impressions on my top plate but I was using my Spellbinders Platinum 6, brand new! I bought it just for the Letterpress! I was like What? I really like the BP system, but I am having a dog of a time getting a good impression, and these cotton panels are expensive. I'm gonna have to go to something cheaper, even though I really like the cotton paper. Ugh. Justine Hovey said you can run it through your Switch electronic cutter. I have one but haven't tried it yet.

[@Jazzmine4729]

The spellbinders Betterpress plate and platform works great in my Vagabond and I don't have any impression on the Betterpress clear platform...must be your machine..

[@BerniBernsify]

Oh Yay, I've been wanting to but the BP inks to use on my AG impression dies. I thought for sure they'd look better. Thanks for letting us know that ! You know the 1 think I couldn't stand with letter press is inking the die and carefully plunking it down on the paper. That's so difficult for me and stops me from doing it. So maybe I should get the better Press or maybe I'll set up opposite of what you're showing, plate A, ink up plate, place paper, place embossing mat and plate A 🤔

[@funtimecrafts2472]

The inks work great with impression dies, Claire said she tried it though and after a bit the coating came off, I don't know. I quit using the cleaner and just use dry microfiber towel from Costco to clean them. Not sure if it's the ink affecting them or the cleaner. I don't use the dues so it's a win for me even if they get ruined. At least they get used! Lol

[@mandy.austin]

I used neenah and it was much better than the spellbinders paper - also tried it with oxides and the result was amazing. I got a very nice impression when i spritzed the paper before running it through.... just like a 3d folder, it seems to stop the cracks. I dont like the yellow tape at all - it tears my paper.

[@BerniBernsify]

Hmm I wonder what the impression will deepen if you tape some thin fun foam on the platten then tape the paper over the fun foam. You know so it has some give like an embossing mat. I was wondering if you tried the AG impression die on the BP with a foil shim to protect the platten ?

[@lubatyriver5428]

So if we use this Betterpress the way it is recommended it works without a problem ?

[@funtimecrafts2472]

For me in my manual machine yes. For me in my electronic die cut machine no. I have heard people have problems with new manual machines and people have no problems with electronic machines. You'll have to see what works for you in whatever machine you have. I would highly recommend starting with no shims and adding as you need to test the waters so as not to ruin the top plate.

[@CockatooWantsToBeaCat]

Unfortunately, I just bought it. I completely regret my purchase. I like the plates but that new press sucks.

[@nancykassa7510]

Good to know. You just saved me some money 💰💰💰💰💰

[@meena_RN]

Could you use foil plates since they have no cutting edge?

[@funtimecrafts2472]

Not sure I'll test it! Good idea!!

[@lafrancemeyers7728]

Good information 😊

[@marthacueva8574]

I contacted Spellbinders directly and they said I could use it with my Vagabond.

[@kmussachia]

I tried the AG plates too and the same thing happened to my top plate. It etched it 😢 I hope we can buy a replacement top.

[@michellepaperchaser]

Yes replacement plates are now available

[@kmussachia]

@@michellepaperchaser I don’t see them on their website.

[@wilmadiaz5517]

Great video! Does Spellbinders sell replacement plates?

[@user-xr8pi5yo8r]

You are meant to put the betterpress through your Bigshot as is.

[@lilackat5142]

Do you think the Spellbinders ink will damage the Anna Griffin Impression dies when she says you have to use a water based ink?

[@funtimecrafts2472]

Good question. The ink stains them so if it bothers you to have discolored dies then I would refrain from using the better press ink. I didn't like the outcome with her ink so rather than have them sit on a shelf I can live with a little staining! Lol I don't know the longevity of using the inks on the coating and using ranger cleaner on the coating, that is to be determined, but still willing to risk it rather than not use them!

[@annecronin1267]

@@funtimecrafts2472 I couldn’t agree with you more about using the Ranger Archival extra viscous BetterPress Inks with AG Impression dies. What good are they if they do not ink up well? I have all of them and had resigned myself to just using them to cut and emboss and never inking them after poor results. I believe they will be fine with the BetterPress ink if you just immediately soak them in a sudsy Dawn dishwashing soap and throughly dry. Archival Cleaner is probably fine if you follow with Dawn, a very gentle degreaser, and a soft cloth. BetterPress inks could resurrect the entire AG Impression Dies product. Ranger Ink is a top flight, only made in American company, and the oil based Archival is for waterproof inking to be used with watercolors and water based mixed media. Spellbinders sells 4 in a pack for around $14. Add reinkers and you will never need another ink pad.

[@karenjohnson3495]

It should only make them work better.

[@diannbell2828]

I wonder if this will work with the old Anna Griffin manual machine (can’t think of the name 😢)?

[@karenjohnson3495]

No it will not

[@madusonkeeper]

You can add more shims.

[@Sierra0209]

Blablablabla

[@madusonkeeper]

If works in sizzix mamual should work in Tim Holtz vagabond. May in future come out with more top plates. Try metallic inks work. I use my go press and foil the same way with letterpress paper or thick watercolor paper.