Anna Griffin Impression Dies & Stamps Craft Box Review! Cut with Three Different Machines! Hmmm...

[@shannaauten6831]

Hi! I recently learned of your channel and I love your videos! I’ve heard you comment in several of them that your not sure why Anna Griffin tells you to cut into the magnetic mat and I thought I would help clear that up for you. She or someone on her team accidentally cut a die upside down on the magnetic mat several months ago and in doing so, realized that it cut and embossed at the same time! So now, to save the step of having to run the die cut back through with the embossing mat, she just places the die cut side down and does both step in one pass!!

[@VianneyCreates]

Thank you! Oh, no...I know why she does it...I just personally don't like doing it. I don't like the look of the magnetic mat getting cut up and it only lasts so long. Which is funny bc people who do like to cut into it...do so bc they don't like the look/functionality of a scratched up cutting plate! LOL!! (:

[@donna6740]

This was a great demo. The beading of the ink would drive me crazy, so I think I would return this. I think that the foiling plates do the exact same job. Thank You so much for the insight. :)

[@VianneyCreates]

Right? I thought with so much hubbub about these, that maybe they had a new kind of coating that would help the ink cling...but no. It's just like putting ink on any die we already have. It's too bad. TYSM!!

[@FLCraftyGirl]

I debated back and forth for days and finally decided to cancel my order..glad I did because I’d never be happy with the ink smudging. That’s for showing us how this works for real people, lol.

[@VianneyCreates]

I know, I was really thinking about cancelling...first bc of the price then bc I had a feeling this would happen. I will be returning it. I didn't have any of these issues using the glimmer hot foil plates from Spellbinders. Maybe the ink pad is too soft, squishes right in there.

[@bonnietheoneandonly]

Thanks for giving us a ‘real’ look at this. It seems just okay, and with all of the great new things out there, okay doesn’t really cut it.

[@VianneyCreates]

I hear ya!! That's exactly right. TYSM!!

[@lovemyferals]

I agree Bonnie👍🙂

[@suehollahan6910]

That was fun 😋 all those die cutting machines with all the different plates & things totally baffle me! That’s why the Marquis changed my direction completely!

[@VianneyCreates]

Yeah, I had to even remind myself how to use the Gemini plates with that Daiso mat. I don't use it often enough anymore.

[@Kimberlynoble]

Thank you for your review of this. I think this is the first time I saw you review something and no matter the results, I really do not want this in my craft room. It just doesn’t spark joy for me but I’m still grateful for you.

[@VianneyCreates]

Glad it was helpful! I hoped the result would be different, but I had a feeling this is what was going to happen. Oh, well. I am sending it back...which I rarely ever do! TYSM, Kimberly!

[@bobkat-john1468]

So I tried out my set this weekend. After I watched your video I went to hobby lobby & got some of those finger tip ink dobbers. I used my big shot with the magnetic base plate. I put the cutting plate down then my die facing up. I then I inked it on the cutting plate put the paper down added the other cutting plate & ran it though. It came out pretty good. Inking that way kept the ink off the edges. I was able to add two colors to the die too. I used it on the rose & butterfly. I used some of my own pigment inks. I will try Anna ink next.

[@VianneyCreates]

That's great! The way I review things, I stick to what the instructions say...maybe even how they demo the item. I didn't do anything "extra" to try and make them work bc I think it should work "as advertised." Especially at this price range. Thanks for sharing your experience!!

[@angmannina6106]

send it back, too expensive. really enjoy your videos. thanks for sharing. Ang

[@VianneyCreates]

Thank you, I will! I really wanted them to work, but it's just not what I would expect at that price point.

[@heatherspringer560]

I'm so relieved now that I didn't get this subscription. I have the tiny house set from Karen Burniston and the roof die has a coating on it that you use an ink pad on to get the pattern of the roof. Whatever she uses for her die to take ink works so well and doesn't bead up like these do. Thank you for the review.

[@VianneyCreates]

Thank you for the recommendation. I suspected these would bead up...just like most dies. However, I gave my girl Anna the benefit of the doubt..figured she must have put a new tech coating on it to make it work and worth the price tag...not even close. LOL!!

[@heatherspringer560]

@@VianneyCreates I was expecting them to have the same "stamping" coating on them but when they kept beading up I was more and more disappointed with what I saw. Bummer! Maybe she'll get the coating applied to the next ones ... here's hoping because I really love her stuff!

[@angeladreyer1072]

Toallita! OMG! I laughed so hard when you said that. I never knew the English word till I got married.

[@Jimba01]

Thanks for your painstakingly review. Very much appreciate if! My order came in on Saturday. I was hesitant in ordering this, but thought it sounds interesting so I decided to give it a try. I don’t know..I just may be returning it.

[@michelled6431]

I know you love your Anna griffin stuff but I would totally send this back.

[@VianneyCreates]

I know, it's going back. TBH, if it were half the price, even 25% less...I might keep them and just use them to emboss metallic papers, etc... However, at this price point, they should work like a charm.

[@scrap4family]

I tried mine out last night. I found that using a brayer gives the best results. Oddly Anna’s older ink pads gave me better results than the ones in the kit. Tried several other companies ink pads and again better results.

[@VianneyCreates]

I suspected the same as far as the inks, these did not seem like the same formula as my old AG pigment inks. I didn't incorporate using any other tools that weren't mentioned in the instructions bc at that price tag, they should work as advertised. Thanks for sharing your experience with them!! (:

[@daphnecampbelljinnette6808]

I joined her membership a few months ago for $99, which is cheaper than monthly, gets me a 10% discount, free shipping, and weekly training sessions. I haven't figured out how to watch the training, have used the discount, and shipping. Now I want to see the "training" for this product! (However, I am spoiled by your excellent demos, and by CC having their great demos three times per day, seven days per week, usually making several styles from each die, folder, stamp, media, etc.). Will report if I see any redeeming grace for this product!

[@carolemoats636]

I guess I was never bothered that much about ink around the edges or even in the recesses. for me, those issues just added to the vintage look of the die cuts. I think these are some of the most gorgeous dies I have. That being said, I ordered the sentiment impression dies and am only occasionally pleased with the results.

[@VianneyCreates]

Yeah, it's not great. I do have pretty much all of the other "impression" sets she has put out, though. I just use them on metallic and pearlescent papers. Gorgeous look. I did return this set bc it was too expensive for the designs and inks. I only liked maybe 25% of the designs, so for me, it was a miss. TY!!

[@forestofthings]

I wish she could offer these impression dies without the inks pads. I would buy this set if they were without the inks.

[@carolbatchelor5855]

I just bought the set she offered last night (Sept. 18) on HSN. It's just the dies--without any inks. If I don't like using them with ink, I plan on using them for embossing on glossy/metallic cardstock. it's more like what you see in Anna's card kits. I've seen them embossed by several other people, and I really like the way they look.

[@cathyfox2240]

Thanks Vianney for this video, I guess it’s time to open my box and see if I like it for the money it cost me. Something tells me it’s probably going back to HSN. I hope you had a wonderful Memorial day weekend, thank Matt for his service for our country and for everything you and your family do for us! 🇺🇸😍

[@VianneyCreates]

Hi, Cathy! TY for your kind comment. Matt's doing pretty well, going a little stir crazy in his little apartment, though! (: Yeah, this is not what I would expect from Anna or from something in this price range. It's too bad, but I already have it packed up and ready for return tomorrow.

[@daphnecampbelljinnette6808]

To me, the effect they want us to get is no different than what we would get putting ink on the debossing side of an embossing folder! So, it seems like they are making a stretch to sell us on this being something we need for a NEW, amazing, fantastic, never seen before result. You did a great demo with all the different machines. I have them all, and the Jr. truly sounds like a hay baler! I have three, one for upstairs, downstairs, and the RV. LIKE the results with the green self healing mat the best. But quite expensive for such an exercise in futility. Unless tjis is an auto ship, I wouldn't spend the $ for it. You are truly amazing and honest, and I appreciate it. 💟

[@VianneyCreates]

Thank you so much! LOL, that Jr. is a loud girl, for sure!! Thanks for your comment, I fully agree. I had a feeling this is exactly the results we would get just from looking at the process, but I did think the pigment ink would hold on better. Nope. Maybe Anna put a new coating on these that held the ink better. Nope. Oh, well...they can't all be winners! (:

[@cathygreear2598]

I like this light green background it doesn’t compete with your project

[@VianneyCreates]

Thanks for the feedback! I like that it's nice and fresh. I'll just try and keep it pristine by using other mats over it when needed. Fingers crossed!

[@traceytheisen8067]

Thanks for demo'ing. I think I've sent back like one thing in all these years but this set is definitely going back without even opening. Its way too expensive for that much aggravation.

[@VianneyCreates]

We are so alike. I don't really send things back, but this one just needs to go ahead an go. I wanted to like them, but at this price point...they needed to be stunners! TYSM, Tracey!

[@sheilascott9838]

I've been debating whether to send it back or not and thought I'm going to give it 1 last try but this time by using a speedball soft roller brayer to apply the ink and 110gsm paper and it came out great. Just have to decide if it's worth the extra effort.

[@Latinart]

I feel as far as embossing goes it works well. As far as using it with ink I’m on the fence. At $119 and not using the ink I might just send mine back. Thanks for your honest review.

[@Firecow1]

I ordered for the auto ship too. I used Hybrid ink and had better results. I am now wondering how it would look foiled. That might be the best bet. I do love the embossing it gives. Thanks for the review.

[@VianneyCreates]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. Anna did show some demo projects that were foiled, but she said the coating on the dies isn't made for foiling and to do it rarely or it may begin to peel.

[@andreasimerl7008]

Thanks for sharing your experience with this. I don't know, it just seems like you can get the same results with things we may already have . The set is cute but pricey. I thought it was a 1 pass through the machine and done? Looks like that's a no. But, good to try it out and see how it goes.

[@VianneyCreates]

TY! Yes, it's supposed to be one pass...with the Empress...and with the die facing down into the magnetic mat. The other machines will definitely need two passes, as we saw here. It's a shame bc I really wanted to like these.

[@lovemyferals]

Thank you for the thorough review. I did pass on it because I could tell it was above my skill level. I don't have your patience for trying all the things😄 Those inks were very pretty tho'👍

[@lyndadarby2345]

I wish you would've tried the Big Shot. I know you don't love it, but I use it the most out of all my die cutting machines. Sometimes you just don't need a ton of pressure. That's why I love it. When you're just cutting basic cuts, it's perfect, and you don't have to buy new plates all the time. After Anna's crop at home , I have to replace all 4 of my cutting plates. AND I'm still not finished, lol. It was cool talking to you at Create and watching you on KZbin at the same time.... I'm also thinking pigment ink is not the correct ink to use. Maybe a hybrid ink. Still think it's gorgeous though. It's just not crisp. Back in the old days, we used our regular dies in this way...not sure if it's that different.

[@VianneyCreates]

TYSM, Lynda! Exactly, we've put ink on dies before, that's nothing new. I thought maybe they used a different coating on the dies that held the ink better...but I had better luck inking a Spellbinders foil plate yesterday. I have two different sets of Anna's pigment inks, and these were way watery compared to those...more like a dye ink in my opinion. It said they were pigment, but I don't think so. Pigment inks grab pretty well. I wasn't trying to spend any more time looking for "other" products/inks to make these work. You know what I mean. It came as a kit and should work, especially at the price point they were offered at. I hope others have a better go at it. I'm sorry I didn't grab the Big Shot, I will try and use it more in the future. (:

[@lyndadarby2345]

@@VianneyCreates no worries I just think you'll love it if you give it more play time...

[@BeeCreativeWithPaper]

I just received my set too, and will play with it tomorrow. Thanks for your review! I wasn’t thrilled with the results, lol. She made it look so easy and flawless. 🤣 I want to try it with foils... I wonder if it will work?

[@VianneyCreates]

I hope you have better luck! Like hot foils? It may work, but be careful...the sandwich will be different bc it has the cutting edge. You would definitely need to use the metal shim (if your foil machine has it).

[@BeeCreativeWithPaper]

@@VianneyCreates Thanks! Yes, hot foils. I have some of the hot foil dies that also diecut at same time, and when I saw these dies, they reminded me of same. I will let you know how they turn out.Thank goodness these are returnable, because I think they're more trouble than their worth...and I really was looking forward to getting these. 😔 How did she do her samples so flawlessly? Camera magic? 🤔😂🤷‍♀️

[@BeeCreativeWithPaper]

@@VianneyCreates I tried it using my foil press from Crafters Companion, and it worked!!! They come out beautiful and we're so easy to use. They come out looking like the gold embossed embellishments that Anna includes in her card kits. Did you send yours back yet? If not, try it with the hot foil system...you will keep them! 🥰

[@yolandas]

Thank you for the review. I was on the fence but now seeing how it sometimes gets ink in areas you don’t want and the ink colors look a little muted for my taste. It’s just a little to pricey to not get great results.

[@VianneyCreates]

I totally agree...I may have overlooked those things or tried to make it work with other inks/tools...but at this price...they needed to do what they advertised. It just missed the mark. TY!

[@christinekastens150]

Very interesting how difficult machines work

[@VianneyCreates]

It is!

[@DontTakeItPersonall]

Just received my TSV yesterday, haven't gotten a chance to use yet. But, seeing your results, I'm going "dry wipe to prep" these before use because may still have machining oils causing the ink to bead. Thanks for the video.

[@VianneyCreates]

Good luck! Let me know what you think after trying them out. (:

[@DontTakeItPersonall]

@@VianneyCreates I surely will! May send pics to your email to so results by machines, marquis, midi, & jr.

[@carolb7210]

I wonder if using a brayer would make a difference. Thank you for the demo.

[@VianneyCreates]

I didn't employ other inks or tools as it should work just as shown and with what we paid for, but I do think a brayer would keep the ink out of the recessed areas. I suppose it depends on the density of the brayer. TYSM!!

[@BerniBernsify]

😂🤣 you are right Vianney, the ink pads are pretty colors! The dies are so pretty tho. Oh 😳 after watching I feel like now they're pushing low quality ink on on me too. I guess I'd better try it out & decide if I'm keeping. Do you have VersaFine Clair ink? It worked well on the CC Decoupage Dies I did this with. So on the autoships, I haven't tried since QVC bought HSN, but I have returned the original item that had autoship, then watched and after the return was processed, asked Customer Service to reinstate the autoships. I got the autoships I wanted. It worked in 2019 but I haven't tried it recently.

[@VianneyCreates]

Yeah, the inks are definitely not like my other Anna Griffin pigment inks. It's watery and I think more of a dye ink. Really odd. Please let me know what you think when you try them out. I don't have any Clair inks if you can believe it! I need to get my hands on some, I love what Lavinia Stamps does with them. So, any time I have had an AS and returned the first one, it's been cancelled...even when they lost one of the first orders of an AG program. I was so upset. They lost the package, I got a refund...but HSN cancelled it bc technically the first one was "returned." Ugh!!

[@BerniBernsify]

@@VianneyCreates ugh that sucks when they lost it and still cancelled the autoship. Well we know how HSN is, sigh. Yeah mine have always been cancelled and I have to specifically ask them to reinstate. I'll try the VersaFine Clair and let you know how it goes 😃

[@mizztcee4353]

Just wondering if these dies could be used with a foil press. The results would be stunning if it could be done,

[@BerniBernsify]

Anna G did show items they ran through the Glimmer, so I'm sure they'll work with the FoilPress. She did say she doesn't recommend doing it alot bcuz they have a special coating and it wasn't designed to be heated alot (disclaimer).

[@VianneyCreates]

I see my friends gave you some good answers on this. TY!!

[@doloresshuster2321]

I think it all looks good.🙂

[@VianneyCreates]

You re too kind, TYSM, Dolores!

[@forestofthings]

I don't have Anna's ink pads, I do have the impression dies. Do you have a recommendation which ink pads would work? I tried Catherine Pooler and Distress Inks and they didn't work out in my opinion. Not a clean "stamping". Would love to hear if you have any ideas :)

[@T_Nice]

I will not be reviewing *or using my Anna Griffin impression dies and stamps craft box set and as a matter of a fact, it is going back because I am still in the beginning of your video and just that much is too much hassle for me, I like to get straight to the point! It took so long for the set to come in the mail and I had to keep calling HSN even past the delivery date that they promised just to be DISAPPOINTED!! I also used to go back and watch Anna Griffin's demo of this set and would say to myself that it would probably be better if she would have made the actual stamps and dies instead of these so-called stamping dies. Thank you for sharing anyway and I will be sending this back ASAP!!😉❤

[@VianneyCreates]

Yes, yes, yes...all of that, my friend! What a disappointment, but it didn't surprise me, either. TYSM!!

[@beadcrafter2]

Glad I didn’t get this. Didn’t like the price because I already have Anna’s pigment ink pads. Not the results I would want. Thanks for showing us how it truly works. 💖

[@claudiaaceves9177]

Hmmm. It’s a great concept but no Lol. Thanks for using the different machines. I didn’t pick up this TSV, the price and I wasn’t sure about it. Have a blessed evening.

[@VianneyCreates]

I hear ya. TBH, if the price were lower, I would probably keep them...I just can't justify the price and the final result. TY, Claudia!

[@godlovesaterrierandsodoi4236]

Hi Vianney, I didn’t pick this up that day cuz I was waiting to see how it turned out etc but I recall Anna saying u needed to “butter the toast” first ie use a plastic knife or scraper to kinda prime the ink bef using. So I’d be really curious to see if u had better results after trying that? I dunno maybe I missed it and u did it off camera but she mentioned it many x so I think it may be important and I have a feeling that it may be the key. Her products are usually really good. If someone from AG is watching, send me a free box anytime lol. Let me know if u try it. And thanks for giving it a go. Oh and thinking of your family this Memorial Day & especially all of our fallen who have sacrificed for our great country and freedoms we all enjoy as a result. Thank you! ~Stacy 🇺🇸

[@donnamc5723]

I would be interested to see this with a different brand of pigment ink that is a bit thicker. It seems you might get a better looking color. I was on the fence about these but not sure of the ink it comes with.

[@VianneyCreates]

TY! I didn't use a different pigment ink as we paid for this specific ink that "should" work. LOL! I don't think that we should have to make it work with other things we may or may not have. Like I mentioned, I have many of her pigment inks and this pad seemed very watery, more like a dye ink. Very strange.

[@traceytheisen8067]

@@VianneyCreates yep, part of the price is all the ink pads. Not a cheap set. Given that, and you commented you have her other pigmented ink pads, maybe something was wrong with the batch from the factory she doesn’t know about? Her stuff is always top notch wonder if there was a production error...which can easily happen with the best of intention. Maybe you should contact them and ask?

[@shirleydesrochers4947]

Thank you for the demo. Not a fan of the beaded look of the ink. Thanks again.

[@VianneyCreates]

Yeah, that was a real bummer. I figured this "new tech" would have had a coating that held the ink better...we can ink any die and get the same effect. It's too bad. TYSM, Shirley!

[@lauraann7816]

I didn't get this. It definitely was touted as being a material that was made special to grab the ink. It was a bit costly for me. I have no regrets not ordering it. So the TS next week is going to be a Cricut Joy bundle. My sister-in-law bought the Joy with carmaker bundle I guess 2 Craft Days ago. This new Joy bundle is not so exciting to me - I will be looking for other items. TFS 😊

[@VianneyCreates]

Right? I feel like Anna said they were coated differently, or maybe it was vague statements that sounded like that. Either way, I sent it back...something I rarely do.

[@speckledwisdom1169]

I commented on your velum video about this. I’m glad (and sad) you agreed with my opinion (it wasn’t just my fault they weren’t as great as I thought) but sad it is just not a good product. You would be the one who’s opinion I trust. I’m curious to see if the ink pads are as bad as mine-dry. The dies are okay but ordinary. It was the new process that I was excited about. Oh well. Live and learn!.....and that football! Oh my! And why?

[@VianneyCreates]

LOL! The football is the worst! I thought maybe it was just me...so thank you for commenting on it! LOL!! We had our suspicions and we were correct. (:

[@gmcamp5592]

Do you have the exact name of the self healing mat? I went to the site but it did not appear. Thanks again

[@VianneyCreates]

I don't, I'm sorry. Daiso is a weird little store that carries all kinds of odds and ends. The mats aren't constantly in stock or even the same ones from time to time.

[@yingyodsawadi9052]

It's a great review!! I never like the fact that ink would be everywhere on the table and the folder so this just confirms it! You didn't say much about how she change her cutting mat system. I have been looking for video that would talk about that. What's up with that? What are we going to do?????

[@brooklynmidnightcrafter]

I don’t think AG does foiling, right? TYFS. Brilliant to compare.

[@VianneyCreates]

I don't think so but if she had marketed these as foiling plates...I would be all about it!

[@fiyre43]

I had to go back and find the video before I said anything, but Sue Wilson put out some StampCut dies a few months ago that don’t seem to bead up like this. I saw it on Scrapbooking Made Simple #388 of you want to watch it.

[@VianneyCreates]

I think someone mentioned her or the Burniston gal, sounds like they actually made the coating different so the ink takes. Anna...did not. LOL!! TYSM!

[@dlinton4870]

Hmm. Glad I skipped this. To me, it gives a similar look to inking up the plastic embossing folders and running them through a machine. I never really cared for that look though because it always came out too splotchy for my liking. Thanks for taking the time to review the product!

[@VianneyCreates]

Exactly! I completely agree.

[@GlitzDesigns]

I love AG items but this is definitely a no for me. Thank you for your honest review. 🙌🏼

[@VianneyCreates]

I know, I wanted to like them...but it's no better than putting ink on any die that has some embossed areas (or foil plates, for that matter).

[@tracilord4854]

Thank you V for the Demo. I'm not Impressed. Just my opinion it's not worth it. Side note I Love your new mat, but the lightning is still dark. Like I mentioned in another video it's been dark for quite a while now. Yours is the only one I have to turn my brightness up to watch So I k ow it's not my phone. ❤😘

[@VianneyCreates]

I saw your comment on a different video, but I think it may have been one where I couldn't respond. Thanks for your feedback. The lighting definitely changes with the season and I film early in the AM. So, not much more I can do until I get more natural light in. Yeah, these dies aren't the best, we can get the same effect from foil plates and other dies.

[@gmcamp5592]

I must be blind. I missed the name of the cutting mat you used. Please tell me the name of the mat. Thank you for the review

[@VianneyCreates]

No, it's not a typical mat...it's a self healing mat from Daiso Japan that is the perfect size! TY!!

[@Jam020866]

Thanks so much for this through review! The back sided looks better than the front side! I’m glad I didn’t get this! Thanks Vianney again!

[@VianneyCreates]

I thought the same thing...the back looks nice! LOL!! TYSM, Judy!

[@doloresshuster2321]

I love this.

[@VianneyCreates]

TY!

[@MsLaurajudd]

I think it’s an awful lot of work for stamping. I would send this one back myself. Lol

[@VianneyCreates]

I am definitely sending it back!! TYSM!

[@CarmenMartinez-sx8oi]

Thank you for this review. You tried all the machines and the results were similar but different. It looks fun but I think it’s really too expensive.

[@VianneyCreates]

I agree, I think if they were lower in price...it may be worth messing with it more and/or overlooking the issues. Oh, well.

[@lorrainewatkins7207]

Do you know how timely this review was! I've been looking at this box and was thinking Hmmm is it worth it? Now I have the answer! Did you think of trying your Tangerine or would that add even more to your time frame! Thanks for your efforts. You spared the rest of us. It didn't even seem like a half hour. Don't worry about it. We've been spared!😥😥🤗🤗🤗

[@VianneyCreates]

I'm happy to help! LOL, I honestly was like...30 minutes? How?? LOL!! I didn't try the Tangerine just bc she's more rare, and I don't think the result would be any different from what we were getting. TYSM for your time!

[@TJnannie1]

Use a sponge dauber to applied the ink.

[@VianneyCreates]

I'm not sure that would help and on reviews like this I like to stick to the instructions, it should work like they say...especially at this price. I think a dauber may still get ink in the recesses, some have suggested a brayer...that might get it done better. TYSM!!

[@Emilie19614]

That kit is as much almost as a machine. Love your demo but this one is out of my budget level. I have some of her ink pads somewhere will have to dig them out.

[@VianneyCreates]

I know, they are very pricey. It's funny you say that, in one of the reviews on HSN...the lady said "at this price, I thought the Empress was coming with the dies." LOL!! She was very disappointed in just receiving the dies and inks.

[@sharonsienaski6919]

This reinforced my decision not to get these. The price was too much and I really don’t like messy stuff so much. Beautiful dies to die emboss at a lesser price. And I love AG’s products.

[@VianneyCreates]

Yeah, I don't really know what the goal with these was. We can put ink on any foil plate or die with embossing areas. I thought maaaaybe the casting on these would grab the ink better. Not so much.

[@michellepaperchaser]

Thinking a cut and embossing folder inked with a Brayer would be easier and give a better result - man you did every step I would have during test mode - it’s a no for me glad I cancelled my order

[@glendalovchik4536]

I used Anna's cut and emboss mini frame folders both with a brayer and a finger dauber and got great results. Watching Anna's demo gave me the idea and it sounds like I'm not the only one.

[@VianneyCreates]

I'm glad you saved yourself the hassle. They gave us plenty of time to cancel, I probably should have taken advantage of that!! (:

[@VianneyCreates]

That probably would give even better results! I just don't see the value in this set. Oh, well...I tried. (:

[@michellepaperchaser]

@@VianneyCreates no one could fault you - you gave it every chance possible - it’s too bad she’s put so much time and cash into this. The new 3D French frames will be a hit however

[@bbuunnyycc]

I’d go with your gut and send it back. It’s not worth the effort you put in to have it turn out mediocre. I wasn’t crazy how the ink looked all dotted. Oh well, they can’t all be fabulous. Vianney, you gave it your best shot. Tfs.

[@VianneyCreates]

I know, I tried...and I really wanted it to work, but it's just so-so and at times worse. TYSM!!

[@raggedyanna6-Missy]

Wonder if they will be beautiful without the ink?

[@VianneyCreates]

I think that one white one came out very nicely, so they definitely emboss in a pretty way.

[@dianajackman7213]

I didn't order this, because I didn't see the intrigue. To each his own. Good luck deciding if you want to keep it or not.

[@VianneyCreates]

For me, it was more for review purposes and maybe, just maybe, it would be nice. Nah, it definitely missed the mark. TYSM!!

[@dianajackman7213]

@@VianneyCreates I just saw that the TS for HSN is the Joy. I already have the Joy and NEED the Explore 3. Have you been able to unbox your Joy? It looks like there is an ap for just the Joy. Oops, probably shouldn't open that can of worms. 😉

[@Face-bz6il]

I wonder if you could mask the areas some way so you get in raised areas only.Hmmm.also

[@VianneyCreates]

That sounds super time consuming. You kind of have to work quickly or the ink will bead up even more than it does, so trying to clean the recesses with a Q-tip or something like that wouldn't work, either. IMO, I don't think it should be that hard to use them.

[@jeannelomano1331]

Well don’t know what the big”Wow” is with these dies. Seems like anything close to great requires too much work. I say 👎🏻 if you’re on the fence. Thanks for demo.

[@VianneyCreates]

Totally agree. I get the same effect doing this to any die that has embossing areas. I thought maybe the "material" they were coated with would grab the ink better or something. I got great results inking Spellbinders hot foil plates yesterday. Too bad.

[@BerniBernsify]

@@VianneyCreates oh do you have a video on inking the Spellbinders Glimmer plates? I looked but maybe I missed it. 🤔 Thinking of all those FoilPress Plates I have too! I think I'm going to return it, and buy the Catherine Pooler ink pads 😃 thanks Vianney 🤩

[@lovemyferals]

@@BerniBernsify I think it is in her Cardlets video from 3 or so days ago🙂

[@anayinthelife2000]

I'm really behind on your posts the last few days but I can sense you're not all that hung up on these at all lol!!!! I have barely made it through your intro and it's just a feeling. Ugh...

[@VianneyCreates]

LOL!! They didn't perform quite to what I expected...actually, I guess they did. However, they did not perform to the price tag! LOL!! Oh, well.

[@lynnetennant7885]

Im not a fan of these. Glad I passed. Also Anna Griffin has restored my faith in her! I just saw the TS video she made and its the Joy not the new maker. I wonder did she not want to do the new machine? Im happy. I think she really cares about her crafters!

[@VianneyCreates]

I'm glad you mentioned that about Anna and the "Makers." I had several people say they were really disillusioned with her pushing the Maker just recently, knowing there were new ones coming out. I think a lot of people are happy to see she's not with it...at least not this time around/yet. These dies on the other hand...are a solid "no" for me. LOL!!

[@MarlaCalandra]

I purchased this collection as well with autoship and I got the EXACT same results as you! I cannot stand the beading of the ink!!-it makes those pixelated dots on the paper which is so unattractive-Anna said the dies were coated with a special finish to hold the ink. I think it was a good idea but the technology still needs to be perfected. I Agree with viewer Jeanne Loman-I'm not getting what's the big WOW?? I have been on the fence like you as I really wanted to love these-but I think I'm going to cancel the rest of the auto-ship. I hope Anna Griffin will hear us and make some changes to this product.

[@kikspiks6052]

Your playing with them made me glad I didn’t buy them...to me they were too expensive & I wasn’t sure I’d be thrilled with inking & the mess...to me easier to buy products already done for you....I would have sent them back after seeing your review....not impressed with them...and I love her stuff...just not this 🙃🙃

[@VianneyCreates]

I'm glad you saved yourself the hassle. The more I think of it, if she had just made them hot foil plates...I would be all about it. Oh, well. TYSM!

[@toiwright4830]

@@VianneyCreates Can you try them in your hot foil machine?

[@comanchemic366]

I was on the fence about this, but decided the price was way to high. I am glad I let it pass. I’ll pick it up on clearance later on. Thank you for the honest review.

[@maryroe1125]

Ditto Kiks!

[@ellenm2570]

Seems like a lot of work.

[@VianneyCreates]

I agree.

[@deb1623]

I wondered about this product when I saw it on HSN.... thought I could get the same results with an embossing folder and a brayer and an ink pad, then just fussy cut. This is not for me.........

[@VianneyCreates]

Or even with a cut and emboss folder. I hear ya.

[@justlm316]

Thanks for the review personally for me not worth $130! Too much work..

[@VianneyCreates]

I know, I think if the price point were lower...I might be ok with it. At $120-135...it needs to be perfect.

[@456monaliza]

I’m glad I didn’t get it. Thank you for sharing

[@VianneyCreates]

Happy to help! TYSM!

[@occonnaking9454]

That’s a no! Thanks for trying.

[@VianneyCreates]

You bet! That's what I'm here for. I was really hoping these would work but I had mentioned before...I expected exactly these results.

[@aileenlopez3593]

Nah, I would not keep this item. I'm not liking the ink beading on the die cut, and then having to tossing it on the plates, no.

[@VianneyCreates]

Regrettably, I will be returning it...but hey, I tried! I really wanted to like them but it's just not there yet.

[@barbaraparker8225]

This product is a miss for me. I didn't care for the designs.

[@VianneyCreates]

Yeah, I wanted to like them...I wasn't even looking for love...but at that price point and the end result, it's definitely a miss for me, too.

[@robertamiller9096]

Your looking for perfect. This isn't going to be perfect.

[@VianneyCreates]

True, I think it was "perfect" pricing...so, it just didn't hit the spot for me. I hope others have a better go at it. The review so far are mixed.

[@cathygreear2598]

I don’t really get this concept. It would be easier to have a stamp and then die cut it out.

[@VianneyCreates]

It's supposed to look like the dreaded letterpress! LOL!!

[@barbarajackola8701]

I don't know about this set.

[@VianneyCreates]

I think they work how I imagined they would but I was hoping they would work better. Too bad.

[@kitkat6671]

I was not impressed with this set I ordered them but then canceled I am so glad I canceled.

[@VianneyCreates]

TBH, I should have cancelled...I knew this was going to happen but I gave it a chance...thought maybe Anna added a coating that gripped ink better. No, it's just like adding ink to any die or embossing folder.

[@kawanagreen5495]

I typically like all of Anna Griffin but these are just too much work

[@VianneyCreates]

They are and the result is not worth it at all. What a bummer!

[@cardstockcollector]

Too much money. That ink coverage on the finished die cuts really looks like it was beading up, watery ink.

[@VianneyCreates]

Right? I have other pigment inks of hers and they definitely stick better (well, at least they do to stamps). These were really more watery than a pigment ink should be/usually is. It may work better with a chalkier pigment ink.

[@jeanettelemay4521]

Good demo… trying different machines and stacks. If they wanted you to use a dauber or a brayed, they should have included this in the instructions. You followed the directions and the results were inconsistent and poor….ink beading on metal….who wants that look. … not me. None of the results were good enough to use and, wow., at that price. Send it back….this product is not a “new and improved technique or process”….. so disappointing to see something like this from the Anna Griffin company.

[@VianneyCreates]

I fully agree with your whole comment! I know, people are trying to be helpful with suggestions to maybe get a better result...but that's not how they advertised them and it's not in the instructions to have other supplies ready. I can get the same beaded up look from any die, LOL!! The pigment ink they provided is not as thick and chalky as any of the other AG pigment inks I have. In fact, I usually prefer her pigment inks whenever I need to use a pigment ink. Whatever they put in here is not the same formula. I did think maybe, just maybe, they put a new technology coating on the dies...nope. It is disappointing...and especially at that hefty price tag.

[@betteannkelly744]

Way too finicky and aggravating for me! Nope, Anna, this one is a big, expensive FAIL.

[@VianneyCreates]

Unfortunately, you are correct. The inks just didn't behave and the concept is just not there.

[@cindydrevs3489]

I’m not impressed. Glad I didn’t order these. Thanks for the demo.

[@VianneyCreates]

Happy to help!! TYSM!

[@felicity924]

Not a fan.

[@VianneyCreates]

You and me both! TY, my friend!