Tim Holtz Stamp Platform: Do You Need One? My Tests & Review

[@PaperToPetals]

Thanks so much for the demo, review, and info. I have both the We r Memory Keepers and Tonic Studios Tim Holzt Platform. I used the the We r Memory Keepers first and then the Tonic Studios. I’m very impressed with the Tonic Studios Platform.

[@teresaselby3536]

Thanks for demonstration of Tim Holtz stamp platform. Have a great weekend.

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

Thanks!

[@christinesmith989]

Thank you so much for a fabulous review! I have the Misti and love it and have been toying with the idea of getting the Tim Holtz version too as I have some gift money. I am really excited by the two open sides which is what made me interested especially to enable me to stamp inside larger cards without causing crushing. Your video has helped me make up my mind, I am definitely going to order one. I will keep my Misti too though and use them both. I think for batch making for Christmas etc. having both will be so useful! Thanks again. xxx

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

Thanks Christine! If you are in the US and haven't already, you need to jump on getting the Tim Holtz version as it is being discontinued in the US once Tonic runs out of stock due to the settlement of the My Sweet Petunia lawsuit.

[@christinesmith989]

Thank you for your reply, I am in the uk but I have already bought it and love it! Thank you again for your fab review! xxx

[@debt.8971]

I have both. And keep them both right near my craft desk. Reach for whichever one works better for current project. Very informative video. Thanks!

[@SherriC88]

Great review...i have a misti...which I love....i think i might get the smaller tom holtz one..for when I go to friends or on vaca...lol yes I always bring crafts on vaca....lol

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

Nothing wrong with bringing crafts on vaca. Lol!! The travel size platform would be great for that.

[@gloriaeike4973]

I had the large & small Misti, but when I got my large Tim Holtz stamp platform, I gave them to a friend who just got into card making. I love the large TH stamp platform. What I especially like is that if you should get ink on the inside of the top, it does not transfer to your card or paper you are stamping on. I do eventually clean it later. Thanks for the Mr. Clean eraser idea.

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

That is a really good point about the ink transfer because I have that problem with the Misti a lot but always forget when I haven't used it in a while. Thanks for mentioning it because it's going to make me use the TH more.

[@tavanasibgatullah]

Wow! Thanks for the video! I have just bought my first ever stamp platform (tim holtz one) couple of weeks ago on a great sale! I saw so many good reviews on it & it was also preferable from the price point, so I bought it! I really didn’t know about that patent infringement, thanks for mentioning it! :)

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

I think the TH platform is different enough now from the Misti since the redesign that the infringement issue is probably moot, but I felt I should mention it. I agree that the price is great especially for the quality!

[@lndtlr]

I agree it appears that Tonic followed the idea of the MISTI, but one of the great things about living in the US is competition and how that keeps prices lower. If we all have certain features we like, shouldn't we have the option to purchase the platform that has those features? If MISTI is so worried, maybe they should at least reduce their prices to be more competitive!

[@samrcat4077]

Great informative review. I have and LOVE my original Misti. Larger surface works for most of my needs. Also own the Stampin Up double lidded Stamparatus which has 2 open sides like the one from Tim Holtz. Hampton arts made a nearly exact replica of Misti (thinner lid) and it needed to be taken off the market for outright theft of the Misti. Tim's platform lost the suit for USA so once the product sells out here, no more sales. They will be able to sell it in other countries. I think that's a shame since this platform and the Misti are so very different.

[@nsbhater]

Great review and thanks for sharing your concern. I had no clue 👀 I don't have a stamping platform and are therefore researching a bit. Thanks for your thoughts 😘

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

Thanks for watching! Just so you know, the lawsuit has been settled and as a result, Tonic will be discontinuing the sale of the Tim Holtz version in the US once they run out of stock. So if you want one and you are in the US you should probably do so soon. 8-)

[@nsbhater]

Thanks for the heads up on the progress of the law suit. Will get it tomo! ;)

[@deborahclark6186]

I have the Tim Holtz platform, and I have the stampin up platform, and I love the stampin up much better. It has two clear stamp doors that can stamp on back of both sides. Also you can take it out and do roll stamping on both sides. More uses with stampin up. I'm not a Demonstrator with stampin up. I did find that the Tim Holt platform sometimes do not give a good impression. So I tin to use the misty and the stampin up platforms more so. Thank you for sharing what you think his platform.

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

You make me want to try the SU platform too. It sounds really good, but I think 2 stamp platforms are enough for me right now. Lol!

[@marilynnellsworth4300]

I actually have the MISTI, Stamp Perfect and the Tim Holtz Platform, I like all of them. The Stamp Perfect is so much like the MISTI that I could see where it would be an infringement, but the Platform, not really. I actually do not use the MISTI as much as the others. My MISTI is a few years old, I feel it is not as sturdy as the others and I even noticed when I first received it that the plastic hinges did not look like they were fully glued and that concerned me after paying the price that it cost. My Stamp Perfect was bought with a coupon and the price was wonderful so I did not have the concerns that I had with the MISTI. I love the Tim Holtz Platform because of the freedom of using any size of paper, the construction seems to be good also. People were also concocting ways to double stamp before the Misti was ever produced. Yes, it's a great idea, I love being able to double and triple stamp without worry, but I think my Sweet Petunia is going a little overboard, this Platform is not the same as theirs.

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

I agree that with the changes, the TH platform seems different enough from the Misti now and for the price, it is a great quality. I don't know what the original TH platform looked like, but assume it was closer to the Misti when first released, hence the lawsuit. And of course, My Sweet Petunia doesn't own the idea, just details specific to their design that can't be copied. I've never had any quality problems with my Misti but do agree with you that the TH is very, very nice.

[@lmcburney]

Like you, I have used MISTI stamp positioners for several years and like the product. I looked at the Tonic version because it allowed larger pieces of paper but I thought it was too much money to spend for a single advantage over the MISTI. Then Jo-Ann fabric ran a super hot sale on all Tonic items including the stamp platform. It was 1/2 price which brought it close to $21 plus tax and free shipping. That got me excited to try it. It's great for bigger pieces of paper but I still tend to reach for my MISTI if the paper fits easily inside it. Thanks for the review.

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

That is the exact same situation for me!! On super sale, the TH is hard to pass up and I do really like the larger paper usage. I am still torn on which I like better or will use more. Time will tell, I guess. 8-)

[@lennettajerkins7072]

Thanks for the review and the magic eraser tip! I have both the original size MISTI and the regular Tim Holtz stamp platform. I like both of them! I reach for the MISTI more often, maybe because I had it first, but I feel like it works better for smaller stamps especially sentiment stamps. However because is larger platform I like the Tim Holtz version for large stamps and 6x6 background stamps. If budget isn't an issue I would recommend getting one of each, but in different sizes (Mini Misti and the regular Tim Holtz).

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

I will have to try using the TH more before I can say that I need both, for sure. but I really appreciate you mentioning how you use each of them because that is going to help me try them out and see which I ultimately prefer.

[@annihilator45]

I have both and love them both.

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

Great! I like them both too. Time will tell which I reach for most.

[@25Prague]

My solution for the Staz On is to purchase a craft sheet on ebay (it is much cheaper than the ranger one). I bought it specifically to cut down to fit in my mini Tim Holtz Platform. I like both the MISTI and the TH Platform. I like the cushion on the MISTI but think the Tonic TH is better made and sturdier. I bought the travel platform because I have a small craft space and liked the size; I have been pleased with the performance but it took some time to get used to the lack of a foam cushion. Thanks for the balanced review.

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

Great idea with the craft sheet. I like both of the platforms too and think I will have a use for each. Thanks!!

[@MaryMoisan]

Thanks for the honest review. For a while, every KZbin cardmaker was pushing the Misti trying to make us think it was a must have tool. Thankfully the Misti fever has lessen. I don't see a difference between company 1 releasing a mermaid stamp set and companies 2, 3 and 4 releasing their own versions to companies releasing versions of the Misti. I feel like I see coping between companies/brands all the time.

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

Very, very true. My best guess is that the original TH had specific mechanical aspects that possibly infringed on the Misti patent not copying just the general idea itself (which is what the different mermaid stamp sets are doing), but who knows. I guess that is for the court to decide and not us crafters. Lol!

[@nancymensch7947]

I have been watching a few other youtube videos regarding cleaning staz-on. Alexandra from Hedgehog Hollow uses Tim’s alcohol blending solution and Tim himself used Ranger solvent cleaner to get that stubborn ink off.

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

Thanks for letting me know. I will have to give those a try.

[@reneecassidy7279]

Very good review! I have a Misti and I love it! I can't think of any reason I would be stamping on larger paper as I do not scrapbook, so I'm happy with what I have. The Tonic one is very attractive. I bought the cleaner that the Misti company. recommended and I am wondering if that would take the ink off the Tonic one. I know it cleans up the Misti nicely. Anyway, thanks for the info!

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

Thanks Renee! I have the Misti cleaner and it never occurred to me to try that on the Staz On, but I will now. Great tip!! Honestly, I don;t think it;'s necessary to have 2 different stamp platforms, especially if you don't need the bigger paper option.

[@PaperToPetals]

I have heard that Tonic Studios originally wanted to include in their platform a mat just like the Funfoam you used but due to the patent infringement, Tonic had to remove the foam. I don’t know about the other changes.

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

That makes sense. I don't know what changes they made but do think it is different enough now.

[@melissaedwards7431]

Sweet Petunia did not come up with the idea of a stamp platform. I saw a youtube on it a year before the MISTI was released. MISTI just got a patent first. I am for free enterprise and competition. If not, MISTI would continue to charge an outrageous price! If we had one electric company or phone company can you imagine the cost?

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

I am for competition too - just providing the information. The lawsuit would be for elements of the original design that may specifically copy the MSP patent, not for the overall concept. With the redesign, I think the TH platform is different enough now, but that's for the court to decide and obviously not me. I have no idea what the original design looked like. As I mentioned in the video, I agree the Misti is too expensive.

[@PaperToPetals]

Try 100% rubbing alcohol see if that works! I don’t want to mess up my platform because I’m ocd. That being said if I did mess it up, it doesn’t affect its performance. Just like stained stamps, they still perform just as well!

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

I will give that a try. I agree the staining doesn't really matter, but I'm a tiny bit ocd too so prefer not to have it stained if possible. Lol!

[@katietatey]

Magic Eraser is just sandpaper with a very fine grit. You took the layer of the platform that was stained off. So... wouldn't use that often.

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

Do you have a suggestion for something else to use to take the stains off? I'd love to know. Thanks!

[@katietatey]

@@BlackSheep303Crafts My platform is new and I haven't had this issue yet but my first choice would be to use isopropyl alcohol and let it sit. I think the strength of the ink, the amount you used in the stain test, and the fact that you let it dry completely before trying to remove it were working against you. I am assuming if you act promptly that it won't be as hard to remove. But in the case of that very permanent ink that was a large amount and really dried there, you may have not had any option other than the Magic eraser.

[@daisydavis5070]

i saw Tim Holtz do a demo he used a stamp solvent to remove stazon.

[@wtpb]

Patents don't exist for an overall idea. They exist for very specific features contained within a products design. There is no way they hold a patent over any product with a hinged acrylic door or removable magnets or a magnetic surface. What they would hold the patent on would be, an object with all of those features alongside the enclosed sides, with the removable foam insert. This is why the Tim Holtz platform has 2 non enclosed sides and a lid that can be flipped, so as not to breach the main deciding features of the patent. When they redid it they would have consulted a patent lawyer to make sure they didn't infringe on an existing patent.

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

Correct. I'm guessing that the original TH design had very specific mechanical aspects that MSP felt infringed on their patent but since the redesign of the TH, as you mentioned, it seems to me those things have been resolved. I guess that's for the lawyers to decide, however, since I have no idea what the original TH looked like.

[@dabuzzard2]

Actually their patent was granted for basically a hinged door stamp device. I was blown away at how vague the patent reads. Like you I was always under the impression that a patent was for a specific design, not theirs. I googled and found it in the filed lawsuit papers.

[@wtpb]

That is absolutely ridiculous. They never should have been granted a patent for something so vague

[@dabuzzard2]

Looked like the current ones being sold had to be a very slight difference, I haven't found anyone that could see any difference in the ones being sold and the one demonstrated at CHA for the announcement. As of July 19, 2018 only units in the supply chain can be sold in the US, Mexico, Canada and south America under the settlement per Tonic press release.

[@wtpb]

That press release is why I bought one even though I live in Aus. I expect a serious price hike for other countries once they stop selling in America

[@CraftyComeLately]

today's announcement on Tonic says that their lawsuit agreement will mean no US or Canada sales anymore by Tonic so they will sell out of their current stock. I am curious if tonic will create an alternative or just step out of the market for North america.

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

Thanks for the update. Interesting...I went and found some info too and it sounds like Tonic must have come to some kind of licensing agreement with My Sweet Petunia because they mentioned something vague about producing a new version together. We'll see...

[@CraftyComeLately]

I couldn't risk it so I went ahead and finally bought the TH platform. I got the mini and I love that they have the open edges so you can put a bigger paper in it. Thanks again for the great informative video :)

[@CoolCraftyCreations]

Now this video was uploaded in June of 2018, however Tuesday Morning stores have been selling the Tonic Tim Holtz Platform like HOT CAKES! $14.99!!! The lawsuit must be over with . Not sure

[@samrcat4077]

Yes. Tim Holtz platform lost. When then sell out, no more can be sold in USA.

[@CoolCraftyCreations]

samrcat4077 Wow! Whoah, thanks for sharing

[@anikamercier2651]

I have a Misty which I 💗💗. I’ve been wondering if the Tonic one is worth getting especially since everyone has been pushing it. Would you suggest getting it or sticking with my tried and true Misty?

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

Honestly, in my opinion, I don't think the average crafter needs more than one stamp platform unless the ability to use larger paper would be useful.

[@anikamercier2651]

Thanks for writing me back! I think I'll stick with my Misty. Loved your review!

[@melissaedwards7431]

L.O.V.E. the Tonic platform!!! It has solved many problems I had with my MISTI and is so much less expensive.

[@sharonpeterson2378]

Thanks for explaining the patent. I've spent a few hours watching video's on the Tim Holtz platform and want one. Now I know why everybody is using Misti in their video's. I hope that now I can find This Tim Holtz one. Good video! March 2021 Invested in Stamparatus by StampinUp! and it's the biggest money mistake ever made. It has the upper quadrant that won't stamp at all. Poor design. And now I've looked and Tim Holtz doesn't have it anymore! BUMMER!

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

Hi Sharon. As you probably know, the patent suit was settled a while back and Tonic lost so the Tim Holtz platform was allowed to sell through in the US and then is no more. I hope you are able to find one. Thanks for watching!

[@kimluptovic2280]

Thanks Elena, great review. However, which do you like the best, which will you be using the most? The Misti or Tim Holtz? I keep thinking i “need” Tim Holtz but probably not. 😊 Should i email you again at your black sheep address so you can try emailing me when you aren’t so busy? Still would like to meet.

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

At this point, I don't know which I like better. I am going to have to use the TH for awhile to decide. I don't really think anyone needs to buy an extra stamp platform if you already have one that works well for you but that's just me. I emailed you a little while ago, so hopefully we can figure out a way to get together. 8-)

[@obsessedcrazymomma]

Actually if you look back Lifestyle Crafts designed the stamping platform first(letterpress). And really in this industry every company makes rubber stamps , clear stamps, patterned paper ,dies...the list goes on. And I find it interesting that Tonic created the cover case for the platform then suddenly so does Misti?? There are so many products out there that is so similar. Die cutting machines ?? You don't see these companies suing each other? Just my opinion though :)

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

I agree - every time a fun stamp set comes out (llamas, otters, etc) every company suddenly produces their own version. I'm guessing the original TH platform had very specific design components that would have infringed on the mechanical design aspects of the patent and not just the overall concept. But since the redesign, it seems different enough to me now. Like you, just my opinion too - lol.

[@wtpb]

Toothpaste overnight should suck most of the colour out of the stain. You may need to still use the magic eraser but you wont have to scrub as long or hard

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

I never, ever would have thought of that. That is a great suggestion!! Thanks so much.

[@wtpb]

Anything chalk based and wet would work. As it dries it sucks the stain out.

[@BarryOnness]

The real difference is that the Tim Holtz is neutral coloration. That garish pink makes me gag. I can never match colors properly in the presence of that awful shade. Tim Holtz doesn’t make me read propaganda scriptures after paying a big price also.

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

I like the pink so didn't think about the neutral color of the TH platform, but that is a REALLY good point!

[@WanderSlow]

The color, the quality, the price, the religion, and the lawsuit: all reasons why I sent for a Tim Holtz platform from the UK. It's very annoying to see the Misti used almost exclusively on KZbin.

[@misstorina3]

Sadly I have to say that EVERY TIME I find their products not so good. This platform DOES NOT stamp good on the 3-4 try also. Their guillotine IS NOT so precise also it's creaking. Their pads in the distressed ink pads are loose and the lid does not close properly.....and so it goes. I am really surprised and disappointed

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

I'm sorry to hear your experience has not been great with Tonic and Ranger (Distress Ink pads). I have found the Tonic tools to be pretty good, but have had a recent problem with the Distress Oxide pads pulling off their backing plates too. I just got the guillotine cutter from Tonic and have found that I have to be extra careful lining the paper up and HAVE to hold the finger guard down to get a precise cut, which is a bit disappointing. The creaking I just put down to the nature of mechanical parts, but I do understand where you are coming from.

[@misstorina3]

Black Sheep 303 Thank you. That is a correct description of the gilutin. I sent yhem an email. They will replace the door of the platform. But, I am not holding my breath :'(

[@BlackSheep303Crafts]

Another viewer mentioned having a problem with stamping really big stamps with the platform and Tonic did replace her door so I hope they get one too you to and it helps. Fingers crossed!

[@misstorina3]

Black Sheep 303 thank you for replying 😊