Who’s the Best? Let’s Compare Close to my Heart Vs Stampin Up Ink pads!

[@beverlythompson6423]

Welcome to SU. Its fun and much appreciated by card class members. I wish I could buy it all.! Bev from Canton, MI

[@DanaSwadling]

@@beverlythompson6423 Me too!! So many choices :)

[@rosedwyer9169]

Hi Dana, Welcome to SU. Some info on the inks. There are 4 sets of core colors. 10 Brights, 10 Subtles, 10 Regals, 10 Neutrals. Then each year is a new release of "5 in colors" that stay around for 2 years ( along with their coordinating products of paper, ribbon). So 10 more colors. You can buy the uninked spot pads and use reinkers. The difference is the full pads are sponge and the spots are felt.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@rosedwyer9169 Thankyou - love your info! Appreciate you!

[@johannesmith1979]

Welcome to SU. If you want your favourite ink spots page 94 of the annual catalog you will find uninked stamp spots and using the reinkers allow you to create your own ink spots.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@johannesmith1979 Thankyou! Appreciate you

[@lauriesyvrud4306]

As always, thank you for sharing Ange! Great card!

[@DanaSwadling]

@@lauriesyvrud4306 appreciate you!

[@bethglenmaddie]

I've had both CTMH and SU ink pads. I prefer the SU ones because with the magnetic covers I end up dropping the ink pads and making a mess!

[@DanaSwadling]

@@bethglenmaddie I’m sure i will get used to them ♥️ Appreciate you!

[@franward8528]

@@DanaSwadling the more you open them the looser they become and are easier to open.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@franward8528 so helpful! Appreciate you ♥️

[@pattyh2410]

SU has changed ink pad design several times, and I can’t say for the better. I hope they change to CTMH style.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@pattyh2410 it would be wonderful to take the best from both wouldn’t it ? ♥️

[@mkathrynblacker5960]

Hello! I loved your video. 🩵 I'm not a demonstrator, but I have been using Stampin Up products for almost 20 years and over that time have found the quality of their products to be top notch. The stamp pads have been tricky, though, and they have changed the design several times. Hoping SU will utilize some of CTMH's design ideas for opening and closing more easily for us older folk. 😉 I do love that they are stored upside down and I far and away prefer the foam pads to the felt, which SU originally had as well. I do not find personally that I use more ink with them and I appreciate that they don't 'bow' in different surface areas as the felt pads often times do. Praying that your transition will be as smooth as possible and that you will have a joyful experience! 🤗

[@DanaSwadling]

@@mkathrynblacker5960 20 years!! Love that ♥️ I am already finding JOY here- so good!!! Enjoying the foam pad- stamps so easily .. Hope to hear from you again :)

[@jamesswanson2117]

I sure like the magnetic cases. I’ve never gotten the knack of SU cases.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@jamesswanson2117 wouldn’t it be so FUN if they were able to combine the Best of Both? ♥️

[@angharadramshaw1899]

Hi Dana, watching the replay from New Zealand 🇳🇿 😊. I've been using Stampin Up products for about 8 years. Some of my ink pads I have had for 7 years, and only just used reinkers on them. Depends on how much you use them.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@angharadramshaw1899 SO helpful!!! Thankyou SO much♥️ appreciate you

[@wbanker2500]

You can buy blank ink spots and ink them with any color reinker.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@wbanker2500 so appreciate you! Thankyou

[@heathermcclelland9974]

Great comparison video. Welcome to SU! Love the magnetic closure ink pads and look forward to having all our colours in them 😊

[@DebadooCreates]

Welcome to the SU Demo family!! 25 yrs is fantastic, just so sad they had to close. And congrats on your first public live! You did a great job. I've had to pause & re-sign a couple times but first became a demo in 2005. I really hope we will incorporate the CTMH design into our pads. I have arthritis in my hands that makes ours hard to open. Although, i probably won't replace all my ink pads again. I did it once when all my felt pads had to go in storage for 6 years. Overall i think I prefer the sponge pads, but it's much harder to do the woodgrain swiping like you can do with the felt ones.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@DebadooCreates love the info - Thankyou ♥️ you’ve been with SU for a very long time too!! :)

[@DebadooCreates]

@@DanaSwadling off & on unfortunately.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@DebadooCreates it all counts! ♥️

[@margaretberry5124]

Welcome to SU. SU has always been my go to for supplies but….. Close to my heart stamp pads are the best ever. I have bad arthritis & these stamp pads are a life saver. So glad to hear SU will eventually go to these pads. Have a blessed day from Louisiana

[@DanaSwadling]

@@margaretberry5124 arthritis stinks! So sorry. It would be SO FUN if they were able to take the Best from Both ink pads and combine them ♥️

[@shireetropix6360]

I'm late to the party but welcome to Stampin' Up! It will be so good to be able to diversify into scrapbooking for us as well. I know you're focusing mostly on the inks for now, but what blows me away is that SU also provides dies to cut selected images on the Designer Series Paper too! I love that for when I want something that is more professionally done or more detail than I can colour! Have fun and enjoy your discoveries! I love your positive attitude.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@shireetropix6360 OMG!! That is one of my favorite new things!! Does that cut the paper!!! Eek! I’m all over the place. lol inks, paper, lol all of it ♥️

[@leahvoss317]

Have a question... it's about longevity... I had an SU demonstrator say that I can plan for their ink pads to last a year if I use them often. I have CTMH stamp pads 10 years old, and after reinking, they work great! Concerned about spending my money on items that don't last...

[@DanaSwadling]

@@leahvoss317 truthfully, I’ve not been here long enough to speak to their longevity? I can say that I know many happy demonstrators that love their ink pads - and have for 20+ years.. sorry I can’t help more . Appreciate your Q Leah ♥️

[@tbate77]

I appreciate you taking the time to demonstrate the differences. I learned a lot from you. Thanks for sharing this.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@tbate77 Thankyou♥️

[@KarenLeanneCreates2024]

I built the entire color collection with the ink spots and reinkers! All I need are the new in colors. I do have several of the large pads, but I have trouble opening them with my stiff hands. I would love the magnetic Style!

[@DanaSwadling]

@@KarenLeanneCreates2024 OMG you did ALL of the colors in the mini pads? WOW! Do you like them? I’ve considered doing it - and I’m so sorry your hands are stiff..

[@KarenLeanneCreates2024]

@@DanaSwadling I like them, but there is an occasional thread you have to remove. I think I have only 5 of the large pads! It's carpal tunnel. But I keep sewing and Papercrafting!

[@DanaSwadling]

@@KarenLeanneCreates2024 our felt pads did that too ..

[@marywilkinson8975]

Fun to see comparison. I've been with SU a long time. Welcome!

[@DanaSwadling]

Thankyou!

[@facsmom]

Welcome to the SU family! Another. Use of the little Stampin’ Spots is when using a stamping platform such as our no longer available Stamperatus or My Sweet Petunia’s Misti. The little spots make it less messy to ink up your stamps, less messy on the part you press on and less messy for the crafter. You have such an open mind and positive attitude moving forward with your business.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@facsmom oh nice!!! Awesome tip!! Years ago we were supposed to come out with our own stamparatus- and they couldn’t because of copyright issues.. :( Appreciate you! So sweet !

[@wbanker2500]

You are so fun and upbeat. I hope you do lots of videos for stamping up products in the future. I'll definitely be a subscriber! Welcome to stamping up

[@DanaSwadling]

@@wbanker2500 OMGOSH how sweet are you! Thankyou! Thats my plan :) I’m hopeful that I can keep up with every Friday ♥️

[@kathybidney3803]

The more you watch demonstrators, you will pick up tips on how our products will make your creativity fun. We do use a mat for photo palmier stamps because there is no Cush. Welcome to stampin up, it’s a nice company.

[@DanaSwadling]

Thanks Kathy!!! So appreciate you !

[@pammiller333]

Gave up fighting the SU lids. Would end up with ink on me or the work surface. I’ve gone to versafine and distress inks. Haven’t looked back!

[@dinacarroll9211]

I love your enthusiasm! I subbed. I hope SU does switch to the magnetic ink pad case.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@dinacarroll9211 Sure would be fun to have the best of both worlds :)

[@sallymillians4566]

I am a SU! demo of about 7 years (used SU! product for almost 15 years though)who mostly enjoys the discount shopping rather than selling. I have done a few videos, which I find VERY challenging. I loved your presentation as well as your content! Welcome aboard!

[@DanaSwadling]

@@sallymillians4566 you are the BEST!! Thankyou so much/ I get so nervous.. the first one I stuttered lol

[@CraftRoulette]

ha - you look great, Dana. So nice to see you.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@CraftRoulette Thankyou

[@BarbaraHaropolous1only]

Welcome to SU! 🎉❤I enjoyed your comparison, I think those magnetic stamp pads are pretty cool. I tried your press and twist technique this morning and it made a BIG difference in my stamped image! Thanks for that tip. I am looking forward to learning new things from all you CTMH Makers!

[@DanaSwadling]

Oh thank you!

[@TerryMolineux]

Hi Dana. FYI. With SU Photopolymer stamp we have to use our stampin pierce mat. With our cling stamp we don’t need to use anything because it has the cushion built in. Hope this helps!!

[@DanaSwadling]

@@TerryMolineux Thankyou! Appreciate you

[@cynb5811]

Hmmm, I don't use a mat with ANY brand of photopolymer stamps! On second thought, the mat is basically built-in with the MISTI or Stamparatus, right? :)

[@lynndewerth3543]

Welcome to SU. I look forward to your comparison.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@lynndewerth3543 Thankyou! So kind ♥️

[@monicasundgren8123]

This is the first time Ive found you. You are doing great in so far as I can tell. Happy to have you in with Stamping Up.👍🏻😃

[@DanaSwadling]

@@monicasundgren8123 you are the sweetest! Nerves often get the best of me - but I am trying hard :)

[@cindyellis765]

Here are a few tips for using the Stamp-in Up ink pads: to open them a bit easier put your thumbs on the back corners of the closed pad (top upward and opening toward you) and press. It should open much easier. Always store them bottom down. They are so juicy ink can run out. The”little” pads are available in all their colors as you look through the season catalog.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@cindyellis765 Thankyou So much!! Appreciate you!

[@belle499]

welcome to SU i love the coordinating colours with cardstock, paper, ink , embellishments and stamp sets it takes the guess work out and lets you get to creating .. best of luck to you !!

[@DanaSwadling]

@@belle499 Thankyou!! OMG that’s one of my favorite parts- everything matches or coordinates⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@renewestbrook5755]

I hope SU takes the CTMH ink patent. I can't tell you how many of my SU ink pads have molded. I thought I was the only one that happened to. But, I found out last weekend, that I'm NOT the only one. :) My inks live in a beautiful inkpad holder in an office in my house. Always AC'd. No reason to get moldy. I also fight with the lids. I love the CTMH ink pads.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@renewestbrook5755 me too- would be Amazing if they could take the best of both ink pads- right? ♥️ Thankyou!!

[@trinajewison5363]

Did they crystallize or actual mould??? Just curious

[@caroll.b.4843]

Hi Dana. I'm watching for my first video with you. Stampin'Up is my favorite.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@caroll.b.4843 hope it makes you smile :)

[@tbate77]

Wow! 25 years is amazing! C😊ongratulations!

[@DanaSwadling]

@@tbate77 Thankyou! A big portion of my life ♥️

[@marjbr9572]

We use a piercing foam mat under our cardstock when using photpolymer

[@DanaSwadling]

@@marjbr9572 wonder if I bought that yet ?? lol. #somanynewthings🤣thankyou! Appreciate you

[@theresaswit1840]

Hi! welcome to SU! I can usually push down on the top corners of the ink pads (top 2 corners at the same time) and it will pop open most times. Hard to explain without showing it, but it does work...happy crafting!

[@DanaSwadling]

@@theresaswit1840 Thankyou! Appreciate you!

[@trevanji]

Just a comparison with Close To My Heart? How about Gina K Designs, Tim Holtz, Simon Says, Simon Hurley…. would love you to compare these 🥰🥰.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@trevanji Thankyou!!! So sweet! It’s really all I know right now :) I’m Learning though!!

[@ruthjames715]

Hi Dana, I enjoyed tour presentation of the stamps and dies, I'm a customer of Stampin' Up and buy far too much. Looking forward to seeing your next video. Ruth down under.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@ruthjames715 nice to meet you! ♥️

[@debraymond5525]

What are the dimensions on the close to my heart stamp pad. I like that magnet.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@debraymond5525 I will measure one for you - but the company closed - there are only a few left on my website :(

[@loriewerckman7516]

You can buy blank ink spots and ink refills to make your own

[@DanaSwadling]

I thought about it :) I am buying the SU pads too!

[@betsyg9652]

Love your persona on the videos. I buy blank ink spots and reinkers for colors I want to try. Theoretically you can make the whole set in ink spots. Looking forward to both product lines merge. Often I will click on a product and find it’s limited to CTMH members

[@DanaSwadling]

@@betsyg9652 aww. You are the sweetest! Appreciate your help!

[@DanaSwadling]

@@betsyg9652 the limited to ctmh goes away in September.. They just weren’t able to buy/ stock enough transition products for everyone - but it’s coming♥️

[@brendabreton2954]

Watching replay from Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada. Welcome, I am a demonstrator for Stampin Up ❤️🇨🇦

[@DanaSwadling]

@@brendabreton2954 so nice to meet you ♥️

[@michellelloyd6820]

This was a great comparison, thank you! I used to be a CTMH consultant, started when it was D.O.T.S. I love their magnetic ink pads. I also have a lot of Stamp in Up items and I love their sponge ink pads. Maybe stampin up will integrate the sponge ink pad into the magnetic base.

[@DanaSwadling]

Wouldn’t that be SO COOL if they were able to take the best of Both?? Love that idea ♥️

[@pattyh2410]

I predict they will change within two years.

[@rosemariesoper5654]

Watching the replay in Illinois. 😊 Welcome to the SU! Family!!! ❤ I started crafting with CTMH, but a year or so into my crafting I switched to SU! I felt their stamp sets had more variety.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@rosemariesoper5654 they DO have such a large variety- totally agree 😍Thankyou!! So kind ♥️

[@deborahdavis353]

Dana, thanks for that tip, I never thought about putting a sticker on the side of the inside!

[@DanaSwadling]

@@deborahdavis353 I really like that side sticker !! lol

[@cathyveverka8094]

I've used both ctmh and SU products for over 20 yrs. SU has had felt, linen, and sponge pads over the years. You should tap, tap, tap your stamp onto the pad. You shouldn't twist the stamp into the pad as you lose the detailing of the stamp. SU makes stamps they call distinguished that show detailing of an image. In conjunction with the detailing, you can use the dark blend to outline the detail & the light blend to color and blend light & dark colors together.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@cathyveverka8094 I love this- Thankyou ♥️ appreciate your help!

[@gjwolf100]

Welcome to SU! I have several CTMH friends. Have you ever gone to the Great Lakes mega meet in Novi, Michigan in May? One of my friends ran the CTMH booth there until she moved to another state two years ago. She was a top seller for them and in decided to retired from CTMH and three others went to SU. I’m from Michigan too. Dawn griffin a top SU seller is from Waterford , maybe you can get a hold of her and meet. She does have a youtube channel. I only have a hand full of regular ink pads, I use ink spots and I have a lot of them, i have all the ink refills if they need refilling. Hop to see more videos from you.

[@DanaSwadling]

You are the sweetest! I’ve been to Mega Meet many times :) So much Fun!! I plan to video each Friday :)

[@jenniferstutzman451]

I have both types of ink pads and I prefer the CTMH. I don't know if its cause I started with ctmh or what. I feel like the stampin up are splotchy. Maybe I'll give them another chance and just barely press instead of tap and twist and tap lol

[@DanaSwadling]

@@jenniferstutzman451 I make sure I season the stamps well too- it’s not always the “fix” for blotchy- but it does seem to help :)

[@jenniferstutzman451]

In also a former consultant

[@tbate77]

Watching you on the replay.

[@whoooami2090]

I have a ton of SU inks but what makes me angry, Is they discontinue stuff like crazy? I finally quit buying stamping up.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@whoooami2090 aww. I’m so sorry.

[@cynb5811]

Every company switches things up and discontinues products periodically!!!

[@DanaSullivan]

I teach my people "Tap, tap, tap. Not smoosh, smoosh, smoosh." Hehe. I'm really enjoying the comparison and feedback from makers turned denos. 😊😊😊😊

[@DanaSwadling]

@@DanaSullivan I love that!!! Nice to meet you- we are name twins ⭐️

[@DanaSullivan]

@@DanaSwadling indeed! :-) Nice to meet you always, luv!!!

[@annd.264]

CTMH was a great company. I like the magnetic ink covers, but I like SU better because the cover is attached and folds behind. Welcome to SU.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@annd.264 I’m loving the sponge pad ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@yoligonzalez556]

Enjoyed watching your video. Welcome to SU! 😊

[@DanaSwadling]

Thankyou!!

[@marjbr9572]

I use a tooth pick or so either sharp tool to lay the label flat inside the ink pad

[@DanaSwadling]

@@marjbr9572 Thankyou for sharing! Appreciate your help!

[@colleenpatton4682]

SU has a mat that we use when using Photopolymer stamps. It is #126199 for $5.00. The mat is not needed when stamping with Cling stamps (red rubber).

[@DanaSwadling]

Thanks ♥️appreciate you!

[@carolthompson7131]

1st time here from SaddleBrooke,AZ (North of Tucson)

[@DanaSwadling]

@@carolthompson7131 so happy you are here!! ♥️

[@burchjeanie]

That’s a great idea of putting the sticker on the top with the name.

[@DanaSwadling]

Thankyou! I just like to know the name when it’s open ♥️

[@catherinethomas7681]

What do you run it over your arm for? What is seasoning? I’ve never done it as a SU demonstrator.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@catherinethomas7681 when ctmh stamped were made they use a “release” agent ( think of it like a oil spray we add to pans before we cook .. One way to “season” our polymer stamps is to rub them on your arm, or use a pencil eraser.. On line stamps - even if you don’t season they usually stamp fine.. but if you have a large solid image stamp- without seasoning - you get a “bubbly” image- many people think the ink pad is “too juicy” but really it’s the release agent on the stamp causing the ink to not adhere to the stamp ♥️ I’m so used to doing it - it’s just habit :) I’m not sure if SU stamps need it or not? Maybe they are made differently ⭐️

[@catherinethomas7681]

@@DanaSwadling I don’t think they do. I’ve never heard them mention it.

[@janiceormiston7770]

@@DanaSwadlingyes they do. Some demonstrators do exactly what you did

[@jaybee7307]

This is common for photopolymer stamps, not just CTMH or SU. It helps season the stamp for stamping after manufacturing and allows the ink to better grip the stamp.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@jaybee7307 good answer!! Thankyou! Appreciate you! I don’t own any other companies stamps- I DID years and years ago- but they were hard and didn’t stamp well. So I really stopped buying outside of ctmh

[@nolaventura9326]

I'm a SU demonstrator and was thrilled when I heard we were converting to TCTMH ink pads.

[@madelinesiers9366]

Hello from Maddie in Las Vegas

[@DanaSwadling]

@@madelinesiers9366 so nice to meet you Maddie♥️

[@MrsSeaHag]

Welcome to SU!

[@DanaSwadling]

@@MrsSeaHag Thankyou so much!!

[@loriewerckman7516]

Do you make cards or just Scrap booking ❓

[@DanaSwadling]

I do both :) I started out as a card maker 25 years ago and then tired my hand at scrapbooking too ( a lot of the same supplies lol) Nice to meet you!

[@nolaventura9326]

😂SU, we say tap, tap. Do not mash your stamp in the ink pad.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@nolaventura9326 love it!!! Appreciate the help :)

[@AKpaperpirates]

Lightfastness???

[@DanaSwadling]

@@AKpaperpirates do you mean the ink pad ink? For lightfastness- typically you want to choose a pigment ink .These are water based dye inks. I’m so new to their product line - let me go ask that question - in case there is something I don’t know ? ⭐️

[@DanaSwadling]

@@AKpaperpirates I’m assuming you are asking because you are a scrapbooker? ♥️

[@cmhowson50]

I wish I would have done better research before investing a fortune in Stampin Up ink pads that are so hard to open and close. UGH! I would have much preferred CTMH magnetic ink pads. I heard SU is going to eventually switch over to the magnetic ones. I am not spending ANOTHER fortune to switch over. Is anyone else feel the same way?

[@DanaSwadling]

@@cmhowson50 I enjoy that they match- that’s a biggie for me.. and I love having tools that work really well. IF they CAN come up with something even better?? I’ll listen 😍

[@tmorris7432]

SU ink pads were 10times better before they changed a few years ago - I have issues with almost all my newer and those that I have had for almost 10years are far superior

[@DanaSwadling]

@@tmorris7432 thanks for sharing- it’s all new to me :)

[@tmorris7432]

@@DanaSwadling personally had just discovered ctmh literally just before they announced closing - it was a disappointment because I truly liked the quality of their products All the Best to you

[@TerriCastille]

I use a glass mat under photo polymer stamps. It seems strange because there is no give, but it works great!

[@DanaSwadling]

@@TerriCastille I just got my glass mat! I will absolutely try that- appreciate you!

[@tmorris7432]

I unfortunately discovered ctmh just before they announced closing and it was so sad because I really liked the product but had not tried their ink yet- all the best to you!

[@wendywoodhouse8533]

Welcome to Stampin Up. Co ordination and quality is what SU are all about. you'll love it. xxx

[@DanaSwadling]

@@wendywoodhouse8533 Thankyou!!! ♥️

[@andrewoverton5246]

I have been in the industry in the UK 24 years been with SU 3 times leaving at end july i have had CTMH products shipped to the UK from a kind friend in the usa who i am eternally grateful and loved all my products which were sent .I have used many companies inkpads over the years and found Felt does have more advantages over foam. Foam is difficult to work with its not easy to refill with a reinker you have to use a teaspoon to smoosh the ink into the foam.when new the SU pads are tight and difficult to open and need a lubricant of vaseline to to run down the grooves to slide easy opening and closing . i guess we all have our comfort zone in crafting ,but to me i want a inkpad which works instantly without having to think about barely tapping a stamp on a inkpad and found these inkpads for me personally are the worst inkpads i have invested in but we all have our own opinions what works best for individuals.

[@DanaSwadling]

@@andrewoverton5246 I’m still so new - haven’t re inked yet.. I’ve heard that SU used to have felt back in the day?? I don’t know. It sure would be nice to take both of the best qualities of ink pads and combine them. ♥️