No card today. I wanted to bring you some news from Stampin’ Up! so that you’ll be on the cutting edge of “in-the-know”! As you’re aware, we’re headed into the transition time between catalogs. So…we’re anticipating the arrival of the 2019-2020 Retiring List – watch for it on 15 April (that’s next Monday!).
We’re also going to see some changes to our product lines! Though change is hard, I know these are going to be for the better!
Here’s what we know!
Big News!! Stampin’ Up! has just announced that they’ll be transitioning to a new manufacturer for their dies and embossing folders moving forward!
Stampin’ Up! is moving to a direct-to-manufacturer relationship. This means they’ll work directly with the factories who manufacture their dies and folders instead of working with another company who then works with different factories (so – eliminating the middle-man!). This gives them greater control and potential in the manufacturing process. Always a GOOD thing!
TRANSITION TO NEW DIE-CUTTING AND EMBOSSING LINE
Here’s a look at how this transition will unfold
HIGHLIGHTS: NEW-STYLE DIES AND EMBOSSING FOLDERS
Since Stampin’ Up! is using a new supplier for their dies and embossing folders, they’ll be manufactured differently, which means the way you use them will be a little different. A few of the changes between the old-style and new-style products are listed below. In the future, Stampin’ Up! will also provide videos to show how to craft with the new-style dies and embossing folders and better showcase the features described below.
Here are some of the changes you’ll notice with our new-style dies and embossing folders:
- The new-style open dies (those that coordinate with stamps) use a high quality metal that’s thinner than before but still as strong and durable.
- The new-style dies have an added lip to the inside of the blades.
- On old-style dies, when you place an open die (dies that coordinate with stamps) over a stamped image, a small border of cardstock is visible around the stamped image. With new-style dies, the die hugs the edge of the stamped image. Instead of aligning the die to the space around the stamped image, you will align it to the edges of the stamped image. When the image is cut, there will still be a cardstock border around the image.
OLD STYLE ALIGNMENT
NEW STYLE ALIGNMENT
- They’ve improved the adhesive that secures the dies to the insert sheet in the package so that it’s not too sticky. It’s easier to remove dies from the insert sheet, and the adhesive won’t cling to the dies. Thank goodness!! BEST. CHANGE. EVER!
- They’ve standardized the size of the die inserts for easier storage. There are now only two insert sizes: 5″ x 7″ (12.7 x 17.8 cm), which coordinate in size with the stamp cases, and 6″ x 6″ (15.2 x 15.2 cm). The standard sizes will allow uniform storage in whatever system you use. The envelopes that the dies come in will be slightly larger.
- With old-style Dynamic folders, they recommended that you spritz cardstock before embossing to soften the fibers so you got a better impression. Now, that extra step will not be necessary because the new-style folders usually create a crisp impression without spritzing. The way the new folders are manufactured also gives options for more detailed and intricate designs in the future.
- 3D folders are thinner than the old-style Dynamic folders. Because they’re thinner, you may need to use a shim, depending on the die-cutting & embossing machine you use.
Stampin’ Trimmer Discontinuation
Stampin’ Up! will be retiring the Stampin’ Trimmer as of 3 June 2019, including all accessories—replacement cutting blades, scoring blades, and cutting mats. As most of you know, they’ve experienced challenges with their supplier and are taking the opportunity to research and explore a replacement option for this product, which won’t be the same as the current Stampin’ Trimmer. There’ll be a gap in time between when the current Stampin’ Trimmer retires and when a new product becomes available, but they do not currently have an estimated timeframe.
While the replacement cutting blades will also retire with the trimmer and will not be featured in the annual catalog, Stampin’ Up! has ordered what would normally be six months of inventory based on recent historical patterns to help customers during this transition away from the current trimmer. But please know that this news could cause faster inventory depletion. 😳
- When the retiring list goes live on 15 April, the order limit for the blades will increase from three to six (and the limit will remain at six until they’re no longer available).
- From now until September, intermittent shipments of blades will be received from the supplier. Throughout these months, Stampin’ Up! anticipates times when the blades will not be orderable (and not offered as a backorder). During those downtimes, you will have the option to enter an email address to receive notification when the blades are available again.
While change is usually difficult, remember that most likely these will be changes for the better. Stay tuned for more information as it unfolds.
Your comments are welcome.
Wild Wing Creations 