Occasions Mini

[Crafteemommy]

I am just going to put this out there... If anyone were to send me a link to the occasions mini for 2014, I would not object or say a word! ;)

I am not trying to start the same conversation. Just stating a fact.

[ceramicat1]

Me too! I can be discreet.

[lesliespringer]

must be doing it wrong, does not work

[Phantom]

http://su-media.s3.amazonaws.com/med...ions_en-US.pdf

[Cartermrc]

:-D :p

[cbet]

If I can just make a suggestion -

When you find it, save a copy to your computer. Sometimes the links get deleted, and it seems to me that one time, the link was changed so it didn't work.

[amydav]

You ladies rock! But, at first glance.... I am bummed. Not to many things that jump out at me right now.

[Cartermrc]

Quote:

But, at first glance.... I am bummed. Not to many things that jump out at me right now.

Same here. Thankfully, some things are being carried over from the Holiday catalog so I have until next June to get them. That will save me money for the rest of this year, since I've already done my Thanksgiving and Christmas cards.

Most of the stamp sets look simplistic and almost juvenile to me. So much seems to be focused on the "project life" and journaling look and I'm not into that at all. But maybe the younger generation embraces it. I do like the new wood grain background stamp, but that's about it.

[jkstieber]

I didn't see anything I liked either, but I'll have to wait until I get the hard copy in my hand. I find that format that SU has used the last two minis extremely difficult to navigate on line. I really wish they would go back to putting the projects and products together on the same pages again.

I sure hope they don't do the next big catalog that way.

[Allistamps123]

I see some things I will be ordering! Thanks!!!

[amydav]

Does anyone have a link to the carry over list for the holiday mini?

[CraftyMel2]

I love the metal buttons And the Father stamp is lovely I think. I also like the Watercolor Wonder paper, I think I will end up getting that. I love the watercolor look but never can seem to get it "right" when doing it myself. Not too keen on the $23 tag topper punches. Not a big fan of the "hand drawn" images, either. People must like them though because there are quite a few in this catalog. Thanks for sharing the link!! Even if I don't buy much, the catalogs always do seem to inspire me and I am always thankful for that!!!

[Minders]

There is no carry over list.

[Allistamps123]

I really like a couple of the dsp packs. Retro Fresh and Kalidiscope.

The stamp set with the triangles - would not have noticed it as much of anything...but loved the samples made with them! Liked the sentiments and circle stamp that are part of the set too.

Arrow embossing folder ;-)

Foil vellum paper looked awesome!

Happy Cogratulations set. I'd have fun with those hanging lanterns!

Natural Chevron ribbon

Scallop texture embossing folder ;-)

Liked the tag topper punch, but don't know if I'd pay $23.00 for it!

Metal buttons

[cardmaker2]

Thank you for the link Too bad nothing really catches my eye. I don't like the layout either, with all these random projects for the first 18 pages. There are a couple things I will watch people create with, maybe I will like them better with use.

[klh54]

I don't like the format but do like lots in this little catalog!

[barbaralynn]

Too many fun things on my list from this................................

[cbet]

I found plenty in the catalog to like, but I'm another who hates the layout. The whole front section seems to be kind of a waste; I skipped past it to get to the goodies.

[Cartermrc]

I first saw it on my screen when I was already fighting a headache and it didn't help! I finally figured out they had done the same thing as the Holiday one. A printed copy will certainly help. They likely had the layout all set up for months and couldn't change it in time even if they got negative comments about the Holiday catalog.

Are there fewer new products in these seasonal catalogs now and the front "ideas" section is there as more of a filler? I don't have any older catalogs to compare.

[binkiemonstermom]

I think someone, not me, compared number of products in new format and number of products in the old format, I think they came up with very similar numbers no matter which format was used.
I am another one that isn't crazy about the format BBBBBUUUUUUTTTTTT:
The products in the catalog are amazing!!!! I am in LOVE!!! My list is LONG!!!!!

I think the paper catalog helps with the layout and I tell my customers to flip to page # to see the products THEN go to the front to see samples. That seems to help but much easier with the paper version than the online version!

[Nszostek]

I like the & and arrow embossing folders. Very cute. The Just Sayin stamp set is cute too but I'm not sure how much use I would get out of it.

I get the impression they are trying to make the stamps ready for watercoloring. That's not my thing, but I could see where others would like this style.

[stampwithjoanne]

Question: Who is Stampin Up's customer? (I'm not being snarky here----I really am curious). If someone asked Shelly, "Who is Stampin Up's customer?" what would she reply?
Younger crowd? New stampers? Who are they hoping buys their products?

That may help me better understand the products and layout.

I know they aren't catering to me! The layout is unimpressive and difficult to follow. The examples are super simple and plain---nothing to offer for a seasoned stamper. Images and stamps all look like stamps I already have (many from Stampin Up). Color choices do absolutely nothing for me. No problem----I have money to use on the hobby but I now am rarely buying from them. Garage sales or demos getting rid of things at reduced prices----only time I am buying their stuff. Confused.

[muscrat]

There are several things I love as far as product but I continue to hate the new layouts!

[bound4london]

When will be seeing examples made by demonstrators? Love to see what all you ladies (and men) create! It inspires me so much. I have some birthday money to spend!!

[biblesistersmom]

It looks like they are trying to attract some of the Creative Memories folks since they are out of business (?).

[jactop]

I wasn't a fan of the new layout either but I'm starting to see it as a real time saver.

-When I first saw the mini I skipped right to the juicy stuff and saw more products in less time.

-If I looked for a specific product I had less pages to flip through and was able to find the product faster and easier.

-And when I have a few minutes to sit down and browse for ideas they're condensed into 18 pages.

-If a new customer picks up a mini SU has 18 pages to WOW them. For those of us who are familiar with SU and love their products we know to dig a little deeper.

Although I still like having the samples on the same page as the product it didn't seem to curb my spending and I'm sure it won't for this mini either.

[Minders]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bound4london

When will be seeing examples made by demonstrators? Love to see what all you ladies (and men) create! It inspires me so much. I have some birthday money to spend!!

Demos can't order until Dec 1 so it will be a little while but soon you'll see stuff!

[cbet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stampwithjoanne

Question: Who is Stampin Up's customer? (I'm not being snarky here----I really am curious). If someone asked Shelly, "Who is Stampin Up's customer?" what would she reply?
Younger crowd? New stampers? Who are they hoping buys their products?

I'm not Shelli, and I'm not even a demo, but I've always kind of gotten the vibe that Stampin' Up is like a gateway drug - you get caught up in the high of what you can create, and they make it so easy with the matching inks and cardstock and paper and embellishments . . . but as you develop a tolerance, you need more and more stimulant to get that same high, and pretty soon you've ramped up to Gina K and Waltzing Mouse even (gasp!) stamps that don't come in sets and designer paper where you have to figure out what goes with it yourself! And the Stampin' Up catalog can still be fun, and enjoyable, but there's just not the same rush as there used to be . . .

[PikkuLilla]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stampwithjoanne

Question: Who is Stampin Up's customer? (I'm not being snarky here----I really am curious). If someone asked Shelly, "Who is Stampin Up's customer?" what would she reply?
Younger crowd? New stampers? Who are they hoping buys their products?

I think they're trying to cater to twenty-somethings, trying to appear very trendy and with-it (which to me sometimes comes across a bit cringeworthy, not to mention unconvincing!). It's just a bit "SU lite". The 2013 SAB brochure was ridiculous and insulting to our intelligence (not the product layout but the bit at the back).

I do understand why they want to get lots of up-and-coming earners hooked on SU but they shouldn't ignore the loyal customers of lore either! ;)

[Cartermrc]

I wonder if the perception of them going "Lite" is due to the economy and how that has affected so many of us and other businesses. They did cut back on the number of colors offered and got rid of a lot of coloring tools, inks, etc. But seasoned users know about the changes more than I do, the first catalog I saw was from early 2009 when they tried 2 annual catalogs a year.

The simplistic trend will change as all trends do. Crafters will get tired of all the Project Life paraphernalia and those 20 somethings will mature and grow with the hobby the same as us more seasoned crafters have.

[jactop]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cartermrc

I wonder if them going "Lite" is an economy decision. Look how they cut back on colors and got rid of Craft inks, spots, watercolor crayons, chalks,

The simplistic trend will change as all trends do. Crafters will get tired of all the Project Life paraphernalia and those 20 somethings will mature and grow with the hobby the same as us more seasoned crafters have.

I don't understand why anyone would think they're going "lite". They haven't eliminated products, they've replaced them. When I was introduced to Stampin' Up 8 years ago they had 48 colors now they have 50. They used to have 1 page of punches now they have 4. The whole big shot section wasn't there 8 years ago either. And not only is there a choice of wood or clear mount for almost every stamp set but several of them are available in other languages.

You're right about the simplistic trend. Right now quick and easy is popular which is probably why products like watercolor crayons are no longer selling but they can barely keep the envelope punch board in stock.

[jkstieber]

SU is not alone with the trend of simple stamping (I just exercised and my brain can't come up with a better word, sorry!) A few years ago I took the plunge to buy from Gina K as well as SU, and nearly every set at Gina K was line stamps that you colored in, because that was during the time that EVERYBODY was buying Copics. But now if you look at Gina's site, a lot of the sets that have been released in the last year or so are solid image stamps, what I call element stamps, stamps that you can make great backgrounds with. And while Gina K doesn't have many, cartoony animals are all over the place now.

And I do have to admit, that while I don't care for a lot of the samples in this catalog, I did make a few cards this past weekend following the layout of the Happenings kit on the bottom on page 17 for Operation Write Home. Cute cards, and very simple and easy to make with any patterned paper.

Also, after taking a second look, I will be ordering from this catalog. I want the Banners die set and I really like some of the designer paper, and by the time this catalog is ready for customers, I'll have used up some of my paper I already have.

[Minders]

I'm not a huge fan of the samples myself BUT I love using their ideas for sketches that I use with other sets!

I also don't think it's "light". The trend of stamping right now across the board seems to be more of a CAS and less of a vintage/shabby/and over the top style. I have to say that when vintage was popular a few years back I HATED it :-) BUT after seeing it everywhere I gave in and ended up liking it. I think it's important to give everything a chance and step outside the box now and then. I sure know I can get in a rut doing the same things over and over.....and clean and simple is in right now. It's a hard thing to get used to though if that's not your go to style!

There are just as many products here as usual. And SU reconfigured some things a while back to allow them to offer lots of products. They got rid of things that weren't moving to free up space in the warehouse. The space is finite so they have to make choices. We may not always like them but I'm glad we have so many awesome products! Am I sad we can't buy the markers by color, sure but I'll get over it for more pretty stuff :-)

[stampwithjoanne]

I did hear from one demo that they are trying to reach out and attract "new stampers." This may be why everything is simple. Too complex? People complain (at least I hear them complain at stamp a stacks if they have to layer a card, and add a bow!) lol

[Nszostek]

Interesting comments. I'm a new stamper and scrapbooker. I always loved making cards but never got into scrapbook as the thought of a 12x12 layout seemed "too big". I started with Project Life not too long ago. I make all of my own cards to go in there by layering stamps and various mediums. Then I got really into stamping to supplement my current collection. I like to complicated SU stamps (I'm in the midst of making a card with the Road to Happiness stamp set) and don't love the water color look.

I decided do start a 8x8 December daily as my intro to traditional scrapbooking. I think traditional scrapbooking in this smaller 8x8 layout is easier than what I was doing for my PL book. I have 3 friends of mine who all started around the same time as I did. They don't like the new SU mini.

Not that I think anyone was trying to be mean, but it's unfair to blame new stampers or project lifers!

[arlenevita]

High Tide DP, Hello, Sailor clear, and foil vellum might have to be mine.

[strem]

any links to the sell-a-bration???

[JillG]

I have been stamping for years. SU has been my #1 pick up to their recent facelift. Way too many repeats from previous years. Stamp designs look like kids drew them. I want to make classy, beautifully designed cards. I now go elsewhere as SU has really fallen behind the times in terms of new ideas. They are now playing catch up. Way too many specials of the day or week. I don't even bother to check anymore.

[biblesistersmom]

I can't believe it's almost time for sell a bration!

[stampwithjoanne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JillG

I have been stamping for years. SU has been my #1 pick up to their recent facelift. Way too many repeats from previous years. Stamp designs look like kids drew them. I want to make classy, beautifully designed cards. I now go elsewhere as SU has really fallen behind the times in terms of new ideas. They are now playing catch up. Way too many specials of the day or week. I don't even bother to check anymore.

I'm totally with you. I'm just not sure they care about what the customer thinks (or, perhaps we are the minority? ----I don't think so, though. So many have made similar comments).