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I just recently discovered A Muse Studio, and I really like the ink colors in their Summer line. I see their inks are pigment, and I've only ever used dye inks, except for Versamark. Is there a huge difference in using one over the other, or a reason to use one instead of the other? I basically stamp on scrapbook pages, not cards.
Also, does anyone have any reviews of their inks in general?
I'll try to help! I use lots of inks - Memento, Distress Ink, Versamagic, and A Muse to name a few.
The dye inks will dry a bit faster, but there are advantages to using this water-based pigment. Since it stays wet a little longer A Muse inks can be used with clear embossing powder. And the A Muse inks sponge beautifully. I don't know why, maybe it has to do with the cardstock, but I've never had issues with it smearing after stamped ~ I sponge it or emboss it when I want to, but otherwise, it still dries plenty quick enough!
They have a quality similar to Versamagic but not quite as chalky. They also are a sponge pad rather than the woven type which I think applies ink more evenly.
Here are the highlights via A|S:
Acid-free and non-toxic
Embossable
Water-based pigment ink
Drying time varies depending on paper
Clear lids allow you to see the color of the ink
And you mentioned specifically that you like the Summer Palette... if you haven't heard already, Cherry has moved to "Winter" and a new color has been added to "Summer" - Grape . Those changes go into effect on February 1st online and in the new catalog.
I imagine this information is as pertinent to a scrapper as a cardmaker - I don't scrap so I can't address any particulars in that respect!
A Muse inks have really become my ink of choice - I'll use specialty inks when called for or Memento for use with Copic markers. As a matter of fact, most of my Versamagic are dewdrop and I haven't used them in so long I may just pass those on - and I used to use them ALL the time.
Thank you so much for such detailed info. I didn't see about "grape" being added to the summer line, but that makes it sound even better--I love purple! I'm going to do some more looking around at their stuff.
The special edition Venetian palette includes: lido (golden), bellini (peach), burano (warm red orange), rialto (an olive-ish green), titian (a deep brown)
Many consultants have preordered the new colors, and if you go to amusestudio.com and search for a consultant in your area, maybe you'll find one who can show you these in person, too!
The new catalogs shipped this week and many of the consultants either have them or will have them in the next couple of days. On Feb 1, the PDF will be available on the company website. I just received a card with grape and pistachio in combination and it is LOVELY!
I don't know if you are familiar with the Fresh Ink pads carried by Impress, but the A Muse Studio ink pads are very similar. Wonderful coverage on solid images, I think. I love the color palettes and think the new colors are fabulous! I've been dying to have a grey like the new "Seattle" pad! Lido, Burano, and Grapefruit will be favorites for me, too.
I did a review of A Muse inks on my blog if you'd like to learn a bit more about them. As Nancy mentioned, a few of the color groups will be changing around. I'll revise the post on Feb. 1st once the new catalog goes live. The only color that is retiring is Cranberry, so it is still pretty up to date. I hope this info helps!
I really like the A Muse ink pads! For me, they work a little differently than my other dye ink pads. To load up the ink, you need to pounce-pounce-pounce. I use clear stamps so it's easy to see if you're loaded up well. The coverage it gives is wonderful! Great for large/flat designs. I also like that the ink pad is slightly larger than most other brands. I definitely plan on getting more.
I also love the A Muse|Studio inks! I love the coverage they have on stamps--both clear and rubber as well as they way they look when they're dry. If you want to see some more examples you can check out my blog: Bits and Pieces: amusestudio
I just got my order with the new colors of ink and will be updating my color charts this weekend and plan to post them on my blog as well.
Try them, you'll like them!
__________________ Kathy
Proud Mama to Mason 4/3/99, Miles 5/25/02, and Maya 8/26/04