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I got a great RAK using Alphabits. Now of course I think I need it. I don't have any alphabet stamps and was wondering if I should get some. For you Alphaphiles out there...If I were to get ONE set (OK, to start) should I go with Alphabits and a punch (which?) or one of the Alphabets? Upper or Lower? I don't scrap, just do cards. Thanks!
Alphabits are cool, but for versatility, I say Brushstroke - it's a little bit more pricey, but you get both upper and lower case together, and they are the perfect size. I use them on both cards and scrapbook pages.
I love the Brushstroke Alphabet set - perfect for cards.
Another thought is to get I'm Here (pg. 109). You'd have a small alphabet set to punch letters out of and you would have some baby stamps.
It depends on what stamps you already have. Look at the fonts or styles you already have. Then pick what matches your stamps. For example, if you use Everyday Flexible Phrases a lot, then Simple Type Alpha is the same font.
If you like that distressed look, collage or Newsprint alpha goes well with that style.
I would get Alphabits if you are only looking at one set for now. The square punch too. I have several alphabets and most do not fit on cards. Even brushstroke if you want to make a phrase is too big. I find it very limiting. :( I bought alphabits and have been having a blast. My next try is to mix and match from the four typesets.
Just my 2 cents.
I would have to say my favorite alphabet is the classic, I like using it and it comes with uppers and lowers. I did order the alphabits though and the punch. So just go with your instinct and decide which one you think you'd use the most right now.
I would say it depends on what you are wanting to use it for. The Alphabits are small and also are a little more work because of having to punch and stick them. But they are very useful and give you a few different fonts especially for a lower price than a regular alpha set. I like them alot! I also agree with Shanon, I love the alphadots! It is a fun and versatile set!
I am also loving the Alphadots. They are so easy to work with. I have no trouble lining things up. And the 1/2 circle punch makes them even more versatile.
I think it depends on the type of card you do. Are you more into "cute"? Alphadots would be fun. If you are more into maybe some of the beautiful watercolor florals, the Brush Stroke alpha would be nice. Classic is great too, it is versatile. I haven't bought the alphabits yet, they look like they may be a bit of work. I have used brush stroke the most for cards and the people I scrapbook with have borrowed it the most also. Good luck.
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I now own almost every alphabet set in the catalog, and a lot that have retired. My advice is to pick one of the double alphabets that you like. I like brushstroke, but I've become a big fan of Newsprint lately.
Personally, I think newsprint is the best value for the money because the letters are almost as large as those alphabets where upper and lower are sold separately. Because it's a double alphabet, you get both upper and lower for a better price.
That being said, I would also snatch up alphabits because although I think it's going to be in the new catalog, you never know.
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I would love to have the Retro lower alphas if anyone is willing to part with them. That is one I would use. So along with the other advice here....if you see something you think you might really like at some time or another...BUY IT!!!
Jeanne
__________________ Jeanne I'm in my own little world, but they all know me here.
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I was looking for retros for my friend. There was a full set on ebay plus numbers that just sold for $105. Too rich for my blood. If you just need the lowercase, you can probably pick them up cheaper.
I'd definitely go with a double Alphabet set or the Alphadots. Alphabits are cute and cheap, but they are definitely more work and sometimes you may not want the paper pieced look. I have a feeling they'll be in the new catty as well. The mini says those punches will be available in the next ID&C, so they'd be pretty useless without the Alphabits. Chances are you'll get a chance to get the Alphabits later. I LOVE the Alphadots! But you should definitely take Vera's advice and look at the style of your sets to see what would look good with what you've got. I prefer All-Around Alpha to Brushstroke Alpha (because I don't like the E!), but that's just me. For flowery or vintage cards I'd go with Classic Alpha, but for cutesy or modern cards, I'd go with Simple Type Alpha. Newsprint is cool, but probably too big for cards. Look through the catty and see which fonts appeal to you more. Good luck deciding!
If you can only get one alphabet set I would go for one of the smaller double alphabets (maybe classic or brushstroke). You can always stamp individual letters with a double alphabet and cut them out into blocks if you wish or circles or even ovals for Easter. Sure it will be a bit bigger than the alphabits, but I think they are more versatile. I think alphabits are cute (mine will be here on friday), but I already own classic, collage and alphahearts and one other retired alphabet. I will rarely do a whole phrase with alphabits. I will use them to highlight a particular word to give it emphasis or maybe alone if it's just one small word. Alphabits will be a lot more work than just a regular alphabet and I think if you are just starting out a regular alphabet would be a better investment.
Well, I think I'm going to go with the Alphabits. It's mostly a pricing decision. Since I make cards, there's not going to be a lot of letters on them anyway. I am tempted by Everyday Phrases, or whatever it's called, and would probably get that for the $ before I bought an alphabet. Anyway, thanks for all your feedback.
I think it is a good idea to have at least one smaller alphabet and one larger one, so you can make titles, subtitles, etc. Don't worry though, you may just end up like those of us who just can't stop buying alphabets, I probably have 20 (but I do use them, so it's okay!)
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You could also use the stamp-a-ma- jig to use the alphabits to write the same words as in EFP. You can take a window sheet, stamp each alphabet on it in Staz-on. Making sure to put the corner of the sheet into your SAMJ. Then you can keep it as a permanant reference sheet. Just place the window sheet on the paper so you can see where you want that particular letter. Put your SAMJ next to it, take the sheet away and stamp. Because you don't have to restamp the Alphabits every time you need to use it, it's pretty fast, faster than using the punches and adhesive.
That's a great idea PinkHedgeHog! I hadn't thought of that! I guess you'd just need to marker in that one letter you need to get whatever word you want. That certainly adds to Alphabit's versatiility!
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I saw the $99 and figured that either you were getting ripped off :shock: or you meant $.99. :lol: Yeah, I just buy the sheets and cut them in 1/4 sheets when I want to stamp them permanently. They are also useful for so many other techniques also.
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I thought that either you meant $99 and were really getting ripped off :shock: ....or you actually meant $.99.
Yeah, I just buy a box of the sheets. They last forever and you can use them for lots of things. If I'm going to leave one permanently stamped, I cut it usually in 1/4 sheets or small enough to store in the stamp box. Now I'm thinking of all kinds of sets that I use a lot and have problems with placement. Regular alphabets. You could use 1/8 sheets for that, I bet...I'll have to play!
GAAH! Alphabits or Alphabets?
