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There are lots of conversations about purging and creating and all the rest of it, and the issue of "style" always comes up. Advice - well-meaning and helpful as it could/should be - to get rid of things that are no longer "your style" always leaves me scratching my head. I know that I'm not alone. Does anyone out there really KNOW what their style is?
I know that there are CAS and shabby chic and other general "styles", but you can use a lot of different stamps, papers, etc., to accomplish any/all of them. So the issue remains...
I've been able to weed out a lot of things - stamps, papers, inks, embellishments - just on the basis of not loving it any more. Identifying things that are "my style" is much, much harder (for me, at least).
I know that - in the big scheme of things - this is a silly little "problem", and that purging on the basis of like/don't like is enough, but now I'm curious. Anyone have any thoughts? poems? anecdotes?
Tough question. For me, it's "I know it when I see it". Quirky. Clean. Modern.
My anecdote is really more of a trend. I make a card for a girlfriend, upload it to my gallery, then get comments about how great my masculine card is. Um...I wasn't making a masculine card. This happens fairly often. So I guess I need to add Masculine to my list.
__________________ aka Sue. Or Sue-odd.
No blog for me. My gallery chronicles my card-making successes and mishaps.
Interesting question and one that I contemplate at irregular intervals. I don't know what my style is but I am beginning to understand what it is not.
I don't do shabby chic - mine just look shabby
I don't do 'frilly' not lots of ribbons and bows - but they do creep in every now and again
I don't do one page - I would love to but I make too many mistakes
I'm not a great one for plain and simple - I keep wanting to add just one more thing
I like dies and embossing more than stamping - but I do stamp
I would love to colour more - but I'm still at the grandkids colouring book stage
I could go on but you probably are getting the gist of this - but despite all the things I am not I really do enjoy making cards!
Interesting topic to ponder! In most area of my life my style is centered around comfort and ease (fashion, home decor etc.).
However, as a cardmaker my designs are mostly driven by what the recipients like. Still, I usually don't create cards that have a lot of steps (doesn't matter if they are easy).
And, as Sue and Con said I know what I like when I see it and it is easier to to know what I do not like.
Looking forward to more on this topic as I am gearing up for a craft room redecorating project!
I too am all over the place. Bottom line, I love stamping, colouring and techniques so you don't find a lot of CAS cards in my gallery. When they happen, they just happen all on their own.
When there is a challenge that calls for you to either make a card in your style, or out of your style, I am usually pretty stumped. Well, out of my style is a bit easier, but I always find it hard to say what it actually is.
And consequently I find it quite hard to purge stamps. I had put several in a bag to FreeCycle later this month, but have already taken one back out! Embellishments, that's easy because I don't use so many.
Well, I know what's definitely not "me" in terms of stamps/images but I never bought them in the first place so I can't purge! I'm another one who can't define my style - I just like to stamp!
My tastes are pretty eclectic and the people I make things for are pretty wide ranging so even if I might decide to jettison something on the grounds it's no longer "my style" I'm very likely to talk myself into keeping it because it will come in useful for Aunt X or cousin Y! And yes, I'm also likely to buy a new stamp to make something for those very same people, just because... :rolleyes:
As others have said, I know what I don't like, not so much what I do. I get rid of lots of stuff, but usually it's because I get tired of it, or I have no one to send something made with that card to. I'm pretty careful with what I buy anymore. If I can't use it at least a few times, I don't buy it. But, anything Ranger makes I probably own & love.
__________________ Keep what is worth keeping
and with the breath of kindness
blow the rest away.
If you don't know what you like, you will end up buying everything under the sun for stamping. That is were all the threads on over spending come in....then the purging threads.
As a one income family of four, I can not over spend. But I know there are people that have more money as disposable income and can spend as they wish, but it really bugs me when someone on the spending threads state they spend thousands of dollars in a year on stamping supplies, but they just don't know how to cut back:eek:
I just don't understand when people just go buy supplies all willy nilly.
I guess I just don't look at stamping as a necessity as other stampers do.
I don't like grunge, shabby chic, I don't do frilly or over embellished cards,and I absolutely hate prima flowers. So right there I know NOT to purchase this items and you will not find these items in my stash.
I like to color so I have copics (after 4 years of buying copics I have 103. That was buying on sale and Christmas gifts, I only buy the colors I like and use)
I have stamps that I can color. I like to fussy cut and pop images. I also like to do some techniques with inks and embossing. I am a glitter person. I love glitter, I know glitter scares some people:p
I only buy color card stock that I like. I learned buy trial and error about card stock colors. Card stock in not cheap, so why waste my money on colors that I don't like and won't use?? You don't have to have a complete color family.
I guess you can say I am very cautious with my purchase. I spend my money wisely and buy only what I like.
__________________ The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable. Practice safe eating always use condiments
Maybe I should just stop saying "your style" and say "what you like".
I just thought "what you like" IS "your style".
__________________ The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable. Practice safe eating always use condiments
Well, I know what's definitely not "me" in terms of stamps/images but I never bought them in the first place so I can't purge! I'm another one who can't define my style - I just like to stamp!
My tastes are pretty eclectic and the people I make things for are pretty wide ranging so even if I might decide to jettison something on the grounds it's no longer "my style" I'm very likely to talk myself into keeping it because it will come in useful for Aunt X or cousin Y! And yes, I'm also likely to buy a new stamp to make something for those very same people, just because... :rolleyes:
Exactly! Why buy it if you don't like it;)
__________________ The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable. Practice safe eating always use condiments
Angelnorth, that's my problem exactly. I make a lot of cards that aren't my style because I'm specifically making them to fit the recipient's style.
I don't buy stamps to make cards for people, I buy what I like.
For instance, both my mom in law and step mom in law love to garden. I don't buy gardening stamp set because I don't like them. I buy flower stamps and butterfly stamps.
I use these images for their cards;)
__________________ The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable. Practice safe eating always use condiments
You don't like your MIL and your step MIL, or you don't like gardening stamps? Just kidding, I know what you meant. In reading it through quickly the first time though, I took it the first way, and boy did my eyebrows shoot up. lol
You don't like your MIL and your step MIL, or you don't like gardening stamps? Just kidding, I know what you meant. In reading it through quickly the first time though, I took it the first way, and boy did my eyebrows shoot up. lol
LOL
I was in a rush to start dinner.
For the record I LOVE my mom in law and step mom in law.
I don't like gardening stamps;)
__________________ The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable. Practice safe eating always use condiments
I don't buy stamps to make cards for people, I buy what I like.
For instance, both my mom in law and step mom in law love to garden. I don't buy gardening stamp set because I don't like them. I buy flower stamps and butterfly stamps.
I use these images for their cards;)
Very wise.
I just gathered a bunch of stamps that I bought, not because I loved them, but because I thought they would make the perfect card for someone else. Guess what? I made one card for someone else and never used the stamps again. Those stamps are getting sold.
I'm trying to pare my collection down to my actual style. I think I'll create more if all I have is what I love.
__________________ aka Sue. Or Sue-odd.
No blog for me. My gallery chronicles my card-making successes and mishaps.
For me, I think my style is a moving target. For me, that's what is great about any hobby. I can try things out, see what is fun or what I like or enjoy (or not).
For better or worse, it means I don't tend to get rid of many craft supplies. It can be good, because when sequins started to show up in paper crafts, I had some in the closet from many years ago.
Good question. My tastes in supplies and techniques grow and change with time. I don't have a ton of stamps - I'm more into backgrounds, dies, and embossing. But this last year I branched out into Copics, Cameo, new techniques. Had a lot of fun learning and applying stuff.
I make cards to mail, so I don't have heavy embellishments and framing on them. I've seen cards in the gallery where they have 27 steps to them, and there is no way it would fit in an envelope. Love to look at those, but I'm more functional in nature.
I weave in and out of quilting, jewelry making, card making, basket making... I will always live amongst craft supplies. Lucky me.
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Sometimes I think style is more of a feeling that you have than something that can be defined if that makes sense. I make cards of different "styles" (CAS, shabby, that kind of thing) but they all seem to "look" like me if that makes sense too. And then there are a number of carmakers that I can identify just by their cards. I can see it in a thumbnail and just KNOW they made it before I even see who did it.
The same goes for my stamping stuff. There are things I like and don't like and I couldn't tell you why exactly, just a snap decision that I do or don't like it. There are things I'm drawn to on the whole as well as things that turn me off. For instance, I like sentiment stamps with mixed fonts. I don't care for a lot of floral stuff, especially realistic florals (there are occasionally exceptions to all of my likes and dislikes of course). And then there are things that I once liked that no longer work for me, for whatever reason. Again, I don't always have an explanation of why. But I guess my whole point was just that for me, style isn't really something that can be defined, it's just a feeling for me. Does that make sense?
[QUOTE=Minders;20869953]Sometimes I think style is more of a feeling that you have than something that can be defined if that makes sense. I make cards of different "styles" (CAS, shabby, that kind of thing) but they all seem to "look" like me if that makes sense too. And then there are a number of carmakers that I can identify just by their cards. I can see it in a thumbnail and just KNOW they made it before I even see who did it.
The same goes for my stamping stuff. There are things I like and don't like and I couldn't tell you why exactly, just a snap decision that I do or don't like it. There are things I'm drawn to on the whole as well as things that turn me off. For instance, I like sentiment stamps with mixed fonts. I don't care for a lot of floral stuff, especially realistic florals (there are occasionally exceptions to all of my likes and dislikes of course). And then there are things that I once liked that no longer work for me, for whatever reason. Again, I don't always have an explanation of why. But I guess my whole point was just that for me, style isn't really something that can be defined, it's just a feeling for me. Does that make sense?[/QUOTE]
Yes, that is it exactly for me too
I know what I like and what I don't like and don't think it has a label.
So to the previous poster, it is possible to not know the 'label' of my style and NOT buy willy nilly. I am a sensible shopper in all aspects of my life and have seldom regretted what bought because it didn't suit me after all. Early in my cardmaking experences I bought more because I was trying to figure out what I wanted/liked, and I bet we all did!
Just wanted to jump back in and thank everyone for their input! I knew I was not alone in this "style" thing, but it's really interesting to read all of the various takes on the issue. I'm sure that - since my original post included the topic - the idea of purging supplies that aren't "your style" has to be included in the discussion, but my intent was geared more toward ideas for discovering what your style might be.
I guess the truest thing I'm gleaning from the comments posted here is that it's much, much easier to define what is NOT your style, than what IS. Those of you who are self-aware enough to have defined your style - I salute you! Those of us still wandering around the edges of this concept - joy on your journey!
__________________ ~ Sue Happy for no reason...
Last edited by gregzgurl; 01-17-2015 at 07:00 AM..
Two cents time, here, as I work on getting the mojo back after a holiday hiatus.
I budget monthly for craft supplies, so something must be on sale for me to even consider a purchase. When checking into products, especially, stamps, I tend to avoid grunge and art deco type images. Few babies in the family now, so children's images are put on the back burner.
I tend toward nature, floral, sentimental images. I find they fit many needs - thanks, in touch, feminine birthday, get well, sympathy. My colors change with the seasons, so my collection of markers and inks grows. I don't do many layers because of the mailing issues related to thickness of cards, but I make mistakes whenever I try a one-layer card! A second layer to hide the mistake always helps!
I'm trying out new techniques, such as stamping an image over printed DSP. I also save up for new tools. The recent purchase of the Craftwell air brush has opened up new possibilities for marker use for background images. When my butterfly and feather dies come from a recent SU order, some spectrum effort will occur.
I am probably like so many others - I know my dislikes - but creativity knows no bounds when discovering new elements to include, purchase, attempt, or, when all else fails, simply admire. I have a stash, but purging just isn't in the works for me. I try to fit the card to the recipient and reason for sending it. This works for me! Diane
This has been a really interesting thread and has had me thinking a lot about my "style". I've got quite a few stamps and sets that I've gotten because I thought they were so cute. I love Penny Black hedgehogs and the little mice from Housemouse. I just can't use them on a card. I don't exactly know how to describe my style, maybe simple, elegant and pretty. And least that's what I try for and like. I do try to do cards with the recipient's taste in mind too. But I need to stop buying cute for sure.
Another "two cents" on the whole only-buy-what-you-will-use thing...
I LOVE Stampotique's Daniel Torrente/Jill Penney stamps and have a handful of them, but don't know ANYONE that would properly appreciate a card made with them. They are the ONLY stamps that I have not taken off of the wood blocks, and they are ALWAYS out in full view on a shelf in my studio. Some things you just have to buy because they make you happy...
Just looked up those stamps, Sue, and I can tell you my 14 yr. old DD would definitely love a card made with those. Even my practically prissy 15 yr. old DD just told me she thinks some of them are cute. I love how quirky they are! I think I definitely see some of those stamps in my future collection. And they are definitely not what someone would think I'd like. I tend toward the floral, cute or nature looking stamps normally.
Last but not least, I agree 100% about the need to buy sometimes "just cause it makes you happy".
Another "two cents" on the whole only-buy-what-you-will-use thing...
I LOVE Stampotique's Daniel Torrente/Jill Penney stamps and have a handful of them, but don't know ANYONE that would properly appreciate a card made with them. They are the ONLY stamps that I have not taken off of the wood blocks, and they are ALWAYS out in full view on a shelf in my studio. Some things you just have to buy because they make you happy...
Every time I see those I think I need to order some of the cat stamps. You could make a card for me with them. When I buy some of them, I'll keep them out also. They really are awesome.
I buy what I like, I like many different things.
__________________ Denise
"If a person who indulges in gluttony is a glutton, and a person who commits a felony is a felon, then God is an iron.�
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My style is "middle of the road". Not CAS, not super frilly or embellished.
I love texture...most cards have to have embossing, I love ribbon & twine. I love rhinestones, pearls, and stickles. I like a couple layers. I don't know if this style has a name ;-D
I have almost all the sets I've ever bought because I buy for me and I REALLY like what I buy and it seems to have staying power. I have almost all the dsp I've ever bought and still love it. I don't hoard, though. I LOVE to use up supplies!
I have weeded out around 12 sets in 9 years. I love all the rest of them. I have about 150 sets.
__________________ All I want is the chance to prove money won't make me happy!
This is tough though b/c I think "style" is affected by evolution-ours and and the world's.
World's: For example, my "style" for work clothes is traditional suits. But try and find one for middle aged women now...even the bastion Talbots is now selling short jackets and lower waisted pants. Not good for me as a heavier older woman imho. Macy's tends to be poly which does not react well with my skin and/or what I call Sundy church-embellished, etc. and possibly too old for me. (so nice something is! lol)
We change as people..what we liked at 20 is maybe not good for us as a busy working parent...is not good for us as an older person....and what fits your budget or needs (like staying flat for cheaper mailing)
And b/c the mfgs want to keep selling, they keep rolling out "new styles" as well as techniques. I have had to come to grips with there will ALWAYS be the new cute stamp, cool tool or whatever. I just cant own them all!
I wonder how many people squash their "style" b/c it isnt "current" anymore? That would be a shame to me. I do what I do. I dont pay attention to that myself. I have really taken to heart what people say here all the time-do this as an expression of yourself. I like a lot of different stuff and what do I feel like today or fits a technique I want to try?
I agree about knowing what you dont like much more clearly. And I have had to be honest with myself that there is some stuff I just cant do-I just cant do Shabby chic for example. I am not crying over it. Still plenty of choices! If a person likes X colors...that can be fit into any technique
Bottom line: I dont have a style. I like what I like, and I purge based on what I dont use. (ha ha but that is the theory) Yes, I make some cards based on the person but that still falls within what I like. I wont make something I think is ugly just b/c I think they would like it.
Since I'm new at cardmaking, I don't know if I have a defined "style" yet. I see a lot of techniques done on cards, and I will purchase what I need to duplicate those techniques. Since I don't send out a lot of cards (yet), I donate my cards to places where they are needed (MD Anderson Cancer Center, Ronald McDonald House, and local assisted living facilities). So what I enjoy doing is buying a set of stamps and see how many designs/cards I can create from that set of stamps. I have discovered though, that because I purchase of a certain technique, that I'm getting a lot of supplies that I don't know how to organize, so I'm watching these threads with great interest. I empathize with the member who is a single income with four children, I too have a limited income and have to be very frugal with what I buy, and have been blessed by another cardmaker who sent me their purged items. The blessing that she bestowed on me, touched my heart and was greatly appreciated, and I only pray that my card donations is paying the blessing forward.
My thought is that some people have a very definite style that they stick to all the time, while others (myself included) do a variety of styles (but usually within a certain range - I stick close to Clean and Simple and, for example, I never use big fussy bows or huge numbers of layers). I have a big fundraiser sale of Christmas cards every November so need to make a variety of cards to appeal to different people.
I also like to try out new techniques and often that brings a new type of style to my repertoire (eg. I recently bought brushos and bister powders so am evolving a style using them).
So I don't worry too much about defining my style. When I purge, I simply get rid of things I no longer like or no longer use.
__________________ Susan
My SCS gallery is here should you care to look! Or please visit my blog, Cardmaker's Garret.
Base one my gallery What would say my styles is? Everyone has ask me what my style is? I don't know what style too call it? I just use stamps and image and things I like not worry about style. But now you got me to wondering what others. Would say my style is? So please put your in put in my question too you. Thanks hotwheels
Base one my gallery What would say my styles is? Everyone has ask me what my style is? I don't know what style too call it? I just use stamps and image and things I like not worry about style. But now you got me to wondering what others. Would say my style is? So please put your in put in my question too you. Thanks hotwheels
I just did a quick pass through your gallery to get more of a "feel" than a definition, but here are my impressions:
Tending more toward CAS than embellished
Leaning toward feminine MUCH more than masculine (although there are a few in there)
Mostly cute/whimsical with some florals and seasonal thrown in
I know that this is WAAAAY oversimplifying, but since you asked... ;)
For the most part I would described my style as shabby elegance. Shabby because I almost always use some form of distressing on my card and elegance because I will always use some form of embellishment like pearls, bling, or bows or even the really intricate die cuts.
Recently, I discovered stencils and love to use them. That is the one time I differ from my style. When I go through all the trouble of creating a background with the stencil and inks or sprays etc I feel as if it shouldn't be covered up with multiple layers like I normally do. I'm still struggling with how to use these and incorporate them into my usual style.
Oh and on the subject of purging...I never purge! I have tons of stamps from back in the day when I thought I wanted to be a cutesy cardmaker and I can't bear to part with them. I just keep everything. Once in awhile I'll donate some paper to my neice's pre-k class but that's about it.
yes masculine stamp I don't have.... I glad you oversimplifying But I am simple person that funny you she casing, becuse I love embellishments too. Just sure place on the cards Or How to use the embellished, I love make cards for others Just don't how definition my style. But, I might Ref to your posted. When ask me what style is. I don't know what whimsical means. Thanks for your input though Hotwheels
Quote:
Originally Posted by gregzgurl
I just did a quick pass through your gallery to get more of a "feel" than a definition, but here are my impressions:
Tending more toward CAS than embellished
Leaning toward feminine MUCH more than masculine (although there are a few in there)
Mostly cute/whimsical with some florals and seasonal thrown in
I know that this is WAAAAY oversimplifying, but since you asked... ;)
Base one my gallery What would say my styles is? Everyone has ask me what my style is? I don't know what style too call it? I just use stamps and image and things I like not worry about style. But now you got me to wondering what others. Would say my style is? So please put your in put in my question too you. Thanks hotwheels
Defining your style
