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Has this ever happened to you???
I was telling someone at work today that I was in the process of cataloging all of my stamps and what a big project it has turned into. This "Non-Stamping" co-worker of mine sarcastically said, "You have that much crap that you have to catalog it because you don't know what you have?"
Sympathizing that she had no clue about the "needs" of a stamper, I proceeded to try and explain. Of course she walked away shaking her head:rolleyes:
After I thought about what she said, I came home and looked around. Then it hit me! (It was one of those moments like when you look in the mirror and realize you've become your mother) OMG!:o
So now I'm sitting here wondering how all this stuff got in here! (I know, I know...the mailbox and the shopping bags) LOL!
Please share your "realization" moments with me...
Uhm, I'm caught in an endless loop of "I have way too much stuff" and "OMG, I MUST get that stamp/set/tool/ink/ribbon/etc."
Maybe it's some strange form of bipolar disorder that results from sniffing too much stazon....
This is a funny thread to read. I think we have all said "oh that I bought that a long time ago and it is just coming in". I got my stamps unmounted except my wheels and backgrounds. Next is cataloging. Yes, we need to do that unless you have perfect recall. Ya right!
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My realization actually happened twice. Nine months ago when I was packing to move and realized that I kept needing more boxes to pack up my "craft crap" as I called it at the time. Then a month later when I finally moved and had help....they all kept saying..."boy you have a lot of stuff for one person"! I looked around my new apartment and said something HAS to give!! A few weeks later my gf had a garage sale and I sold a ton of that "crap"!! Then after that I went thru it all again and gave it to a friend of mine who does an after school program. While on Christmas break, I went to Michaels/AC Moore and purchased a bunch of cabinets. Now my "craft crap" is not as bad and its nicely organized! LOL
It takes a lot of time, energy, planning, coupon clipping to acquire all that "stuff". Be proud of it. I have been stamping only three years, and when people come into my sewing/stamp room they go "wow".
Whenever dh make's a small complaint, I always tell him I could take up smoking, alcohol, cocaine, meeting men in bars. lol
I kind of have a funny story that goes along with what you are saying. Last Monday I hurt my arm at work. I figured it was no big deal, it just hurt real bad. After work I was meeting my friend at a LSS for a BIG sale. I definitely couldn't let my arm get in the way! So when I met her at the the store I realized my arm was swolen and I couldn't move my fingers. She said I think we should go to the ER. I said we will AFTER we shop. I said a swollen arm is not going to keep me from buying stamps! Needless to say we did go to the ER after we shopped and I sat in there for almost three hours. I had to pay a $100.00 deductible. I think that was the most painful part because all I could think of was how many stamps and embellishments I could have gotten for $100.00!! Especially at a 30% off sale! I think that was my moment of realization! :mrgreen:
A friend of mine came over one time and I gave her the grand tour of the house. I took her into my craft room and when saw all my stamps, she said (with a twisted face), "Wow, do you really *need* all those?"
She must have forgotten that I have been to her house and seen her closet, so I replied "I don't know ... do you really *need* all the shoes that you have in your closet?"
We're close enough that we both just laughed at each other!
__________________ ~*~ Clara ~*~ If you can think it, you can ink it!
For Valentines Day 2007, my hubby surprised me by sending me Headline Alphabet to my work (he had ordered from my upline, so I had no idea that it was coming). When I opened the package, I was ecstatic! I placed it out on my desk like all the other girls did with their flowers, balloons and candy. Well, one girl walks by and says "What is that?" I replied with a big smile, "This is a stamp set that I've been wanting for a very long time. My husband bought me for Valentines Day. I can't wait to get home and use it." She looked at me strangely and said "Couldn't he just send you flowers or something, like everyone else?" I just giggled. I said, "Flowers die, candy gets eaten, but stamps - like diamonds - last forever!"
I just know that she walked away thinking I was crazy, but so what? I *still* have and love that stamp set! :mrgreen:
__________________ ~*~ Clara ~*~ If you can think it, you can ink it!
My best friend and stamping partner in crime's husband calls us a cult. We just laugh and go shopping.
We're also in the process of moving. AFter carting out about the millionth box marked stamps and groaning over the weight of them my husband had to make a comment. He said, you know you've got an awful lot of boxes marked stamps. And they're really heavy. I was waiting for the "you don't need to buy anymore part of the conversation." Instead his comment was, "do you think you could just buy unmounted ones instead of the wood ones." Great husband don't you think?
I went to HL today to "just buy some glue dots". Of course we all know that usually leads to finding things that you just *need to have*. So I get my dots and browse for about 20 minutes. I couldn't find anything that I really wanted. So I was walking to pay and realized that I was mopey and sad about it. No new toys, just some boring glue dots.
I went to HL today to "just buy some glue dots". Of course we all know that usually leads to finding things that you just *need to have*. So I get my dots and browse for about 20 minutes. I couldn't find anything that I really wanted. So I was walking to pay and realized that I was mopey and sad about it. No new toys, just some boring glue dots.
lol! I TOTALLY understand this. What I usually do to make myself feel better is go get a sheet or two of 12x12 paper, that way it's not too expensive, but this way, I have something new and fun to play with if I want!
__________________ ~*~ Clara ~*~ If you can think it, you can ink it!
I know you all will have a hard time believing this...but I quit buying groceries because I hated to let go of the $$$ at the store of food that disappears when I could be spending in on stamps that will still be there in a week..Never fear...my hubby does the grocery shopping and one look as us you would know that someone in the house goes and gets food....lol Sad but true..I dont like shopping for anything other than my stamping supplies.
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Ok! I had another moment today. One of my dear coworkers looked at my sweater and made a semi-snide comment about time to upgrade my wardrobe. Later I looked in the mirror, thought, "I don't look that bad," and realized that I've had this skirt/shirt/sweater combo for over 7 years and it is looking a little ragged! :( But never fear, there's a handy dandy thrift store near my house where all the clothes horses dump their "out-of-style" clothes on a monthly basis. Now I just have to find the time to go shopping for clothes!
My old demo used to call stamping "crack" because it's just that addicitve!
I just had an aha moment or maybe three. My son was looking for something in his old bedroom, which I took over for one of my craft rooms, and I realized just how much stuff I have--at least enough for 10 people--time to downsize. Neither of us ever found what we were looking for. His comment brought realization to me. It was," I'm really going to have fun going through all of this stuff."
My moment was when my Dad walked in my apartment and said "Think you have enough stuff on that table?" (It's a student apartment so space is at a premium.) My "solution"? I got him to buy me a cube organizer at Target that night Now I can buy MORE!
My moment came when my DH said that I was starting to spend more money on my crafts then what he makes (I am a SAHM), so we came to a compromise, I get a monthly allowance that I can spend however I want (and not go through withdrawl) and he gets the rest of the money to pay things like bills, get groceries all those things that we seem to need. As for clothes I have a birthday every year and Christmas comes once a year and my mom and sister always make sure that they take me to get clothes, I have always thought if someone dosn't like what I am wearing they don't have to look.
One of my moments----my friend just got a new job. I wanted to send her flowers to her work. I chose the middle of the $ range and got through to picking the arrangement, googling her work address and putting it in the order, typed out a message, put in my credit card #---then it hit me---WOW, I can buy her 12 copic markers instead. I closed the website.
As I sit here in my half ways remodeled craft room, I realize that I am taking over the basement one room at a time. I started out with the family room which has housed my desk and 3 tables for stamp club. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to redo one wall that had ragged wallpaper on it. Then I thought how nice it would be to knock out the wall between my craft room and a spare room that was just a catch all for mostly unused exercise equipment and my son's playstation2. I am thinking about discontinuing my demoship and club as I am not making much money at it and would like to just devote my time to doing what I want to do instead of thinking of the business. From an $80 paint job to a $1500 remodel. WOW!!!
I need some new clothes, but when my economic stimulus check comes I'll be spending a lot of it on stamp stuff![IMG]//www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif[/IMG]
__________________ "Life is much too important to be taken seriously." Oscar Wilde Proud to be a member of Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge DT! My BlogMy Gallery
I just bought a Silhouette to add to my work tools and my dh thought it was rediculous. My DS offered to cut out titles and pics for $5.00 each instead and thought I should return my new toy. Then, I cut out the symbol for their favorite dutch soccer team (KNVB and lion---quite intricate symbol to cut) and they were so impressed my dh asked me to cut out more things for him. So, I guess it was a good addition to my collection after all. ;)
__________________ I got a Nikon camera. I love to take photographs, so momma don't take my kodachrome away."
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I think another "moment" for me has been that I look at patterns on people's clothing and think about which SU! set it resembles...or I look at clothing colors and think "That looks like Wild Wasabi" (or whatever the color may be)....
You know when a photograph of your card makes you notice something that you didn't when you were working on it. That happens to me all the time with the close-ups. Anyway, that's why I refuse to take a photograph of my studio. I don't want to see "the big picture."
I can justify pretty much any crafting related expenditure. My biggest justifications are that I don't drink/smoke/do drugs/"holiday"/etc. I walk to and from work every day (rain, shine, snow...) and I always pack my own lunch. My husband plays hockey, which is not exactly a cheap sport, and that doesn't include his hockey beer money or his hockey tournament money either.
I just laugh, because I can well remember the first time I bought a rubber stamp. It was going to save me soooo much money, making my own cards!
My friend's husband refers to us as a cult as well. We're always looking for new members. Our newest member of the cult referred to me as her dealer...
I do think that everyone has a secret weakness that he/she would be willing to spend more on than he/she should. I don't condemn my clothes horse sis-in-law, or my electronics obsessed brother, my NHL wannabe husband, jewellry obsessed coworker, etc. I just figure we all have an addiction to feed
I need some new clothes, but when my economic stimulus check comes I'll be spending a lot of it on stamp stuff![IMG]//www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif[/IMG]
I understand completely, which is why I love to find clothes at second hand stores, especially when they're having 1/2 price days. Luckily enough, my daughters don't mind second hand either, so I have more money for my passion.
That thought comes over me every time I go out to buy another shelf or storage bin for my stuff, but it quickly goes away. I'm such a collector... and it's my thing!
I've had 'aha' moments over the years, but they quickly pass. We have logo-wear for work. So I only have to have enough pants to go with the shirts. I don't go on vacations, I don't buy jewelry, get manicures or do any of the other high cost things that most women indulge. So, there are 2 things that I refuse to give up my stamping hobby and Starbuck's coffee. Everything else is negotiable.
I told my husband the other day that I do NOT need any more DP because I have tons of it so if he sees me lusting after any to tell me I don't need it. Stopped at a craft store to use my 40 per cent coupon on Nestabilities so I told my husband he could stay in the car and that I knew exactly what I wanted and I would be right out. When l was in the store I noticed the paper was on sale for 40 per cent off. Who could resist that deal? Yup came out with about 20 sheets of paper - my husband just looked at me and sighed and said you really are going to have to go to stampers anonymous.... LOL By the way - it is fantastic paper!
I think I am getting very defensive here. Other people have hobbies but stamping and paper crafting are not a viable hobby? Some people spend so much money on cigs and liquer (okay I buy beer too, lol). For people who don't get it and make stupid comments poo poo on them. This is something that makes me happy.
Now as for having too much stuff at one point you make that decision to purge a little so you can get to work and make cards or scrapbook again. I recently did this and I am always thinking how to use up what I have when I originally bought it. You really cannot make the same card time after time, it will get old and them someone will say is that the only stamp set you have to use??????
I have recently gotten into stamping, been scrapping for about 7 years now. WOW!! A whole new world full of endless shopping needs has opened up to me. Luckily my DH collects model trains. I love it when he gets a box delivered and that means I get to go get what I want too. Just last week, he had a big box of trains deliveres, so the next day I was signing up with SU for the discount! I gotta strike while the iron's hot! LOL At this point, we don't have kids, I don't want jewelry, and would rather stamp than travel, so all in all, I think it's great!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by luvallthisstampin
Just yesterday I was telling someone that I enjoy shopping for rubber stamps better than I like shopping for clothes. Then it hit me, I have more rubber stamps than clothes; let alone all the other stuff that I need to use WITH the rubber stamps, etc. When I have play money, my first thought is to stamps, not clothes.
I am so there! I have to FORCE myself to buy new underwear! I mean no one sees them - and there are soooooo many cuter stamps.
__________________ Who would have thought that paper, ink & rubber could create a priceless keepsake or give me treasured friends.
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Originally Posted by melissaink
I always choose stamps over clothes!
Stamps last longer AND they have a better resale value.
I'm also seven months pregnant ... and all my stamps still fit ;)
My father-in-law said that I have too much time on my hands when he saw my son's birthday card. I said, "It's this or medication."
EXACTLY!!!!
When I go to my Corner to play with my toys, I am sometimes saving my hubby's life. When he gets into one of his moods, I just walk into my room, turn on the PC and cruise SCS to see what new stuff I NEED to have.
__________________ Who would have thought that paper, ink & rubber could create a priceless keepsake or give me treasured friends.
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Originally Posted by SouthernStorm
Yesss!!! I remember that moment well - *face to face with my mother in the mirror*, it about knocked the breath outta me!!! It took a loooong time to come to terms with it too!!
BUT... I LOVE my stampin' and WILL NOT give it up. I may have too much stuff but, by George, its MINE and I'll use it when and if I get good and ready!! I don't give a diddly dang WHO walks away shakin' their head. I can feel sorry for them tho, they just don't know the happiness and satisfaction I get from my hobby.
May God bless, Sandi
In addition to the satisfaction, I also get to spend quality time with my grands as they create gifts for their parents. My DD & SIL truly treasure the handmade cards & gifts they receive and I love the time I get to spend watching my grands create.
Besides, I am building my stamp collection so that when I retire, I will only have to spend my meager retirement funds on paper, embellishments, ink and adhesive - I will have the stamps.
__________________ Who would have thought that paper, ink & rubber could create a priceless keepsake or give me treasured friends.
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Originally Posted by askagain
We must be sisters....
I realized how out of sync my craft spending was when I had to buy a dress for a baby shower a few weeks ago! I balked at dropping $50 for a dress that I really needed (I even had a coupon!)..... yet spending $50 on stamp stuff seems like a monthly --or when I'm really bad-- even a weekly occurrance. That said, I almost never wear any of the "nice" clothes I have because I hope I'll have a chance to stamp and know they'll end up inked!
I did just about the same thing. I just can't justify spending $100 on an outfit for my step-granddaughter's wedding, but I can spend that amount on stamps in a heartbeat.
__________________ Who would have thought that paper, ink & rubber could create a priceless keepsake or give me treasured friends.
When I go to my Corner to play with my toys, I am sometimes saving my hubby's life. When he gets into one of his moods, I just walk into my room, turn on the PC and cruise SCS to see what new stuff I NEED to have.
I think it hit me how deep I am into this when I repainted and bought new furniture for my craft room. Seeing my hobby evolve in actual size and style is almost insane!
A brief timeline:
2003- started scrapbooking, had one 12x12 book and papers
2004: moved into a verticle storage unity on rolling feet, about 5 small drawers.
2005: took a break while I had 2 kids
2006: Now using a 4 shelf storage unit in our extra storage room.
2007: Moved into shared office with husband, still using 4 shelf storage unit and verticle drawer system.
2008: Repainted room, bought a desk 6 drawers and 2 shelves, ink pad wall storage, large bookcase for stamps, flowers and DP, 2 extra floating desks for CB, paper trimmer, sewing machine and light box.
I included a picture of what my space looked like 1 year ago and some links of what it looks like now. This past year has been insane!
One of my stamping buddies was telling me the other day her and her husband were with a financial planner because he's planning on retiring in a couple of years. As the FP was looking over their expenses she asked, " Stamping? what's this stamping?" So my friend explained about her hobby, to which the FP said, "well at least you have bought all your supplies for stamping, you won't have to buy any more."
My friend and I laughed hysterically until tears came to our eyes......if she only knew.......
