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My dh says my hobby isn't papercrafting so much as shopping for paper crafting products.
When my friends visit the USA, they buy clothes games and electronics, I buy stamping stuff.
I relive my "moment" every time someone new comes over to our house. My husband usually does a tour and when the group reaches my craft room he says "Don't let it fool you. She has this place packed up like a clown car. Just wait until she opens a cabinet." Needless to say I always blush!
I have actually been good and haven't bought much lately because I have run out of room. It is fairly organzied and in the family room where everyone can see it. Soon I will be moved to the basement when it is finished. All I can say then is "Let the shopping begin!"
When a good friend of mine bought a Cricut, my DH threw up his hands and said "oh geez, now you'll either spend way too much money driving to Shenandoah all the time or buying your own cricut to keep up with her!" So far i'm just buying the gas!!
__________________ Jen Z. in Elysburg, PA...not quite stampin' in Atlas anymore!
My dh says my hobby isn't papercrafting so much as shopping for paper crafting products.
When my friends visit the USA, they buy clothes games and electronics, I buy stamping stuff.
WOW, me too! I LOVE to make lists and find what I "need," buy it and catalog it, and then almost forget about it LOL This is a relatively new hobby for me so I "need" a lot! I challenged myself to start using every set at least once...but my DEAR DH said "why? who cares if you use them, if you like them that's all that matters." I almost fell over! But on the other hand, he has always had his hobbies, and so I think now he's just glad that I won't be riding him about his overspending LOL He bought me the Cuttlebug for Mother's Day and that sparked a HUGE spending spree in me, like I was finally given permission and cut loose to buy what I WANTED, not just what I could justify...
Life's been good lately ; 0
__________________ Lynn
"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right�--Lincoln
I decided today to inventory my stamps (in part because I'm getting ready to try to sell a few). I was a little shocked at how much they added up to! Then I decided to divide that number by the number of years I've been stamping and decided it wasn't too bad - only $140 a year on SU stamps, on average. Now if you add the paper, ink, embellies, non SU and other stuff, that number would be much bigger!
What a fun thread. We can all see we are not alone! I've always said if I go to the poor house, I'll have lots of rubbah with me for company. My stamp spending is first priority in my life. I guess depending on who hears that, it's either pathetic or totally good! But you all know what I mean!
WOW, me too! I LOVE to make lists and find what I "need," buy it and catalog it, and then almost forget about it LOL This is a relatively new hobby for me so I "need" a lot! I challenged myself to start using every set at least once...but my DEAR DH said "why? who cares if you use them, if you like them that's all that matters." I almost fell over! But on the other hand, he has always had his hobbies, and so I think now he's just glad that I won't be riding him about his overspending LOL He bought me the Cuttlebug for Mother's Day and that sparked a HUGE spending spree in me, like I was finally given permission and cut loose to buy what I WANTED, not just what I could justify...
Life's been good lately ; 0
One of my big problems is that as I travel to the USA to buy stuff it all becomes just too precious to use! It's a spiral, I tell you a spiral.
I had a moment of realization a couple weeks ago. Another mother at the school asked me if I had a scoring tool she could borrow to score brochures for the school. I said, "Sure, of course!" and made arrangements to get it to her. Getting into the Jeep, I started wondering WHICH of my many scoring tools would best suit her needs. And no way did I lend her my new Scor-Pal, lol!
__________________ Marcy Wolf Creek Crafting
I just love the smell of Stazon in the morning!
I remember one day about a year or two into my stamping career, my DH walked into my stamping room and said " Don't you think you have enough stamps now?" I quietly turned around, looked at him and said, "How much did your boat cost?" to which he replied. " I am so glad you have this hobby sweetie." I gave him a kiss and we both laughed. Since then he has been very supportive of my love for stamping. We too like so many of you don't drink, vacation, use drugs, have tons to toys. We love our kids and staying around home.
He does tease me when friends come over by saying that he is so happy that since I started stamping we have saved thousands on buying cards. I just smile.
How embarassing! It is true! I spend far more on paper crafting supplies than on clothes and shoes put together! Maybe even more than for the entire family clothing budget! (Blush blush) And I spend more time looking at blogs, ideas, and other people's cards than making them myself! That will change just as soon as I get my own craft space. Did I mention I am buying another house just so I can have a craft room? Oh, I guess the kids needed an extra bedroom, too!
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.
LOL! How true! It is so much more fun to buy crafting/stamping supplies. They all fit. I can buy more stamps for the same money that I could buy one clothing item! And like somebody said going along this thread, they don't make me look fat, and besides that they can make people smile. Buying clothes would maybe make somebody smile now already too. But then, in my dd's eyes, she thinks I am lucky to be able to wear my clothes for more than one season, as she outgrows the ones she likes too soon.
Unfortunately I've been in some kind of a rut lately. I enjoy buying them more than using them. But then I'll have them here once I feel like using them.
I totally have more invested in my scrap room than in my closet!
And I have lots of sometime stamping friends that come to me and my stash when they are looking for something and can't find it at the craft stores - and the majority of the time I have what they need! HA!
My hubby on the other hand, has no hobbies and can't understand spending this money and time on this stuff - it's a tough one to explain to those who will never understand!
Ladies, here is one way to look at it. Have you reached "Critical Mass"?
Critical mass is the point at which the amount of crafting supplies you own
is more that you could possibly use in the remainder of your lifetime. I HAVE REACHED CRITICAL MASS! Anything I buy from now own equals something my family will have to deal with after I'm dead! (I'm not real old, just have a LOT of stuff)
My birthday was last week and all I wanted was gift cards and money to buy stamping "needs". My mom said that I couldn't possibly use all I have and asked me "how many stamps do you need?". Of course my reply was "all of them!!". Fortunately my husband was kind enough to get me several gift cards from my favorite places. I am also lucky that he collects comic books and spends about as much as I do.
My Son actually got me an SU gift certificate for Christmas. I was thrilled. Thrilled that he paid enough attention to find out what I REALLY wanted, and thrilled that he did not buy something that would just be more clutter around the house.
I have had so much fun reading all these entries and knowing that I'm not some kind of freak!! I have been stamping for about 4 years and have as much, if not more than some veteran stampers. It really is an addiction, but hey, at least it's legal.
When it comes to buying clothes, if it's not on sale, I have a hard time justifying it, of course I don't think twice about purchasing stamps, paper or whatever stamping accessory that I want.
Y'all crack me up! Glad to hear I am not alone!! I just got my stimulus check yesterday and last night the first thing I did when I got home from work was place an order for some bellas!
I am lucky, I showed my co-workers my binder that I have all of my stamp sets in, and they just complimented me on my organization. They all love buying my cards, so they are happy to see me buying more stamps!
So many of you responded with my exact thoughts. I don't think twice about buying my stamps and stuff, but I do cringe at having to spend MONEY on things like clothes and other necessities. How could you consider such things necessities. And, I'm a great bargain shopper too, forever using my coupons for Michael's and Beverly's. I tell myself that by being such a thrifty shopper, I can buy MORE. After all, I would have spent more had I not been such a bargain shopper, so now I got more for less - RIGHT?
I have 3 sisters, NONE of whom do any crafts at all, and they can't understand why I have to have a two bedroom apartment:confused: . One of them looked at one of my stamps and said "You paid this MUCH for a stamp??":o
So now I take all the price tags off anything to do with crafts:twisted: . What a surprise! One of my sisters likes to play Bingo, another one LOVES clothes, and the third one goes to movies and the opera and plays. This is MY entertainment, my fun, my joy- I explain to them.
They all like what the results of my "playing with my toys" brings, mind you.
My daughter once asked me "Well, Mom, I can see you using a stamp a couple of times, but then what do you do with it??
I answered back " Ask YOUR daughter. I've been teaching her for years".
I have eight grandchildren, all of whom like to do crafts with grandma, even the boys. I love teaching different techniques to friends and family, and if I didn't have my stamps, how would I do this, I ask innocently.
I always say I'm going broke "saving" money (with coupons) LOL :mrgreen: Can't let a bargain pass me by!
I do have to admit, though, I feel guilty when I think I could have sent the money to a charity or something :(
__________________ Lynn
"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right�--Lincoln
I love this thread ~ it has brightened my day! I am so glad to hear that "I'm not alone!".
My husband goes through phases where he gets very upset over my craft room. I have heard everything from "it is a fire hazard, our house will go up in flames" to "we need to rent a Pod (storage container placed on your property)!" I am so relieved to find all of you who understand and share my passion for stamping. You really can never have enough.
Totally agree with ya! Non stampers, scrappers cannot see where it comes from, the need to have the latest Bella, and newest line of (fill in the blank). SO then we have to organize it all!
On one hand I hate clothes shopping with a passion, but I lost 85 pounds and nothing fits me, so I had to go buy a few new clothes. I totally hated having to spend stamp money to buy clothes!!! Went Kohl's clearance and sales racks so I could still get my stamp fix for the month!
Stamps over clothing? Oh, you've got to be kidding!
Gosh, you guys � I�d rather buy craft supplies (not just stamps, but inks, papers, pens, papers, fabrics, ribbons, papers, lace, die cut cartridges) than FOOD! I SO totally hear you on this topic! As for those who disparage our obsession, I�ll bet their �entertainment� is no where near as wholesome and satisfying.
My �moment� came when I couldn�t find a very large, very heavy punch that I know I bought recently (found the receipt, what are the chances of THAT ever happening again?!) but it is nowhere to be found (yes, I ordered it again, and a dozen more to boot!). I have NO self control when it comes to creativity!
One thing that I�ve started doing is to separate out stuff that I haven�t used (stamps, embellishments, papers etc.) and think that maybe I won�t. I hold those in a separate bin, handy enough to get at it if and when I decide that I do need to use one of those pieces after all. I drag the bin out when like minded crafters come to visit (including my 8 year old grandson) and let them go through it. If they find a consumable (like stickers) that they really like, I offer to trade with them; otherwise I loan the piece to them (stamps, decorative edged scissors, etc.) with the stipulation that I can borrow it back if I discover that I want to use it later. (no, that�s NOT where that elusive punch disappeared to!) I�m not organized about this process but it wouldn�t be hard to keep a small notebook in that basket to jot down which friend took what.
And as for the �my mother, myself� thing, I�ll bet your mother had some good qualities, just like mine did. I was really uncomfortable about looking like her until she passed away and her favorite sister told me how very much I look like my mother and how very much she appreciates that, as she misses her terribly. I got over being unhappy with my �mirror� image in a big hurry! sab
I am a paramedic, and a couple of years ago my friend and i started to bring a "few" things into work (she worked in the same station as me), so that in our down time we could "play" with our card stuff. We slowly got other people interested, and I became a SU demo, and was affectionately referred to as the "dealer". WHen I got a new partner to work with last year, my manager warned her that she better watch out- it is very EXPENSIVE working with me!!!:rolleyes: SO far she has been able to hold off from buying anything- but she is very interested in all my stuff and loves to play with it when I bring it in (not as much anymore though- too busy now!)!
Diane
I am just now getting into reading my e-mail of the Weekly Inkling and I always go to this section first...and of course this thread caught my eye so I had to check it out!
Well, I am having the best time reading everyone's response and just laughing my head off!!! I think anyone who stamps has the same problem...we see something and we HAVE TO HAVE IT! Am I right ladies?
I have only been stamping now for 3 years this coming month and was absolutely hooked at my first stamp camp. From that point on my stamping friends and I have been to so many shops, shows, and websites (of course sharing all this info with each other!) and having the time of out lives purchasing that perfect item that will make us better stampers and of course make our cards so spectacular! LOL!
But seriously, I too have so much for just starting card making such a short time ago, and yes I get looks from my friends that are "non-stampers" like I am crazy to be spending all that time and $$ on my hobby. But, one of my dear friends has a 92 year old grandma who still stamps her little heart out and you should see the cards that little lady comes up with at 92!! So ladies take heart, for those of who have made stamping our passion...when we reach our 90's we will still be going strong, enjoying what we do, bringing smiles to family and friends with our cards. What will those non-stampers have? NOTHING!!! LOL!!! Happy Stamping!
OMG! I totally agree...although I am retired I will not give up my stamping hobby or my Starbucks!! DH has even gotten me certificates for those special occasions for both. What a great guy! LOL!
Quote:
Originally Posted by javagirl984
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.
This thread is like a really good book, it's hard to walk away from it. Hi everyone. This is my first experience at blogging, but I had to respond to this one as I laughed outloud at some of the entries. My OMG moment was two weeks ago when I looked at all the goodies I bought at the Mega Meet scrapbook show in Novi, Mich. With all the space I have in my craft room, (a 9' x 16' room) I had to re-arrange things to make room for the new stuff. So, I realized I need to borrow space from one of the other bedroom closets.
My hubby is addicted to buying clothes. One day he came home from grocery shopping and brought the bags in through the back door. A while later he was bringing a bag with something in it through the front door. He didn't think I'd notice. I did. I asked him what was in the bag and learned he was "sneaking" more clothes in the house. I laughed and told him, "I do the same thing with scrapping/stamping stuff." Until now, I thought I was weird because I don't bother with clothes shopping (drives the hub crazy). Now I realize I'm in good company.
The problem I have (along with the over abundance of supplies) is the comment when certain people see my cards is that they say "you have too much time on your hands) or "it must be nice to have that much time" What they dont realize is that I MAKE the time; because I enjoy cardmaking and scrapbooking so much. I too spend my extra money on stamps and supplies; and not on clothes and you can definately tell! lol
I have great kids too! Back 4 years ago they would have gotten me something from my favorite clothing store Christopher Banks, but since I have been stamping, they just call my demo lady or go to any stamp store or hobby store and get me a certificate! Did I mention that I have great kids! LOL!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mountainmom
My Son actually got me an SU gift certificate for Christmas. I was thrilled. Thrilled that he paid enough attention to find out what I REALLY wanted, and thrilled that he did not buy something that would just be more clutter around the house.
