So I've been quietly chugging away at using all my images on cards, and while I'm not quite finished, I'm almost there. It's been very enlightening. I learned that some stamps are easier for me to use than others either because they fit my style or a particular size or I simply like them better. This knowledge has changed the way I buy new stamps. I'm pickier and don't just buy stuff because "oh, I don't have anything like that!"
When Hero Arts' new catalog came out, I experienced the usual joy, joy, joy at seeing new stuff. I also realized that I needed to be very careful not to add new stamps to my collection just because they were different. I now ask, "Will this stamp or set fit my style, be easy to work with, give me not just more options but more options that make me happy?"
The following set seemed to meet all my requirements.
And, oh happy day! It did.
This little set of cards also demonstrates a new addendum to the old resolution. I now have to use each image in a set BEFORE I can store that set with the rest of my stamps. I have a little bin to keep new arrivals in until they earn a right to sit with the more experienced stamps. I'm happy to say that this set made the grade and has happily joined the rest of my Hero clear sets. It's making friends and looking forward to years of use.
Supplies
stamps: Hero Arts, AMuse ovals
ink: Memento
paper: Papertrey white
accessories: post-it notes for masks
Oh, these are delightful! Way to go on your resolution! I'm thinking that perhaps I should do the same...hopefully I can learn from it, too. I'm much better than I used to be about buying things that are different or new, but I still occasionally buy a set & then wonder, "What was I thinking?"
ReplyDeleteSusan!!
ReplyDeleteThese are perfect! I LOVE everyone you made...The oval is the perfect addition for grounding these great images and I love the sentiments! Great buy! Great cards!
Oops...I meant every one...lol...
ReplyDeleteWOW, these are all awesome! The ovals look so cool with those phones and I love the contrasting colors. Glad you are enjoying your new Hero Arts stamps! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your 'system'. You definitely do become more selective (this theory doesn't always hold for me with PTI however). There are a couple of new (to me) companies that I have loved a couple of the images but not the whole lot (spelling is a bit of an issue to us in Australia, no offence).
ReplyDeleteThank you also for you lovely comment regarding the floods in Oz. It is now affecting Victoria and New South Wales, will this end??? Still there has been an amazing response in a call out for volunteers (they had to turn people away) and my husband helped a lady wash her china yesterday which I think was alittle therapy for her.
Such a lovely set of cards. I'm a bit of a sucker for old-fashioned phones!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a cool resolution! I dont buy rubber (have some old stuff though) but I do have lots of digi images - I might take time to make some quick cards so that I can sell them - and challenging myself to use the images would be a great idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the idea - and for championing such clear, clean cards!
Rx
A great resolution and one I really ought to pay attention to!
ReplyDeleteLOVELY cards and a fab set of images too
Kathyk
Can you come and live with me for a while? Wonderful cards, BTW. Not a set I would have purchased - well, that is until I saw these.
ReplyDeleteVery nice Susan,! I really like the blue with the black. The combination creates a soothing effect, whether that is what you were going for or not, it is the coolness and edgy feel produced when combined.... I like it.!
ReplyDeleteI am happy for this sweet set to have made it over to the shelf to to find a home and make friends.
Just wondering... was there a cell phone image in the set of stamps.?
What a neat stamp set and great cards!!
ReplyDeleteLovely, just lovely.
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh at your "small bin" of new stamps. I have a huge box and part of my craft room has bags from the LSS. ;( HOWEVER, in my own defense, I have stopped buying stamps if I have something even SIMILAR at home. I try to use what I already have to make the same card that is wooing me to buy new stuff. So far it's working. :)
HA! The one time i wanted to know how you did this--you didn't say. What black did you use - so dark love it! Did you mask the oval?
ReplyDeleteI love that idea of using every stamp in the set--
I love how the images sit on the ovals...must take a look at the Amuse stamps. I love your process too for using and buying your stamps...very logical. I need to have more discipline in my purchases! As CHA approaches, I am talking to myself about not buying everything in blogland that looks cute...but rather what I will really use. Love your cards today!
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. I love your comment about a lot of the sentiments that come with sets. I feel much the same way, and will actually shy away from sets if I like the images but can't imagine when I'd ever use the sentiments.
ReplyDeleteYou've definitely honed your style. I'm still working on it, but I think I'm going to challenge myself to do what you did. I think, once I've tried to use all of the images I already own, I'll have a good feel for what fits my style and what doesn't.
My wood mount storage space is getting tight, so this may also help me finally purge a few things.
Oh, and fabulous cards! I haven't thought much about the vintage telephones but your cards are really eye-catching.
Wonderful resolution! These are fabulous, love these phones. Your CAS cards always look fabulous.
ReplyDeleteFantastic color combo and design, and way to go using those new stamps!
ReplyDeleteAlso, thanks for pointing out the ridiculous-ness of certain sentiments. Any phrase that ends with "in life" kind of drives me nuts -- I mean, how obvious is that? When else would we do anything? Oy.
Getting off my high horse and into the studio now :)
♥ ♥ ♥
ReplyDeleteYou've pushed me over the edge with this set, Susan! I thought I wanted it...but now I NEED it! :D
Hugs,
Aimes
x
These are great. I'll have to take a look at that set of stamps. I need to adopt your attitude towards buying/using stamp sets.
ReplyDeleteyes, these stamps are perfect for your style. I love what you have created with them. Very clean and crisp cards!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the stamping wisdom! These cards are
ReplyDeleteperfection!
Great cards--reminds me of the olden days when we had to wait for the operator or slowly d-i-a-l a number! I'll put your idea to good use of keeping new stamps separate--thanks!
ReplyDeleteLove the oval of colour under the phone. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteWonderful cards...I've contemplated these stamps also, hmmmmm.......
ReplyDeleteWhat a great challenge. I have been on a buying freeze for a few months and part of that is because I can't see around my stamp room or table. Needless to say we have been up ogranzing for a while hoping to see the bottom of the pile soon. I LOVE this idea that I need to make soemthing with every image in the set. I might just challenge myself as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good life!
Terri E.
Susan, I would like to Award you with a Stylish Blog Award. I could not find an email address for you so I am posting in your comments. Please visit my blog at http://designedwithyouinmind101.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-first-award.html
ReplyDeletefor details. Simply copy and paste the award to your post and go from there. Thanks for inspiring me with your blog.
Wow, do I like this set.......or maybe what you've done with it. I love the idea of those old-fashioned phones, harking back to a time we had nice "visits" with friends. I love the ovals! The bright color really perks up the black phones, and just looks much prettier than a "shadow" color & look. This set would make a fabulous gift set of notecards. Lovely job, Susan!
ReplyDeleteLet me know when you have met your goal. I will mail out a surprise package as a reward.
ReplyDeleteLisa
These are such great cards, Susan! When you were going the old-fashioined route, did you pick up the typewriter, as well? I'm glad to hear you're still working through your stamping resolution!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous job you have made of these stamps, and in black too. So clear and crips. Fab, fab, fab.xx
ReplyDeleteWow, not only are these stamps fabulous, but you have made fabulous use of them!! I love your set of phone cards. :)
ReplyDeleteLOL~ Yuh, that's the ticket! I'll mail out a prize package for you too. Keep up the good work! Pamela
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chuckle! I have an image of your old stamps razzing the "new kids" until they prove their stuff!
ReplyDeleteGreat card. You've inspired me to use all my images, and I love the idea of not putting it away until you use it. I may try that.
ReplyDeleteITA about having some sets with sentiments that I look at now and think, 'huh?' I've stopped buying sets that have stuff like that in it. I've become super picky - if I can't think of a use for EVERY stamp in the set I will NOT buy it.
Great idea to not put things away until you have used them. I love these phone images, it actually inspired me to pull the old rotary dial phone out of the cupboard (am holding onto it since it is useful when there is a power outage!) and it's having it's second wind. Kids have been having a ball using it and it brings back memories of my childhood!
ReplyDeleteThese are so stunning! LOVE THEM. Love taht new resolution too.
ReplyDeleteGreat cards! I love this set, too; it's on my wishlist. :-) And I agree with you about most sentiments being semi-useless and the ones you really need (for sympathy cards, get well, etc.) are scarcer than hen's teeth. I'd love to find a stamp that says "I love you" -- you don't even see that in a Valentine's set!
ReplyDeleteI love your resolution and how it has helped you be more selective about what stamps you add to your collection. I think I need to do that with my stamps now. Love, love, love the new stamps. Wonder if they would fit my collection. :)
ReplyDeleteOh these images stamp wonderfully. Love it. And it is just stamped in black ink and looks magnificent. I love the stamped blue shadow Susan.
ReplyDeleteWOW! These images are so crisp!! Love this card set, Susan!! And I REALLY like your idea of putting stamps that have never seen ink into a bin and working your way through them!!! I'm going to give that a try! I tend to get caught up in all of the sneak peeks that the stamp companies have each month, and I have SOOOO many stamps that I haven't even opened yet!! I haven't bought any new stamps in a couple of months---which is a total record for me! Your idea should help me take the next step in actually USING what I HAVE!!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete