Hello stampers and happy Friday. Today I want to talk to you about making the most of your investment. If you are reading my blog, chances are quite good that your hobby is stamping and cardmaking. Like most hobbies, this is not a cheap venture. There is no need to apologize for that. Stamping brings you joy and what you create brings others joy and that is more than you can say for some hobbies.
Making the Most of Your Investment
You may be asking, how DO I make the most of my investment in stamps? First of all, use them! Second, send them. Yes, don’t hoard all your cards, send them to people and spread the love and the joy. I used to make two cards every time I stamped, that way I would be able to send away one of my creations. Use your paper, don’t hoard it. When it’s all gone you can buy more! I have found that when you attend classes and learn new ways of using your stamps you are far more likely to ink up your stamps at home.
Take time to play. Lay out all your coordinating products, the stamps, the dies, the ink, the paper and the cardstock. Just enjoy them for a minute and absorb the colours, the textures and the shapes. Ink up all the stamps and stamp them on scrap paper just to get a feel for what they look like in real life.
It’s ok to find inspiration online. Just type the name of the stamp set along with Stampin’Up in the Google search box and then click on Images at the top of the screen. You will get SO many ideas. Then make at least three cards using your stamp set. You will feel much better about your purchases if you take the time to get to know them and to use them.
Find a Stamping Buddy
Don’t assume that you already know who will like to stamp and who won’t. I never thought I would!! Invite some of your friends for a girls’ night out. People go to paint nights, or sign painting nights or pottery nights. Why not a card making night? The best part is that if you have friends who stamp, then you will have another reason to get together and have fun. You can also pool supplies. The possibilities are endless. I would love to host you and your friends for a fun time of stamping.
Hate to Host?
I can understand that hosting an event can be stressful. Many people are not very good at committing and when you host an event and not many people come, then you might feel unpopular or unreliable. No worries. Just come to one of my classes and invite a friend or two to come along. Once people know how much fun it is they won’t want to miss out the next time you invite them.
More Inspiring Iris
Just to prove my point, here are some more great cards using Inspiring Iris. I showed you my simple creation a few days ago. If you missed it, you can find it here.
If you make at least three different things with your stamp set, you will find that it really gets your creative flow going. It sure is a good feeling to have a good card stash on hand for many occasions. Do you see how everything changes when you use the thistle instead of the iris? When you change the colour scheme? Look at the addition of the washi tape and the linen thread. You get a country feel to your card.
This card uses the watercolour technique with our lovely watercolour paper. Do you see the vellum accents underneath? The sentiment has been embossed in gold. Be sure to use your stamparatus for that because watercolour paper is “bumpy” and you need to stamp several times to get good coverage.
Thanks!
Thanks for joining me today, I hope I have inspired you to get the most out of your investment. Enjoy your hobby and spread joy. Remember, the best deal is the starter kit and there is room for you on my team wherever you live in Canada! Here is the link to get you started on this amazing journey. Don’t forget, our very own Dale Hampshire is joining us at the next team meeting on February 6!
I hope you have a super day and happy stamping.
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