Can it be used for more than just Christmas?

How do you pick a stamp set?  When you're considering buying a stamp set, what do you look for?  Cuteness?  Reminds you of someone?  So-and-so would like this?  Upcoming holiday?  You just like it? 

I have bought many stamp sets because I liked them and had absolutely no use in mind.  I just liked them.  And many of them would sit in the drawer unused.

With a rougher economy I have started putting a little more thought into how I choose my stamp sets and how I can use my current unused ones.  I ask myself some questions.  Can it be used for multiple occasions?  Can it be used for multiple people?  Can it be used in multiple seasons?  You get the idea.

One of my favorite stamp sets is Autum Days.  It is very versatile and can be used for many different occasions and holidays.  Here is an example:

 

I posted this same card in November using different colors for Thanksgiving.  I could use this same design over and over, just changing colors to match the holiday or occasion. 

There are also other great stamps in this set.  The pheasant and wheat stocks lend themselves wonderfully to more masculine cards because, let's face it, some guys don't like butterflies.

Now I'm not saying don't buy a set unless you can use it for lots of different things.  There are definitely some single-use sets out there.  But if you think it is a single-use set, maybe take another look at it.  Wouldn't the hearts in that Valentine's set make a great butterfly or flower?  Would that Christmas stamp make a great winter birthday card?  If I use markers and only color part of that stamp, could I make a sweet baby card?

Take another look at your sets.  I bet you will discover some new uses.

Paula Harms
Stampin' Up Demonstrator

Got a Baby, Need a Bag

Now to the "Sacks" part of my blog.  I recently participated in a vendor show as a Thirty-One consultant.  I was amazed at how many times I was asked if we had a Diaper Bag.  Although not labeled a diaper bag, we have an amazing bag that would do the job.  I would have loved to have an Organizing Utility Tote when my son was still a baby instead of the standard diaper bag I carried.

This is such a versatile bag, especially with seven outside pockets.  It works as a diaper bag, cleaning bag, organizing bag, and the one I love most of all--STAMPING BAG!  I have room for everything so I can cart my project upstairs to the kitchen table or keep it together downstairs.

If there is a crafter on your Christmas list that seems to have everything, maybe they don't have one of these yet.  Ho ho ho!

Click on the Thirty-One link under Recommended Links to shop on my website.

Let's Get This Party Started

Who loves to stamp?  I do! I do!  Who loves bags and purses?  I do! I do!

Welcome to Stamps and Sacks!  This will be a weekly (or sometimes more often) updated site with projects, pictures, ideas, suggestions, and sometimes just random thoughts.  I hope you find it entertaining and inspiring.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I tend to pause a little more and consider what I'm thankful for--the list is extensive.  Why not send a card to some close friends or family members just to let them know they're on your list?  I realize Christmas is coming and you'll be sending cards to the masses, but take some time, maybe after the meal when everyone is digesting or watching football, to send a personal note to someone that can't be with you or to those lucky enough to be in your presence.  Amidst all the chaos, it's nice to know that someone cares.

This is a card idea I got from my upline, but I don't remember where she got it.

Have a super-fantastic-wonerful-terrific day!