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