Do you ever wonder what you would be doing if you DIDN'T stamp?

[jazzytobi]

Sometimes the money, the space, the time involved, the commitments make me feel like I almost have a second job. I sometimes wonder what I would be doing instead of cutting paper for 4 hours straight for a class I'm teaching the next day, or staying up till midnight to finish a card for a design team commitment after teaching 10 hours of band and choir during the day.

I don't even go there with the whole money thing, except that I could have put a very nice down-payment on a very badly needed new car...

I have just been having a very busy few weeks of personal stuff (choir tours etc...) and the stamping I HAVE to do is getting me down... anyway..

do any of you ever feel this way?

[jazzytobi]

i was going to say, that i think I would be doing more scrapbooking because I used to be really into it, and maybe I would have more time for my music (composing, arranging, singing in the studio), but who knows... I love what I do.

[annie21211]

Sometimes I'm so overwhelmed by all the stuff I "need" I just want to throw in the towel. I don't because I love it and would miss it. I used to scrapbook and I think I would scrapbook more if I didn't stamp. Scrapbooking sure is cheaper than stamping for me--I'm a very simple scrapper. I'm a big reader too and I would probably put my stamp money towards more books and clothes.

[Ruby-dooby-doo]

I honestly can't remember what I filled my spare time with before I got addicted to stamping! But I probably watched more TV and read more books for starters! Luckily my card sales help pay for all the crafty goodies I buy. I feel for you though having to stamp and prepare stuff for deadlines - I definately do not enjoy card making when I HAVE to do it, it just becomes a real chore!
Hope you manage to find a few spare minutes for yourself!

[TriboHearts]

Hi, I don't really have days when I feel that I am compelled to stamp. There are those times when a Birthday Card is due, or the Holidays are quickly approaching and I am not finished with my cards, then I feel the need to stamp, but other than that, I do it for the enjoyment of it and the pleasure that it gives me.

There are those days when I do not feel like stamping, don't have any stamping idea's in my head. On those days I will crochet, or paint, or quilt, or scrapbook, or do any of the many other hobbies that I love. Not a day goes by that I am not doing one thing or another. I am just that way, it pleases me and relaxes me. Plus most of what I make is for someone else, and I enjoy thinking of that person and how happy the gift or card is going to make them.

Have a happy stamping day!

Trish in Wisconsin

[20something]

Stamping is the only thing that keeps me off the streets...


just kidding ;)

[53queenbee]

Ah! That's my saying too!

I'd be quilting which is far more expensive and more time consuming.

[TriboHearts]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 53queenbee

Ah! That's my saying too!

I'd be quilting which is far more expensive and more time consuming.

I'll second that! I can't begin to tell you how much my quilting stash is worth.

Have a happy stamping day!

Trish in Wisconsin

P.S. Sorry to go "Off Topic"

[mpharis]

I think most people spend their free time in front of the boob tube!

[Ldyglfr62]

I would read more or play golf more. I already stamp and watch tv at the same time.

[Cook22]

I wouldn't like to feel that I HAD to stamp, I think that would spoil it for me.
If I spent less time making cards, I'd get more knitting and embroidery done, and more music. I can knit in work, which helps me keep on top of any projects on that front, but I can't exactly bring my flute in, let alone the piano.
Survived without television for over twenty years now...although it was great when DVD drives for computers came out, so we could make up for all the years we couldn't even watch videos.

[steubner]

I'd have a whole lot less clutter in my piano room...(that's what it was known as BEFORE it was my stamp room). I'd also have less vacuuming to do because there wouldn't be the paper backing of dimensionals all over my house...

[willosmama]

I am most certain I would have a cleaner house. And would probably be a ton more organized! however, I am sure that it's still a bit cheaper than therapy!! ;)

[stamp luvr]

Hi Tobi, at least you're making some money at this! All I do is spend! I guess I would be still cross stitching and playing my harp if I wasn't at this. I'm still trying to finish a very large scrapbook. It is 2 volumes now and probably going to be three. I'm wishing it were finished. Then I could start another one and buy more stuff :mrgreen: LOL!!

[kitty14]

I don't know what I would be doing but I know I would have a lot more money and space! And a LOT less stuff to pack when I move!:twisted:

[diane speed]

I've been stamping for about 2 years.I started just after a changed from full time to part time job ( i don't have children or grandchildren to milk all my money!). When i worked full time my house was spotless,my laundry was always done ( no kids don't forget) and i used to cook more. I took up cardmaking because i fell for the old "it's cheaper to make your own " line. I've been out of pocket ever since, and i would probably be in bed by now, i work in a newsagent and i have to be up at 5.45 AM.

[Phantom]

I'd probably be reading more - looking into a Kindle2 to help with that!

And although I've never scrapbooked, I'd be making more progress organizing my daughter's photographs which may lead to photography as a hobby. I'd also probably have other artistic pursuits - like painting - but I think stamping really has awakened that desire in me, so there's some synergy there.

I naturally do less stamping during the summer anyway ~ too much to do outside. And we have a dog now, so there will be activities when the weather warms up!

Interesting thread - some fun answers and also makes you stop to think. I actually haven't been able to stamp a lot lately and miss it, although stepping back has been good, too.

To jazzytobi, I wouldn't like all the pressure either. Good for you that you are having classes, etc., but hope it doesn't stress you out too much. We all need to learn balance - me included!

[3 Little Love Bugs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 20something

Stamping is the only thing that keeps me off the streets...


just kidding ;)

Hilarious!!!!:mrgreen:

[3 Little Love Bugs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phantom

I'd probably be reading more - looking into a Kindle2 to help with that!

And although I've never scrapbooked, I'd be making more progress organizing my daughter's photographs which may lead to photography as a hobby. I'd also probably have other artistic pursuits - like painting - but I think stamping really has awakened that desire in me, so there's some synergy there.

LOVE my Kindle2!

If I wasn't stamping I'd have cleaner floors, cleaner rooms, cleaner kids..I might be cleaner myself!! My kids would never be hungry, dinner would be made every night, and of course, I'd be primped and look stunning every day!!! HA!!! Gotcha!!!!

On a more realistic note, if I wasn't stamping the money and time would go towards the kids, the house, and my DH's business. And I'd be crabby. :-D

That being said I lost my mojo last fall and keep waiting for it to come back. :(

[Gatomom]

I definitely would read more....although I can't imagine not stamping although lately life has been a bit overwhelming ad I haven't found as much time to stamp as I would like and that actually stresses me out. I find it very relaxing, I love to throw a movie on and stamp away.

[diannep575]

Maybe clean the house

[askagain]

Quote:

Originally Posted by diannep575

Maybe clean the house

Naaaahhhh.....

[Joan B]

I'd have less money as my insurance only covers so many days of therapy.

Apparently stamping tames the "noise" inside my head and all agree it is the best solution!!!

[frankie]

I'd just be doing what I already do when I'm not stamping . . . I'd work on my scrapbooks, knit or do some quilting.

[sewnmachine]

Oh geez.... if I wasn't stamping I would be....

playing the piano, playing the guitar, playing the Irish whistle and singing folk songs. If I wasn't doing that I would be trying to work down my fabric stash - quilting, home dec and garment sewing...... if all of the above crapped out, I would be crocheting and reading............and then I'd read through all of my Tarot Card decks to see what the heck my problem was.

There seriously aren't enough hours in the day. And I watch little to no television. But then there is this dastardly addiction to SCS and shopping online for all the goodies I don't need.

[creatingisfun]

probably spending my money on something else lol.

[isewquilts2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TriboHearts

I'll second that! I can't begin to tell you how much my quilting stash is worth.

Have a happy stamping day!

Trish in Wisconsin

P.S. Sorry to go "Off Topic"

Trish, I think we are twins separated at birth.
I giggle when I buy something stamping-related--I just think "a yard of fabric would have cost me TWICE this much!" Not to mention my two Berninas.

My quilting stash is unspeakably more expensive than my stamping stash. BUT I DON'T CARE--my cards are a quick artistic "fix", much quicker than a quilt. I know my cards get tossed--but if someone tosses out one of my handmade quilts, no jury in the land would convict me if I killed the offender!

[mama2oliviamae]

Laundry. That's what I'd be doing.

It's actually noticeable how much more behind I get in laundry since taking up stamping a year ago.

[sparkplug17]

I'd probably read more...cook more...and clean more, lol. I use to cross stitch, so I'd probably still do that if I didn't stamp.

I use to buy lots of clothes, purses, and lattes...so if I hadn't replaced that with stamps and paper, I think I'd still be down that road.

[jazzytobi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparkplug17

I use to buy lots of clothes, purses, and lattes...so if I hadn't replaced that with stamps and paper, I think I'd still be down that road.

you know, this reminds me of what my life was like BEFORE stamping and I spent A LOT on shopping.. that was my hobby... so maybe I wouldn't have more money!? :rolleyes:

[LateBlossom]

Reading, cleaning, writing, scrapping, and, um, reading. I used to read A LOT. Now I stamp a lot, even though I still read more than most people I know.

[stampencamper]

I would probably be cleaning house, so boring though and reading.
I am mostly retired, so I shouldn't be spending as much on this hobby.
Have you asked yourself if you can stay away from this site, can you ignore your
stamping for a month; if you can, maybe you're not that obssesed. I can't.
I'm preparing for company for Easter, and I need to, every few hours, check into the computer and am wanting to get back into stamping and I haven't done it for 10 days now; but am getting more organize, which I really find more rewarding. Now, I
just need to learn to do both, spend less and use more of my old supplies.

[StampingShawn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joan B

I'd have less money as my insurance only covers so many days of therapy.

Apparently stamping tames the "noise" inside my head and all agree it is the best solution!!!

I'm right there with you. Stamping is my therapy as well as my get-away from it all.

[wendykins]

I would be doing one of the hobbies I gave up for stamping and SCS!
Scrapping, sewing...

Now, another thread should be about what would you be doing if you didn't spend so much time on SCS
I would be stamping more!

[KathiR]

Substitute the word "room" for "stamps" to follow the word "rubber" and you'll know where I'd be.

The house wouldn't be cleaner. I am a lousy housewife, though I'm cooking more often and healthier food than ever (silly diet).

I'd probably be reading a more and being an even bigger "helicopter mom" than I am now.

[jor]

I'm a hobby demo and my best customers are my mom and me! I don't hold classes, so all the stuff I buy is just for me.

I know what I'd be doing if I weren't stamping. Doing cross-stitch and/or reading. I still do both of those things, but now there is competition to do three things. Housework has never been high on my agenda. I know it should be. . .

[mtgchic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LateBlossom

Reading, cleaning, writing, scrapping, and, um, reading. I used to read A LOT. Now I stamp a lot, even though I still read more than most people I know.

Me, too! Now I just amass so many late fees at the library that it really is cheaper for me to buy the book. But I love that I now have something to do with my creative side of my mind.

[chispirit]

I do other things besides stamping.
I also like to bead and I like to work with polymer clay.

[debzi333]

Exercise more!! But I'm trying to do that anyway!

[debzi333]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzytobi

you know, this reminds me of what my life was like BEFORE stamping and I spent A LOT on shopping.. that was my hobby... so maybe I wouldn't have more money!? :rolleyes:

What is it that is so enjoyable about spending money??? I am the same - I don't buy nearly as many clothes and stuff - now I buy stamps etc!!;)