First my dilemma ~
I don't submit alot of stuff to magazines mostly because I don't have time but it also makes me mad that most magazines want you to use the latest and greatest stamps following the latest trends. Now, I'm not knocking these trends but some of them just are NOT my style.... I don't do cutesie, I'm not into the kids with gi-normous eyes/no mouth and for the most part I do NOT pile on flowers, ribbons and pearls or gemstones. I know lots of people love these trends but it's just so not me.
I don't feel like I should have to ditch all my old stamps or even new tame/untrendy stamps to get published.
Personally ~ I like the stamps I have (obviously or I wouldn't have spent my hard earned $'s on them!) and would like to use them more than 2-3 times before someone deems them as not worthy any longer. I follow trends and try many new products but as far as my stamps go I like what I like and I don't feel I should have to toss out the old and follow every trend that comes down the pike.
Don't get me wrong...I still buy stamps...lots and lots of them (mostly on sale) LOL!! Actually I've got some that I'm going to be giving away VERY soon ;) Stay Tuned!!
So I'm curious, my question to you is....
What is your opinion on this subject?
Do you keep and use your stamps for years or do you toss the old aside and change with the trend/season?
I am so totally in agreement with you on every one of these comments!
ReplyDeleteOnce I buy a stamp, it usually means I just love the image. And I do not mind using it again and again. I don't think I'll ever grow tired of my old stamps. Often I do like newly released stamps too, but usually I do not buy them right away. If I still haven't forgotten about them a few months later, I'll still have the chance to buy them.
ReplyDeleteFor me there shouldn't exist 'fashion' in stamps...but there are styles I like and styles I don't like...
I keep the same ones mostly. I do have a few new ones every once in a while....but I like the old ones best
ReplyDeleteThis is a tricky one, some of the stamps I have I wouldn't buy now but that is because I only knew how to stamp, colour, cut and stick. I think now there is more options on how to use your stamps. Saying that, there is no way I would throw them away, they just don't come out as often.
ReplyDeleteAND a stamp has to be rubber or clear NOT digi (running off to hide now lol)
I'm with you. I buy what I like. Trendy or not. I use lots of retired stamps. And don't always keep track of the manufacturer of my unmounted.
ReplyDeleteWow-I could have written this! I so agree--especially about the cutsey big eyed kids.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I'm not into the kids, cute stuff, flowers, etc. I use stamps that I like whether they are old or new. The one trend that has finally caught up with me is "vintage". It suits me and my art!
ReplyDeleteDefinately keep your stash of stamps! They are oldies but goodies and can always be used. It is what pleases your eye. Maybe just supplement w/occassional new ones and use them together!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you !
ReplyDeleteI am with you. I DON'T do cutesy! I have many stamps that I have had forever and of course I add to my collection but not by what's popular, by my taste in stamps.
ReplyDeleteSo with you on this!! I don't submit either for the very same reasons! I have a true love of the art and freely mix my stamps and styles... and what the heck is up with the faceless kids??? They just scare the pants off me!
ReplyDeletekeep them all - as you said, I would not of bought them if I did not like them.
ReplyDeletebut it is all about the all powerful dollar, isn't it?, so sad.
Sandra ltb
I totally agree with what you have said and I have stamps that I have owned for decades...which I still like and will use over and over again. I never buy trendy and I don't like to make the same as everyone else which isn't unique. I must say I have discovered clear stamps (since I won them from you thank you again!) and I can "see" why they are so popular...however I am keeping my old wood mounted rubber stamps no matter what. Roni you are so in tune with us the people who create because we love to do so. Fabulous Friday to you dear...
ReplyDeleteI agree-- I don't submit oe haven't even tried for design teams lately seems it is the same ole story-- New is nice but not always beter as a former store owner it killed me ... I like things for what they are if I buy a stamp you are going to see if several times maybe years --I love old papers I laugh and say someday my kids can sell my stash as vintage.
ReplyDeleteThe magazines are marketing tools to
ReplyDelete'show' us the 'new' stuff so we'll want it bad enough to buy it. These companies totally understand human nature...we always want what we don't have. Me...nope, they can't rope me in. I buy what I love and that is pretty much the same today as it was years ago. I will definitely keep it and adapt it. Good ideas are basic as well as timeless. I very rarely even buy a magazine anymore because it's just the same 'new' crap rehashed. There really isn't anything new under the sun and after you've got a few decades under your belt you know the truth of that.
If you'll notice, art based publications use timeless supplies whereas craft based publications use the newest latest product.
Art is about expression and creation primarily. An artist will create even if he makes no money becasue he is promoting his idea, he is expressing himself.
Versus the craft industry which is primarily promoting product with the goal of sellling you stuff...any creativity or self expression comes on the heels of profit.
I was more creative when I had less product.
I keep my stamps and I'm with you, I don't do cutie cards or loads of flowers and such. Maybe you should start a magazine for those of us that don't do the trends...
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with you!
ReplyDeleteAs a member of three DT's, there are images I have to use which aren't necessarily my cup of tea but I consider these to be a challenge!
I do often use lots of layers, pearls and flowers but no more than I use my steampunk/random bric-a-brac bits and grungy distress stuff - just depends on the project and who for, but I really dislike this 'fashion-following' trend in regard to stamps. Some of my favourite stamps are among the first I ever bought and I still use them regularly.
Hugs
Ei
x
I buy what I like and a few favourits are used over and over again. But then I don't do cute (they are too childish for my kid's cards let alone grown-up cards). The scrap/cute people of this world tend to do have this problem because the image seems to be about the only thing that changes with every card they make.They'll probably think likewise on artsy cards. ;)
ReplyDeletei know this is not your current post, but, when i read it, i had to comment- and totally agree!! in fact i have not bought any new stamps for quite some time now, due to the facts that you stated...i don't do cutesie,kids, kittens, etc.
ReplyDeleteamen to you!!i couldn't agree more!
I totally keep my stamps forever. Some I use more than others, but just because they're old doesn't mean they're not used or loved.
ReplyDeleteI'm rigth there with you Roni. I know what I like and I don't care if it's what's in style or not. I do buy new stamps occassionally if I find an image that I like well enough to use over and over again; and then only if it's on sale or I have a coupon. (I work hard for my $ and don't part with it so easily as I did when I first starting scrapping/crafting.)
ReplyDeleteThe magazines want you to use the latest and greatest so they can market the wares of their advertising clients. It's all about how companies can get us to purchase their products. Stick to your guns; you get "published" on your blog everyday and we love your work! That's why we keep coming back. :)
Agree completely!!
ReplyDeleteOpps lol you have opend a hornets nest here Roni I buy a stamp because I like it not because it's trendy I'm an individual not a follower of fashion,grown up stamps for grown up poeple I say and as for the cute kiddies stamps they have their place on cards for children and that's not art
ReplyDeleteBetter shut up ot I'll go on for ever lol
I have my faves and add a stamp (or set) every now and then. Rubber Stamp madness & Vamp Stamp News have great submissions using "vinatge" stamps! LOL
ReplyDeleteThe stamps I buy must be versitle. I have been stamping with some of them for 10 years now.
ReplyDeleteI want an evergreen tree to be able to be a background tree as well as a xmas tree...
I don't do cutesy either.. but I do have a few stamps from years and years ago with little lambs or bears on them. But again they work for baby cards, birthday cards, get well cards.
Throw away a stamp??? sounds like blasphmy to me!! If you buy properly you are buying classic designs... and you should be able to use over and over
I only buy if I like it and know I can use it for years to come. Stamps are all a matter of preference really. Personally I do not care for those ginormous heads with huge eyes and images with huge feet/shoes. I do have some magnolias, but I enjoy coloring those. Their heads arent quite so huge... lol. I enjoy all styles of stamping/scrapping but sometimes I do more of one style... like now, I'm enjoying multi medium inky fun. Trends are nothing but a marketing ploy created by the manufacturers imho.
ReplyDeleteHi Roni -
ReplyDeleteI LOVE my stamps! I have every single one that I have ever bought. I still buy new ones if I like them. I would never stop using my stamps just because the the newest trend dictates.
Elaine Allen
Boy is this ever one of the most commented on questions. I think most of us agree that if we like it we keep it and use it over and over again!
ReplyDeleteOh goodenss I was so excited to read your post and all the comments - I've followed for a while and love your techniques and tutorials...and I am just so pleased that there are so many people out there feel the saem as me..i love my old stamps and though I do buy new ones too, I don't buy them cos they're trendy but because they compliment what i have already and I like them. I am very happy with the development of the vintage trend but really don't get the tall thin big headed/footed figures...and think digis are cheating ! oops...better stop now..sorry for the rant - you got me going! Wish i had time and knowledge to start a 'back to basics, grass roots stamping no cute/trendy stmaps allowed challenge..'!!
ReplyDeleteI keep most of my stamps. I love to change my style and mix them. Besides some cards are meant for people who like sweet, beautiful florals or more traditional stuff, while I like creepy, grungy mixed up collages.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your comments and love that you share these thoughts. Keep up the great blog!
I always prefer to combine my stamps to make my own collages rather than use premade collage stamps, because I get bored easily. I like a few the new stamps -- particularly bats or skeletons with big cute eyes. They work for me.
Please don't throw away the stamps you love. If you don't use them today, I believe you will go back to them. And why not use what you like? For those who like the new stuff, more power to them. For those of you who like other styles, GREAT! I love the diversity and get inspiration from color choices, shading, inks,techniques,embellishments, papers as well as from the stamp images themselves.
I only get commissions for scrapbook pages so stamping isn't a focal point of my projects. However, I've done an article in the past for a stamping mag which we have in the UK, and fortunately they don't make a big fuss about all their designers using the latest stamps. Don't get me wrong - there are always articles using new designs, but generally speaking the emphasis is on techniques rather than new stamp images. I think if you're careful when selecting stamps to buy, you shouldn't ever have to get rid of them - they'll either be ones you love, or really useful images you'll turn to again and again.
ReplyDeleteI love my old stamps. I don't tend to do the trendy stamps. I like classic and vintage images the most. The cutest I get is with floral stamps. Some trendy stamps do become classic after time I think. For example, florishes were once a new trend but now I would put them in the classic categorey.
ReplyDeleteOh, I do love my old stamps (that's why I got them in the first place) and I can't say I have ever tossed any out just because they aren't trendy!! In fact, I wear clothing for years and years, just because I like them!! I do buy new stamps every so often, but they are often in the style of my old ones so I am definitely not on top of the latest and the greatest!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to see so many people agreeing with you on this subject.Ihave all my stamps going back twenty years and with new techniques its surprising how different they can look to when we first got them. I don't do cute either but I have a couple of L.O.V stamps which I use for childrens cards.(They do have proper faces ! )I have occasionally used digi images but I don't class them as stamps. I only buy stamps that I like not because everyone else has them and I usually buy unmounted ones these days. Keep up the good work,love your blog.
ReplyDeleteReally? People get rid of stamps because the image isn't the in thing anymore? I agree with you totally! I have stamps from 1989 and I haven't gotten rid of any of them. I bought them because I liked the image.
ReplyDeleteRoni, you always come up with the best questions and ideas!! You must love to get us all going!! Becuase you do! I have stamps of all kinds that go back to when I started scrapbooking! I don't submit either and for the same reason. I love the fact that others do and appreciate their talents. But it's just not me!! When I make a card for someone, it's a personal thing. So I keep everything!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, and also a problem to me is.... if magazines ask you to make simple creations, so that others can make it easily, because it makes more people want to create the way you do, and of course with the stamps you use! To sell more...
ReplyDeleteI never tend to make things with new stamps, only if I am on a DT... but then you get "paid" for it...so then it's OK...
I saw a comment about digi-stamps - I am not going to hide, they're not stamps, they're just images! You can't even play around with them with inks etc.....
ReplyDeleteI still have every stamp I have ever bought because I love them for what they are and I use them over and over again. I buy new ones too, but I too have my preferences (no cutsies!) and I often wait before getting them. I buy stamps because *I* (emphasis) like them and they fit my style, not because they are fashionble.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your comments!
I love my old stamps as well as the new. I always find that an old one comes in useful to go back to. Sometimes I can combine the old and new on the same project. The only ones I have got rid of are cutesy Christmas stamps, which I sold on Ebay- this meant I could buy some more stamps!!
ReplyDeleteI have stamps that are way over thirty years old. I have stamps from manufacturers that are no longer in business. I have very few modern stamps-some flourishes, but non-cutsie. I feel stamps that are classic in feel can be used in so many different ways. These days if I buy stamps it is usually for a saying or sentiment, or a timeless style of stamp. The older I become, the pickier my taste in stamps!
ReplyDeleteJackie in Alaska
amen.
ReplyDeletei got wrapped up that whirlwind and have come to realize that you have to be true to you. If you like it, stamp it. If you don't, then don't. It's okay. I do wish that more magazines would be more about just the creative process instead of what brand it is and if that product is still available or not.
I keep my stamps. I don't have so much money that I can afford to toss them when they are no longer in "fashion". I pick only images that appeal to me and that I know I can use. In my early days, I did get stuck with stamps that I loved the image, but couldn't think of one thing to do with them. Now, I know -- if I get ideas for cards just by looking at the stamp set, it has to come home with me.
ReplyDeleteI have been stamping since the 1980's. About 3-4 years ago I went thru my stamps culled the ones I wasn't using or didn't think I would use again and sold I them on Ebay. It felt good to find them a new home where someone would use them. Plus it gave me spending cash for items I wanted like nesties, distress inks, etc.
ReplyDeleteHorror's Roni~ the thought of throwing stamps away jolts me to the core. I tend to be drawn to classic shapes and designs so my stamps are always in "style".
ReplyDeleteOld stamps definitely rock! Plus back then old stamps came already mounted and were pricey. Myself, I cannot get rid of them. Personally, 'old stamps' keep designs fresh because every where you look you see trendy. It's nice to combine both, but old stamps rock!
ReplyDelete