The first thing is to develop a rating system for how easy or hard a set of stamps, dies, or the combination thereof is to use to get a similar result as was intended. I think we look at the package OR someone's instagram photo and think oh that's super cute, let me get that. and then you get it and there are quadruple the number of dies in the package than seem reasonable, or you have to have x-ray vision to line up a die with a stamped image or the assembly of the pop up creation requires and engineering degree. If someone is searching for a how to on a particular product, and I've made it stamped it die'd it colored it assembled it, glued, taped, embossed or tied it up with ribbon, I can at least tell you how hard it was to do that. And if it turns out looking like complete garbage you know that to. That someone with moderate crafting and rudimentary coloring skills ended up with this, and you can just for yourself how much luck you'll have.
The second thing is (OMG I cannot even believe I am going to say this) I'm going to only use what I've got until I have used EVERY die and stamp in my collection at least once starting today. Anything I've made before now doesn't count. I'm not going to buy another die or stamp until I get through at least 2/3 of my current inventory. I can use more than one product per project, but I have to use every stamp on a sheet, and every complete picture die in the package (You know how sometimes they give you dies that will cut the wing separately or the eyes or whatever, I don't have to use those to still meet my goal). I should have enough paper to last me ooo, until 2025. Except maybe white card stock, and my rules say I can buy more of that if necessary. AND I get three subscriptions each month. The Simon Says Stamp, the Tonic and the Alte & New Build a Flower sets. I can still keep getting those. And if my marker or stamp pad runs out I can get a new one or the reinker. Instead of being a collector of crafting items, I want to be a USER of crafting items. Because what is the point of having it all if I just put it in cute bozes on cute, well organized shelves and that's what I spend time on? Not using it? I might as well have bought Beanie Babies.
And of course, it didn't happen if it's not on the internets so I have to tell you about it here.
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