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Post by moraie on Dec 2, 2016 6:59:57 GMT
Does anyone else ever look at your supplies and think about how long they would last?
Earlier I was downloading my designs from the Silhouette store sale. I've had a sub for several years, and I try to maximize my credits with sales. That said...I have 14,290 designs right this second, plus the fonts I've accumulated.
So...do the math:
If I used 3 designs per layout, I could make 4,763 layouts. If I made one layout a day EVERY day...it would take me over 13 years to use all my designs.
I started to wonder how many mats and blades I'd need in those 13 years, and then started laughing because I've really been thinking about getting a Cricut for the Disney and Heidi Swapp cartridges, and suddenly that felt a little silly.
So..DH heard me laugh, and asked what was up. I told him.
Him: Yeah...you're what we call a H-O-A-R-D-E-R.
Me: Nah...pixels don't count! It's not like you've ever found a cutter design stuck to your ass when you've gone potty, or lost in the fridge, or under your pillow.
Him: Um...yeah. How many background stamps do you own? And how many did you just buy on Black Friday?
Me: Um...maybe 30 or 40, and about 80 ordered total between the different places, but--
Him: So...you own 120 background stamps that at their cheapest need to be used 3-4 times each to equal a piece of patterned paper. 120 stamps, 1 per day is 4 months. Using them 4 times each so you can justify the cost is 16 months. Are you gonna promise not to buy another stamp for 16 months til you use the ones you have or...just admit you're a hoarder?"
You ever do the math on your supplies?
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Post by iheartpaper on Dec 2, 2016 7:15:03 GMT
I'll just admit I'm a hoarder!
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Post by moraie on Dec 2, 2016 7:31:31 GMT
I'll just admit I'm a hoarder! The next Black Friday is only 12 months away. Just sayin'. |
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Post by iheartpaper on Dec 2, 2016 7:39:05 GMT
I really think I could scrapbook the rest of my life and never need anything but albums, sheet protectors and adhesive. I think I could make it without buying those items for a couple of years.
I always say that my scrapbook supplies cost about what a small SUV would, but really...I don't know. I go through buying phases. Like the binge that is otherwise known as Black Friday. If it's not a real bargain, I pass, so most of my ginormous stash comes from Tuesday Morning, warehouse boxes, huge sales and LSS yard sales. I'm always a few months or more behind the current collections for that reason. I know all about what is new, trending, etc, but I just wait until I find a really good deal.
I scrapbook in bulk, so I love doing it this way. Last year I made eight memorial albums after my MIL passed in September. I had them ready for Christmas, 496 pages, and never needed to buy a thing. That doesn't mean I didn't buy anything, cause I did!
Right now I'm working on a 12x12 album for my sister, a 11x8.5 album for my mom and a 5.5x8.5 for each of my sisters three kids. I need to have them done by Christmas and I still have over 100 pages to go...crap! Plus I have ongoing Christmas albums for them and my three kids. So I scrapbook in bulk. Not matchy, matchy...but tons of pages. I love it. That doesn't count all the projects that are started, either.
I don't buy stamps anymore, and my dies and punches are basics I can use again and again. Love dies! I had a cricut a million years ago, but I don't do electronic die cutting. I know that tools and mixed media is not really my thing so I buy paper, alphas and embellishments.
I love to scrapbook. It brings me joy. But I need to be on a freeze for awhile. I'll unfreeze when they have a LSS yard sale, but I really hope there are no warehouse boxes for awhile cause that will be hard to pass up!
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Post by iheartpaper on Dec 2, 2016 7:39:27 GMT
I'll just admit I'm a hoarder! The next Black Friday is only 12 months away. Just sayin'. So true! |
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Deleted
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May 17, 2024 11:41:02 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2016 8:03:17 GMT
I use to do the math but I stopped. A wise man I married told me men spend more on tools than us girls.  Ladies go to your husbands garage or workshop and look at all the tools and doodads he has and I bet he has only used it once. My husband is famed for buying a wrench because it can do one thing. He came in the other day with a tool and I said "I never seen that before." He said he bought it when we got married. Married?!!! We have been married 21 years, lol. That tool is now finally getting some use. Too funny. My motto is that I am a Scrapbooking Pirate and my things are treasures. I have treasure chests full of pretties in my room. You have to admit we all want treasure chests of pretties. |
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Post by Delta Dawn on Dec 2, 2016 8:13:11 GMT
I kept all my receipts from Michaels and online shopping in an envelope and I don't know which year or how many years but the volume of receipts is staggering. Yeah, but it's cheaper than therapy!
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Post by pas2 on Dec 2, 2016 9:05:44 GMT
I have the satisfaction of knowing that even if I shop every week I still haven't spent a fraction of what my DH spends on his hobbies. I also have the satisfaction that what I make will be around and enjoyed by the whole family for a long time, not just a once and done thing.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Dec 2, 2016 11:04:06 GMT
My motto is that I am a Scrapbooking Pirate and my things are treasures. I have treasure chests full of pretties in my room. Love that! I don't do all the math, but when shopping, I do keep the 1 use per dollar spent rule in my mind. I also buy most of my rubber stamps at thrift stores, and the $1.50 bin at Michael's. So, I haven't spent more than $2 on a stamp in a very long time. All my dies are pretty basic, and I have been using them for years. |
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by kitbop on Dec 2, 2016 12:25:23 GMT
I haven't thought of it that way but I know I won't run out I have started added up cost in my head And I stop at my stickers Because it's way too depressing and makes me think I should stop! But, as a wise person put it: Yeah, but it's cheaper than therapy! |
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Deleted
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May 17, 2024 11:41:02 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2016 12:28:39 GMT
I use to do the math but I stopped. A wise man I married told me men spend more on tools than us girls. Ladies go to your husbands garage or workshop and look at all the tools and doodads he has and I bet he has only used it once. My husband is famed for buying a wrench because it can do one thing. He came in the other day with a tool and I said "I never seen that before." He said he bought it when we got married. Married?!!! We have been married 21 years, lol. That tool is now finally getting some use. Too funny. My motto is that I am a Scrapbooking Pirate and my things are treasures. I have treasure chests full of pretties in my room. You have to admit we all want treasure chests of pretties. I sell tools and they design them that way--to do one thing!! Being a professional mechanic is extremely expensive! But in the men's defense, we sell tools designed to make their job easier and therefore their time more productive. Now none of that applies to Home Depot or lowes tools. That's for the home joe fix it. So go crazy on scrapbook stuff! Of course I can't use that excuse for scrapbook stuff because my hubby doesn't need tools! lol I keep trying to force mine to get a hobby but he resists. He used to collect guns (and spent a pretty penny) but that was before my time. When I get a package I tell him it's pretty stuff to make me happy and he leaves it alone. I don't do jewelry or the hair salon, I wear cheap makeup and don't do my nails. Scrapbooking and lularoe are my outlets. And the occasional Vera Bradley bag! |
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cbscrapper
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,414
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Post by cbscrapper on Dec 2, 2016 13:15:59 GMT
I'm not a hoarder, I'm a COLLECTOR and there is a lot to be said about the joy of ownership. I am willing to part with items once I find I no longer like them or need (want) them, which is not the case for hoarders. Plus, I don't have any garbage or dead cats strewn among my supplies (but I do have my secret candy drawer with chocolate hidden from the rest of the family). I really have two hobbies: 1. collecting scrapbook supplies 2. scrapbooking |
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Post by nicolenowosad on Dec 2, 2016 13:42:28 GMT
I don't even want to do the math. Then I have to admit I have a problem |
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oaksong
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Jun 27, 2014 6:24:29 GMT
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Post by oaksong on Dec 2, 2016 13:45:05 GMT
My new motto is Don't Do the Math!
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Post by scrapaddict702 on Dec 2, 2016 15:17:17 GMT
I am a hoarder. I haven't done that math, but every once in a while I guesstimate how much I have spent on supplies and know that I probably could have funded a high end kitchen remodel or bought a vehicle outright with it (maybe both soon)...I don't like that math. Instead...I like to focus on the joy that I feel being surrounded by the product that I have purchased. I feel MUCH better thinking about it in those terms than I do monetary ones.
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Post by scrapaddict702 on Dec 2, 2016 15:18:55 GMT
I'm not a hoarder, I'm a COLLECTOR and there is a lot to be said about the joy of ownership. I am willing to part with items once I find I no longer like them or need (want) them, which is not the case for hoarders. Plus, I don't have any garbage or dead cats strewn among my supplies (but I do have my secret candy drawer with chocolate hidden from the rest of the family). I really have two hobbies: 1. collecting scrapbook supplies 2. scrapbooking My hobbies are similar: 1. Shopping for supplies 2. Organizing and displaying said supplies 3. Actually using them |
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Post by mikklynn on Dec 2, 2016 16:32:13 GMT
Denial is my friend...
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Post by justjac on Dec 2, 2016 17:32:51 GMT
It might be time for me to do another freeze. A few years ago a group I belonged to did a freeze challenge: 100 layouts or 6 months whichever came first. I might have to start that in January; although, the crop I attend in April will be a big challenge. I do like the image of me as a pirate with treasure chests.
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Post by anniefb on Dec 2, 2016 19:04:08 GMT
I haven't thought of it that way but I know I won't run out I have started added up cost in my head And I stop at my stickers Because it's way too depressing and makes me think I should stop! But, as a wise person put it: Yeah, but it's cheaper than therapy! Totally agree. Scrapping and card making is what keeps me sane. |
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sophikins
Full Member
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Aug 30, 2014 15:12:27 GMT
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Post by sophikins on Dec 2, 2016 19:15:22 GMT
Many years ago Rockester, who had an active scrapbooking blog, posted about how many layouts could be done with however many feet of paper etc.
She also wrote about the "one dollar" rule- that for every page you use a tool, stamp etc. you count as "one dollar", and if you use it up to the cost, then you can feel you got your money's worth.
I have been scrapping since 1996, which I realize is two decades!! I have the room, so I do not purge anything. I've found that many things come around again. Even the older patterned paper comes in handy if the colors are right for a small snippet on a layered embellishment, or paper can be updated with stamping, distressing etc.
My biggest issue is being "afraid" of using up the "good stuff". I have to reminding myself I bought all these supplies to USE, not to SAVE.
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Post by moraie on Dec 2, 2016 19:42:34 GMT
It might be time for me to do another freeze. A few years ago a group I belonged to did a freeze challenge: 100 layouts or 6 months whichever came first. I might have to start that in January; although, the crop I attend in April will be a big challenge. I do like the image of me as a pirate with treasure chests. Wow...I'm not sure I could do that. I wasn't buying much of anything, and just hit a dry spell where I wasn't happy with my work a few months ago. I agreed to make a paid book for someone, and thought it might get me out of my rut, plus give me a little spending money for Black Friday. (It did both.) I did 51 pages in 6 weeks, and lost 6 lbs because I wasn't snacking and I scrap standing. At that pace, I might be able to get 100 pages in 3 months, but I'm also not sure I could keep up that kind of pace. I also used more than 55 Silhouette designs in the book, not counting font-based titles. I even snuck in 4ish designs on 1 page! I put it below. The letters were actually from a cut-set that had 4 or 5 groupings of a few letters each. So the subway art, the large football, the small grass/ball/helmet cluster, and 3 groups of varsity style letters is actually 6 separate paid designs on one page. I had to blur faces b/c it's not my pic...but see...proof I use my pixel stash!!  I might really think about doing the 100 lo/6mo freeze, although honestly, on a day-to-day I don't buy so much. A few times a year, I'll fill out holes in my stash, or do the LSS yard sale. My big stamp splurge is the largest purchase I've made since I bought my Silhouette years ago, and honestly...I could do a lot of scrapping with ONLY my silhouette and cardstock. |
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Post by iheartpaper on Dec 2, 2016 21:14:11 GMT
It might be time for me to do another freeze. A few years ago a group I belonged to did a freeze challenge: 100 layouts or 6 months whichever came first. I might have to start that in January; although, the crop I attend in April will be a big challenge. I do like the image of me as a pirate with treasure chests. Wow...I'm not sure I could do that. I wasn't buying much of anything, and just hit a dry spell where I wasn't happy with my work a few months ago. I agreed to make a paid book for someone, and thought it might get me out of my rut, plus give me a little spending money for Black Friday. (It did both.) I did 51 pages in 6 weeks, and lost 6 lbs because I wasn't snacking and I scrap standing. At that pace, I might be able to get 100 pages in 3 months, but I'm also not sure I could keep up that kind of pace. I also used more than 55 Silhouette designs in the book, not counting font-based titles. I even snuck in 4ish designs on 1 page! I put it below. The letters were actually from a cut-set that had 4 or 5 groupings of a few letters each. So the subway art, the large football, the small grass/ball/helmet cluster, and 3 groups of varsity style letters is actually 6 separate paid designs on one page. I had to blur faces b/c it's not my pic...but see...proof I use my pixel stash!! I might really think about doing the 100 lo/6mo freeze, although honestly, on a day-to-day I don't buy so much. A few times a year, I'll fill out holes in my stash, or do the LSS yard sale. My big stamp splurge is the largest purchase I've made since I bought my Silhouette years ago, and honestly...I could do a lot of scrapping with ONLY my silhouette and cardstock. That is an awesome page...the person must have loved the album. The 6lbs lost is icing on the cake! |
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Post by iheartpaper on Dec 2, 2016 21:17:51 GMT
It might be time for me to do another freeze. A few years ago a group I belonged to did a freeze challenge: 100 layouts or 6 months whichever came first. I might have to start that in January; although, the crop I attend in April will be a big challenge. I do like the image of me as a pirate with treasure chests. I've done a 100 page dash before and loved it. I have to make 100 pages before Christmas...does that mean my current freeze can be over then? It just started Cyber Monday...lol. Although I'll never get the five albums finished if I keep chatting! |
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Post by sarahbee on Dec 2, 2016 21:36:59 GMT
I've never been a fan of math, and now I know why!  |
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amom23
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Post by amom23 on Dec 2, 2016 23:17:59 GMT
Realistically I could scrapbook for the rest of my life and would probably only need to buy adhesive and albums (stocked with PP!). I've given up being concerned about it. So far I've maintained my goal of not outgrowing my small scrap room. I'm more impressed that I still scrapbook after 18 years! Best quote I ever heard was "All hobbies take time and cost money!" |
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PaperAngel
Drama Llama
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Post by PaperAngel on Dec 2, 2016 23:19:10 GMT
Friendly reminder: Math is a four-letter word that should be avoided. Happy (guilt-free) scrappy shopping!
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Post by kikitwo on Dec 3, 2016 2:29:02 GMT
I'm having a SU Christmas. That's all I've asked for and my wonderful family is cooperating, so it's going to be a great Christmas!
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Post by crazy4scraps on Dec 3, 2016 4:20:05 GMT
Nope, I'm just not going there. I have it, I love it and it brings me a lot of pleasure using it or even just looking at it so I refuse to apologize for having it. Other people spend a lot of money on things way more useless and destructive than this.  Having said that, years ago my DH used to rail on and on about the stuff I bought for crafting until the day I got really ticked off and lost it. I blasted back with, "Let's see. If I add up what you've spent on the boat, trailer, snowmobiles, trailer, ATV, trailer, fishing gear, hunting gear, snowmobile gear, trips going hunting or fishing or snowmobiling or ATVing, and the new truck to pull all of those trailers to haul all that stuff, and the gas to power the stuff and the truck--it seems to me that I have a LOT of spending to do if I'm going to ever catch up!" Needless to say, he shut up right then and there and hasn't said a word about it since.  Mission accomplished! |
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
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Post by scrapnnana on Dec 3, 2016 6:03:00 GMT
Do you ask yourself how much you've spent on vacations? On eating out? On movies, plays, alcohol, or any other temporary pleasure? If you're going to do the math for how much you've spent on scrapping, you may as well do the math for how much you've spent on the other things.
Scrapping goodies make me happy. I use them to preserve memories, make gifts, and more. Why should I feel guilty about how much I have spent? It's like asking someone who had just returned from a great trip to Disneyworld if they had done the math for how much their vacation had just cost them, along with all the previous vacations they have taken through the years.
Why is a vacation an acceptable expense but spending money for scrapping supplies is not? Each of the few vacations we have taken since we got married were over within one to two weeks. All we have left of them are memories, which can be best preserved by scrapping them; and my scrapping "treasures" will be enjoyed the rest of my life.
We recently moved to an area where the scrapbook stores are too far away to frequent. All I have is my hoard...um...stash...to "shop" from now. As has been already mentioned, it's cheaper than therapy.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2016 7:23:53 GMT
I sell tools and they design them that way--to do one thing!! Being a professional mechanic is extremely expensive! But in the men's defense, we sell tools designed to make their job easier and therefore their time more productive. Now none of that applies to Home Depot or lowes tools. That's for the home joe fix it. So go crazy on scrapbook stuff! Of course I can't use that excuse for scrapbook stuff because my hubby doesn't need tools! lol I keep trying to force mine to get a hobby but he resists. He used to collect guns (and spent a pretty penny) but that was before my time. When I get a package I tell him it's pretty stuff to make me happy and he leaves it alone. I don't do jewelry or the hair salon, I wear cheap makeup and don't do my nails. Scrapbooking and lularoe are my outlets. And the occasional Vera Bradley bag! Do I ever know about the professional tools being extremely expensive and only doing one thing! My husband is in construction and does automotive work on the side. His tools are crazy expensive. I do love it and support him 100%. I don't blink an eye about it. The other day he was looking at a computer diagnostic thingy for performance cars only and it was in the $3,000 range. He really needs it. It is super important and all the other reasons that were making me laugh. He also does oil painting, quilting and stained glass. I am on the low end of the spectrum for tools, lol. Another thing about selling tools to do one thing. Less injuries. Before my DH built his automotive tool collection he had some horrible injuries trying to use a tool that was similar but not quite right to fix something on a car. Of course the poor car suffered too. |
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Ladies go to your husbands garage or workshop and look at all the tools and doodads he has and I bet he has only used it once. My husband is famed for buying a wrench because it can do one thing. He came in the other day with a tool and I said "I never seen that before." He said he bought it when we got married. Married?!!! We have been married 21 years, lol. That tool is now finally getting some use. 
