Tuesday, February 26, 2008

What's in your Collection?

What stamp companies do you buy from? I was actually posting this as a thread on Embellish Online's forum... but thought it was be a great blog topic as well. Just running down a mental list of what I *think* is in my studio and my general thoughts about these companies...



Stampin Up - I've been buying their stamps for the longest amount of time, so they make up almost half of my collection. I love the quality of SU and the wonderful sets they put together. I have to admit that I haven't been adding as many of these sets to my collection since I dropped my demo status 6 months ago.



My Favorite Things - I bought a bunch of these sets before I joined the design team, but since joining I easily have as many sets of MFT stamps as I have SU now! MFT has a fanstatic collection of stamps for all occasions - I particularly love the "Who's that girl?" line (yeah, those are the headless ones!), but there are also some adorable kid's sets and all occasion sets.



Papertrey - I have about 7 papertrey sets - love them, but haven't purchased any lately 'cause I've been so into other lines such as...



Lizzie Anne Designs - I've had their Shapes & Stitches set for ages and I use the zig zag stitch all the time. I just added a bunch of their spring release sets. Love that they are rubber, but used on acrylic blocks. I don't think they stick very well though so I coat the back with Multi Mono and let it dry so it's removable.



Gina K - Is a relative newcomer to my stamping arsenal - but I have been buying a set or two from each of her new relases. She has really cute images that are perfect for coloring (I love coloring!!) paired up with really great sayings & sentiments! These sets are red rubber to mounted on cling foam - they stick great to acrylic blocks.



Fancy Pants - I have a couple of the large FP sets. These sets are so huge that can easily count as 2-3 "normal" sets! Out of the FP sets, Pollen Dust is my favorite because of the cute flowers and nice flourishes. These are clear stamps to mount on acrylic blocks.



CTMH - I have about 7-8 sets from CTMH. I was in a monthly club about 2 years ago, so I collected a bunch a stamps. I like the sets but find that I hardly ever use them - I wonder why? I haven't seen any of their new catalogs, so I don't even know what in their current line.



Basic Grey - I'm a HUGE fan of Basic Grey paper!!! I'm still deciding how much I like their stamps though. I have 2 sets (Heart Smudge & Winterland) and have used both of them quite a bit for background stamping. These sets seem to be steered more toward the scrapbooking stamper than the cardmaking stamper. I do LOVE the dinosaur stamps in the new Archaic line though and plan on buying those!



Green Grass Stamps - I was absolutely IN LOVE with their fun images when I discovered them about a year ago. I have almost all of the sets and have used them quite a bit. My all time favorite is Li'l Monsters. I'm kinda disappointed that they haven't come out with new sets in ages though!



Crafty Secrets - I have 3 of their sets that I've nearly forgotten about! I theory I love these sets... I like vintage, distressed, shabby chic things, but for some reason I just can't get them to look good for me. I may have to dig them out and give them another try!



The Cat's Pajamas - I have 3 of these sets and think they are the cutest things!! All 3 sets are their clear Xmas sets... so you'll only see them at Xmas. I know they released some new sets not too long ago that were just adorable!! The dog in the clearly swanky sets is so cute!




Hero Arts, Stampendous, Inkadinkadoo, Amuse, CHF & Others - I don't usually buy stand alone stamps... I'm a matched set girl! I only own 1 or maybe 2 individual stamps from these companies.



Bellas, Elzybelles, TAC, and many more... Don't own a single stamp from these companies - not that I don't like them.... I just haven't taken the plunge yet. My LSS did just send an email saying they'll be carrying Elzybelles... so that may change! What other lines do you like that I haven't even mentioned?



Sorry for this LONG post... I didn't realize I had so much to say about stamps - lol! I'd love to know what your stamping collection is made up of.... what are your favorite "small" companies? Are you a SU only stamper? Share your details in a comment below. Don't forget about my new forum - if you have a question you'd like to ask me just post it in the forum and I'll get an answer to you as soon a I can! You'll need to register, but it's quick & easy - visit the forum on Embellish Online


One LAST thing... I just posted a One Sheet Wonder Challenge in my forum - take a peek HERE.... it should be fun!


Thanks for reading and sticking with this 'til the end!

22 comments:

Tami in OH said...

Although I am about 95% Stampin' Up! as I am a demo, I not too long ago absolutely fell in LOVE with the Bellas and ordered a bunch of those girls to add to my collection. I also just placed an order with a company that has been advertising on SCS (can't remember the name) and I would love to get some Tildas and Nellies but haven't made the plunge yet! :) I have so many different SU! stamps I guess I don't really have a "need" to pursue those yet! LOVE your blog and your creations! :)

Anonymous said...

Interesting assortment of stamps. I haven't heard of a few of the companies, so I'll have to check them out. I have two comments for you:
1) WHAT - no bellas????? I'm in shock!! You need at least one!!!
2) What about Cornish Heritage Farms? They have awesome backgrounders, among other things. :)

Alhambra Club said...

I love the whimiscal Whipper Snapper stamps, just wish they would come unmounted, I have converted all my wood stamps to cling, also like Missy B Designs, they have some really cute sets. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

A-Muse has some sets. I just ordered two... a cafe mocha set and something else with owls. Yeah, I forgot what the rest were, cute, but forgot. I was too into the owls. After my first owl stamp from SU (from the March mini) I am going to buy all the cute owls I can get, ha!

I love your work :D

Anonymous said...

Had to add a link for the bella that you *need* to buy!
http://www.stampingbella.com/index.php?cPath=23&sort=3a&page=2&osCsid=445bead71ca5d6615b4e8fcf9195274f
(see "fashionistabella") - I know you use to own a clothing store - so she seems perfect for your first bella! :) I'm in no way affiliated with Stamping Bella - it's just that her stamps make me happy! :)

Anonymous said...

Being a SU demo, 90% of my stash comes from them. I just purchased 2 CTMH sets and have 4-5 PTI sets. I really love the acrylics, but can't part with my SU ones becasue of the quality. I read about some of the acrylics not being good quality, but not really sure which companies they are referring. I have a few single stamps, but don't use them often.
CindyLouWho2

Chris Scrappin and Stampin in Texas said...

You have hit almost all the stamp companies I have bought, but Flourishes & Hanna Stamps. I love their stamps too. Only a short year ago, I had ONLY SU sets. I too like they have a complete set..and thought I would never go clear..Paper Trey is another set, I like, but have not bought more lately. My absolute favorites {at this time}are MFT sets, Hanna's & Elzybells. I have a 13 year old daughter, so Hanna's and Elzysbells remind me of her. I love the versatility of the MFT stamps, and have come to absolutely LOVE clear sets..I have a few Whipper Snapper and Cornish farms stamps too...but I love to be able to make scenes..and MFT lets me do this..

Anonymous said...

I have mostly SU stamps, but have accumulated a HUGE amount of the stamps you mentioned in your post. I also really like the whimsical images of Pink Cat Studios (Canadian oompany with AMAZING shipping time - I ordered on a Monday, had them by Thursday). Verve Visual also has beautiful images and very versatile, too. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE CHF backgrounders, too!

Tricia T said...

I have a number of SU sets that I haven't been able to part with, but I'm loving the newest TAC sets, and the little Penguins from CC Designs. I just bought the Gina K diabetes set & love it. I haven't bought acrylic yet because I love the quality of stamping with rubber. I have one Whipper Snapper, but it isn't etched as deeply as I'm used to, so I don't think I'll get many more of those. Bellas & Hanna aren't my style, but I am saving up to get a Magnolia (Tilda) stamp or two! Great blog topic!!

Nicole Steele said...

I have tons of SU as I am a demo but I also have tons of CTMH. I first saw them about 8 years ago and thought they were too cutesy. Then I saw an ad this past September and a local demo gave me a catalog - WOW!!!! I will sheepishly say that I wish I was a demo with them instead of SU. I like SU but CTMH is more my style (especially since I love to scrapbook, too).

I also have stamps from Club Scrap. I received their monthly kits for a couple years until I had my 4th baby. I figured I wasn't going to be scrapping enough to use the kits up. I miss them dreadfully, though! My youngest is now almost 3 so it might be time to start back up again...

Juanita B said...

Here are mine, SU, Impression-Obsession, Papertrey, Lockhart, BELLA'S, American Art, CHF, MFT, TAC, Hero Arts, whipper Snapper, Rosie's Road Show, Technique Tuesday, and Flourishes. I know there are others but I just can't remember them right now, LOL.

Have a great day and TFS.

mnhyrkas said...

my fav site for humourous stamps- river city rubber works.

Connie Carpenter Macko said...

I have mostly SU! (i'm a demo) but I love the bellas, sassafrass lass (OWLS!), fancy pants, river city, lockhart... now that I know the MFT headless ones are called "who's that girl" it all makes sense! LOL I want some clear art & papertrey too!

stampqueen said...

Oh my gosh - I have been stamping for 15 years and have so many companies - Stampin Up, Outlines, Holly Berry, Hero Arts, Stampendous, Bella's, MFT, CHF, Rubber Nature, Alexstamping, Stampscapes, CTMH, Starving Artiststamps, Stamps on Fire, Auntie Amys, After Midnight, Another Stamp Company - and at least 5 companies that are no longer on the market, and a few I am sure I forgot.....
Wow - once I start listing...
Tera

Diane said...

I enjoy the SU collection,I am not a demonstrator.Love the variety they have,the dp,all the accs too!
I just started buying other companys,like Hannah,Pink cat studio,Verve visual. There is just too many out there to buy,a girl just can't keep up anymore.!!

Anonymous said...

Hi, Michelle! I have a few TAC, SU and MFT, but mostly CTMH since I became a consultant in September. You can look at our new catalog online now, so you actually don't need a copy! Feel free to check it out under "Products" www.deborahyoung.myctmh.com. I am in love with the new "Make It Count" set. I just got some new stamps from the SU Stampaganza which should be here next week as well!
Deb

java diva said...

I think we have very different taste, I am not a fan of any you listed (but SU and PT of course), but I LOVE Inque Boutique stamps!! So many and so affordable! Plus Kathleen S is soooo sweet!

Recently I was introduced to October Afternoon (thanks, Tara), so I see a few stamps of theirs in my possession in the near future.

Shelley said...

WOW! You must have quite a large collection of stamps. I love SU too, but I've been buying acrylic stamps, I wish they make them too.

Rose Ann said...

One of my favorites that you didn't list, is Flourishes. They have some very elegant stamps, and a super design team!

Elaine said...

I adore all the ones you listed, and can add:

Rubber Soul
Memory Box
Karen Lockhart
Bellas
Sugar Nellies
and Magnolias from the UK

What a fun topic!

Elaine said...

Add those little bees by Stampendous...they're sooo cute!

Mona Lisa said...

Flaxy! We have lots of sets now girl friend. :) Get your butt over there and check 'em out honey. Hope you are well. Hugs!!

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin