Daily Special - Retired Stamp Set Revival - Hedgehog Happiness

Wow, I've been really busy! I love being back to normal!! Today's Daily Special is Retired Stamp Set Revival and the featured stamp set is "Hedgehog Happiness".

I've been debating whether I should sell my retired stamp sets. I've run out of space and because I really don't have the time to use all my stamp sets, they're sitting in the garage collecting dust.

My goal is to use all of the stamp sets I have and perhaps sell them in the near future. I can't seem to part with them. I've on several occasion have thought of selling them but haven't really been able to make that leap.

I believe Hedgehog Happiness was retired in 2004. This is one stamp set that I would not sell. I love hedgehog stamps and this particular set is so cute.

I added a sketch challenge for each card I made so be sure to scroll down and check them out. At the end of each month, I will compile all the sketches that I've created and add a link so that you may view them. I've posted a link yesterday with the compilation of sketches from January and February.

Card #1 detail:

Paper: Ballet Blue, DCWV scrapbook paper

Ink: Prismacolor pencils with Gamsol

Accessories: Organdy Ribbon, Large silver circle brads

I used the slot punch to punch holes on the side and added ribbons. I love the slot punch for this purpose.

Card #2 detail:

Paper: Ballet blue, Brilliant Blue, DCWV scrapbook paper

Ink: Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol

Accessories: Dots, Stripes, and Checks ribbon

Do I spend all day rubber stamping? Actually, I spend approximately an hour or two a day stamping. I wish I could spend more time making cards but there's so many things that go on during the day that I can't seem to devote enough time to what I love doing most.

Do I rubber stamp daily? I typically rubber stamp 5 days a week and take a break once or twice a week. I have a low attention span, therefore I 'm not as productive as I would like to be. Considering I rubber stamp as often as I do, it's amazing how little projects I actually do complete.

My husband is on a business trip right now and when he is away, I usually spend my time making cards. He is very supportive of my hobby but I think he is getting a bit annoyed with the extent of the expense I have invested in my hobby.

Because my husband is a computer enthusiast, he understands the importance of having a hobby and he spends a lot of money tinkering with our computers, building them, etc . . but it is his money so he can pretty much do what he wants to do with it. We have a total of 10 computers in our house. Yes, 10.

My husband is very lucky because his profession is also his hobby. He manages the Western Region of a computer networking company which obviously involves computers. I wish my passion was also my job.

If I had a million dollars, I would invest in opening a rubber stamping and scrapbooking store. It would be so fun.

Speaking of a million dollars. . .the other night I bought a few dollars worth of the Mega Million Lottery tickets. I've never played the California lottery ever and had no clue as to how to play it. I stopped by the convenience store after watching the news. I was motivated to buy a few tickets because right now the jackpot is at $215 million.

To make a long story short. . .when I walked into the convenience store I was the only one in the store. Within 5 to 10 minutes, there were over 25 people in the store asking to buy a ticket. It was funny because half of us purchasing tickets had no idea how to play the lottery.

Did I win the lottery? Nope, not even close. I don't think anyone has won yet so I think I'm going to try it again. Who knows, I may be the next mega millions lotto winner. Wish me luck folks!

Back to stamping. . .with this 3rd card, I used an oval punch to punch a window for the sentiment, I then mounted the cardstock on to a mat using foam tape to give it a 3D appearance.

Card #3 Detail:

Paper: Eggplant Envy, Elegant Eggplant, DCWV Pocket full of Posies Stack Designer PaperInk: Elegant eggplant, Prismacolor Pencils and Gamsol

Accessories: Organdy ribbon, Marvy Oval Punch, Silver Metallic Cord, Metal Sun Charm

As you notice by now, I use scrapbook and designer papers a lot with my cards. I love using them because it creates very pretty backgrounds which takes a lot of stamping to create the same results.

I buy the large stack packs which are less expensive than buying the smaller packs. I haven't purchased any of the Stampin' Up designer papers because I have already way too many papers right now.

You should not limit yourself when it comes to cardmaking. There's no set rules and I think sometimes many stampers feel they have to follow a set of criteria but like any other art, free expression is important. Rubber stamping is not limited to layouts, color, or specific materials.

Feel free to experiment.

Card #4 details:

Other stamp set used: Friends are like Flowers, $1 Michael's stamp

Paper: Green Galore, Lavender Lace, DCWV Pocket full of Posies Stack

Ink: Eggplant Envy, Prismacolor pencils with Gamsol

Accessories: Organdy ribbon

I don't have as many visitors as other bloggers. . .I believe mainly because I'm not linked to other bloggers site. These blog sites have become very competitive and there's a tremendous need for validation. I came across a blogger's post whose site has a lot of readers and she talked about how she constantly checks her counter, where she is listed on the stamping top list, and was feeling pressured to compete with others.

I think many bloggers have lost the very reason why they rubber stamp in the first place. The focus has become who has the most comments, the most readers, where they sit on top listed sites, etc.

I don't want to be caught up in the popularity game - searching who linked my site to their site, where I sit on the top listed sites, etc.

I just want to rubber stamp and blog my work. I enjoy sharing ideas and how much I love the art of rubber stamping.

Women seem to have this need to be part of a group and want to be part of the "in" crowd. I think that's normal. We all want to belong but it shouldn't be at the expense of your self-worth or anything like that. I've never been the sort to want or need that sort of validation. I'm not a loner but I found that as long as I have my husband and my kids, everything else is extra. I feel very blessed that I have the life I do have.

Card #5 details:

Paper: Close to Cocoa, Cool Caribbean Another brown but not sure which color

Ink: Metallic art Pencils, Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol, Cool Caribbean

Accessoris: American Craft Element ribbon, organdy ribbon

Well I've enjoyed making these cards. I think this is the longest blog I've done so far. Anyway, hope you liked the cards.

Until later. . .