Wednesday 28 April 2010

WOYWW 28.4.10

OMG.  After all your amazing comments last week I thought I'd sit down and count up how many stamps I have... luckily that doesn't mean I have to get into all those boxes and drawers and things- I keep a ring binder listing of them (I take it to the shows with me so I don't duplicate... although once at the Craft Barn I bought 2 of the same stamp on the same day - cos obviously I don't log them till I get home.... dohhh!!)

Anyhow, on Saturday I counted them up. Now, bear in mind that boxed sets or sets like the Wendy Vecchi ones that come on a sheet with several on, are listed by the stamp set name not individual stamps and so count as one not the full number .  Are you all sitting down?   The list came to..... 1479... Oh My Bloody Gosh!  I knew I'd got to 1000 some time ago, but..... That's enough to open a shop (not that I could part with them, not even the ones I rarely use - so I'm sorry, but I won't be opening up for business!)

I list them alphabetically by manufacturer, with stamp name and stock code. Luckily for my heart muscles I didn't record how much each one cost, cos it's gonna be a LOT, isn't it....!!!  I could have paid off my mortgage... but not had anywhere near so much fun, obviously, which is what matters, right!
Now, this is a very boring picture, but I've opened the page at Hobby Art cos they were responsible forgetting me into stamping, when they had their shop here in Sutton (sadly no more) so, Jenny and Chris, it's all YOUR fault!!
At the back of the binder I also have things like books and inks and glimmers and things...anything that I don't really need 2 of, basically.
Now, after all that waffle, you're probably thinking, (if you're still here, that is!)-  where's all the stash this week!  What can I swing round to show that I haven't before???  Well, this is another pile of "overflow" stamps that don't fit in the organised units - this is a plastic box I got from WH Smiths and it's not up to the job - the sides keep falling apart (could be something to do with how much I've crammed in....  My fave script stamp is right at the front, in easy reach (this box is to the left of my craft mat/desk on the floor - I don't have to do more than stretch to reach it!!


This is another box of "bits" of ephemera and embellies that I was going to use one day, honest! Not sure why that little bag of ribbons isn't in the ribbon muddle with the rest!

Finally, as this is what's on your WORKDESK Wednesday, what have I been up to this week?  Well, I've started decorating the pages in the Tim Ruler book, (I will blog them all together when it's finished) but here are a couple to tickle your tastebuds!
This is the cover :  some more grungepaper layered flowers by Wendy Vecchi (I don't know what I did before I discovered her stamps!  -well, ok, I had a few to play with, but you know what I mean, lol!)
the large flower does have a light layer of rock candy distress stickles (the bottle was nearly empty) but it's only shiny cos of the flash!  I did blog a sneak preview of this yesterday with details of the colours, etc.

and one of the inside pages:
 Apart from the text (Wendy V) the stamps are Paperartsy.

Now, I'm off for the marathon that is hopping round to see you all - please forgive me if I don't leave a comment absolutely everywhere, but I will get to you!

If you've just chanced upon this and are thinking, what??? check it out here or click the WOYWW logo on the right.

61 comments:

flutterbycrafter said...

Phew! Blimey H, you've certainly got a lot of stamps, and I thought I'd got loads, but you beat me. I absolutely adore that script stamp, what make is it? Thanks for the nosey. xx

Annie said...

Wow wow wow What more can I say? I would be interested to know if you have used all those stamps at least once?
A x

Yvonne said...

Urm , I think I could home some of these stamps! lol , oh well worth a try hey!
Just some amazing art work you have done on your cards .. they are beautiful! Thanks for the nose around x

Jodene said...

I just loved looking at your stash, and your work is beautiful! I don't think I want to count my stamps ... I'd rather remain ignorant then I don't have to lie to hubby. LOL

Tracy Evans said...

I so love coming to visit your desk on the floor. How many stamps, I say again, how many. Mind you I have never counted mine, so think I'd better shut up. Your a woman after my own heart Helen, stamps stamps and more stamps, good on ye!!
I love your favourite script stamp too. Your ruler book is wonderful, you have been busy, just lovely. Enjoyed my visit as always, have a great day, Tracy Evans x x x

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

I Helen, that basked on my desk with the sections is from Dunelm Mill, and it was so cheap, its great your should try one its wonderful for all your bits.

Mandy said...

wow your tim ruler book is amazing! I am still drooling over all your lovely stamps again this week hun!

hugs mandyxx

Chrissie said...

Whoah, maybe I should count and catalogue my stamps too, I think I might lose the will to live, but I might find some stamps I'd forgotten about in the process.
I'm VERY impressed!
Lovely WIP too!
Chrissie

Leanne said...

I don't know what to be more impressed with - the number of stamps that you own or the fact that you have got them all written down!!

Fabulous!

Leanne xx

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I was in shock. I've never known anyone with so many stamps. Since I'm not much of a stamper, the number you have simply boggles my mind. You have more showing in that second picture than I own! You are really lucky.

I just got some grungepaper for my birthday. Never worked with it before and haven't had a chance yet, either. Love that Tim Holtz book you've started. I hope you'll show it finished, soon. They colors are perfect and so is the layout.

Have a happy WOYWW.

Julia Dunnit said...

How marvellous H, you and me both gal - five years ago I pared down my collection from an unmanageable 4000 or so and I miss every one!! Just as a side thingy though - I have paid an extra £8 a year on the house insurance to cover the large number of stamps because when we got to nitty gritty, the replacement value of hobby stuff wasn't going to be near enough - worth considering!
Loving the look of the book, bet you're enjoying it huh.

Sue said...

Oh Helen
that is some stamp collection, bloomin heck, quite scarey when you count up what you have, gorgeous grunge flower, luv'd looking round your stash, have good day, sue,x

Lothian Crafts said...

Wow with so many stamps how do you ever decide what ones to use. You have a very organized system though.

Unknown said...

Counting stamps! Are you mad? I think it is best not to know ... that way ... I will never have enough :0)

Cath said...

That is some stamp collection no wonder you have to have them all written down. Loving the look of the book.

Paige said...

How many!!!!!!!!! and to think that by the set not even counting each stamp! scary scary this hobby of ours :)

Hazel (Didos) said...

WOW I love the flower its stunning, Thanks for letting us nosey at the stash you have, HAzelxox

Esme said...

Wowzers! That's a lot of stamps!! Very impressive!!

Esme xx

Twiglet said...

I love the colours in your work and those stamps, fab!

Lisa said...

Yay, another stamp a holic, have put m stamp storage on my blog this week. Too scared to count mine. I did it a couple of years ago and got to 1000+, so maybe I should count again.....

Spyder said...

keep a ring binder list???Bloody good idea! (I'd lose it tho'!) Oh my giddy aunt no wonder you need a ring binder to remember!! I wonder how manyI have..., not that many! I )(Used to) keep a kind of booklet of all my punches..all the shapes punched out...but I lost that and still bought the same punch! Fabulous working space you have and I reallllly want to have a go with grungepaper
(Lyn)

A Hovel to Home said...

Well done with being a stampaholic .... keep up the good work - loads of yummyness there.

Hugs
Kay

Susie Sugar said...

Helen I love your flower and thar stamp set in the middle of your pile the flourish set of 3 its really nice
Hugs Susie xx

Foil Play said...

Wow - what a fantastic collection! Makes me feel so much better about my own crafty extravagances. Good for you, keep on enjoying it :-D

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

The rule book pages are gorgeous :) love that script stamp
Anne x

jude said...

Im glad someone else has a fetish about rubber...lol!!!just adore your stamps a girl can never have too much rubber!!
Have a great day
judex

Michelle said...

Oh i am impressed at how you've organised all your stamps, but then again, perhaps when you have that amount you really need to be really organised or you'd never find any that you're after!
I love your project the butterfly page is beautiful!
hugs
Michelle
x

Kate said...

OOH love the grungy flower :0)
Kate x

kayc said...

I love the grungepaper layered flowers. Hugs Kathleen x

HeARTworks said...

I am so eager to see what that book will look like! Looking real good!

Diana said...

Holy cow, 1479 stamps?! I don't even know what to do with the 20 or so that I have!

SallyB said...

This WOYWW is brilliant! I used to feel quite guilty about all my stash but now I know that it is NOTHING compared to some of you! Mine is just a drop in the Ocean. All those stamps! phew. I'm still in the lower 3 figures! I might count them now though.

Pam said...

Blimey thats just too organised for me!!! Hugs Pam x

Jan Hennings said...

Now that's a stash that's right up my alley :)

Anonymous said...

Cataloguing?? Do you work in a library Helen?! Far too organised for the likes of me! Love your ruler book cover & page! xx

Debra said...

Great idea with the catalog - but Oh my! over 1400 stamps! How fun! When can we all come over to play?

Deb said...

I started cataloging but gave up, well done! love your grunge flower, it looks amazing, hugs debx

Handmade with Love said...

I love your ruler book that you are working on and I am still in awe at your stamps! Have a wonderful week! Tracey xx

Nicki said...

Very impressed with your stamp cataloguing, and what an awesome collection you've got - how on earth do you decide which one to use?

Nicki, xx

Jane said...

OMG!!!! that is a LOT os stamps!!!
I love your grungepaper flower!

The Crafty Goat Girl said...

Hi Helen, your post did make me laugh, how many stamps? Wow, you certainly have enough to keep you busy for quite a while!

Love your grunge paper flowers too! Its my first time doing WOYWW, and it has been so much fun today popping on over to meet new people. I may have passed you over at The Craft Barn, lol!

Have a super weekend, hugs Heidi xx

ikki said...

Wow, is that some stamp collection!
I can see your reasoning about cataloguing them, do you also list where there are? ikki x

Hello, I'm Vicki said...

i love the ruler book and OMG why do you have that many stamps???? very organised tho, i like that alot!!!

Angie said...

So many stamps and they are all listed ....wow ...and up to date too ...You deserve a medal ...had to laugh about you buying a duplicate before you had logged it.

Andrea - Wales, UK said...

Wow....You must have had writers cramp cataloging all those stamps!!

Loving the ruler book.

xx

Julie said...

Just a few stamps then - blimey!!! I'll be right over to have a rummage and a play! That flower is gorgeous!! Juliexx

Joey said...

Hiya Helen

oh my goodness let me just pick my gob off the floor!!! 1479 stamps!!! lol bet they keep you busy and still not enough eh?! lol

The white bucket is a paint kettle, I use it on my desk and put my scraps in it whilst I craft so I dont have to keep bending down to the bin to put the rubbish in it :O)

Joey.xxx

Penni said...

Wow love that flower, and aren't you organised with your list of stamps. Maybe I should do one, I wonder how many I have.

Hugs
Penni
X

Angela Toucan said...

wowzers - you could start a stamp library.
beautiful looking book

Scrapcat 1 said...

thats a lot of stamps I dread to think how many i have but I'm sure its not that many

Sue from Oregon said...

I don't even want to know how many stamps I have LOL!

Patrice said...

Two of the same stamp on the same day? LOL

Loved looking at all your pics, so interesting. Love that you have your stamps listed - I keep a similar list, with a mini pic of the images next to each set. I do it so I don't have to keep getting up and down and checking them when I need them - just check my list/pics for the image I want. Works perfectly for me.

Lynne said...

OMG soooooo many stamps how wonderful. Love what you are doing with the new PaperArsty ones. Lynne x

Kate said...

And the world stamp hoarding record goes to.............

Lovely grungy flower too.

** Kate **

Tracey said...

Wow, I have stamp envy, love Wendy V, her stamps are on my very long wish list. Love your page.
x

Anonymous said...

Loving how your ruler book is coming along, but loving even more the box with your current favourite stamps in it. IS that two sets of Tapestry stamps in there?

Hugs
Brenda

Mummylade said...

fantastically impressive stamp collection!

Kathy said...

thanks for letting us snoop in your stash! I bet that book is going to look fabulous when done

Lori said...

In the words of Hels, COR BLIMEY! That's a LOT of stamps! lol Your ruler book is coming along nicely, I do so love that color of that rose....

Carmen said...

Helen, I am in shock. Shall I tell you the other end of the scale? I reckon I'm lucky if I own 10 ... well 18 if I count the 8 that are on the 2 sets of Tim stamps I own! *g* I get frustrated at not being able to get a crisp image so it puts me off. I reckon it's something silly like using the wrong ink or something.

I am after some Bombshells though, have been for ages so may pop them down as an incentive reward for one of my weightloss milestones :P

That book looks AMAZING! Can't wait to see it finished.

SDCrafts said...

I love the way some of us show the less-than-tidy bits in almost the same tone of writing that a wavering AA member might use...but it's good! Comforting for all of us.

I am not a Tim H follower but your ruler book is intriguing.