Sunday 1 January 2012

Paper ban...

** This post will stay at the top of my blog so I CAN'T conveniently forget! Please scroll down for more recent posts **

We've been out most of today so I've not had chance to make anything, but I thought I'd give this its own 'official' post lol... I've decided to ban myself from buying anymore papers until the New Year!  Eek, I'm scared just typing it! But seriously, I have an obscene amount of paper and I really need to start using some of it up.

Of course, my ban doesn't apply to stamps or dies, or anything else I might fancy tee hee, just paper.  Hmm, if I don't hit 'publish' then I can just forget all about this can't I?!... nope, here goes...


**2nd July update - One whole month into the ban, no cheating and I'm 'coping' ok... buying lots of stamps though lol**

** 19th Nov update - Wow, not too long to go now!  Can you believe I haven't bought any papers since the end of May?!  It's not been easy, but I've got used to it and don't even consider buying papers now - before if I saw something I liked on someone's blog I'd have rushed off and bought it straight away... I don't feel the need to do that now, so hopefully it's achieved something and when the ban is lifted I'll do less impulse buying.  I must admit though, I'm getting SO desperate for that lovely feeling of flicking through a brand new paper pad - I can't wait for January! **

67 comments:

Squirrel x said...

Oh hun, you do make me laugh - but only because I know exactly where you are coming from (having spent nearly an hour on Sunday looking for a particular paper - I was horrified how much I have). I think you are brave to try this, and if you succeed, you may be rewarded ...... ;oD Hugs, Sxx

Jen Nelson said...

Hi Lisa,

I'm on my second month of exactly the same and i'm doing well so far.... now if only i could stop printing digi papers and use the stash i'd be ok

good luck...

jen xxx

Audrey said...

you're so funny! I just did a post like this the other day. good luck! I am having a heck of a time already

Debs M said...

wow i panicked when i saw the title! i however do not have enough and will buy more and think of you:)! x

Anonymous said...

I will be very impressed if you stick to this Lisa. My biggest downfall is papers, just can't resist them. Good luck. Sue x

Kym's Crafty Cards said...

Lisa, it's hard going but I did the whole of last year and a few months into this year just doing that ie using paper I'd bought/been given by people for my cards I make for charity. The only papers I would print off were for my DT cards. It certainly wasn't easy and I nearly gave up on soooooooo many occasions but give it a go. Best wishes, Kym xxxx

The Crafty Goat Girl said...

Hi Lisa, in the words of 'John McEnroe', 'you cannot be serious' lol! How long will it last lol? Good luck with that, I should try it myself, I have 15 12x12 paper boxes, all full. Best of luck keeping purse in bag, hugs Heidi x

Lindsey said...

OK that is brave! I might join you (she types tentatively!) as I have way too much!

Louise said...

Good luck, Lisa :)
Maybe you could share a picture of your paper stash just to shame yourself into sticking with this!! lol x

Anonymous said...

Eeek, what a thought, lol. I keep telling myself this every week but of course I really, really need the new paper I buy. And I justify it by using any winnings to get paper, lol. Wishing you the best of luck.
Jack xx

Vicky said...

OH MY GOODNESS sweetie good luck on that one I've said 4 times this year already....there was once when I didnt buy any for 3 whole weeks.......phew....its never happened since mind & if I'm not buying paper packs I'm getting digi papers lol.
Its that bad now I have a drawer for each paper company how terrible is that.....wow I should really join you on your ban.... I'm not gonna tho sorry shug lol. Paper & rubber are my biggest addictions lol.......altho it takes me weeks to open the packets when I do get them lol.

Lotsa hugs Vicky xxx

Lorraine A said...

DELETE DELETE DELETE !!!! lol :-) good luck with this !!! :-)
A freind ,, new to crafting popped by today and she left with a carload full of stamps and papers !! :-)

luv
Lols x x x

Jenny said...

Good luck with this one Lisa....I think it's unchartered territory he he :)
Jenny x

amanda stokes said...

Oh My Gosh! I felt sick just reading your post pmsl. I'd be absolutely Rubbish at this ban lol ordered 3 new pads the other day not that I needed them lol.They are my absolute weakness.
You're very brave Lisa :)
Thanks for the info on Crafty Devils shall def have to visit ;)
Have a lovely evening xx

Anonymous said...

Best of luck Lisa!
Helen x

Sue said...

Good luck on this one i dont envey you !!!!! i always buy then dont use just keep looking at them har har Luv Sue x

Donna Mosley said...

Hi Lisa, good luck with this one, bet you will find some scrummy stuff at the bottom of your paper stack that's been forgotten. Hope you are all enjoying the half term hun, especially as we have some sunshine now.

Donna x

Jennifer said...

Oh Lisa..you sound like me lol! So many endless stacks, pads, and not to forget my own branch of Papermill under the bed! I don't feel as bad now though since I got my Mum in to scrapbooking last year. I've passed a lot of my 12x12 stash onto her and she's making very good use of it. Trouble is for every sheet I give away, I buy 2 more in it's place!! Like an addiction it is. Anyway....GOOD LUCK!! xx Jenny xx

Jackie said...

Good luck, the longer you do it the easier it becomes! I banned myself from buying paper about a year ago and I still have enough to start my own shop :o)
Jackie xx

coops said...

oh no!!! what will you do when yummy new papers are realeased.i would break out in a cold sweat, hehe.
seriously though, good luck hun.
i`m too weak :D

xx coops xx

rosie said...

no no no Lisa. you must be one determined lady to vow that until New Year. That's ages away!!!
mind you - you said "buy papers" does that include digi downloaded papers? LOL

good luck and no doubt you will prove us all wrong and still come up with magnificent cards x

Nannieflash said...

Oh Lisa we are all in that position and Ive also got a load of cds as well plus downloads. with hugs Shirleyxxxxx

Unknown said...

Lisa, now if you'd said stamps I would've been seriously worried for you! Papers I can do without - I brought some at the Lincoln Sincerely Yours show last weekend, first lot for 3 mths. Stamps are another matter - I have a slight addiction! Best of luck with the resolution - hope you do it. Sarah

Juls said...

good for you Lisa!!! I once put myself on a 6 month spending ban on all craft materials, except essentials like card and adheasive!! my idea was to put a dent in my crafty stash ..... in all honesty It didn't make a noticeable dent at all, however I was very proud of my self control, and Its amazing that in a way it can make you more creative as you look at ways you can use what youv'e got and also there is a lot of fun redescovering forgotten stash ....... and also the first time you go shopping afer a crafty ban is sooooooooo much fun!!!

Wish you all the best for your ban ... I am sure you will manage fine!! and I cant wait to see all the yummy creations you make between now and then!

Hugs Juls

Donna said...

Go you Liz...I admire your stance...hope you've got lots of willpower lol! :) Donna x

Claire said...

LOL Good luck with that one Lisa! I have a huge amount of paper too, which in the scheme of things will never get used anytime soon, but if I see a new paper pack I like, I just have to have it LOL. I do admire you though and wish you the best of luck in ploughing through it. Hugs, Claire x

Little K Smith said...

WOW! Good luck with this one Lisa :D
Kelly.x

Tara said...

Haha I have been trying this same thing this year. I called mine a paper diet lol. I have bought a bit but overall I am doing much better then in the past. Good luck to you!
Tara

Amanda said...

Hi Lisa, good luck with your challenge, I should say I will join you but only have a few papers, digi papers is a whole other story though, maybe I will join you, oh no just had an email shabby has a sale, sorry Lisa I am caving already lol.

Kat said...

Good luck with this Lisa. I have far too much paper too. Gave some away in my birthday candy but still more than enough left. To crown it all I went to the all day craft sessions organised by Kath, Debbi and Anne at the local paper mill and came home with 2 8x8 pads!! I need to try harder I think lol!

Sue said...

PMSL hun
i will be checking you no show any new papers till after New Year now!! Best of luck!!! lol, sue,x

The Crafty Goat Girl said...

Lol Lisa, you do make me chuckle. I am with you, and am not going to buy any more paper until I have used at least half of one of my 15 boxes, lol!

Love your 'less is more' card, great colours, hugs Heidi x

The Crafty Goat Girl said...

yep, you guessed it, have put my last comment on here instead, lol x

Keep It Sweet and Simple said...

Ha! Ha! Good luck with your ban - we will all be watching you :-))
Caroline xxx

Ciska said...

You are so brave! I should really follow suit, how much paper does a girl really need? But every time I think my stock is complete, I see another great pad......it's really not fair ;) Good luck!

Victoria said...

Good luck Lisa! Hope you're still sticking to it! At least you can make your own background paper using different colored CS / inks and stamps! Will be very interested to see if you can make it to the new year though. Your willpower must be stronger than mine! Make sure you resist those SU papers on saturday!!
Hugs, Victoria ~x~

G Peplow said...

Stay strong, you will win in the end, ROFL Funny but an addiction is a serious thing, let me tell you about my stamps, I have them coming out of my ears I have so many. Hey ho, I'm no help at all, have fun,and good luck, Gay xx

Anonymous said...

Oh my good Lord girl...you are so brave!! I wish you all the luck in the world...I know I would break it like the very next day I typed it up!! LOL!! But good for you and wish I could honestly do the same!!

Lorraine A said...

oohh ,,, still here then !!! well done hun ! :-) xx

Jon said...

You are sooooo brave, I could not do it!!! I don't have the willpower....LOL. I too am surrounded by lots of lovely unused paper pads and a trolley full of 12x12's, I think you should start a support group, I would join, I really want to do this, I don't need anymore stamps either as I have many many uninked. I will see how long I can go from today buying no paper or stamps......i need dies though....lol.

good luck.x

Scrapcat 1 said...

I think I will join you in this but will go one better and buy no new stamps for the rest of the year, that doesn't include ones on ebay or elsewhere that have been used though lol!

Anonymous said...

I hear ya girl :-) We feel your pain....trust me!!! And we're here for you - all the way!!! Oh...but don't forget - you could still WIN some paper!!!! That way it'll be new, but you won't have bought any!!!

coldwaters2 said...

Lol, oh Lisa all I can say is Good luck.
Hugs
Lorraine x

Eiglas said...

Oh Lisa! How BRAVE are you....?
I saw that title and had a little 'moment' util it sank in - the relief was palpable! LOL!
I must follow your excellent example as I'm still buying the odd pack even though I could supply a small school with what's in my craft-room....!
Hugs
Ei
x
ps thank you for the giggle!

Mau xx said...

Lisa, I think you are kidding us.....are you!!!!
I bet you are going to add another post in a minute which says April fool..(in June) aren't you.
Oh! I feel abit sick, I think I had better have a pill and take myself off to bed.
Hugs mau xx

Ciska said...

Well done Lisa, I am currently on my ban top buy anything crafty until I've made 100 projects, which is not as bad as I thought. Of course, if anyone want to give me a crafty prezzie, like my husband, I couldn't possibly say no............it's only polite! ;)

Teresa said...

Good luck with your paper ban, I'm not that strong lol, I couldn't do it.
Teresa. xx
PS just noticed you are a top 3 winner at Totally Papercrafts congratulations xx

Julie said...

Oh my Lisa - this is a hard ask!!! I keep telling myself not to buy anything new for a week and I struggle!! Good for you - one month in - so impressive!! Juliexx

Craftdee said...

I'm glad you're coping, Lisa; I really (seriously) need to impose a self ban on buying digital images...they're like nail biting - readily available and therefore hard to give up! I admire your strength of will, well change in focus anyway, lol. Dee

mckinkle said...

Its a great idea Lisa and you CAN do it! Lets face it we all can do it too as weve all got masses of stash that we just neglect!

Ive always been a digi paper fan so Ive stopped printing anything else off until Ive checked my vast pile of sheets already printed!

Just think of what you'll be saving too??!!

Keryn x

sallysbitz2 said...

LOl, I know excatly what you mean .... but.... I never seem to have the right paper Lol

Good on ya girl .... bet smoking's easier to give up x

hugs sally x
sallysbitz.blogspot.com

Katarina said...

Hang in there :) I have the same "problem" even if I haven't officially banned myself from buying papers. Good thing I live in Sweden where we barely have any scrapshops and it's expensive to get them shipped by mail. My fiancée was in the US earlier this year and I asked him to get me some paperpads. I admire you for being strong because they were so cheap and so much to choose from! I don't think I would make it if I lived in the US :D

Craftin Suzie (Susan Wykes) said...

Gosh I would fi d that so hard to do because then it would mean I would have to cut all the beautiful papers I have and I can never bring myself to do that so I just keep on buying! Weird or what???

Debs M said...

thanks for that hun x

Jo said...

Wow you're so brave to tell people lol! Don't think i could last long without my paper fix!
Good luck
Jo x

Sally said...

Sounds like a good idea, think I could learn something from you there :)
I'd like to try that with all my crafty things, I'm sure I'd make better use of the stamps and embossing powders/folders etc if I didn't get distracted by new crafting goodies.

Not much longer till new year ;)

http://inmy-craftroom.blogspot.com/

Lori Aragon said...

You are one brave and smart cookie!!! This is something we ALL should do... Imagine if we all brought our supplies in one place, there isn't a building in the world that would hold all our stash lol!

How are you doing this month???

Love ya!

Unknown said...

I need to make a post like this too.. but not to buy anything crafty related ha ha :)

An Occasional Genius said...

Ooh wish I had your will power, in the last few days I've brought lots of paper that truthfully ....I didn't need!! I'll enjoy stroking it though lol! Good for you & keep up the excellent work! x

Mary J said...

Well done honey! I have tried too but gave in a couple of times - eeek! Will try harder - thx for this reminder!!!

Anonymous said...

How are you getting on??
I was just wondering if your struggling?
you updated 2nd July, I couldn't do it No way! really admire you! hugs Samantha :0)

Craftdee said...

Only 42 sleeps, Lisa :-) WooHoo!! D4Donna

Louise said...

Well done on sticking to your paper ban! You must have had a HUGE stack of papers to use up xx

Turtle In The Sand said...

Hi Lisa! I am a Paper Addict. Yep and you have inspired me. I am not going to buy anymore paper until January, 2012 in support of your Ban. Praying I make it until then. **Linda

Pretty Paper Junkie said...

I think you tell a really good story.

Sarpreet said...

well done on keeping up with the paper ban

Renata said...

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