1: illegal or prohibited traffic in goods : smuggling
2: goods or merchandise whose importation, exportation, or possession is forbidden; also : smuggled goods
3: a slave who during the American Civil War escaped to or was brought within the Union lines
— contraband adjective
For almost 10 years I have used nothing except Stampin' Up! everything. But about 6 months ago I bought a couple Hanna Stamps . They sat in a box in my cupboard cause I did not want to use them, cause people would know what I had done. Then one day I innocently made a comment about Molly Stamps and before you knew it I was on their design team. I got to looking at other stamps a little more, and realized that there are some cute stamps at other places, so I have dabbled or would that be ordered, here and there from other companies. Even though I love being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and will always be one, I am also just me, and I must admit I have been having a blast stamping for my blog, which really means I am stamping for me. No matter what I use, and since this is MY blog its ok for me to use other things, and the more I tell myself this, the more I will believe it.
So back to the blog title, my Stampin' Up! friends, we always tease each other about "contraband" so I looked it up to get it's real definition and boy it sounds really bad, so we may want to come up with another name.
One of the new stamps I received recently was this one from Stampotique Originals - now the first time I seen these little "gems" was over at Vicki's Blog and they reminded me of Edward Scissorhands meets that Tim Burton Nightmare Before Christmas movie. 
When I saw the sketch challenge over at Splitcoaststampers today, I thought cool, I am using it.
When I saw the sketch challenge over at Splitcoaststampers today, I thought cool, I am using it.Stamp: Moth Fab – I had it wrong before – sorry -thanks Denise for catching that
Ink: JetblackStazon, Blush Blossom, So Saffron, Going Gray, Riding Hood Red, Basic Black
Paper: Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, So Saffron, Watercolor Paper, the background paper is a pack I bought at Joanne's
Misc: Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, white gel pen
So I did get a pack of background papers from Joannes, just so I have some non- Stampin' Up! paper for when I do Design Team stuff. In fact I saw one of my customers in there, and I kinda ducked and hid, now how bad is that? I did not want her to see I had "contraband" in my cart.
So hopefully now, you will all understand how come you see stuff on here that is not all Stampin' Up!
Have a Super Trouper Thursday (yeah what soundtrack am I still listening too?) and thanks for stopping in!
Hugs, Di
You go girl! Use whatever stamps feel good at the moment…it's all about living in the here & now, right?? Not to enable you or anything (I'm a SU demo too…shhh!) but PaperTreyInk has some great stuff too. 🙂
Stacie
Hey Di, I have a few shipments of contraband due in the next week or two myself. Ha! That sounds like a line straight from Miami Vice, doesn't it?!?! How refreshing it is to hear a fellow demo with the same point of view and exeriences. I've been known to "hide" in the aisles at local craft stores as well. But no more. Like you say, you're YOU and I'm ME and that's who we're gonna BE. (that rhymes!) You're absolutely right. There are so many nifty neat stamps and supplies on the market, it'd be silly not to indulge. I know my customers use other products and I expect them to… they love stamping and all things crafty. I'm the same way. It makes your projects more fun and interesting. SU! products definitely enhance your projects and make them so much easier, as everything coordinates so nicely–like the Paper Piercing tutorial you did–loved that! Which reminds me… I need to get myself hooked up with some Hanna contraband.
Oh, the terminology I use for "contraband": "alternative medicine" (seeing stamping is my "therapy") and "other goods."
Love your blog, by the way!
Happy stampin'
Maryann
I used to feel like I was cheating if I even looked at contraband stamps and product. Then, I cheated and it was all over and I no longer feel guilty one little bit. That stampotique set is on my list and I love what I have seen created w/ it. So cute Di!
So funny that you should post this today…my first shipment of *contraband* arrived from Hanna stamps along with some Copics! I'm hooked!! I love SU, but it is nice to be able to play with other toys once and a while.
Doesn't matter what stamps you are using, you're still the Stampin' Queen. (I love that soundtrack too!)
Awesome contraband creation! I like JanTink's verbage of "Rubbah-dultery"…since its a made up word with CONNOTATIONS – we can make up any definition we want!! LOL
((()))reen
I just went looking for Girl with Heart Purse and the stamp you show is actually called Moth Fab. Love the card. http://www.stampotique.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?
Hi Di,
I love your blog and I visit it everyday. I don't care what type of stamps you use. I recently became an SU demo myself and you have some GREAT ideas. I just want to say I think you're awesome. By the way…..I some some contraband too! (wink)
Stay out of the closet! Your designs are awesome no matter what stamps you use, and I will still keep buying SU! from you! Your blog is a place to share your creativity and passion without guilt!
Wait! Did you say you were hiding in the aisle at JoAnns? Aren't you supposed to be stalking people in the scrapbooking and stamping aisles?! You are so funny! I need to laugh out loud to burn some calories every day so I just log in to your site and there ya go! Instant exercise! Cute card! Reminds me of Nightmare Before Christmas. Julia
you're so funny! I tell you, a lot of us SU! diehards have done the same thing – I know when I did, I feel like my enjoyment of the craft, my excitement & my creativity shot through the roof!! I enjoy your blog no matter what you stamp with and you're right about doing what you want because it's your blog – no apologies necessary! you're the BOSS
SU will always be top notch, not to be out done IMO BUT I also own PaperTreyInk, and check out Verve Visual and {WOW) Stampingbella….oh, and Gina K Designs, plus Hambo Stamps for some too funny sayings! I just LOVE all things paper craft! What a wonderful way to relieve stress & pass a lazy day…..
I think it's natural to use other products other than Stampin Up! Definitely! It's just what's in the world around you… and those girl images are just the cat's butt!
I was always curious if my demo bought so called 'contraband' and she did… everyone does….how can you not?!
I just wanted to say thanks for this post! I love gothy things, and hadnt thought to even LOOK for stamps! THANK YOU
Well, that is the cutest "contraband" that I have ever seen. I am a SU! demo with a dirty little "Stamping Bella" secret. Sometimes it is good to branch out and stretch our minds. Love those Stampotique stamps! My 17 yr old daughter, who won't touch a stamp but loves all things Tim Burton fell in love with your images, so I might just have to hop on over and order a few to get convince her to stamp with me. Plus, I can always say that those stamps are hers!