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Tuesday 1 March 2011

...Release scoop!

We're scurrying about behind the scenes getting all ready for the release tonight, and I just wanted to let folks know the schedule. It's been a while since we had a release and I don't know about you but I'm a little rusty!! LOL!!

Anyhow here's the scoop for tonight's release:

• 6:00PM my time - WMS Store will close for the last little adjustments to be made to the new stamp set pages.

• 7.00pm my time - Our release will go live here on the blog - the new sets will be revealed in their entirety. 7:00PM is approximately equivalent to the following times in these places.

In the USA - 11:00 am Pacific, 12:00 pm Mountain, 1:00 pm Central, 2:00 pm Eastern
In Australia -
March 2nd, Queensland 5:00am,New South Wales 6:00AM
In Canada - British Columbia 11:00AM, Ontario 2:00PM. Nova Scotia 3:00PM
In Germany - 8:00PM
In Netherlands - 8:00PM
In South Africa March 2nd 9:00PM

• 7:15PM my time - The WMS store will re-open and the new stamps will be available at the store.

Future Releases

I also wanted to take a moment to let folks know what else we've been planning. Looking at what has gone on in the previous year with regards to my own work flow, and taking into consideration the idea that I feel like I am churning out stamps, with very few samples in between, I have reviewed the release schedule.

I feel that it appears that I am only interested in making samples at release time. This is not the case. What first attracted me to stamping was the generosity of spirit in sharing new ideas and techniques and the friendliness of the folks involved. I find that I spend a long time drawing stamps, and that I don't really have long enough time in between releases to use them, and to help folks really get the best out of them.

It feels too fast. I open a new set, make 2-3 samples and have to put it away almost immediately to prepare for the next release. Most of the folks who come to WMS live in Northern America, Canada, Australia, Malaysia. These folks wait on average 2 weeks for the goodies (when the shipping is operating normally). My fear is that I feel like I am releasing new stuff almost as soon as these folks have just got their last order. This bothers me.

As a stamper, I would like more time to play with my new goodies. I don't want to feel like my latest sets are already old hat just as I am peeling them open. As a business owner, this may well be complete madness but I am going to take the leap and change our monthly release format into a new schedule. Henceforth (Trumpets please! lol) we will be releasing new stamps every two months.
So today, being March 1st, we are having a release!!!

Next month, on the 1st April we will embark on a new bimonthly event. Instead of having more new stamps we will be taking time to showcase the sets we released today, and possibly some older sets. We want to make sure that you get the very best out of your stamps. We will be showing more ways to use your new goodies. There will be a sprinkling of tutorials and techniques and there might even be a competition. Our aim is to make sure that there is still plenty going on in between release months and we think it will open up more time for us to all come together and really make sure that we are getting the best out of our investments.

So from now on, release months will be followed by a special recap event the following month.

I'd love to hear your feedback on this as it is a huge step for us. Most companies in our position do release new items every month and I do completely understand the necessity of this from a business point of view. Who knows what way things will go for us from now on, but my overriding principal has been to try to make WMS the sort of company that I would appreciate as a stamper and I guess I am lucky that I can take this chance while we are still small enough not to have to worry about the effect of fewer releases on staff. Wish us luck!!!!

70 comments:

  1. Good for you, Claire! Although I'll miss your monthly releases, I agree that YOU need time to enjoy them too...and it'll make the wait all the more worthwhile. Can't wait to see what you have for us tonight!

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  2. Although I love seeing lots and lots of WMS goodies, from a budget standpoint, I'm 100% fine with having bimonthly releases. I know I need to ink up my stamps with more regularity as well. I'm looking forward to seeing the full reveals and buying some new stamps today!

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  3. Love the sound of this Claire! I'm excited to see the new releases and don';t mind at all that there will be more time between launches. I myself can't afford to indulge every month anyway, so I'd rather have ideas and challenges for making the most of the sets that I do have. I suspect that's something all WMS fans would benefit from! Then when I can afford to treat myself now and again I know it will be well earned ;)
    Best wishes for the release!

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  4. LOVE this idea, Claire. I think it's an excellent way for us to get the most out of the brilliant stamps you design.

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  5. Hi Claire

    As a stamper I actually appreciate a wider release schedule. I have stamp companies which I love, and try to support with my limited cash flow, so I do end up putting many, many sets on my wish list rather than buying in the month of release as I know that there will be more to come and then by next month I want the new stuff and never catch up with the old. It's also really frustrating to see all the new stuff and drool but can't afford to buy and then feel like you've forgotton all the yummy reasons that made you buy the old stuff in the first place. I hope it works for you in business terms. Best wishes

    Craftilicious x

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  6. Can't wait to see the new sets! But I do think you're right that bi-monthly releases would be the best way to go. For one thing, it would give us more time in between to save up for the new stamps! And I would also look forward to seeing lots of ideas and techniques for using the stamps I'd just bought. Of course you need more time to stamp, Claire! Don't we all?!

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  7. Well Claire, you hit the nail on the head, you need time to enjoy your own stamps and we love seeing your unique creativity. You have to do what's best for you, your family and your business, and it will mean we are going to look forward to your releases even more xxx

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  8. hello Claire - i am excited for your new release schedule. i miss your creations, but knew you were always under water to draw and get all the behinds stuff done. After all - one woman operation?! ;) I would love to see the off-months being a showcase of older WMS stamps - perhaps with the focus to combine sets. When i see the gals combining the least likely sets it works really well. or when there is creative ways to use stamps (e.g. banners for a dress) i get really excited. it's untapped ideas to get more mileage out of the stamps...just my two cents! on another note - my finger is trigger ready for those new lovely stamps. ready to kick it up with my dancin' boots.

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  9. Releasing stamps bimonthly is a great idea. I love the new western motifs but it looks like some of the new stamps will be used with Spellbinders dies that are not even available yet here in the states. So I think right now you are ahead of the game.

    More importantly though - what makes your site unique is the great ideas that you show side by side to the original stamps. If the wait gives you the time you need to create - so be it. That is what makes Waltzingmouse and your stamps so FANTASTIC. All your fans know the wait will be worth it.

    JJ - Indiana

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  10. This is great, Claire. I always get to use my stamps right away, but I alwys wondered if you ever had time to do anything but design and ship.

    This will save me a little money, too!

    I love you and your stamps, and your DT and Mischief Makers, too.

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  11. Love the idea of a release every other month. It give you the breathing room you need, and us the creativity and ideas that are sometimes hard to find. A thumbs up from this Canadian gal! :)

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  12. Claire, I actually think the bimonthly angle will be really good. As a small company the priority has to be customer service and the cosy feeling of being part of a community. This will be so much easier if you aren't chasing your tail each and every month.

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  13. I think it's a great idea to release every 2 months, and do the things you mentioned in between. I LOVE your stamp sets they are my fave! I hope you continue to enjoy the process of designing and making and I cant wait till the new releases are out today!
    Lisa x

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  14. Claire ~
    I COMPLETELY know what you are talking about regarding the scenario of releasing new stamps every month. While I am not a business person (not particularly gifted in this area ;), as a stamper I appreciate the opportunity to get more use out of my stamps and other items before I'm flooded with even MORE new stuff, making what I already have/just bought seem to be yesterday's news. For example, while I am a huge fan of Papertrey, I feel overwhelmed by the mountain of new products that come out EVERY month. I haven't even had a chance to use what I bought and more stuff comes out! As a stamper, it feels like I can never keep up this way. I actually appreciate having a month (or even more) to relish the released items before I feel pressured to buy more to stay current. I think your idea is a great one from a stamper's point of view. I hope and pray that it will also be good for your business because I love your stamps and you are so sweet! I wish you nothing but marvelous success with your company. :)

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  15. I'm so happy that you'll be able to actually enjoy the beautiful stamps you create, Claire! And, that you think of your customers/fans/etc, needs, too, just makes us love you even more! Here's to a smashing release today and a fun retro April!!

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  16. I commend you for thinking of the customer and giving us more time to use your great products. It will be better for my budget that is for sure and I am looking forward to seeing all the great creations from you and the DT. There are certainly some sets I have not inked up yet so this will give me a chance to enjoy them too!
    Kudos to you Claire!

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  17. absolutely LOVE that you are switching to releases every other month! it can get so overwhelming when a company releases stuff every month and feeling like you want to buy something, but really can't! plus i LOVE being able to see YOU create projects with your stamps.

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  18. Bravo Claire, I think a bi-monthly release is a fabulous idea, especially as it means we'll get to see more of your wonderful samples!! Several new sets each month are hard to keep up with on the purchasing front as well, especially if the urge to own the corresponding dies becomes overwhelming too! There are still quite a number of older sets I'd love to own, and I'm sure that's true for lots of your fans. And it's great that you'll get more time to get inky for the sheer pleasure of it, like the rest of us get to do. I'm sure it'll work out to be a brilliant move, for everyone. I can't wait for tonight's release ... Good Luck with the Countdown!! Warmest best wishes, Melodie

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  19. How very kind of you to think of the customer experience as well as the business persons perspective. I love the isea of getting new inspiration for older sets and tutorials for using them in new ways. In the current economic climate, I, and many others have to restrict non essential spending and this will help me to stick within my budget. Not to say how 'green' it is to make full use of existing equipment.

    Way to go Claire!
    Hugs
    Carol x

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  20. ore time for you to play, for us to play and for us to save our pennies! A winner all round I think!

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  21. Thank you Claire. I really think this is a great idea. It will also give me time to play catch up with stamp sets on my wish list.

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  22. I think this is a great idea, Claire! I struggle to keep up with all the new things in the stamping world, and feel overwhelmed at times. I don't get as much time to stamp as I would like, so to have more time between new releases, and even more samples and inspiration for the sets I do have sounds fantastic!

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  23. personally, I think you are making the right choice for you and as nothing is written in stone..you can always change things up as you see fit!!! Happy stamping and creating in your fabulous new studio!!!

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  24. You are a wonderful and thoughtful person Claire! That is what I've always loved about you. The upcoming stamps to be released look incredible, and so US Southwest! I love it! Good luck with this new wonderful release! Best, Curt

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  25. Hi there Claire!
    It is so nice to be able to make a sound decision and follow through without miles of red tape. I look forward to seeing more samples and ideas. Some pressure is good but not all the time. And enjoy the wee ones for awhile and your new room. I will warn you though, when you enter your room, a time warp will happen. You will think 20 min have passed and three hours are gone.

    I applaud your decision and the renewed vigor for actual stamping.
    Take care,
    Kerri

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  26. I think whatever schedule you decide upon for your releases is awesome Claire - SO many of us LOVE your stamps and are happy to wait for them, no matter when they come out. We have plenty of fun playing with the images that exist in the meanwhile. Besides, gives us time to save up more money to buy more of your stamps right? ;) Psyched for the one coming out in a few minutes!!

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  27. I love it! I am surprised you're even doing as close together as 2 months (but as a customer, I am happy!!), but I LOVE that you'll be sharing all sorts of things in between. I love release time because of getting to see the DT projects, especially yours! And I am excited to see more ways to use the sets I already have - it's always fun to see something through others' eyes! I am excited about this!

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  28. great idea it gives us more time to play with the stamps we have until the new ones come out also good for the bank balance LOL can't wait till 7pm huggs Amanda

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  29. Hi Claire! This new release schedule is perfect for all the reasons you mentioned. I have been a WMS admirer from afar and now that I am on the Spellbinders team this year, I look forward to working with your designs!

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  30. I think this is a great idea! Monthly releases are a bit overwhelming and leave me feeling more of a collector than a stamper. This way I feel like I have the ability to actually use my stamps and not just have them collect dust before I'm able to use them.

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  31. Claire, I'm all for the new release schedule if it means more samples and more great tutorials. I wouldn't know how to make those great plaids without them. Maybe you could try a video? Just asking! I'd love to hear that Irish brogue explaining one of your fantastic techniques! Most importantly, enjoy your life and your talent. The joy of having the stamps is using them.

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  32. I do soo love the idea of "a every two month release"! You are right ...here in Canada we can hardly keep up with working our stamp sets.

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  33. Claire I LOVE the idea of every 2 months.. and I LOVE that on the none release months you will still be sharing ideas for stamp sets already released!! :) Cant WAIT to see all of todays... Been cleaning today.. my reward is gonna be some WMS stamps.. dont tell hubby.. he doesnt need to know somethings! HA HA!
    Have a GREAT day!

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  34. I SO agree with you, Claire. I'm sure we all have stamps that have yet to see ink and then, before you know it, the new ones come out. As a business owner this is a brave step to take, but I am with you.

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  35. Good desision, Claire! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas about this! And we love to see more of your own creations with the different stampsets, because it inspires us a lot! Have a nice time in coming days of the new releases!!

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  36. I really like the idea to have a release every two months. I want to see your creations and be inspired to use the stamps in a more creative way.

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  37. I've already given voice to my opinion on the thread on the Forum, so I'll just say that I think a bimonthly schedule is a fabulous idea!! Can't wait to see more creations from you and for the festivities that will occur on the "off months". Balance is the key here, and I think your decision will go a long way toward achieving that.

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  38. Oh I think this is a great idea, Claire! I love seeing your blog posts and samples so much, so anything that gets you back to creating and enjoying the products that you have designed is wonderful! What a fun idea to showcase other stamps during the "in between". Congrats on your new release...you and the DT did a fabulous job!

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  39. This sounds like a great plan. I would love to see more samples and have you hi-light the older sets. You and your team are soooo creative that I don't want to miss a trick. The slower pace will be welcomed.

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  40. Love the idea of a bi-monthly release. More chance to play with stamps sounds like a great idea to me. I know stamp companies have to survive and they need to release more stamps, but there is somewhat of an overload. Your stamps are quality and worth waiting for. So good luck to you.

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  41. Claire, I think you're an awesome stamper, and awesome cardmaker ... and an awesome person. I can't tell you how much I respect you for this decision - and how exactly right I think you are in the sentiments you expressed. The rate of new releases popping up everywhere is exhausting and my love of stamping has cooled since I started feeling that my goodies are old hat almost as soon as they arrive - because the new is already on the way - and there is a funny subconcious pressure to 'keep up'. Thank you. Thank you for this honesty, sincerity and sanity! You make the stamping world a beautiful place in every way! BIG hugs! xx N

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  42. I LOVE this idea! It feels like time is rushing by so quickly anymore and I don;t really have the time to focus on and appreciate my new goodies and more are coming out. Thank you for being honest and courageous and trying this format. I wish you well. You are a true friend and role mode.

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  43. Claire, what a wonderful idea and it means even more because we all know that it comes from the heart. From the inception of your great company, I feel you have been the most conscientious owner and have put your customers first, always trying to think as a customer yourself. As far as this decision having a negative effect on the company, I can't imagine anyone leaving because of this decision. You'll certainly be in my prayers for continued success. I would be personally heartbroken if didn't continue to experience anything but success in the future. You are not only exceptionally talented, you have the kindest of hearts on my opinion. On a less serious note, your new release is amazing, another winner!

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  44. Love this idea Claire. I think it will work wonderfully.

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  45. Wonderfully fabulous idea. It is your company, your business, your passion, what you are doing is sharing the joy with us. You need to be happy and when you are happy it shows. Love having time to savor my new stamps before new ones are released. Bravo!

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  46. Wonderful ideas and I'm looking forward to your continued success!

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  47. Claire, whether you release every 2 or 3 months, I will be here waiting for all your beautiful designs and the bonus is that you will have time to show us all your beautiful creativity. Since discovering WMS I have felt that sense of belonging to a wonderful 'club' and with you as the owner being so honest and warm with your customers is pure delight. And from a business point of view, I wish you success with your new plan. Monthly releases can be so overwhelming and I agree with one of your ladies comments about almost cooling off when stamps are coming out so fast and furiously and feeling like a collector instead of a stamper. I don't have a blog so apologies for to signing in as anon.

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  48. Claire I think it's admirable that you are willing to go to a bi-monthly release. I to want time to actually use the new stamps and make some things with them for a "bonding time" so to speak. I can't afford to buy it all every month, but I know I'll be able to by more every two months than I would every month. Thanks for that!

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  49. Claire this is such a great idea!!!
    You are so right that releases each month ... is way to fast...love your idea about exploring the released stamp sets more!
    I wish you much luck Claire.

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  50. Hi Claire,

    I totally understand and totally agree with your decision, every month is a lot! I also order quite often from USA companies and then I have the feeling you describe for your overseas customers. You order the new stuff, wait 2-3 weeks and then there's already newer stuff! Too much is not a good thing and I always love the ideas and cards that you showcase and this way you can first fully enjoy the newest release before it's time for a new one. So perfect that you are able to make that decision yourself. Love that about WMS! Way to go, Claire!!!

    Hugs, Wendy

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  51. Every two months - works for me!! You have to be able to enjoy your family and life, as well as run the business. And we'd all like to enjoy your creativity too!

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  52. Claire, I am behind you 100%! The joy in our hobby should be the creating, not the collecting. I feel pressured to keep up with monthly releases and frankly, it is just too much. I want time to play and create and find unique ways to use all the bits and bobs you so graciously include in your sets. I want to see how you and the DT use sets in ways I would never think to. Kudos to you for taking a bold move that shows it's about creativity, not just chasing the almighty buck or pound. You have my full support.

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  53. While I love new releases, I appreciate it so much more when someone shows me what else I can do with the stamp sets!!! I think that it's great that you are making that a priority. Way to go!

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  54. Great choice! Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with all of the monthly stamp releases on the market. I'd love to see more samples, and I especially love the idea of seeing revisited stamps. What fun! You're awesome for making a big decision like you did!

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  55. I think that releasing every 2nd month is a great idea! It is really hard to be able to afford to buy each month, and this makes it easier to keep the ideas & excitement for releases flowing. I love seeing everyone's uses and ideas for the sets, and I don't like the feeling that I will be pushing a set aside for the next "new" thing. Thanks so much for this thoughtful idea, Claire!

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  56. I think this is a WONDERFUL idea and I wish more companies would do it. You're right, we get so caught up in using our new goodies that we often forget about what we already have. This is a great way to showcase older stamps. Awesome thinking!

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  57. I love this! I only have one of your sets, but I absolutely love it. I find new releases every month to be a little overwhelming and I have to take a break to play with my new stuff and then I'm "behind". I think having another month of samples is an excellent idea. I so appreciate this and it makes me want to buy from you even more!

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  58. I think this is a great idea! More time with stamp sets is good! I also like revisiting older sets--they need love too.

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  59. You have my best wishes for your new release plan. I love to see your samples, but most of all, I want you to enjoy your business. Why should we have all the fun?

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  60. You are right on target! I agree with all the reasons that the previous posts have stated: more time to play, easier on the pocketbook, more exploration of the sets, and more time to be able to see YOUR play creations! You are a dear, and this just proves that you are out for the friendship of it all and not just the money: we love you for your that! Keep up the great work, and I'll keep saying it; take time to play with your wee ones. they grow too fast, and then they go away:(

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  61. Claire I think this is a wonderful idea for you, and for us, your customers as well. I can't imagine the amount of work it takes to complete a release each month. You deserve time to enjoy your stamps too! I feel you truly value your customers and I will so look forward to the months were you revisit the older stamp sets. Thank you!

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  62. What a wonderful idea and I support you 100%. If my budget allowed, I would own the majority of your stamps. With releases each month, my wish list gets longer and longer but my teacher's paycheck stays the same. I have very little time to create with my busy schedule at work and being mom to three active children, so I hate to ink up a stamp set and then set it aside for a new arrival. I will admit that I have some that I haven't even opened because I purchased something new. I can't resist purchasing a beautiful stamp set!!!! I also am looking forward to seeing more of your amazing creations. Oftentimes I look at a stamp set and think I wouldn't use it much but then I see your amazing creations and those of your design team and get inspired to try it myself. Thank you for such a wonderful decision and I wish you continued success.

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  63. Claire, since my budget for stamps is cut down anyway, the release every second month fits in perfect!
    Good luck for you - drawing and managing the whole thing, I know, it's a lot of work and you have done so well!

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  64. I subscribed to your blog LONG before you started WMS because I love seeing your creations. I am THRILLED at the new release schedule becuase this will allow for more of YOUR creations! They are what I came for in the first place. You know we only have a certain amount we can budget towards stamps, and I already have a huge list of older sets that I want. I am thrilled that you might be going back and making samples with all the sets! I don't think my WMS spending is going to change very much despite the new release schedule.

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  65. Dear Claire
    I wholeheartedly agree with all the previous comments and believe that your decision is a great one. I know that I like all of the products but then don't/can't buy them all every month. This will give me a chance to stock up of the sets I don't have yet. Thanks so much.

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  66. Courageous choice but for sure this will pay. I understand so perfectly well the sensation that it goes too fast.

    I appreciate you leaving us more time to explore the stamps!

    Good job!

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  67. I LOVE this idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've really, REALLY been feeling overloaded with new product lately. I know, I know it is a business for some but not for me. I start to loose some of the joy of the craft when I become obsessed with the latest and greatest. I will never, ever be able to have all that I want. I'd rather have time to enjoy what I can have. I truly hope this works out for you.

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  68. wow, Claire! I love you already! You actually take Malaysia into consideration!!! muacks muacks muacks!!! Yes, we do have to wait about 2 weeks to receive our stamps which I lovingly await for :)

    Thank you for your kind consideration.... Love you & your stamps! :)

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  69. I agree with all that has been written above! It is great to see more samples and ideas, as well as have time to save money for more goodies! I do not understand how the whole business plan works, but I sure hope you can make it work out this way.

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  70. It was with great pleasure that I read about your new release policy. I've been away for a month and am just now starting to catch up on all the info from out in 'stampland'. I love this idea of yours to skip a month with new releases. I feel like I can 'breath' in-between and possibly catch up! You have a wonderful company and I believe you will be able to manage it even better plus enjoy creating AND enjoy your family life too! Thank you!

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Thanks for taking the time to comment, :) I read them all and I appreciate you taking time to visit!