Thank you for this Ann! I don't have a YT Channel, blog, nor am I on a DT....just a stay-at-home crafter. Over the past year, I have been extremely distressed over what I have done to myself, with all the crafty purchases I have made and let me be clear, I am ASHAMED for spending money that I don't have and I have no one to blame but myself! It forced me to look deep inside myself to understand WHY I did this because my whole life I have had to be very frugal with what I can buy, so, I asked myself WHY NOW! What I discovered was that because I am older and disabled, I'm pretty sure I was looking for some validation of self-worth....ie., is there anything left that I am good at? I think this is something that we all want. As far as DT members go, I hope you all band together and start demanding payment for your services as well as free product. Seriously, most businesses pay a lot of money towards marketing & sales and let's face it, who works for free especially in this day and age during this pandemic. HOW do we, as crafters, avoid the hoarding of supplies? How about when we watch a video using floral stamps & dies, we don't need to have the exact images that are used in the video....we should just look through our stash and pick anything floral that we have and use it to create something. Then, not only will we be much more satisfied with our accomplishment, we also won't feel guilty for spending money we don't have. For myself, that GUILT DESTROYS ALL THE FUN! I hope my comment helps at least the newcomers to this hobby to be more aware because God forbid, I don't want to see what happened to me, happen to you. Creating most definitely can be therapeutic, but if not careful, it WILL wreak havoc on your bank account. Oh, and one other thing...IMHO, craft companies need to stop OVER-SATURATING the market! Coming out with monthly releases is ultimately going to destroy many companies, particularly the 'Mom & Pop' stores. Take care everyone....health and happiness to all of you. (PS: I hope I didn't make too many typos/errors as this was very difficult for me to post and I can now wipe away my shameful tears)

Not buying seems to be a trend this year. Many crafters i follow are encouraging "use what you have."

My Motto is "There are no mistakes in art, only embelishments." God bless your heart.

"Comparison is the thief of joy."

We are constantly being pushed to buy, buy, buy. Last year I only spent about £50 all year. I have started to try making cards and albums using similar stuff that I already have. And, no, they aren't perfect. I make them for people I love and they appreciate my efforts. Please carry on. Don't even worry about telling us where you got your supplies. Sending a hug. 🤗

Yes! Let’s just have fun ! This year, I want to be more creative, using what I already have in stock and buy only essentials like glue. Thank you for inspiring me !

Winston Churchill said, “Perfection is the enemy of progress “.

Hello Ann, this video really hit home with me, I’ve crafted my whole life, come from a long line of crafting women….and I will admit that a few years ago I just stopped, I was caught up in the “ to make this you need to buy that” and as military wife at the time my budget didn’t allow for those kind of expenditures and it caused me to loose the love of crafting, for some reason trapped in the idea that to make whatever the latest idea out there was, I needed to purchase more and more. I’ve recently gone back to the old days, use what I have or improvise and do ya know what, that love is back and I’m really enjoying it. Thank you for speaking about this and bringing it to light. 😘🥰🌻

I sign my cards on the back with a stamp I got created which says "Not perfect handmade with love". Because it is not perfect, but I made it and unless you look or know where the imperfections are then it is perfect. I am especially fed up with the amount of new releases by certain companies, so much so that I have stopped purchasing from them.

I told my husband that's it! I'm not buying another thing for crafting. I'm not enjoying myself because I rarely get to use it. Too busy buying and organizing everything I have. It takes too much of my time for creating. I love your videos. I enjoy hearing your calming voice. I love that you use what you have around you. 2021 is the year I'm going to use what I have and enjoy being creative. You inspire me. You are what I need to keep my head straight and behave. So please, continue to inspire all of us. You're honest about what you do and who you are. I believe you speak for many of us. I look forward to watching and enjoying more of your videos. Thank you for all you do for us. I'm adding on here because I just thought of it. My mother's cousin was a seamstress. She would purposely allow one mistake on her clothing. You could see or tell it. But her reason was, "only God is perfect. It's to remind me my talent was given to me by God." I always thought this was a beautiful reminder.

This is exactly how I have been feeling lately myself Ann .. Thank you for your honest opinions .. much appreciated x

My mantra is perfect comes from a machine, beauty comes from the heart!

Totally agree Ann that's why I stopped chasing the latest thing in crafting.... it cost so much and the outcomes were less than I had seen - it's very soul destroying so I try to be creative instead and I'm happier that my crafting isn't perfect and i dont mind that its 'homemade' because it's the love that we put into the project not that it's perfect 💕

This is me right now and looking at the comments a lot of other people. I just end up shuffling things around my desk until I'm fed up, even though the ideas are in my head. It's strange how lockdown gives us the chance to craft, but takes away the energy to do so. Thank you for sharing, we are all in this together

From an Aussie, I have just discovered you and I love your work and down to earth attitude. Woohoo for keeping it real!

The “entire set” syndrome is at the root of evil for crafters etc. I haven’t bought Tim Holtz’s latest colours. Hang in there Ann.

Thank you Ann, for showing me and many others that we are NOT inadequate with our crafting. Please continue to have fun and share your ideas with us.

Well said Ann, you are quite right when you say “use what we have” ........ it’s rather like baking, if you don’t have self raising flour then use plain flour with a pinch of baking powder instead. 🤗

Thank you Ann for your humble wisdom. I am sure this video will be a huge relief to those of us who have failed miserably at Pinterest or you tube challenges. My downstairs could open up and be a shop, I have bought so much stuff. I think I got addicted to buying the craft products in the hope that oneday I would successfully make and produce all these gorgeous items. Plus I'm enthralled with this craft, and that craft and have ended up starting something and not completing it. Thank you for reminding us to get back to the simple enjoyment of making something with what we have. You're awesome!

I so agree I stopped watching several other crafters as it all about buying new and different supplies every week. I can’t afford it and my cards don’t look anything like theirs. Thank you for saying what needed to be said. You are amazing

Absolutely you are SPOT ON!!! I do see things and think I'll go get all those materials and do the same..... NEVER turns out that way :( Makes me feel inadequate and not good enough and I've spent a blooming fortune on stuff that's going to sit in my room and I'm disheartened. I need to have a word with myself to be honest. I need to get back to making things fun again. You are a total inspiration for me hun and I'm glad that I'm not the only one xx

You know Anne there’s a lady on utube been going for years called Jennings 644 Fiona is her name you ought to see the things she makes she is very talented and uses scraps and bits and bobs wastes nothing and she doesn’t have all the mod cons she’s a great inspiration and your right I gave up because I was getting roped in buying expensive things you are a great inspiration to me I love your work xx PS your looking great love your jumper x

Yes Ann I think we all have to stand back a bit. I love your videos because they are so genuine and you show your mistakes which makes us feel better (Not being horrible) because it shows none of us do perfect work. I agree dont show your supplies, if we really want them we can email you and ask. FUN SOUNDS BRILLIANT, that is all any of us want.

You are SO right, Ann! I don’t believe in trying to be ‘perfect’ because it takes the joy out of crafting to me! So, you be YOU, I absolutely LOVE hearing and watching you! So, hang in there, do what you do HOW you do it, and know I’ve got your back! ❤

The cards we see on Pinterest ~ I wonder how many mistakes were made and how many rubbish attempts have been thrown away before they get one suitable for photographing. (They don’t show that) thats why I like watching videos. If you make a mistake ~ go with it. Our creations need to come from US ~ mistakes and all. Friends appreciate whatever we make, it is the thought that goes into whatever we make, NOT the item itself!!. DONT GIVE UP HUN!

Ann, thanks for keeping it real !

Well said!

Please know that you are an inspiration to me. What you do and share has made me able to cope with the trauma associated with these times. It is brave of you to share your feelings. I don’t struggle with the perfection issue but I struggle with the idea that crafting is a ‘waste of time’ and I don’t have a lot of people to give cards etc to so it seems selfish. But I’m realising that the process of creating and crafting is what I need to deal with my depression. And if my colleagues get boxes of cards for various occasions I’m grateful when they graciously say how lovely they are.

Omg you are so right!!!! I see something buy everything and cant recreate it then I get even more depressed because I spent the money for something I cant even do and then I'm no longer in the mood to create and dont do anything for a while until see something else I feel might be easier lol.. we are very hard on ourselves listening to you know and I feel like its me talking ... we do need to stop watching sometimes and just craft from the heart xoxo

Totally agree. In fairness you are one of the only utbers that have stayed loyal to your fans. Videos that don't need a lot of expensive materials. Stay true and keep crafting.

There’s been a lot of talk about this lately with companies having new releases every single month. Not only that but they are so expensive too. Sometimes I look at things people have made and think that’s lovely I’d love it, but then I think what else have I got in my stash that would work instead? There is usually something that would look just as good in a different way. Glad your back and keep up the creativity!

I agree ! For me I started as a kid with glue, scissors and paper and that made me happy to just create with basic things and I felt very creative to come up with thing using such minimal materials. I think that we are to hard on each other to add all " the bells and whistles " . You make Amazing things with paper and a score board . There is nothing wrong with forgoing the trends . tfs

Please don't give up and stop what you're doing! I realized that, every time I buy a new item, I don't buy the time to use it! Its just more time spent finding a place for it, more time spent looking for stuff......I was at my most happy and most creative when I was challenged to make do with what I had at the time. Have a lovely 2021! Regards from South Africa.

I’m with you there Anne. The amount of stuff I’ve bought and is still unused, is a joke. I started doing classes just over a year ago, showing people how to make cards. It was really fun getting together and just having a play. I’ve had to go on to Zoom now, and provide my ladies with a kit for two cards each week. It’s still fun, but harder as I can just take stamps, dies etc and let then choose what they want. Now I have to stamp, die cut, punch everything and it takes time. The fun was taking most of my stuff, and saying today we’re going to make this sort of card using these sort of items, and seeing what they all came up with. You’re right, they don’t have to be perfect, they are handmade, which means so much more. I’ve made some of your storage boxes, cards, etc and they aren’t as good as yours, but I’ve had fun making them and I use them. That’s all that counts. If my ladies say they’ve made a mistake, I tell them it’s not meant to be perfect, it’s hand made. There are no such things as mistakes, they are happy accidents. Love what you are doing. Stay safe and take care xxx

Thank you, Ann! You are such a lovely person, inside and out. Your posts and videos have inspired so many of us. I agree with you completely how expensive this hobby is. But I love it! Please keep on inspiring and encouraging us all with your practical and beautiful, creative projects.

I don’t earn anything with my crafting and I absolutely love it. It’s definitely about accessing a different part of your brain and just relaxing. Everything you said has become more true in recent years. Pinterest has set unreachable standards.

That's why I like card sketches. I don't look at the results of others any more. I create my own card with stuff of my stash. Kind regards.

Ann i totally agree with you, I have stopped watching a lot of videos because I can afford to buy the products. It would be lovely to see more channels going back to basics and and just enjoying craft making again xx

I can relate!...I stopped buying from Stampin Up for the most part, for the exact same reason...every time I watched a you tube video with SU demonstrators, I felt if I wanted to re-create the project, I would invariably not have the stamps/dies/paper, etc. so I felt I would have to order it, and when a stamp/die set costs almost $100.00 with tax and shipping...it can become extremely expensive...so, I have made the decision to use what I have, and just create for the fun of creating...thanks so much for this video, it hit the nail right on the head. I recently re-cycled all my Christmas cards I received, and will be sending them out next year!...don't give up sweetie, you are sooooo good at what you do, no need for perfection...just enjoy...God Bless!

What a breath of fresh air, thank you for your honesty and hitting the nail on the head for all us stay at home crafters. I have vowed this year not to spend on craft items unless I really have to.

Happy New Year Ann. You look amazing! This is probably a message that we all need to hear and remind ourselves - the comparison aspect to creativity has to stop.

I totally agree! I haven't made anything since before March. I love it too & I make jewellery as well. I've even bought birthday cards this year instead of making them!. Perfection is not on!!

I used to buy every craft magazine that was on the shelf which used to cost me about £30 a week, for nearly 2 years. fair enough I got lots of dies and stamps etc but when you open the mags you need more and more things, I now have stopped buying them and have started making what I can make with what I have. Some mags were still in there cellophane lol. But all tagged and sorted now, now I mix and match them and I love what I can create. You do fabulous work Ann, take a step back and look at what you have achieved, your amazing xx

Hi Ann, You are so right in what you say, all of us crafters must have spent thousands on craft supplies over the years, now at 78 I look round my craft room and am amazed at what I have bought and a lot of it I haven't used. I've seen this quote from somewhere that perfection is the killer of creativity! so true. Thankyou I can definitely relate to your video x

Good for you! I have stopped watching videos where you need to have certain products to produce the finished item, things should be adaptable to suit what we have, keep going you do a fab job.🤗

Thanks for sharing. Love to watch your video’s. Please never stop creating! 😘☘️

this is also one of my frustrations. That's why my hobby is increasingly moving towards junk journaling. The techniques are very interesting.

You are so right Ann! One of the reasons (and there’s many) that I watch your videos is because you have such a great way of explaining (a super amazing way) as well as choosing the best things for us to make and you tell us to use our stashes! I also appreciate the fact that you actually leave in the mistakes! Do you have any idea as to how much that helps us?? You are so human!! Wow! What a refreshing experience!! You are a beautiful soul!! (inside and outside!) Please don’t hurt yourself! We really want you to be happy too!! You help so many! I hope that you somehow know that!! I wish we could be helpful to you too! Please take time for yourself!! You are definitely not alone!! We love you to pieces! Please take care of yourself… that will make us happy! (I am actually lucky that I only found you more recently because I can always find a Positively Papercraft video that I haven’t yet seen to keep me company!!…Just last night I couldn’t sleep and so I just layed there and designed crafting things to make in my mind, all based on your videos!!) If you lived by me we would have so much fun… as long as you didn’t want me to cook because I can’t do that at all!! If you ever want to move to the U.S. I want you to live by me… sometimes I will teach you what I know and sometimes you can teach me…how fun…we might be trouble if laughter is trouble that is!! Seriously though, please take care of yourself and Thank You So Much!!💕💕💕💕💕💕

Wow, I am so glad to hear you stand up and say how expensive it is just to buy each item to create a simple yet stunning card layout that we come across on KZfaq Etc. The cost is outrageous and so many of us are living paycheck to paycheck just getting by. So much is out of reach for 100’s / 1,000’s of fellow crafters. I have noticed a number of times how stressed out so many video crafters are due to the push from so many of the big craft companies. How to Video tutorials teach us so much; but when our joy/heart is taken out then the true beauty within the creating process is tarnished. I just love your videos. It broke my heart when you encountered months of waiting to be able to move. The world is in such a mess. We are doing our best to hold on to some sort of normal and the creative allows us to drift back into a peacefulness we had in the past. Thank you for straight forward from the heart, thoughts. More people need to stand up...

Ann, my most favorite video of yours is when you made the Father’s Day toolbox. It was literally red paper and a few brads....and because of that I was able to make it for my dad..it was an amazing project that without you I would have never even conceived it, I thank you for sharing your talent and ideas and also for the heartwarming memories and amazing project. This year has has been tough financially emotionally physically and crafting has indeed been a huge issue for many of us. It is a love hate relationship for sure especially with covid trapping us in our homes and in our own heads, totally feel you. Please know that I appreciate your hard work and talent. Because of this video right now typing this from inside my craft room. It has been weeks since I have been in here or even wanted to be here. ......so thank you.

I think you're on to something Anne. A few crafters who make videos have had similar feelings this year. 2020 was a test for everyone and many of us are now unemployed. I watch the videos and decide what I want that could be versatile and be made into other items. I love the videos that show how to use what you have. Without you, I wouldn't have had so much fun with a laminator this year! You have persevered through all of these trials this year and inspired others who needed that outlet SO badly, thank you for sharing these things with us.

Thank you so much for this video Ann! I have been watching you for years, and I remember a couple of times over the years where this has happened to you, then you come on and talk about it, and I was at the exact same spot. You just did it again 😅 I feel the same way right now! I haven't crafted since right before Christmas because I just couldn't get a few things perfected. And I have bought so much stuff, thinking I needed it, and now I can't even get to my desk! I also have stopped buying things because it's just so overwhelming! Again, thanks for reminding me I'm not the only one feeling this way! Much love to you Ann! From Ohio, U.S.

Crafting and and other things in life, I see as Perfect Imperfections. Without the imperfections, it wouldn’t be unique and one of a kind. There always be people who look for perfection, but so much is missed in those imperfections. Life is not perfect. 🦋🌻

Oh you are so not alone in this! I've often thought that my hobby is buying all the things I see in videos and not actually crafting. It looks like I spend more time buying stuff and sorting stuff and organising stuff than I actually do crafting. And it is frustrating when you spend all that money in order to achieve something similar to what you saw in a video and failing miserably. And, for someone as perfectionist as me, its easy for focus on the "failure" rather than on the creative aspect of it. Thank you for being so cadid and thank you for your videos, I really enjoy them x

I am so sorry for the way you feel about crafting and I hope you continue to craft. I enjoy watching and then trying to make the project. You are absolutely right about not turning out like it suppose to but I just try again. I watched some of your videos from two years ago and on. You are very talented and don't let anybody take your sparkle away. Yes! I do spend some money on items it's just so easy to do..I love hearing about the things you get. I learn what it is used for and how to use it. Sending a long distant smiley face. :) for this New Year it's going to be a great year...

A heart felt thank for being so honest. You are a real inspiration to me to get on with using my stash.

Ann I so totally agree with you. I am guilty of looking at a card and trying to recreate it and not pleased with it. Your videos and tutorials are so easy and helpful without costing the earth. You give us so much inspiration. I can’t believe how chuffed I am when I recreate one of your makes. We appreciate all the effort and your time you put into the projects. Big hugs 😘😘😘

So glad I'm not alone. For a while I stopped doing swaps because I felt I couldn't comply with expectations and money spent. My love of crafting began with making stuff out of "scraps and trash". Thank you!! Looking forward to your series!! ❤

So glad I'm not the only person who feels this way!

Well said Ann sometimes it just takes something like this to be said and listened to. I personally couldn’t have watched this at a better time. Thanks you so much. Keep up you great videos I love to watch them thank you xx and Happy New year to everyone xx

You inspire me craft wise, I’ve gained so much confidence watching your videos, Thank you and keep up the good work 😘

I started watching and subscribed to your channel this past week because you are "re-loving" the older products and coming up with amazing new ways of using them!

Oh Ann! You are so on spot with all this. I get frustrated trying to figure out things. I lov paper crafting. I spend too much on crafts then don’t feel like doing them after I get them. So I’m 100% behind you.. stay safe and healthy and Happy New Year to u too! Lov always, Lin

“Do what’s achievable”....I like that! 😍 I’ve already put myself on a spending hold for 2021 and have committed to using every stamp, die, ink etc I have on hand before I buy anything new. I’ve been seeing a lot of these types of posts lately so I think a lot of us are feeling this way. With 2020 being the year of the lockdown I think a lot of us went on a crazy spending spree on craft supplies because we are watching so many more videos... 2021 is going to be the use what you’ve got year for me!

I think we have all struggled with this at times. We constantly compare ourselves to other crafters. We don't always see the mistakes or the ones they threw away - we only see the perfect one. I agree that it's time for me to get back to creating and crafting instead of comparing and copying. Thank you for your honesty. Looking forward to learning from you and enjoying the process instead of buying things I may never use!

Hi Ann Happy New Year . Yes I totally agree with you, not all of us are made of money. Thanks for the inspiration stay safe Jill x

🤗 well said Ann. Ive always loved your ideas and inspiration, and am looking forward to having play time with my crafting supplies! I get so used to just doing stuff on my silhouette that i forget about embossing folders, and paint etc. Wishing you a fantastic 2021!

Nothing I have ever made has been perfect! And the people who get them, love them just the same as if they were!... it is the love of crafting that makes our work what it is, no matter what! Most of the crafters I know (including myself) are perfectionists! That’s what drives us! But the good news is that we don’t have to be perfect! Thank you for sharing your heart. 💜😊

OmEmGee!!!! You are not alone. We all buy supplies and never use them. Let's stop collecting and get to using our stuff. I love "use what you have" videos. I can't wait to see some of your ideas. I know it could be hard to find inspiration during the pandemic. What I do is just pull out one or two items that I've admired, but never used and start there.

Thank you for being so candid about your personal struggles and feelings. I find it so easy to get caught up in that feeling of believing you need the latest thing. Even after crafting for years and seeing trends come and go and return again. This year I want to focus on developing my skills and style utilizing a lot of what I have and just enjoying the creative process. Thank you for your wonderful video, much appreciated.

Thank you for that. I've recently found you. As a new crafter I have now decided to put a stop on the buying for a few months. I've decided to use what I've got for now. I hope you are feeling more positive about your crafting and once again enjoying it.

Lets make this year POP ,positively over perfection, make it become something happy not perfect, we are all our own worst critics and that stops us a lot of the time, just don't give up on it, we love you Anne and love your honesty, you show your flaws on screen and we love you for it, so please, please , please don't let it get you down!

Sometimes we are just too hard on ourselves. I have purchased many things that in truth I have never used. This year is the year to use what I have already. Sometimes also we are too hard on our selves. I made my first journal (an altered book) for my daughter for Christmas and I must say I was disappointed with it. Everyone else that saw it thought it was beautiful and my daughter was very happy with it. It was a gift from the heart and even though it has imperfections, I am very happy with it.

Thank you for you're honesty. Keep on crafting. You are an inspiration.

I can 100% relate and understand what you are saying. You are a lovely lady and very talented. We must NOT give up our love of crafting. It helps us keep our sanity during these trying times. Just remind yourself that you are crafting for the love of it and for those who follow you with the same mindset. Keep up the great work.

Thank you Ann I totally agree with you, I never post my work as I always feel it’s not good enough, but I have to say that you are really genuine and would rather tell us how to save money than to spend it, it would be a sad day if you decide to pack it all in as you have worked so hard to get where you are now and there would be a lot of disappointed followers out there, but I would like to see more of the craft stuff we have rather buying new stuff all the time it seems that a lot of demos now are about they’re products than about the demos, please keep on giving as you make so many of us happy particularly at this sad 😞 and can be lonely times, let’s get back to hand made as this is what your all about 👏👏😘😘🌈

Exactly how I feel, I have so many dies and stamps etc. So my goals this year is to pull 1 stamp set or die set out a week and try and make 3 different cards with it. I want to Try and improve and ink blending and colouring, also try stuff I haven’t done like masking stamps and creating a scene. I hope we all get our mojo back soon. I must admit I always feel like this after Christmas as Christmas crafting is so much easier and once it’s over,it’s like now what.x

I love your sincerity, and I love your quality of the videos and will continue to learn and create the cards you teach. PLEASE DON'T STOP YOUR TUTORIALS.

The book “52 lists for happiness” helped me narrow down what I love to do when I felt lost. It’s really fun to figure out what you need in your home and then figuring out how to make it out of what you have around the house. Much more satisfying.

Thank you, Ann, for expressing what I have felt for some time now. I have been collecting supplies and so much stuff yet produced nothing. Just two weeks ago I was trying to get rid of everything. I broke down and started watching a few craft videos, yours being the first. After a few videos I started asking myself why am i watching this if I am getting rid of it all? It dawned on me (I even said it out loud) that you aren’t perfect. You make a mistake and you keep it in your video. Your comments about doing better next time, guess we all make mistakes, that didn’t do as I expected truly helped me because I am furthest from perfect as you can get. Sorry for blathering, you struck a nerve. Now I know whatever comes out of my craft room is ok. No more expecting perfection just because everything shown makes you feel inadequate.

I quite agree with you Ann, I am living in Spain at the moment and craft supplies are difficult to get hold of, unless you order online, so I have to make do with what I have got. But please don't stop your crafting, because I love watching you video's. Take care of yourself and thank you for your inspiration.

I appreciate you sharing your heart. I needed to hear that too. I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling this way.

I Agree with you! I've become discouraged after a project fail. Then I take a break...and eventually get back to my crafting. Thank you for your encouragement of not giving up. Hope you have a great new year!

Your so talented...I also love to craft...I also do it as a kind of therapy...yes .y stuff isn't perfect.. but I love it...and every now and then I make something for friends..or coworkers to let them know I might not have alot of $$ but I can create a card or bag ..or coffee filter tree for a resident and make someone's day..I work in a nursing home..its been very difficult year!!! I love watching all the crafters every day after my difficult day and maybe trying things they do with things I've collected from thrift stores or supplies I've had..thank you...you are loved!!!!

Sounds good to me Ann, it's just what we need in my opinion. Just do what you love. 😊 X

So very true Ann. I need to stop buying new products and use what I have! Looking forward to seeing what you create in the new year. Loving you hair and your jumper xx🙂😘

I can relate to all you have said. It was good to hear you talk about what a lot of us think. Thank you.

I appreciate your comments Ann. I feel that if we can relax and enjoy and have fun crafting then what a wonderful way to spend our time. There are many of us who enjoy your work. Keep it up and don’ t COMpete with anyone. Warm wishes Leonie

I think part of this is due to the pandemic - it's hard to feel creative when there's so much uncertainty in the world. In 2020, I crafted very little, but have recently begun clearing out my craft space. I've started purging and organizing and seem to have gained more incentive to start crafting again. The rediscovery of older supplies, the start of a new year and the hope given by the vaccine has begun to lift my spirits. Hang in there - things WILL get better! (And now that I'm seeing the mass of supplies I already own, I will save money by not getting the latest and greatest thing on offer each month!) Thank you for hard work and inspiration - I enjoy your videos immensely!

This is why you are my favorite!!! You are an AMAZING crafter. Your tutorials are incredible. I Love how we can use what we have, yet make something similar to what you make. And your videos are so easy to follow, your instructions are great. You are great!! I truly appreciate the time you so generously give us. I can't even begin to tell you how much inspiration I gain from watching your videos. Oh, and your accent!!! So beautiful!!! You are just an absolute doll!!! I am definitely a huge fan. Thank you for doing what you do!! It is greatly appreciated by many of us!!!

Oh my word Ann and @ Nancy Lynn. You have voiced so many of my thoughts and feelings, it's uncanny. And so many of the comments reflect how I feel. I have got to the stage where I literally can't fit another thing into my craft room (and I am so embarrassed because I have so many boxes and items I have purchased and never used or even opened). When I see how wonderful some of the creations are that are out there I just feel like what's the point - I can never achieve that level of amazing. Yet, every card or creation I've ever made and given to friends and family have been so gratefully received, and I've had so many lovely compliments. I have to keep reminding myself of that instead of feeling depressed that I can't keep up with some of the experts. Ann, I have been following you for only maybe 2 years, and I absolutely love what you do. I feel better knowing that there are so many people out there who are in the same boat, so to speak. I had already decided that I am not going to buy anything this year (except basics like adhesives), but your video has reaffirmed that decision for me. I just hope I have the strength and self-discipline to stick to it :) Take care, and thanks again for sharing.

Oh Anne you have hit the nail on the head! I was only thinking yesterday, I was making some sympathy cards, and I wanted to make simple because I feel sympathy cards shout simple to me! I sat for an hour! Pushed paper and card around! No inspiration! I love journalling too, but everyone is doing the same thing, snippets, using scraps, what to do with bookpages etc etc! No insult made but I am not seeing anything fresh and Crafty! So I have decided I am not looking anymore, I am going to find in myself my own inspiration, I used to, but then I found U Tube which is lovely but I have lost my " Crafty fun" you are so so right Anne! I have followed you since your Stampin Up days and love what you do, and a big thank you for releasing the " chains" so we can be free to craft again for ourselves!

I have so much to say about this. I’m so glad you shared this! I did not know if this was your main source of income or not. There have been a lot of American youtuber crafters who have recently made videos about either the pressure of being on a design team ( not worth it) and/or the way the craft companies have too many new product releases that are hard to keep up with. A lot of commenters agreed that it’s just too much because we never have time to play with what we have and learn different ways to use it. I think the pandemic stuff has made a lot of this come to light because we are all at home more and we all are looking for ways to busy our minds with happy stuff. It’s my therapy as well like you said. If I were you, I would do videos showing you playing around with different materials and products. Let us see the things that don’t work as well as the successes. You do that anyway sometimes- because I think it’s so funny when you say, “oh damn” about something. Makes me laugh every time but also makes me feel better when I mess up. It would be cool for you to pick a few popular new products and using similar products you already have, make something similar. I mean, let’s be real, if you’ve been crafting a while, we all have enough stuff to last forever. I know a lot of people are now struggling financially and cannot buy new stuff but if they can learn how to use what they have, they can still play around and make a similar card/project. I think most crafters would love to see this. I am so glad you shared your thoughts on this. Let’s all play and have fun with all of the fun products in our stash.

Ann, it’s like you crawled into my head and read my thoughts and feelings! This is exactly how I feel. I’m going to try to use what I have (right after I place this one last order! ). I do love all of your videos that I have watched, you are a great inspiration. Thanks for making a lot of us feel so much better about ourselves.

Great message!!!! Thank you for this video. I have a very stressful job and craft for the loved of it and a happy outlet. I have learned to make beautiful items from your tutorials which I in turned gift to friends and family. There's lots of time and love that go into each item but they are not perfect and they are so well received. I even get request to make things that people want to buy to give as gifts for others. I do that on a small scale so that I keep paper crafting as my therapeutic outlet which I love so much. I also refer people I know to your channel. Thank you so much for what you do and this message to just relax and have fun. It's the love we put into anything we do that makes the difference. Please continue with what you do!!!!

I started crafting about 8 years ago when I retired. I didn’t even know you could make your own cards. I started buying all kinds of supplies that I never used. I would even forget what I bought them for. I still buy way too much, but I gave lots of supplies away recently. They were distributed to several different people which makes me feel so much better. I still have lots of products that I need to go through and give away. I have never tried to be perfect because I know that’s not me. I create for myself and hope everyone else will like it. I’m not artistic at all, but that’s why I appreciate people like you who share your creativity.

So agree with you! I have slowed the buying a lot! I have way too much stuff that has not been used. Maybe it’s the time we are living in, but my crafting mojo is just not there like it used to be!

Everything you said touched my heart. I just wanna have fun!!!!!! Thank you so much!🌺🌺🌺🌺♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🌺🌺🌺🌺♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🌺🌺🥰

WOW! I'm not the only one! I have loved so many of your videos, for your talent and instruction, but THIS is one of my favorites! Thank you so much for acknowledging what so many of us are thinking! I know that the pandemic has certainly hit my mental health hard. Crafting and sewing have helped me so very much - when I don't try to recreate something that someone else does, but when I take the techniques and tips from others and make something MY OWN. I am so eager to try your laminated napkins! I will look for some pretty ones when I finally go out and about more. Thank you SO much for all your hard work and experience that you so kindly share with so many people. You are a shining star.

I have always liked your videos because you come up with projects that don't need new dies. I was really glad when you decided to get off all the design teams because I couldn't afford to buy the things you were using and I didn't have anything to substitute. You should focus on your successes such as the easel hat card and box. OMG! How many of us made that successfully? I know I did! Look at your laminating videos. Wildly successful! I could go on but there are just too many to list. Stay positive and keep sharing your creativity and talent with us please!