We need monthly meetings for crafters anonymous.

I unsubscribed from 95% of crafty emails and KZfaq notifications a year ago. You summed up my feelings 100% accurately. It’s overwhelming and suffocating to have so much stuff that I haven’t used. Then there is the guilt thing…. I’m not cured; but, I am so much better. Thanks for the kick in the ass.

I really struggle with this too. I realised how expensive my cards are when I had to buy a new stamp set for each one. Now if I buy a stamp set that costs $25 I don’t let myself buy any more until I have used that one 25 times at least. If I don’t think I would use it that many times I don’t buy it.

My story is similar. I could have purchased my own house with what I've spent and then donated, in fabric and craft supplies over the last 30 years. You've inspired me to get rid of the last stamping company website on my computer and unsubscribe from the rest of the makers highlighting products. I AM KEEPING YOU AROUND because you make sense; teaching us to be smart crafters and not 'gotta have it all' crafters. I've been one of those for way too long. Thank you, my dear.

Thanks for the wakeup call. I'm doing my best to use everything I own.

Yes! I'm so glad you read my mind. ..this is why I have been watching Natasha foorte so much. She uses her supplies smartly. Thank you for sharing this as well.

Thanks for this video. I don’t really have fomo but I’ve bought too much and never used it. There is another area that I seem to have a problem. I tend to watch a lot of videos but never get into my craft room and make cards. I just sit in my recliner and watch videos!!!Of course, if there is a birthday in the family I will probably put a card together. (I made a birthday card with a dog on it for my grandson and his dog ate it!!! Next year I’ll just give him a couple of dog biscuits instead!!). But getting back to the problem, is there anyone else out there who watches lots of videos and never makes the cards? I think I need help!!

Sing it!!!! I am saving this video and playing it when I need strength!!!! It’s shameful what I donated on my last purge. THANK YOU!!!

I really did appreciate the honesty. It took me a long time and a lot of money to figure out that buying the new stamp/die/stencil would not magically provide me with design talent! Once I got that straight, it’s clearly more about learning to use what I have and how I like to create my stuff. I have stopped following a number of KZfaqrs or watching certain videos about new releases. I focus more on design theory, design process, and media use than on product. I Like to hear what color was chosen for what reason and the use of texture and why the designer picked that type of stamp versus what I made with this new expensive release. They are to find! I’m frustrated still that the focus is so firmly on spending money but I have shifted mine anyway! TFS.

I owe you the biggest thank you! I just realized that I am an impulse buyer when it comes to the same things. As much as it will kill me, I am going to do what you did with all your emails from the companies I like. I really need to do this because I have so much stuff that it's scary. And watching your video made me realize that I need to use what I have and buy no more. Thank you so much 🙏

Preaching to the choir sista!!! I have been very aware of my impulse buying too. Full set syndrome died quick when I realized I won't use all the colors! I so agree with unsubscribing... did it! I am part of a company that has 2 new catalogues out for us to preorder from... won't look at them as I am retiring from them! I am challenged to go through the ones I don't like anymore for stamp sets! How many floral stamp sets can I have before it's illegal to own that many?!🤣🤣🤣 Great motivator video! Thanks so much Laurel!

I buy & buy and never create. Great & refreshing video. BTW I always love your energy in your videos😊

I just loved everything you said! I am a huge impulse buyer and I have FOMO!! My friends joke that I have more stamps, dies, paper, ink pads, you name it than most hobby stores carry. I have a very large craft room with 2 desks, 2 counter tops at least 8 feet long, 8 cupboards and bookcases and shelves and I can barely move. I have stuff all over the floor in containers so they cannot get damaged, I have 4 rolling carts full of stuff and I have no idea what's inside. I did a quick run through in one of my many fridge bins and in a matter of minutes I had a huge box of stamps that I have never used and I will never use and that was just one company. I have a few neighbors who are interested in making cards so I will be putting together a box or two or three or..... and I am going to start giving things away.

In my first year, I bought everything, including lots of duplicates. Today, I have a strict budget & when I get something new, I use it right away - swatch it, stamp it, die cut it, embellish something. Thank you for your tips Lauren

It helped me a lot to create a catalog for my stash. A friend was so cool and programmed me an app for my birthday. Everything is in there with key words about the motives and texts. When a new stamp set appeals to me...because of the cute squirrels...I open the app, search for squirrels and I can see right away if the set really is an asset or not. The situation is similar when I see someone crafting something. I can then look for similar items in my inventory and recreate it without having the exact same materials. Sometimes being creative is much more difficult when you own too many things. Then it takes 3 hours to find the right stamp or paper.

Thank you so much Laurel! I am going to take your advice and unsubscribe from all my stamp and newsletter company and whittle down everything I own. I don’t work on anything because I have so much I can’t decide that to do next. Thank you for the heart to heart. I needed it.

Love this message. I have been in my own "austerity zone" since the beginning of the year. But I still struggle with crafting. I love watching the KZfaq videos and tell my self it is to learn new techniques - but then I feel like I MUST HAVE ..... that thing. And I don't need it. I have plenty - more than I can ever use !!!!

Laural, what you are saying is so true, I have stuff I never used and I overspend. I want to learn how to be creative with what I have. Bless you and I am unsubscribing from news letters and many of the youtube channels ( not yours of course).💖💖💖

Fantastic, well said. I'd also add a problem I have about buying magazines with stamp sets or dies on, I look at it a few times then it's gathering dust under my desk & the stamp sets are not great quality. There's website we have here in the UK called Olio where you post things you don't want & it's all free. Also you can put a request on for things you want. At least you'd know that the things you are giving away are going to people who really want them.

YESSSS!!! I totally agree! I think most of us do this. It's hard to resist new stuff. And Yes to donating all the things you no longer need or use. One point you missed is that we are very lucky if we can afford to buy whatever we need or want. I think this is a real privilege. So appreciate what you have everyone. Also recycle and re-use as much packaging (including all your plastic) as possible. We all have an obligation as crafters to do this because all these craft supplies are probably really bad for our Planet. It's good to THINK about the resources involved in making all these things. 👍💖

Were you a fly on the wall at our crafting session this afternoon? You have just outlined everything my friend Cherry and I discussed today…brilliant video, thank you. X

I also do not watch hauls. Process videos are my favorite but I do get enticed by the new stamps being used in these videos, even though some creators do say, use what you have! Thank you Laurel!

Just watched this…last month, I was so overwhelmed by all the craft products I had that I could not be creative. So I started a ruthless purge. Made numerous trips to Goodwill and donated all that I removed from my craft room. I would add that not everything was used infrequently or not at all, there are also stamps that I have used so often that all the people to whom I send cards have probably received one from me with that image. So those stamps were donated as well. The bonus is that my room is less cluttered and my creativity is back👍🏻👍🏻

Thanks so much for your honesty and wisdom. I am retired now so I don’t have the money to buy stuff whenever a new catalog comes out. Also, I really do need to use what I have. I am in a card club with some people who buy a lot more than me, but, I have a rule that I have to have used what I have, at least once before I buy something new. Appreciate you so much.Laurel.

Thank you Laurel this is EXACTLY what I needed to hear! Appreciate you so much 🥰

GIRL I am soooo with you and have unsubscribed from several companies already...I have sooo much that I have never used that it is ridiculous...I have been doing this for 15 years so you can only imagine how much I own....sooooo girl you are talking my language now..now I do not know if I could go down to one bin but.......

Thank you for having the courage to create this video. I’m grateful that I’m not an impulse purchaser but I really do need to bash my stash as I am a collector of things “ I love butterflies” 🤪

Oh my gosh!! This is exactly what I needed to hear! I am definitely an impulse buyer and have found lots of things in my stash that I can't believe I spent money on. :( Thanks for letting us know we are not alone!!

I was so happy to watch your video today! I started out just buying some really cheap this to get me started at a flea market, next thing I know I’m spending hundreds of dollars at a time just because I watched a video and loved what the person made. By the time I get the products I forgot what I wanted to do with them and just file them away. I plan to do what you suggested and stop buying things just because it’s new. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this video!

When I was a teenager I usually paid for my own art supplies. If my parents gave me money, it wasn’t a lot. I was very careful with what I bought. Fast forward to marriage and children. I was very lucky, my husband made enough money that I could stay home. I was still pretty careful about spending. As my kids got older I got back into art and crafting. I found a fantastic local stamp store in the mid-90s and I loved stamping. I found more stamp stores; none close to home unfortunately, at least then I could have made money by working there! By the mid 00s all but one of the local stamp stores were gone, but then there was the internet! A whole new way to shop! I also had lost my dad, my mom, and all my kids had left home. I was dealing with mental health issues and fibromyalgia and lost touch with friends. Instead, I had all these new friends online. Except most of the new friends wanted me to buy stuff. So I did. Five years ago my husband died very suddenly. (Heart attack) I had to move from our house in the country to a very small house in the city. Two years ago my middle daughter died from a pulmonary embolism. My studio still isn’t organized, but I have lots and lots of PRODUCT! After Steve died I started ordering everything. I was paring things down before I moved, but after Elizabeth died I started buying again. My youngest came from California to visit and she said I have more supplies than a crafting and gift shop she likes in LA. I’ve resisted “getting rid” of a lot of my things because I truly love the images, the colors or what that supply does for me. You have made me realize that it’s ok to pass a lot of this on to others. I’m going to go back over my stamps, my ink pads and my dies to thin everything out. Hopefully I will be successful in creating more space to actually create more art. Thank you for your wise words.

Thanks Laurel ⚘️ Everything you said made sense. I'm a compulsive impulse buyer. I'm trying to teach myself to stop buying anything and everything. I have stopped buying papers and paper pads. I always would get 2 of each. I have so many products here, there's enough to stock a shop and this is no exaggeration. It doesn't help that I'm a hoarder, so getting rid of anything makes it really hard. That mindset of I might use it, takes over and then causes the anxiety to become overwhelmed. Hopefully I will be able to cull my supplies one day.

All three of you give a very convincing argument to use your stash. I purged about a year ago. It was hard- i cannot remember what I gave away anymore. Many KZfaq crafters are singing the same song and it is interesting your they show new ways to make due with their supplies.. I appreciate the "industry" but too much wasted money is the key to changing bad habits of spending for the reasons you stated.

I just told my husband what I was watching and he asked if this was the last time I watch you! Lol. I realized how much I spend when I watch people make new and cool technique videos and am having trouble watching because I know I have issues with buying. I really did need to hear this. Thank you! I love your candor.

Buying stuff twice cos I didn't remember I'd already bought was me. Retired right b4 the pandemic hit, started watching how to videos and went SHOPPING. Now I take pics, have them in files for easy finds when I shop now.

Before February 2023, I hadn't bought anything (except tape from Scor-Pal) for 18 long months. I went to a summit in February and bought stuff, which I now start to regret but I told myself I'll try each item on at least 12 cards and go from there. I also unsubscribe from most of my list on YT, kept 3 but didn't really watch their videos. I'm recouping now because I have stuff they are showing and need the inspiration. I think I'm going to go on the no-buy again and use what I have. Brenda Fertitta here on YT showed a really great idea of using library card to stamp every time you use an item. I'm going to start doing that too. Beth from Bourbon (something) counts everything she makes out of a paper pad. I love that idea too. And then we have the Queen of finishing paper pad, Kristie Marcotte. Every time I watch your videos I find you down-to-earth and we really need someone who's not shy in telling us how things are. TFS, Nicole

I watched this a while ago then I rewatched it after I read your email today. Thank you! Seriously, thank you. I also want you to know I'm listening. I have two large bags in my car. I reached out to the activities director of a local retirement/rest home facility near me. Monday morning I will be taking my sacks to her. And it feels good. Bless you for your voice of reason.

Love your chat, Laurel. Sometimes I need the brush-up on why I Don't need to go shopping. I did buy 3 small sets of dies, on clearance, this past week that I can get a Lot of use out of. Hobby Lobby is clearing out All of their dies. Makes me kind of sad. But I did stick to the ones I can stretch to other occasions, and uses. Not subscribed to any temptations, but I have left craft groups because of the constant pressure to buy, buy, buy. Most of the items they all insisted I needed weren't even related to what I liked to do. I did not yield to their pressure, but their constant yammering just made it unpleasant to craft with them. They all seemed to think they Had to have Everything, and so new members did too. Nope!! Oh, you'll love it!! Nope!! Well, you need to at least try it!! If I'm not interested in a certain technique, I'm Not going to spend $100+ to try something I don't feel I will enjoy. I know what I like. I have tried new things. But I've already dropped about 5 old hobbies in the past 30 years, and have reduced my stash to quilting, cardmaking/papercrafting, and quilling, which I hope to pick-up again, because the interest is still there. I finally found a KZfaq quiller that is informative, slow enough, and gives details and tips. Hope she stays around, awhile.😊

Love this and thank you! I only have so much room so I decided a while ago to only buy very little. I’m hoping this will catch on with various KZfaq crafters and we start to see videos using older items and focus more on techniques than buying new stuff.

Yes, I found it very, VERY helpful!! The past several weeks I knew I had to so something because my craft room is getting cramped and I hate it! I just un-subscribed to a lot of emails and I look forward to getting more in the coming weeks to continue to hit that unsubscribe button!! Thank you Laurel, I love your honesty and always have! ❤

Not super impulsive but still needed to hear this sensible advice. I have toooooo much! But I just may get that sticky mat … SSS has a 15% off!! Thank you Laurel.

I so glad I'm binge watching your videos. As a beginner I've purchased things I don't need or am interested in creating. Just now I'm working on buying inks. I've learned the hard way to stay away from anything that doesn't have ink re-fillers and way far away from the minis. I too am an impulse buyer and in less than 3 months I've spent more than $2k. This is insane, since my only income is my SS. Thank you for bringing me to stop the madness. Be blessed.

After I stamp I color then computerize them. Then I sell the stamp set as it is not needed because they are on my computer to pull up and print…no coloring needed!

So true. Ended up finding a box marked "crafting", that we have no idea who bought it or when or why, could have been there for at least 5 years. Luckily, just sold that box on EBAY.

So very helpful. I needed to HEAR this. Thanks for the suggestion to stop getting all the newsletters. I have bought way to many things just because it was the next best thing out there and haven’t used it yet.

I'm fairly new to this... maybe 5 years in... and already I see it happening... 5 watering bucket die cut... uh... how many gardening sets do I need... BUT for now I'm just challenging myself to USE everything. 5 watering buckets and NO Get well die cuts or stamps... there ya go. I totally can relate to what your saying.. thanks for another reminder.

Great video. I saw Lindsay "the frugal crafter" say that she never buys matching dies for stamps. They are super expensive and I can fussy cut easily. I only buy basic shape dies now.

I bought old block stamps from good will,about 5 years ago!!! and i really love them,and yes is true we dont need everything in the market industry to craft!!

Our crafting group meets once a month. We have a FREEBIE table. Can't beat the price!!!! Everyone uses it.

LOL. I thought you were talking about me personally! I'm so guilty of so many of the things you pointed out. When I think about all the money I've spent on products I haven't used for whatever reason, I could literally cry. I could probably pay off my car with what I've spent. This was really a good reminder for me to break so many of these horrible habits that I have developed. Thank you for your honesty!!

What I have started doing a while back is stamping every stamp I have in a book. Going through it and marking it with an X, to tell my self I got rid of it do not by again. Same with stencils. You're right about the news letters, I need to unsubscribe. At least it's a sort of healthy addiction. No one gets hurt but my wallet. Thanks for the video, it really was a needed kick in the but.

Excellent advice! My only change to what you said is: Put the item in your cart and wait for a week or a month-by that time you're more apt to be past the impulse! Setting a monthly budget can also help as well-forces you to make choices rather than buy on impulse. I love your suggestion of having a "use now" bin-I am currently trying to do that. Thanks for sharing!!!

I watch Natasha Foote (NZ) and Sasha Reade (UK) who both use what they have time and time again. For those of us who have an over-abundance of 12 x 12 cardstock, I recently came across a video by MayMay who has a 'mystery cutting plan' which I found very useful - using the backside cut into 6 pieces without looking at what you are cutting - a bit hard with double sided paper. Then you have 6 card fronts ready to go. I also watch another couple of crafters who major on 'using their stash'. Very helpful ideas. BTW Laurel, great video. Loved your honesty.

Crafting therapy..needed this cause I can feel I am going ‘down the rabbit hole’ . Had already started unsubscribing because I only read about 2% & important stuff was getting lost in the multitude of emails. Thanks💕

Yep! Have gotten rid of SO much! Know I need to phase out more because I cannot find the items I do use! Thank you!

I used to work at Michaels. Surrounded by supplies all day. I didn't have this issue. Until...KZfaq. So, then I started with the .."oh, I have to get that..." thing. I forced myself to just stop as I was getting more stuff than I was using. Now I just get tape and glue, etc. Works better. Thanks for sharing.

OMG Laurel. YESSSSS. What a Spectacularly Awesome share…and I used to be an impulse buyer too and Yiikes….I was like a bobble head doll watching your video my head almost fell off!! Love the way you delivered your theory and OH YES YOU NAILED IT!!!! I did a HUGE purge and donation and truly use what I have!! Thank so much this was Awesome…YOU SO ROCK!!!! Joan Smith

Truth! It’s so easy to get caught up in the new releases! But I’m learning to say no. The only thing I do want eventually are the stencil/ embossing folder sets.... but I haven’t because I’m waiting to see how I’ll feel later. We’re moving and it has taken me 3 DAYS to pack up my craft stuff..... ridiculous! I’m going to spend time doing exactly what you are saying...purge baby purge! Also.... when a post comes on... instead of looking at the new supplies used...I’m concentrating on the technique and asking myself how I can use the technique with what I have. Great and honest post! Thank you! 🙋‍♀️💕🌴

Thank you so much for your wise words. I feel so much lighter after listening to you; you expressed just what I’ve been feeling. I just needed the push to move forward and lighten my craft supplies and to better use what I already have. Someone once told me that comparison is the thief of joy, and I do believe that’s true. I always compared what I made to what others did, and I never measured up. Well, no longer-thanks to you!! It’s a new journey for both of us!

I tend to unsubscribe from the newsletters very soon as they keep spamming my mailbox, so I am OK with that. I just love browsing crafting websites to see what is new and I often get dragged in and make a purchase. I have a loooooooot of stuff. More than I need, but I am not getting rid of most of it just because I haven't used it in a year. I will eventually make myself using a lot of it and I bought it not to not miss out, but because I loved what I could do with those supplies and I want to make it, too. Often I do it more than year after. Often I used what I had for ages because I just happened to need it that time, so that is satisfying not to need chasing everything on the last minute. But I do understand I need to slow down. My crafting room is quite cluttered now and I cannot stretch it any further. I used to have magazines subscriptions but I no longer do it, so that is a progress. :)

Thank you! I have sooo much stuff .I have 7 different stamping platforms! I was crazy trying to find the best one. Same too w Coptic markers and crayons I never touch. Love my Misti the most.it’s shocking the amount of money spent. I see I buy. It is crazy. I probably have 35 watercolor sets.

My weakness when I began card making was monthly card making subscriptions. Don’t even want to think about how much money I spent!! I eventually stopped those altogether. Now I try to limit my purchases to consumables- adhesive, cardstock and envelopes. And Natasha Foote is my go-to inspiration on using what I have in my stash.

Here in the UK we have 24hr crafting channels and numerous crafting outlets which all deliver direct to your door. This leads to HUGE debt for some of us. I am sure this is true of most countries. Myself I mostly buy people's craftroom clearouts on ebay and that has got a bit out of hand. My point is there must be thousands of people in real debt despite the three now four month flexible payment schemes available. Non stop selling of craft ranges that cost hundreds at a time with a few cheaper ranges to draw you in. The constant "check out your baskets" mantra because after 10 minutes the baskets are emptied and you lose your order!!! Constant "You need this in your stash" Well you really don't. Thank you for your honest opinion and I have bought stuff I forgot I already have and lot's of stuff I have no idea how to use yet. It does concern me that crafters are in great debt, maybe having to lie to their partners, families and friends. There should be a Crafters Annoymous meeting, I would attend, bring along my crafting story. Obviously no one would bring their unwanted stash because that would be wrong, you get the idea. We could have zoom meetings whilst crafting to help people use as little as possible. Happy guilt free crafting. 😉

Yes yes yes. Good things to hear. I have found, for me, best thing is to accept that I have a certain style. I’m not flashy, I go simpler. Once I accepted that, it seemed easier. I bought embossing powders and inks, dry embossing folders, washi tapes (out the wazoo)…I joined a stamp club a few years back, wanted to be a part of the “group”… It didn’t work. I still like my style. I have two years worth of those stamps that I didn’t use. Plus our crafting/stamping industry is changing. More expensive for one thing. And several “local” craft stores closed, and a few don’t carry much for card making. Which helps me get more creative with what I have. All that said, I still shop on line every so often. I try to screenshot things I see that I think I want. Then when I get around to shopping, I check and see what I saved. Goes about 50/50. Sometimes I still want the items, sometimes not. You gave us several really good ideas. Thank you for sharing!

This is a great series and I am totally with you guys on this. I am a "sale" person so for some reason if it is on sale then I just have to have it. I have been going through my stash recently by categories and yes OMG - I have so much and Florals and butterflies are my weak spots.

Wow! Thanks for this video! I am so that person! For years I didn't have a lot of $$ to purchase new supplies for quilting, scrapbooking, and cardmaking, but that has changed and I am also an impulse buyer! If I see a video with a bunch of great stuff I just buy it all instead of seeing what I have that is similar - and I have a LOT, so I know I can replicate the idea with what I have. I have spent some time last night right after I watched this and this morning unsubscribing from every craft email about sales and new releases and newsletters. I often spend more time organizing and putting away new products than I do crafting! It's just ridiculous! I so appreciate this video. Thanks, Laurel!

I applaud your frankness!! Thank you for speaking some truths. I stopped buying about three weeks ago and am finding it more and more liberating!!! My brain is finally getting the point that I really don't need the "more." You just confirmed and drove it home for me. Thank you sooooo much.

Oh my I am so glad I watched your video and it is definitely being saved. I have gone through my “stash” several times, and I do have a place I make donations. BUT obviously I’m not purging enough at once as I seem to go back in another month or two and go through the same process. ( UGH )For me, I also think having too may of the same sentiment ie: a version of thank you, makes it harder when choosing which one to use. Sorry to have rambled; thank you from another impulse buyer.

OMG...you were speaking to me. I’m such an impulse buyer and need to purge. I have stamps and dies I haven’t used it ages.

Apparently, collecting craft supplies is a hobby of its own! 🤣

This video changed my life. Since watching it earlier this year, I stopped purchasing new items unless it is something I really know I am going to use. I have so many stamps and dies in my stash I've never used. I'm on a mission to use them now and NOT purchasing anything new. I look for card ideas that emphasize using what you have in your stash. Thank you Laurel!

Yes Laural you are so so right and yes I was a copycat junky and my studio was overflowing into my home, so I but the bullet and culled every craft item I no longer did, yes most new and never opened. I now only do journaling, and try to stay away from my fav artists and new collections.

Amen. You are absolutely correct! I need to keep watching this video over and over! Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I have been thinking this for the longest time. You and MayMay made it are the only two KZfaq crafters that I subscribe to any more. Your honest is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for this video! I think we all need this at some point. I get very frustrated when watching someone make a card and it feels like a commercial. I realized these companies need to keep the products coming to stay in business but just because something is popular right now, (for example blending brushes) doesn't mean they need to make their own just so they can put their brand on it and then try to convince us theirs is better! Thanks for letting me vent. If I buy something, it's on me.

yep....I have done all of this. How many floral stamps can you use? I have way too many. I now give myself at least 3 days to look at my stuff before buying anything new. I usually have something similar. I just got rid of a ton of stamps, sprays and ink. I still have too much. I do make cards for a store and they ask for 5 thank you, 5 wedding, 5 baby,10 birthday etc....so I do need some variety so I'm not making the same card over again. I too stopped sorting by company. When you have 3.5 bins of birthday stamps you know you got way more than you need. 😏

I also ”need” a lot, but I can’t afford it (Thank God!). I rather pay my rent. 😊 But, I follow far too many KZfaqrs that inspire me and make me want to buy more stuff. 🙈 OT: your hair looks great!! 😍

Thank you. I’m in the process of purging & I love how you have reenforced my thought process. If I love a stamp, I want to keep it & use it, even if it is retired.

You are speaking to me. I am looking at things right now that I bought and haven't used.

Loved your honesty. I fall into this same trap. Gotta have it. This video opened my eyes and stepped on my toes. 🤣😂🤣

Well said. I am definitely an impulse shopper. I put myself on a total craft spending freeze until I had used at least half of my supplies I had not used at least once. I purged so many things from my art journal stash and I have started with my stamp supplies.

You are so right! There is so much guilt associated with impulse buying. It's not thoughtful and challenges our responsibility to be good stewards with our gifts (our money). Jennifer McGuire constantly challenges her viewers to use what they have to when trying her techniques. It's fun to see a card that you love and then go through your stash to see how you can repurpose something you already have to apply the technique. Doing this actually challenges me and gives me MORE creative inspiration. Something that I think would be great for the stamp industry is a site where crafters can resell their stamp sets. I think it would be great fun to create one last card with a stamp set you no longer want and use that card so sample and sell the set. I love the idea of donating as well but having the opportunity to resell to a relevant community. This would help us to save for new items we really do need. Thanks for your very thoughtful talk! Great point!

I decided to get back into card making, bought a gel plate, loads of acrylic stamps, stamping platform, dies, a die cutting machine, embossing folders, stencils, ink pads, napkins, paper, etc, etc. Trouble is, they need tabletop space (ideally a workroom) which I don’t really have at the moment. So what am I making cards from? I’m just sitting on the sofa with a lap tray, a cutting mat, knife & glue & colouring pencils, colouring in pretty ready printed pattern book pages & cutting up old calendar photos & illustrations to mount on the front of my cards. I love making use of cheap or junk items, so why I bought all this stuff I will never know! I did use the Gel plate once & have hand decorated & stamped over the painty papers & used those, so that isn’t a total failure, but I did go a bit stupid & buy things I probably will rarely, if ever use (well, not unless I ever get a workroom, anyway).

Love this!

Yes! Thank you !

I've gone through my collection and pulled everything I haven't used. I'm slowly working my way through the LARGE pile and using it all. I have also already unsubscribed from quite a few email lists. btw, your hair looks fabulous.

Thank you!!!

Thank you SO MUCH!

Thank you so much. I have impulse problems too and major guilt! I have been working on this problem. Good information. I love watching you. You are a most honest person. The real deal! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Thank you Laurel. I am guilty of getting all the ink colors of a company. Some of the colors don't blend well, others I just don't use at all. I've discovered I'd much prefer to have a set of shades of a color and to have them in the small 'spots'. I don't need a full size ink pad. I also have stopped buying matching dies for a stamp set unless it's really detailed. I can fussy cut like we had to do 10 years ago. The other day I made a large order and when checking out something happened and my order disappeared. I was so annoyed I walked away from the computer intending to order later. Then I realized I didn't 'need' those items, I just 'wanted' them and was glad the order went 'poof'. I think my summer project will be to cull my stamp stash and my dies. And no more printed papers. I rarely use them and I can make my own with the stamps I have if I want fancy paper. Also, I cut down on my colored card stock use. I bought heavy white for my card base, use the colored stock sparingly (layering is overrated), and since I use white I don't need to glue down a piece of white inside for a sentiment.

Spot on!

Love to hear the reinforcement in this idea. I love to Copic colors although I don’t shade in as many markers as some. But I have tried and really, super, don’t use pastes and gels with my stencils. I stencil with distress inks instead. I didn’t get any oxides because I like the inks just fine.

Thank You!

I needed to hear this!

Thank you so much for posting this. I retired and was looking for a relaxing hobby, discovered KZfaq and now I’m in debt! Just had to have everything I saw being used. Like you, I have things I’ve bought twice and some I’ve never even used. I was just addicted to receiving things in the mail! The anticipation of the postman’s motor cycle and opening the package, it wasn’t even about doing the art! I ended up with 5 gelli plates and countless stencils. 🤦🏼‍♀️ My craft room was so crowded, my children were worried that I was beginning a hoarder! I was! Well….last weekend, I posted on our local Facebook community page that I needed help to destash my art supplies FOR FREE! 2 lovely art therapy ladies were so grateful for the supplies. One of them came and I got her to take the boxes away….. I didn’t want to sort through because I knew I wouldn’t be able to “let go”. She did it all and she shared it with the other lady to help mental health patients and children with disabilities. I’m so happy about that! I do not begrudge the $5,000.00 that I m still paying off my credit card. I now consider it my tithing. Do I miss my supplies? Not one bit. I feel freed instead of weighed down and overwhelmed. I still watch and enjoy artists “making” on KZfaq but I do not feel the need to buy the stuff. I sew quilts for charity instead and I take more walks and I read. I love you channel and I love your art and I appreciate your honesty. All the best from Australia. ☺️💕

Super helpful video! I went through my stash recently and was like, whoa, I forgot I had that! But also, jeez, why did I buy that? Have sold quite a few things on eBay, earning back about half what I paid. Takes patience though. Nextdoor has been a good place to sell/give away items.

Thank you💚💚💚

Yes! I got off the buying train and stopped watching some creators because it all became too much. I had to try the newest marker or paint set because everyone was using them. I still cave now and then, but not nearly as much. Now I would rather invest in art classes so I can get more from what I have.

Dang. We needed this.

Great video! You’re preachin’ to the choir! As a long time paper crafter I am beyond overwhelmed with all the stuff I’ve accumulated over the years. I’m going to be doing a major destash, and be intentional about what I’m keeping.

I love you! Thank you, I needed this