One of the ones I've been told is, why make homemade cards, people just throw them away. While that may be true for most people, I get so many thank you messages from the cards I send and have even had parole tell me they save them or frame them. And even if no one responded, I do it because I enjoy it.
Besides scrapbooking, I love card making too! Besides sending cards to friends & family, I also make & donate cards to a local hospice for their patients. The hospice place just loves them & continuously asks for more when they run out. I also donate to Cards for Kindness. Not everyone saves cards, either home made or store bought. I’m not expecting them too. When someone tells me my card made their day, or put a smile on their face, it makes it all worth it.
As a cardmaker and giver, the people that receive my cards tell me all the time that they keep them and especially Xmas put the cards out every year along with new ones. So NO not everyone throws out handmade ards.😊
I make mine so that they can peel off my inside sentiment and reuse the card. I send it one a brown envelope and they can use the envelope for their reuse of the card.
Rather than break up your sets, keep a list of the sentiments you have and where the set is. A lot of crafters use a spreadsheet for this. I love stamping, but not coloring because I'm not very good at it. I tend to buy stamps that let the ink do the work or aren't hard to color. You can sometimes get great supplies at thrift stores and even dollar stores. A handmade card is art, it doesn't have to be perfect.
I don’t even have a die cut machine 😂 I just fussy cut, use a rolling pin or something really heavy or a bone folder to cut out images. I don’t have the space and Australian crafting supplies are so expensive. All my supplies can fit onto my craft table and that’s it. Most of us can’t afford the basic necessities of life let alone hobbies. Crafting is such a great outlet but card making especially can get extremely expensive. We’d all love to have all the supplies in the world but it’s just not viable for the majority of us. I have 10 ink pads, 3 sets of stamps, 10 stencils or so and that’s all I have. I’ll buy magazines and cut out images and pages I can use as backgrounds. I think we all need to be more conscious of what and how we buy, for the wallet and the environment, there is so much stuff already and more produced everyday that’s its kinda sad. Please make this a series as I really enjoyed this video. Thank you 🙏 ❤
I agree, I don't have a die cutting machine. They sell die at Kaisercraft, but not machines. There's a new mini cutting machine on Craft Online, but it's still $70, you still need to buy all the stuff to go with it (plates, etc), and I just don't make enough money from card-making to justify buying all that kind of equipment. I'm still tempted to get a proper craft table, though, once I've organised my space to have one.
I resisted a die cutting machine until there was one on special offer just after I came into an inheritance. I use it a LOT. I particularly use it for cutting shapes, out of old greeting card people give me rather than throwing into the recycling. Currently, I'm working my way through a batch of old xmas cards I'm cutting into flourishes as I have enough die cut santa sacks, sleighs, branches, leaves & houses cut from previous bounty.
@@Carmen-fr4dw That’s a really cool way to reuse old Christmas cards, most people just throw them out after a while so it’s always nice to hear people reusing them. I don’t make enough cards to buy a die machine as I’m a casual card maker and more of a junk journal person. Thanks for sharing ✌️🙏
I don't even know what I need to get started with cardmaking! I have had my Cricut for just over a year and just buying basic supplies add up fast. I am not well organized. I plan on getting a dream box in a few months bc that will help me get organized and stay organized. I just happened on this video and it looks very helpful.
@@patriciadieterich478 The dreambox is the ultimate organisation for crafts in my opinion. It’s really expensive but I’m sure people who can afford it will love it, I admit the design and features is incredible for crafters especially card making. Good luck with your organisation and i hope you get your dreambox and love it 👍✌️
I agree with everything you said. There is also the fear of missing out of the latest and greatest. The problem is that there will always be new supplies. I was buying faster than I was crafting and have so many supplies that have never been used. 😬
Yup, me, too. I am on a total "no buy year" when it comes to card making this year, unless it is a consumable like white card stock or glue. I make many cards, but I have plenty of "stuff" and lots of ideas to use items I already own.
Me too! I'm on a no buy also with the exception of my 2 monthly card kit subscriptions and my 2 die and embossing folder subscription to spellbinders. I found I was overwhelmed with all of the extra stuff I was purchasing. So far, from the beginning of 2024 I've challenged myself to make a card a night (after my work day) and I've been using the products I've purchased over the years and I've felt a ton more creative! I live in a small town of around 1800, and our local floral shop wants to purchase my cards and sell them, so at least I will have an outlet to get rid of the excess. I've always just made to give away to family and friends, and my family also raids my stash from time to time, so I really have an overabundance of already made cards.
@@jragnes Congrats on selling your cards locally - they must be beautiful! Yes, I also search for "homes" for mine....some go to a pastor's wife (they need lots of graduation, wedding, and baby ones). Others to a friend who works for a funeral home. Still others to a friend for each of her grandchildren's birthday. And some to my Bible study group, veterans groups, foster children's program....I always find homes for them, rarely get money for them, but enjoy sharing my delight in card making with the opportunity to send a little smile. Getting "real" mail these days is a treat!
One misconception that I see is that by using pattern papers, you are not really hand making a card because you're not making a background. I love making backgrounds with ink blending, stenciling, alcohol inking, watercolor mushing, gel press, etc., but I also really LOVE pattern papers and there's some really pretty ones out there, one of my fav companies that I buy a lot from is Paper Rose Studio. I add other embellishments like sequins/enamel dots, Nuvo Drops to add more interest, but just because I use pattern papers doesn't mean I'm not a handmade crafter or that I'm cheating. The bottom line is making cards should be about spreading some sunshine, happiness and encouragement to someone and they're probably not going to be looking at a handmade card and go, "oh you used pattern paper!" 😄
THANK YOU for saying this! I, too, enjoy making my own papers, but I love, love patterned papers that are coordinated by color and pattern. I still use them too!
I was really disappointed when a popular crafter labeled a video using premade printed paper as "cheating". It is not cheating, and there are so many other ways to describe using them- more efficient, a time saver, money saver on not buying yet more stuff to make pattern paper, a hack, an easy way etc etc. why make people feel less than for using premade paper?! Personally I have always loved looking at & collecting patterned paper long before I even started making cards.
@@pink25poppies1 I agree 100%! K feel like the industry "pushed" the concept of creating your own backgrounds because it is a huge money maker (you need more stencils, inks, sprays, tools, etc.). I get that - they ARE a business-but it is clear that MANY of us still love the beautiful paper collections...I wish the companies would give consumers what they want, not just what they can sell more of. I know I will continue to buy beautiful papers with discretion.
Thank you, wish I had realised all of this when I started and not now, 10 years later, I have also learned that just because a polular crafter makes beautiful things with a product,doesn't mean I can too, I now only buy consumables as I need and tools that really help me, feel so much more grown up with my new mindset
I went down the rabbit hole at first with supplies, I destashed a bunch of items last year. I decided I just needed certain shapes and word dies. Also, just basic sentiment stamps and a few special occasion stamps. I have a few stamp pads black, gray, brown and cubes of colors. I make cards to donate and only special ones for family and friends.
Not necessarily a “lie,” but I have found that we don’t necessarily need “all the stuff.” I prefer the card makers who are unsponsored bc they are proponents of “‘here’s the idea or technique, but you do YOU by using what you have.”
For inside sentiments, rather than buying a stamp of one, I type it onto the computer in a font I like, paste it into a “photo” like sizing format (like 4 to a page) and print onto cardstock . Works very well for sympathy cards.
I’ve learned…..Not the “F.O.M.O.” (Fear Of Missing Out) But “J.O.M.O” (Joy Of Missing Out) and it feels so good. It took awhile finding out I don’t need everything! 🙋🏻♀️❤️🤗
I use a toilet paper roll, covered with wrapping paper for my glue bottle. Most of my organization is from a dollar store. They have trays that look like silver.
I watched tons of organizing craft videos with the stamp sets all kept together by company or designer but that didn't work for me. I realized I didn't need to know where or who made it. I started with just taking the sentiments out of sets as that is what I looked for most often for fronts of cards as I would be looking for a style or phrase. It was a game changer example all my "Happy Birthday" would be on one page. As you said you do you but it's sometimes hard to do that when you see all these beautiful organized craft rooms. We won't even get into having a "craft room." 😉
Very happy you put this video out there. Certainly makes me feel justified in my thinking. Card making gets expensive when you try to keep up with the trends. You are spot on in this video! TY❤
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! My ‘rules’ for cardmaking are very basic: * be creative in all aspects of the process including storage * never make the same card twice * use techniques that other crafters use but change it up to make it my own * buy what I think I’ll actually use * if I’m not having a good day put the project on hold till I have more ideas
You don’t have to follow every trend BUT they need to be assessed critically, there maybe aspects that make your life easier. Many of these so called “lies” are tried, tested and true tips. You can either work smarter or you can work harder. You can either keep replacing the cheap crap or buy it once and be done with it.. Die cuts look professional, fussy cuts look cheap. I do not care how good you are, they will destroy a greeting card in a heart beat.. When you separate your stamps and or dies you will at some point buy doubles. Keep them together and when your favourite RUclipsr shows you what they are using in the package, you can go oh yeah I have that already and it is easy to locate. If you do not know how to colour without it looking like a toddler, it doesn’t matter which product you use. Best rule ever: Fussy cut is good for junk journals and mixed media. Die cuts are for greeting cards.
I think the key thing we all need to remember is that crafting, by definition, is something we all do for FUN, for OUR OWN enjoyment! So those are the ONLY rules which apply: you „should“ do what gives you joy, what makes sense for the type of crafting you enjoy, personally. There are NO RULES! As Tim Holtz says: „you do you!“ If you want to try something and it does not work, IT IS ONLY PAPER ( and you may discover something fun by accident!). Supplies can be adapted, used in different ways. And the rest is just having fun (with a little common sense mixed in, e.g. if something does not go through your die cut machine, do not force it - ask me how I know 😂). ENJOY crafting, everyone! And thank you for your fun and inspirational videos, Jess. Kind regards from Germany, Nicola
I'm not buying sentiment stamps anymore. I use a an open source word processor and fonts I get online and make my own. I have a small Brother laser printer that can print on everything from heavy vellum to 69lb cardstock. I also have an Epson ecotank printer I got as a gift last Xmas, so I can print in color. I even print out sentiments and send them to my daughter who makes cards on a tighter budget than I have.
Someone said they colour their stamped items then photocopy them and print them in colour so thay they can cut them out or die cut them without having to colour them again. Another time saver when you don't feel like colouring.
Great video! Wish I had used these guidelines all along. I don’t like to separate my sets either. I copy the stamp sheet and die cut any coordinating dies (a la Tonic), glue the dies to the stamp copied sheet label it and put it in a binder. That way I can flip thru the binder and find a specific die or stamp without rummaging thru bins (I have a lot). Kind of a catalog. Also works when I need inspiration
I store my stamps /dies in a way very similar to you. I stamp or cut all the "toys" I have bought. All images are put into a binder( my catalogue.) but some stamps/dies can go in more than one category. So I just stamp or cut it into as many places as need be. Example: I have a stamp of a pile of gifts. I stamp it in birthday, but it can also be Christmas gifts. So it goes in both places. Example 2: Mother could be for a Mother's Day, HB Mom, Merry Christmas Mom so again it gets stamped in all 3 places in my catalogue. And after I stamp on each page, I make a note of where I filed the stamp. I don't try to keep all stamps of one subject together any more. I used to do that, but if I buy more than fits in one place of one subject, then I have to start moving things around all over. I tried that for a while, but it became very difficult to keep up with. Now I just stamp the new item in to the next spot in my storage area. But the image is stamped and noted to be in the category needed. I hope this makes sense.
I first got into stamping/paper crafting before the days of stamp platforms when stamps were only rubber and many of the small companies would press a sheet with different stamps that needed to be cut apart and mounted. For sure, it was worth upgrading my supplies and buying a stamp platform made a huge difference in the quality of my work. But I also joined a stamp company as an independent demonstrator a few years ago, and there was the push to buy new products and only show on social media the “latest and greatest”. I’ve since left that company but have a lot of product that I bought just to stay in the business. You’re so right about all of those points you made, especially about buying speciality dies and stamps meant for one specific occasion (Mothers day, graduation, new home) when general ones could be used. If you have alphabet stamps/dies you can put together a special sentiment or even print one out. I have a laminator and a laser printer so make my own foiled sentiments.
Nik the book smith has a video explaining how many of these companies ( similar to what you left) keep people poor and only highest tier employees earn a wage something along 5% from memory. When that sunk in my mind was blown.
Before i shop I've learned to ask myself, do i NEED this or do i just WANT it? Is it necessary right now to help inspire me (as sometimes a new item can do) or am i being materialistic? Will i actually use it and will i use it more than once? Is it in my budget? Is this something I myself like, or am i being influenced by someone elses project (kinda like using gnomes if i actually prefer florals)? And i definitely wont buy new equipment. My Die cutting/dry embossing cuttlebug is as far as i go... no betterpress, hot foiling, or cricuts or things for me. Just my opinion! Great video!
I love this video. I tend to wait a good long time before I buy a trendy product to see if it's something I'd really use (see: Lunar Pastes, shape dies, tools). It didn't used to be that way. I think if there's something you really like doing, then investing in those items is great, but I really had to talk myself off the ledge when I first got into card making so I wasn't jumping at every single shiny new thing.
I know I have too many craft supplies. That why these are actually 2 different hobbies: 1) buying craft supplies 2) using your craft supplies I want to be good at coloring but have been leaning into layering stencils more lately. It would be great to have critter layering stencils, but haven’t seen those on the market yet.
I have another hobby to add- organising craft products! I’m not big on organising in other areas, but for some reason, I really enjoy it in my craft space😁
@@mariabromwich8897 Love it! I would love to be your friend and have you over; I HATE organizing my craft supplies. I do a project, need to clean; another day, another project; need to clean; repeat to infinity and beyond! Can't seem to keep them organized! I really do use just about everything I own, and I have a lot...just seems that to make a card, I need to decimate the entire craft room. So...why bother? It's usually a mess.🤣
I found myself disappointed that there weren't enough stickers saying 'Happy Easter' for my Easter cards, so I just designed some word art in a word processor, got some pretty A4 cardstock, and my mother printed them out for me on the cardstock. Then we cut them all out. I'll probably do the same thing for other cards in the future. Super easy, no need for stamps or die cutting machines.
I hate the lie that you have to buy the craft company version of something rather than the cheaper non craft version ( like a craft branded brush or holder instead of the cheap makeup ones); or that cheaper craft stuff like from color box inks/michaels stamps etc is inferior. They are cheaper and often work very well.
Mary Polanco has a few videos on this very subject. Often times, it feels like if an item is sold as a "craft" item it cost 3x as much. But the same item sold as something different is a lot cheaper. Take a look at fishing tackle boxes vs craft bead boxes. Same product, different name and hugely different prices
Thanks for the great honesty, it is so easy to see some craft item and just fall in love. Then you get home and try to use it and darn it's just not working for me. I talk to myself about all crafting purchases and decide do I really need that.
Oh my goodness!! I needed this very good advice a few $s back. Such a good and complete explanation. You can also put your greetings in word, choosing fonts, color and size to print.
I bought the magic picture changer die and add on. I think I have used it three times. Makes me sad. Yet I keep buying interactive dies. Some I really enjoy (platform pop up). I wish there was a way to “rent” one to see if you like it and enjoy working with it before you buy it. I have so many interactive LF dies and maybe use 1-2 of them.
Thank you Jess - your words ring so true. I have gotten into the mindset to use what you have and not keep buying more and more. All that more and more becomes overwhelming. I can’t colour worth beans and as for the whole gnome thing, they totally creep me out!
I thank you for all the information you put in this video. I learned some things. Thanks for free printables and information for donating cards. That's really why I got into card making. Make for friends and family and donate
When I began card making, I tried to emboss by holding images over my toaster (hint: I don't recommend it!) I am pretty thrifty, and after 15 years I am choosy: although I enjoy seeing new stuff, I now understand I won't like or need all of it and some is similar to something I already own. I know stencils are hot now, but I prefer to use my Copics, which I still really enjoy!
Thank you. I wouldn’t say that I have felt “pressured” from the sense of misconceptions or purposeful misdirection, more from seeing an item that definitely is appealing & would be fun to have & use (clearly this is not isolated to crafters/crafting) but also found that doing some research, waiting & if it is really something I would like & can/will use, I have then purchased. An example is my Misti - I waited close to a year or more before buying because of the $ & not wanting to rush or settle for another of less quality. I was so happy to find it at our local independent scrapbooking store & for a much better price than I had seen previously. But as much as I so want to have & play with dies & embossing folders, I can see it would be a burden because I would want all the cute sets, etc - so finding other things to use is also fun like scraps, ribbon, or things I can make with my Cricut is fun on its own. I also think it’s hard not to fall into over comparing our results/skills with others’ which can be a reason to perhaps feel pressured by these messages. You said the most important thing at the beginning: do what’s right for ourselves “you do you” - and that hopefully will keep the joy of crafting for each of us!
The specialry organization stuff hurts my brain. Almost everything in my craftroom is customized right down from the furniture to die and stamp holders. I papercraft some storage and recycle tons of household items. I have ADHD so I’m constantly tweaking the system I have. You have to find what works for you.
I love interactive cards and fun folds. They got me interested in card making. I like the measuring and cutting and puzzling out the best way to make them in multiples. I won't invest in a die cutting machine and templates because of the ongoing costs and the fact that they take some of the pleasure out of crafting my cards.
There are some craft supplies that I can’t resist, including foxes, fuchsias and florals that look like Korean style tattoos…I also find myself interested in new tools, like the newer Misti (as I have the original version so I don’t need the newer one) and the glue press. That one I might get, because of hand pain…I agree with you.
Huh! This is fascinating! I don't have any affiliation with this hobby at all besides youtube sometimes recommending me things like this or about journaling or stationary (also not hobbies i am involved with) but card making is something I do just as a matter of convenience as someone who forgets upcoming holidays until the night before. But it's not a hobby and I've never looked into what other people do with card making. It's interesting to see all these myths people have and the existence of trends at all! I just use scissors and alcohol markers and whatever good paper i feel willing to sacrifice. This makes me want to get a little more into it as something to do with my mom who also makes her own cards but isnt tuned into any communities
I finally bought a die cut machine (after your review!) because I didn't want to invest in matching dies any longer. Still tend to buy the occasional cool edge or frame die (have to LOVE them!). Not a trend follower at all! I never cared for gnomes either, too funny! :)
I have been collecting for 30+ yrs. Trends change constantly and I use to think I had to have all the new. Now I think before I buy. Do I have a flower stamp or die that is similar to what I see? Can I use that multiple times to make it worth the money before I buy? If I definitely think I "need" it, I will add it to my cart and walk away. Probably 90% of the time I do not purchase when I do come back days later. I am starting to weed out my collection, realizing I put money into something I will never want to use again and that includes paper. As far as breaking sets up (dies or stamps), I developed a system that I love. Everything is stored in a media cabinet in cases. Every case has a number. Every die, stamp, embossing folder has a photo in a book into categories. If that die or stamp set has more than one category (many have sentiments for many occasions), I will find that in each category. Example: has a stamp for Christmas, that same photo and info is in the Christmas section. If it also has a sentiment I can use for birthday, that whole set will be in the birthday section. The info on the picture has Case #, name of the company and the name of the set. Easy to look through the book if I am looking for a bunny as it might be in animal and Easter. Took me a year to complete it slowly. Each item I used did not get put back until it went into my book. Has saved me hours searching for something! I also find I use items I otherwise would have forgot about.
I use a medicine bottle to hold my glue bottle (smaller, needle point tip type). I also put my word dies onto a white board covered in magnet sheets; then, I keep the backer with the company and die name in a medium envelope.
When you see all these cardmakers who do this amazing coloring with the shading and depth, it UNINTENTIONALLY puts pressure on you that this is the only way that you can color an image. That is NOT the case. I've gotten to the point where I said f-it I'm doing simple coloring. That mainly consists of one color and no shading. Sometimes I will add shade with another color, but that has become rare. I don't have all the markers and watercolors from all the companies that have came out with their own. You don't have to buy from every companies release either. It's okay not to have all the new things. It doesn't make a less of an amazing cardmaker. Your projects will be just as amazing and gorgeous without having all the things.
I’m not good at shading with multiple colors, but I have found that letting a first application of color dry, then layering on the same color again, creates the shading that I want.😊
A trend I never jumoednon was the DL sized cards. I put my cards in a collective craft cottage and DL sized (the taller cards) just wont work in the shop 🤷🏼♀️
Great information, thank you Jess. Creative Fabrica is available at a great price now. I have heard of so many people doing these massive purges in their craft space. I believe that they are mostly getting free products to show on their YT channels. I have never gotten rid of a stamp. I keep them all in like file drawer storage in clear plastic envelopes. It doesn't matter to me if a brand is discontinuing a design. I get it because I really like the design and that doesn't change with availability. I also support the UT'rs I watch and learn from. If they have a link, I'm definitely gonna use it. I know I make many more cards than the average person, but it just let's me make 20 with a stamp set, instead of 1 or 2. We don’t have to all use Nenna solar white 110lb ppr either. There are good generics available for all these products. I find Accent Opaque 17x11 120lb my perfect solution. I can make 800 card bases for just over 20$. If you like the shimmer sprays then buy colored mica and use it to mix with a bit of alcohol in a spray bottle from the travel section at dollar tree. You can make several colors or mix with a bit of glycerin to make watercolors. So much more cost effective. I have found that a spray bottle of alcohol is good to keep on your desk for cleaning. I have hand sanitizer for stubborn stains or adhesive. If you like a design of wrapping paper, cut a bunch at card front size, and use it for backgrounds. Only when you put it on your paper use a tape roller, or tear tape. If you only have wet glue, then sparsely spread it on your card base and the paper doesn't get wrinkly from being too wet. The 1st year I made 5000 cards, I didn't use colored cardstock but used colored copy paper. Same hint with the glue. It works perfectly. There are packs of 6x6 paper for .57 on temu. Before anyone yells at me about copyright issues. I will say Temu, Ali and others are just like Ebay. Find sellers who don't sell copyrighted material. There are millions of choices out there. There are many videos on finding way to make your Penny's go further. Necessity is always the best creator of imagination.
I use Accent Opaque as well...a fraction of the cost of Neenah. But there is a huge difference to me between colored copy paper and colored cardstock, even if it's not a premium brand. To each their own! 5K cards in a single year? Mind-blowing! What do you do with all of them?
I don’t like colouring either. I just use stamps and inks most of the time, I rarely ever bust out my colouring pencils, markers etc. This is a great video, I’d love some more examples in future videos 🙏❤️
Very good points and advice. With a computer and printer, one can make sentiments. About organization…..are you sure that is not a myth?😉 I hit the like and subscribe buttons.
I don't think we need to buy the die set for every stamp set you buy. To be honest, the ones that I do have I fail at a good cut with the die anyway. Then, I have to use my scissors to fix.
I don’t like to breakup my stamp or die sets either. I keep the sets together and then sort the sets by occasions. I do like gnomes. I don’t buy them because I’m not good at coloring them.
Does anyone feel like they need to keep track of which stamp sets you use on your family's cards so they don't use the same one over ? I don't want my family thinking I'm giving them the same card over and over for birthdays and Christmas?
I've actually been wanting to sell all of my craft items but don't know how as I am not tech savvy. Unfortunately, I don’t have the space that I used to for all the items 😔
I do not like heat emboss. I do not have a heat tool. I only have one yellow embossing powder. I have versa mark watermark ink pad. I prefer dry emboss over heat emboss.
Something I’ve noticed, these video creators I’ve been following are starting to put out cookie cutter cards. They all look alike because of buying the stamp and die sets. Nothing wrong with it, it’s just getting boring and uncreative. 😊😊😊😊😊😊
One of the ones I've been told is, why make homemade cards, people just throw them away. While that may be true for most people, I get so many thank you messages from the cards I send and have even had parole tell me they save them or frame them. And even if no one responded, I do it because I enjoy it.
Besides scrapbooking, I love card making too! Besides sending cards to friends & family, I also make & donate cards to a local hospice for their patients. The hospice place just loves them & continuously asks for more when they run out. I also donate to Cards for Kindness.
Not everyone saves cards, either home made or store bought. I’m not expecting them too.
When someone tells me my card made their day, or put a smile on their face, it makes it all worth it.
Your thoughts are full of common sense! I enjoyed the video! Thanks Jess.
Same here. A lot of people keep the cards I make; even those I've sold for other people to post on.
As a cardmaker and giver, the people that receive my cards tell me all the time that they keep them and especially Xmas put the cards out every year along with new ones. So NO not everyone throws out handmade ards.😊
I make mine so that they can peel off my inside sentiment and reuse the card. I send it one a brown envelope and they can use the envelope for their reuse of the card.
Rather than break up your sets, keep a list of the sentiments you have and where the set is. A lot of crafters use a spreadsheet for this. I love stamping, but not coloring because I'm not very good at it. I tend to buy stamps that let the ink do the work or aren't hard to color. You can sometimes get great supplies at thrift stores and even dollar stores. A handmade card is art, it doesn't have to be perfect.
I don’t even have a die cut machine 😂 I just fussy cut, use a rolling pin or something really heavy or a bone folder to cut out images. I don’t have the space and Australian crafting supplies are so expensive. All my supplies can fit onto my craft table and that’s it. Most of us can’t afford the basic necessities of life let alone hobbies. Crafting is such a great outlet but card making especially can get extremely expensive. We’d all love to have all the supplies in the world but it’s just not viable for the majority of us. I have 10 ink pads, 3 sets of stamps, 10 stencils or so and that’s all I have. I’ll buy magazines and cut out images and pages I can use as backgrounds. I think we all need to be more conscious of what and how we buy, for the wallet and the environment, there is so much stuff already and more produced everyday that’s its kinda sad. Please make this a series as I really enjoyed this video. Thank you 🙏 ❤
I agree, I don't have a die cutting machine. They sell die at Kaisercraft, but not machines. There's a new mini cutting machine on Craft Online, but it's still $70, you still need to buy all the stuff to go with it (plates, etc), and I just don't make enough money from card-making to justify buying all that kind of equipment. I'm still tempted to get a proper craft table, though, once I've organised my space to have one.
I resisted a die cutting machine until there was one on special offer just after I came into an inheritance. I use it a LOT. I particularly use it for cutting shapes, out of old greeting card people give me rather than throwing into the recycling. Currently, I'm working my way through a batch of old xmas cards I'm cutting into flourishes as I have enough die cut santa sacks, sleighs, branches, leaves & houses cut from previous bounty.
@@Carmen-fr4dw
That’s a really cool way to reuse old Christmas cards, most people just throw them out after a while so it’s always nice to hear people reusing them. I don’t make enough cards to buy a die machine as I’m a casual card maker and more of a junk journal person. Thanks for sharing ✌️🙏
I don't even know what I need to get started with cardmaking! I have had my Cricut for just over a year and just buying basic supplies add up fast. I am not well organized. I plan on getting a dream box in a few months bc that will help me get organized and stay organized. I just happened on this video and it looks very helpful.
@@patriciadieterich478
The dreambox is the ultimate organisation for crafts in my opinion. It’s really expensive but I’m sure people who can afford it will love it, I admit the design and features is incredible for crafters especially card making. Good luck with your organisation and i hope you get your dreambox and love it 👍✌️
I don’t like gnomes at all either. Am looking forward to the end of that trend hopefully sooner than later! 😂
So agree! 😅
No to the gnomes
I agree with everything you said. There is also the fear of missing out of the latest and greatest. The problem is that there will always be new supplies. I was buying faster than I was crafting and have so many supplies that have never been used. 😬
Yup, me, too. I am on a total "no buy year" when it comes to card making this year, unless it is a consumable like white card stock or glue. I make many cards, but I have plenty of "stuff" and lots of ideas to use items I already own.
The store five n below has alcohol markers $5 they work the same as name brands
I think we all do it.
Me too! I'm on a no buy also with the exception of my 2 monthly card kit subscriptions and my 2 die and embossing folder subscription to spellbinders. I found I was overwhelmed with all of the extra stuff I was purchasing. So far, from the beginning of 2024 I've challenged myself to make a card a night (after my work day) and I've been using the products I've purchased over the years and I've felt a ton more creative! I live in a small town of around 1800, and our local floral shop wants to purchase my cards and sell them, so at least I will have an outlet to get rid of the excess. I've always just made to give away to family and friends, and my family also raids my stash from time to time, so I really have an overabundance of already made cards.
@@jragnes Congrats on selling your cards locally - they must be beautiful! Yes, I also search for "homes" for mine....some go to a pastor's wife (they need lots of graduation, wedding, and baby ones). Others to a friend who works for a funeral home. Still others to a friend for each of her grandchildren's birthday. And some to my Bible study group, veterans groups, foster children's program....I always find homes for them, rarely get money for them, but enjoy sharing my delight in card making with the opportunity to send a little smile. Getting "real" mail these days is a treat!
I keep my glue bottle upside down in a coffee cup. It is solid, slanted and works great. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
I use a small glass I have!!
One misconception that I see is that by using pattern papers, you are not really hand making a card because you're not making a background. I love making backgrounds with ink blending, stenciling, alcohol inking, watercolor mushing, gel press, etc., but I also really LOVE pattern papers and there's some really pretty ones out there, one of my fav companies that I buy a lot from is Paper Rose Studio. I add other embellishments like sequins/enamel dots, Nuvo Drops to add more interest, but just because I use pattern papers doesn't mean I'm not a handmade crafter or that I'm cheating. The bottom line is making cards should be about spreading some sunshine, happiness and encouragement to someone and they're probably not going to be looking at a handmade card and go, "oh you used pattern paper!" 😄
THANK YOU for saying this! I, too, enjoy making my own papers, but I love, love patterned papers that are coordinated by color and pattern. I still use them too!
I think we need many "bags of tricks" to make many different cards.
I was really disappointed when a popular crafter labeled a video using premade printed paper as "cheating". It is not cheating, and there are so many other ways to describe using them- more efficient, a time saver, money saver on not buying yet more stuff to make pattern paper, a hack, an easy way etc etc. why make people feel less than for using premade paper?!
Personally I have always loved looking at & collecting patterned paper long before I even started making cards.
@@pink25poppies1 I totally agree, crafting should be fun no matter what materials and supplies we use to make cards!
@@pink25poppies1 I agree 100%! K feel like the industry "pushed" the concept of creating your own backgrounds because it is a huge money maker (you need more stencils, inks, sprays, tools, etc.). I get that - they ARE a business-but it is clear that MANY of us still love the beautiful paper collections...I wish the companies would give consumers what they want, not just what they can sell more of. I know I will continue to buy beautiful papers with discretion.
Thank you, wish I had realised all of this when I started and not now, 10 years later, I have also learned that just because a polular crafter makes beautiful things with a product,doesn't mean I can too, I now only buy consumables as I need and tools that really help me, feel so much more grown up with my new mindset
I went down the rabbit hole at first with supplies, I destashed a bunch of items last year. I decided I just needed certain shapes and word dies. Also, just basic sentiment stamps and a few special occasion stamps. I have a few stamp pads black, gray, brown and cubes of colors. I make cards to donate and only special ones for family and friends.
Not necessarily a “lie,” but I have found that we don’t necessarily need “all the stuff.” I prefer the card makers who are unsponsored bc they are proponents of “‘here’s the idea or technique, but you do YOU by using what you have.”
I agree with you and that's why I watch a lot of Natasha Foote's videos. 😊
@@c.r.mcleod8959absolutely love Natasha Foote
Natasha Foote is fantastic for that.
Natasha Foote is good for that but she does seem to be buying and using a lot more branded products than previously
I mix up my stamps and dies. It freaks people out. 😂 I love how honest you are. 💙💙💙
For inside sentiments, rather than buying a stamp of one, I type it onto the computer in a font I like, paste it into a “photo” like sizing format (like 4 to a page) and print onto cardstock . Works very well for sympathy cards.
I’ve learned…..Not the “F.O.M.O.” (Fear Of Missing Out) But “J.O.M.O” (Joy Of Missing Out) and it feels so good. It took awhile finding out I don’t need everything! 🙋🏻♀️❤️🤗
I use a toilet paper roll, covered with wrapping paper for my glue bottle. Most of my organization is from a dollar store. They have trays that look like silver.
I use a fancy juice glass I got at a thrift store.
I watched tons of organizing craft videos with the stamp sets all kept together by company or designer but that didn't work for me. I realized I didn't need to know where or who made it. I started with just taking the sentiments out of sets as that is what I looked for most often for fronts of cards as I would be looking for a style or phrase. It was a game changer example all my "Happy Birthday" would be on one page. As you said you do you but it's sometimes hard to do that when you see all these beautiful organized craft rooms. We won't even get into having a "craft room." 😉
Very happy you put this video out there. Certainly makes me feel justified in my thinking. Card making gets expensive when you try to keep up with the trends. You are spot on in this video! TY❤
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! My ‘rules’ for cardmaking are very basic:
* be creative in all aspects of the process including storage
* never make the same card twice
* use techniques that other crafters use but change it up to make it my own
* buy what I think I’ll actually use
* if I’m not having a good day put the project on hold till I have more ideas
You don’t have to follow every trend BUT they need to be assessed critically, there maybe aspects that make your life easier. Many of these so called “lies” are tried, tested and true tips. You can either work smarter or you can work harder. You can either keep replacing the cheap crap or buy it once and be done with it.. Die cuts look professional, fussy cuts look cheap. I do not care how good you are, they will destroy a greeting card in a heart beat.. When you separate your stamps and or dies you will at some point buy doubles. Keep them together and when your favourite RUclipsr shows you what they are using in the package, you can go oh yeah I have that already and it is easy to locate. If you do not know how to colour without it looking like a toddler, it doesn’t matter which product you use.
Best rule ever: Fussy cut is good for junk journals and mixed media. Die cuts are for greeting cards.
I think the key thing we all need to remember is that crafting, by definition, is something we all do for FUN, for OUR OWN enjoyment! So those are the ONLY rules which apply: you „should“ do what gives you joy, what makes sense for the type of crafting you enjoy, personally. There are NO RULES! As Tim Holtz says: „you do you!“ If you want to try something and it does not work, IT IS ONLY PAPER ( and you may discover something fun by accident!). Supplies can be adapted, used in different ways. And the rest is just having fun (with a little common sense mixed in, e.g. if something does not go through your die cut machine, do not force it - ask me how I know 😂). ENJOY crafting, everyone! And thank you for your fun and inspirational videos, Jess. Kind regards from Germany, Nicola
I'm not buying sentiment stamps anymore. I use a an open source word processor and fonts I get online and make my own. I have a small Brother laser printer that can print on everything from heavy vellum to 69lb cardstock. I also have an Epson ecotank printer I got as a gift last Xmas, so I can print in color. I even print out sentiments and send them to my daughter who makes cards on a tighter budget than I have.
Someone said they colour their stamped items then photocopy them and print them in colour so thay they can cut them out or die cut them without having to colour them again. Another time saver when you don't feel like colouring.
I've been stamping and paper crafting since 1997. I have a ton of stuff but I still use what I love. Great video
Great video! Wish I had used these guidelines all along. I don’t like to separate my sets either. I copy the stamp sheet and die cut any coordinating dies (a la Tonic), glue the dies to the stamp copied sheet label it and put it in a binder. That way I can flip thru the binder and find a specific die or stamp without rummaging thru bins (I have a lot). Kind of a catalog. Also works when I need inspiration
I store my stamps /dies in a way very similar to you. I stamp or cut all the "toys" I have bought. All images are put into a binder( my catalogue.) but some stamps/dies can go in more than one category. So I just stamp or cut it into as many places as need be.
Example: I have a stamp of a pile of gifts. I stamp it in birthday, but it can also be Christmas gifts. So it goes in both places.
Example 2: Mother could be for a Mother's Day, HB Mom, Merry Christmas Mom so again it gets stamped in all 3 places in my catalogue. And after I stamp on each page, I make a note of where I filed the stamp.
I don't try to keep all stamps of one subject together any more. I used to do that, but if I buy more than fits in one place of one subject, then I have to start moving things around all over. I tried that for a while, but it became very difficult to keep up with. Now I just stamp the new item in to the next spot in my storage area. But the image is stamped and noted to be in the category needed.
I hope this makes sense.
I first got into stamping/paper crafting before the days of stamp platforms when stamps were only rubber and many of the small companies would press a sheet with different stamps that needed to be cut apart and mounted. For sure, it was worth upgrading my supplies and buying a stamp platform made a huge difference in the quality of my work. But I also joined a stamp company as an independent demonstrator a few years ago, and there was the push to buy new products and only show on social media the “latest and greatest”. I’ve since left that company but have a lot of product that I bought just to stay in the business. You’re so right about all of those points you made, especially about buying speciality dies and stamps meant for one specific occasion (Mothers day, graduation, new home) when general ones could be used. If you have alphabet stamps/dies you can put together a special sentiment or even print one out. I have a laminator and a laser printer so make my own foiled sentiments.
Nik the book smith has a video explaining how many of these companies ( similar to what you left) keep people poor and only highest tier employees earn a wage something along 5% from memory. When that sunk in my mind was blown.
It's all fun. Do what makes YOU happy no matter what anyone says or thinks :)
Before i shop I've learned to ask myself, do i NEED this or do i just WANT it? Is it necessary right now to help inspire me (as sometimes a new item can do) or am i being materialistic? Will i actually use it and will i use it more than once? Is it in my budget? Is this something I myself like, or am i being influenced by someone elses project (kinda like using gnomes if i actually prefer florals)?
And i definitely wont buy new equipment. My Die cutting/dry embossing cuttlebug is as far as i go... no betterpress, hot foiling, or cricuts or things for me. Just my opinion!
Great video!
I love this video. I tend to wait a good long time before I buy a trendy product to see if it's something I'd really use (see: Lunar Pastes, shape dies, tools). It didn't used to be that way. I think if there's something you really like doing, then investing in those items is great, but I really had to talk myself off the ledge when I first got into card making so I wasn't jumping at every single shiny new thing.
I know I have too many craft supplies. That why these are actually 2 different hobbies:
1) buying craft supplies
2) using your craft supplies
I want to be good at coloring but have been leaning into layering stencils more lately.
It would be great to have critter layering stencils, but haven’t seen those on the market yet.
But there is one more hobby: Watching card making videos!!😄
@@dking1362so very true
I have another hobby to add- organising craft products! I’m not big on organising in other areas, but for some reason, I really enjoy it in my craft space😁
@@mariabromwich8897 Love it! I would love to be your friend and have you over; I HATE organizing my craft supplies. I do a project, need to clean; another day, another project; need to clean; repeat to infinity and beyond! Can't seem to keep them organized! I really do use just about everything I own, and I have a lot...just seems that to make a card, I need to decimate the entire craft room. So...why bother? It's usually a mess.🤣
@@mariabromwich8897 Me too
So true Jess 👍❤ thanks for sharing and happy crafting Hugs xx
I love your concept on craft supplies it so true we don’t need a lot of everything , we can do without 👍🏼I need to tell myself no no no 😉great video
Thank you for doing this video. It’s so helpful to any crafter. 🌸🐰
So true, every word you said. Maymay made it always says, You do you Bo. Best saying ever.
I found myself disappointed that there weren't enough stickers saying 'Happy Easter' for my Easter cards, so I just designed some word art in a word processor, got some pretty A4 cardstock, and my mother printed them out for me on the cardstock. Then we cut them all out. I'll probably do the same thing for other cards in the future. Super easy, no need for stamps or die cutting machines.
I hate the lie that you have to buy the craft company version of something rather than the cheaper non craft version ( like a craft branded brush or holder instead of the cheap makeup ones); or that cheaper craft stuff like from color box inks/michaels stamps etc is inferior.
They are cheaper and often work very well.
I have several makeup brushes that I got at Dollar Tree and they work just fine!!
@@laraynespiczka3185 same
Mary Polanco has a few videos on this very subject. Often times, it feels like if an item is sold as a "craft" item it cost 3x as much. But the same item sold as something different is a lot cheaper. Take a look at fishing tackle boxes vs craft bead boxes. Same product, different name and hugely different prices
@@lightmom14 Mary is great I agree!
Thanks for the great honesty, it is so easy to see some craft item and just fall in love. Then you get home and try to use it and darn it's just not working for me. I talk to myself about all crafting purchases and decide do I really need that.
Oh my goodness!! I needed this very good advice a few $s back.
Such a good and complete explanation.
You can also put your greetings in word, choosing fonts, color and size to print.
I bought the magic picture changer die and add on. I think I have used it three times. Makes me sad. Yet I keep buying interactive dies. Some I really enjoy (platform pop up). I wish there was a way to “rent” one to see if you like it and enjoy working with it before you buy it. I have so many interactive LF dies and maybe use 1-2 of them.
Yes a die library would be amazing!
Sounds like a great idea!!!
Such great points. When I started I felt like I had to get what someone had just so my projects can be as beautiful. 😄😄
Thank you Jess - your words ring so true. I have gotten into the mindset to use what you have and not keep buying more and more. All that more and more becomes overwhelming. I can’t colour worth beans and as for the whole gnome thing, they totally creep me out!
I thank you for all the information you put in this video. I learned some things. Thanks for free printables and information for donating cards. That's really why I got into card making. Make for friends and family and donate
Lol I never liked gnomes either! I’ve never heard anyone say it out loud 😊
When I began card making, I tried to emboss by holding images over my toaster (hint: I don't recommend it!) I am pretty thrifty, and after 15 years I am choosy: although I enjoy seeing new stuff, I now understand I won't like or need all of it and some is similar to something I already own. I know stencils are hot now, but I prefer to use my Copics, which I still really enjoy!
Thank you. I wouldn’t say that I have felt “pressured” from the sense of misconceptions or purposeful misdirection, more from seeing an item that definitely is appealing & would be fun to have & use (clearly this is not isolated to crafters/crafting) but also found that doing some research, waiting & if it is really something I would like & can/will use, I have then purchased. An example is my Misti - I waited close to a year or more before buying because of the $ & not wanting to rush or settle for another of less quality. I was so happy to find it at our local independent scrapbooking store & for a much better price than I had seen previously. But as much as I so want to have & play with dies & embossing folders, I can see it would be a burden because I would want all the cute sets, etc - so finding other things to use is also fun like scraps, ribbon, or things I can make with my Cricut is fun on its own. I also think it’s hard not to fall into over comparing our results/skills with others’ which can be a reason to perhaps feel pressured by these messages. You said the most important thing at the beginning: do what’s right for ourselves “you do you” - and that hopefully will keep the joy of crafting for each of us!
Beautiful fingernails! Thanks for the great tips about misconceptions!
Hi Jess, amazing video! Great information and I am trying to stay away from the trends and do I want to do.
The specialry organization stuff hurts my brain. Almost everything in my craftroom is customized right down from the furniture to die and stamp holders. I papercraft some storage and recycle tons of household items. I have ADHD so I’m constantly tweaking the system I have. You have to find what works for you.
I love interactive cards and fun folds. They got me interested in card making. I like the measuring and cutting and puzzling out the best way to make them in multiples. I won't invest in a die cutting machine and templates because of the ongoing costs and the fact that they take some of the pleasure out of crafting my cards.
There are some craft supplies that I can’t resist, including foxes, fuchsias and florals that look like Korean style tattoos…I also find myself interested in new tools, like the newer Misti (as I have the original version so I don’t need the newer one) and the glue press. That one I might get, because of hand pain…I agree with you.
Hi Jess. I agree with you. I am not a big gnome fan. I am also still using colored pencils to color!
Huh! This is fascinating! I don't have any affiliation with this hobby at all besides youtube sometimes recommending me things like this or about journaling or stationary (also not hobbies i am involved with) but card making is something I do just as a matter of convenience as someone who forgets upcoming holidays until the night before. But it's not a hobby and I've never looked into what other people do with card making. It's interesting to see all these myths people have and the existence of trends at all! I just use scissors and alcohol markers and whatever good paper i feel willing to sacrifice. This makes me want to get a little more into it as something to do with my mom who also makes her own cards but isnt tuned into any communities
It is SO much fun!
I finally bought a die cut machine (after your review!) because I didn't want to invest in matching dies any longer. Still tend to buy the occasional cool edge or frame die (have to LOVE them!). Not a trend follower at all! I never cared for gnomes either, too funny! :)
“Congrats” word die: baby, wedding, engagement, graduation, promotion……so many uses
Yes! There are great versatile options instead of all the specific options.
I have been collecting for 30+ yrs. Trends change constantly and I use to think I had to have all the new. Now I think before I buy. Do I have a flower stamp or die that is similar to what I see? Can I use that multiple times to make it worth the money before I buy? If I definitely think I "need" it, I will add it to my cart and walk away. Probably 90% of the time I do not purchase when I do come back days later. I am starting to weed out my collection, realizing I put money into something I will never want to use again and that includes paper. As far as breaking sets up (dies or stamps), I developed a system that I love. Everything is stored in a media cabinet in cases. Every case has a number. Every die, stamp, embossing folder has a photo in a book into categories. If that die or stamp set has more than one category (many have sentiments for many occasions), I will find that in each category. Example: has a stamp for Christmas, that same photo and info is in the Christmas section. If it also has a sentiment I can use for birthday, that whole set will be in the birthday section. The info on the picture has Case #, name of the company and the name of the set. Easy to look through the book if I am looking for a bunny as it might be in animal and Easter. Took me a year to complete it slowly. Each item I used did not get put back until it went into my book. Has saved me hours searching for something! I also find I use items I otherwise would have forgot about.
I get my craft organizing stuff from Dollar Tree.😁
I use a medicine bottle to hold my glue bottle (smaller, needle point tip type). I also put my word dies onto a white board covered in magnet sheets; then, I keep the backer with the company and die name in a medium envelope.
When you see all these cardmakers who do this amazing coloring with the shading and depth, it UNINTENTIONALLY puts pressure on you that this is the only way that you can color an image. That is NOT the case. I've gotten to the point where I said f-it I'm doing simple coloring. That mainly consists of one color and no shading. Sometimes I will add shade with another color, but that has become rare. I don't have all the markers and watercolors from all the companies that have came out with their own. You don't have to buy from every companies release either. It's okay not to have all the new things. It doesn't make a less of an amazing cardmaker. Your projects will be just as amazing and gorgeous without having all the things.
I’m not good at shading with multiple colors, but I have found that letting a first application of color dry, then layering on the same color again, creates the shading that I want.😊
I love my interactive dies. I would get them over anything else.
I store my glue upside down in an asparagus can. I did decorate it. Works great. Doesn't fall over.
Awesome! Glad you found something that works for you!
I store my blue upside down in a shot glass! works great.
A trend I never jumoednon was the DL sized cards. I put my cards in a collective craft cottage and DL sized (the taller cards) just wont work in the shop 🤷🏼♀️
No no no, i have to keep my sets together. Phew I panicked for a minute there just thinking about it 😁
I totally understand! Not for me, but so helpful to some.
Great information, thank you Jess. Creative Fabrica is available at a great price now. I have heard of so many people doing these massive purges in their craft space. I believe that they are mostly getting free products to show on their YT channels. I have never gotten rid of a stamp. I keep them all in like file drawer storage in clear plastic envelopes. It doesn't matter to me if a brand is discontinuing a design. I get it because I really like the design and that doesn't change with availability. I also support the UT'rs I watch and learn from. If they have a link, I'm definitely gonna use it. I know I make many more cards than the average person, but it just let's me make 20 with a stamp set, instead of 1 or 2. We don’t have to all use Nenna solar white 110lb ppr either. There are good generics available for all these products. I find Accent Opaque 17x11 120lb my perfect solution. I can make 800 card bases for just over 20$. If you like the shimmer sprays then buy colored mica and use it to mix with a bit of alcohol in a spray bottle from the travel section at dollar tree. You can make several colors or mix with a bit of glycerin to make watercolors. So much more cost effective. I have found that a spray bottle of alcohol is good to keep on your desk for cleaning. I have hand sanitizer for stubborn stains or adhesive. If you like a design of wrapping paper, cut a bunch at card front size, and use it for backgrounds. Only when you put it on your paper use a tape roller, or tear tape. If you only have wet glue, then sparsely spread it on your card base and the paper doesn't get wrinkly from being too wet. The 1st year I made 5000 cards, I didn't use colored cardstock but used colored copy paper. Same hint with the glue. It works perfectly. There are packs of 6x6 paper for .57 on temu. Before anyone yells at me about copyright issues. I will say Temu, Ali and others are just like Ebay. Find sellers who don't sell copyrighted material. There are millions of choices out there. There are many videos on finding way to make your Penny's go further. Necessity is always the best creator of imagination.
I use Accent Opaque as well...a fraction of the cost of Neenah. But there is a huge difference to me between colored copy paper and colored cardstock, even if it's not a premium brand. To each their own! 5K cards in a single year? Mind-blowing! What do you do with all of them?
Lol I don't like gnomes either. I do think you need some stamps & inks but it doesn't have to be fancy inks or a ton of stamps
I don’t like colouring either. I just use stamps and inks most of the time, I rarely ever bust out my colouring pencils, markers etc. This is a great video, I’d love some more examples in future videos
🙏❤️
me 2
Very good points and advice. With a computer and printer, one can make sentiments. About organization…..are you sure that is not a myth?😉 I hit the like and subscribe buttons.
Thank you for your support! I hope you enjoy the videos!
I don't think we need to buy the die set for every stamp set you buy. To be honest, the ones that I do have I fail at a good cut with the die anyway. Then, I have to use my scissors to fix.
I am choosy about when I get the die set. How hard is it to fussy cut (simple shapes, or detailed?). How do I most intend to use this stamp set?
Me too!! Sentiment die cuts ok, I buy some of those... but I do enjoy fussy cutting!!
I don’t like to breakup my stamp or die sets either. I keep the sets together and then sort the sets by occasions. I do like gnomes. I don’t buy them because I’m not good at coloring them.
I have a subscription from creative fabrica an love it
I don't use specialty storage. I have always upcycled cardboard boxes, especially washing powder boxes; they are such thick cardboard.
Does anyone feel like they need to keep track of which stamp sets you use on your family's cards so they don't use the same one over ? I don't want my family thinking I'm giving them the same card over and over for birthdays and Christmas?
I've actually been wanting to sell all of my craft items but don't know how as I am not tech savvy. Unfortunately, I don’t have the space that I used to for all the items 😔
Grate tips, TFS
I haven't hopped onto the gnome bandwagon either. I have a couple sets that were part of bundles and that's plenty for me. (I still haven't used them)
What is the backing you used with the die sets? Its black-
Thanks :)
I’d have a guess it’s adhesive magnet sheeting.
They are magnetic vent covers from the hardware store. I cut them down for my die sets.
I don't like gnomes either. Good advice here
That word die set that had "stay strong" and "hope" would be great for card donations to a b*ttered women's shelter or a hospital.
I do not like heat emboss. I do not have a heat tool. I only have one yellow embossing powder. I have versa mark watermark ink pad. I prefer dry emboss over heat emboss.
to organize stamps and dies, i just use an app and keywords
What is MTF?
MFT is My Favorite Things, a paper crafting company
I think you might mean MFT, which is a craft brand. My favorite things.
Thank you
Something I’ve noticed, these video creators I’ve been following are starting to put out cookie cutter cards. They all look alike because of buying the stamp and die sets. Nothing wrong with it, it’s just getting boring and uncreative. 😊😊😊😊😊😊
👍✌️🙏❤️
I also don't like gnomes. Not sure why. Just don't.