10 Tips to Keep the JOY in Crafting! [+ Many Cards]

[@jennifermcguireink]

Hello! Yes, this is a long video! But I share in the description time stamps for the 10 tips if you would rather skip to them. But I really I am hoping it is helpful to watch it all. :) Happy new year!!

[@KathyaKalinine]

Welcome back, Jennifer and Happy New Year to you and your family! 🎆♥️

[@rebeccaknudsen6190]

I'm so glad you said not to feel guilty for whatever aspect of crafting you enjoy! I was feeling guilty for buying many of these products, and while thinking about it I thought of how to use them. I'm so so grateful for your crafty tips! You're just simply the best! Thank you!

[@Via_Von]

Oh my goodness, Jennifer, you seriously need to stop worrying about long videos ... like seriously! 🤗😂🤗😂 We LOVE them because we know they are always packed full of eyecandy, inspiration and how to's. 😉♥️😘

[@expressivepaper]

Happy New Year! Is Ken enjoying retirement? Great video❤

[@PumsMcGee]

I love your long videos. It’s like hanging out with a crafty friend. My favorite part of the video has to be the end message about no guilt. I

[@susanjohnson318]

My tip for myself: my recipients of my cards have not seen all the crafting videos. I can use a set of stamps and dies just like the package shows. I may not do much besides choosing ink colors. Yet, when I bring that card to my Women's Bible Study*, everyone is so impressed! I may not do the layers or put sparkly gems on and may feel it's kind of dull. They think I am the most creative person ever! *I suggested for our monthly study, when we were first forming, that a service project for our group could be choosing someone in our church who needs prayers. We pray for them, then we sign one of my cards with messages and that we prayed for them and send it to them.

[@vickikee9862]

I love this idea and am going to borrow it from you! Talk about joy! This is the true sense of joy!

[@karipillatzke1531]

Like that suggestion.

[@cindyhenry1410]

Great idea!

[@carolbatchelor5855]

This is one of the best reasons for crafting and sharing our love of crafting with others.

[@susanjohnson318]

@@vickikee9862 Please do!!

[@nancyloomis3046]

Jennifer...So many good ideas and helpful insights and advice. I don't do as many cards as I used to and am focusing more on developing my fine art. But I still love making cards and paper crafting in general and enjoy watching my fave card crafters like you, a lot. I'm so grateful there's such a great connected creative community on KZbin. Besides the joy so many get from the inspiration and encouragement and great how-tos, I am certain that many thousands of viewers' emotional health is better or they just get that jolt ⚡️ of positivity they needed because of what you and other content creators share with the world! 👍😊 God bless. ❤️

[@joycecosta2788]

Jennifer, this was excellent. I love all your tips. Crafting does give me a lot of joy. Thank you for your beautiful loving, giving, creative spirit. You are one of my favorite inspiring people.

[@vickiemccubbin]

Thank you for. your openness in sharing the things that bring you joy and even the things that don't. Tip 10 was especially helpful to me, guilt and comparison are my worst enemies. Thank you! Thank you! 🤗

[@shellyrulli5787]

Happy New Year, Jennifer, from Calgary, Alberta! One of the members of our crafty messenger group sent us your tip video. Thank you very much for your video, tips and card demonstrations. I chuckled at that tip about sending out the cards rather than holding on to. There were times I felt like holding on. Thankfully, I found recipients who I knew would enjoy them. Have a blessed you and happy crafting!

[@dianeetcheverry6452]

Thank you so much for your inspiration and thoughtfulness! We need you!

[@99zanne]

I like your longer vids. I learn from u in every vid u make. TFS!

[@stefaniestaniak4329]

Great advice. I agree with all points so it was a good review for me. Thank you. I loved every card you made in this video. I always find a great deal of inspiration watching you create.

[@griml89]

I’m often a bit envious of all the fun supplies the card makers on KZbin have. I have to remind myself that this is often their job. I try to use the products that I have and not buy all the new stuff. But I have to admit that I have a lot of stamps and dies that I never used. I feel quite guilty about that. I plan to go through my stuff and find new inspiration and also learn from my buying mistakes. Because I realised some techniques just aren’t for me.

[@karenbliss5075]

I was thinking of getting those Color Cubes, now that is definitely on my list to get. I have been following you for a long time, you are an inspiration!

[@beverlypevarnick9278]

Oh, you inspire me!!!

[@karatekate89]

Great video, Jennifer! I think we all have a habit of comparing ourselves to others. It's refreshing to hear you point out that it's okay to skip a technique if it's not your jam. Beautiful cards, as always, and I love long videos! P.S. Where in the world did you get that wonderful color box?

[@jennifermcguireink]

sarahrenaeclark.com/colorcube/?v=7516fd43adaa

[@bettystreng6395]

Loved this video! I tried the link for the color cube, but it said it was invalid. Is there another option?

[@jennifermcguireink]

Try this one.... Sarahrenaeclark.com

[@nathalieparsons3710]

Do you need the jig to use turnabout stamps? Is there another way to line them up?

[@jennifermcguireink]

You can make your own jig. I talk about it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ2xp5yOn76CobM

[@dawnb.7748]

Is it okay to keep things out of a stamp or die set you will use and donate or give away the rest..... giving away an incomplete set? )I am not talking about selling.......

[@vickienipp]

Love these ideas and will definitely use them, I have a tip I don't write things down a paper I screen shot 5 or more ideas print the pictures and add them to my new purchase so when I'm ready to use my die or stamp set I can remember why I wanted them

[@sherryy1743]

Awesome suggestion !!

[@susandavenport9257]

One thing I realized is that the overwhelm of all the crafting supplies I have purchased over the last ten years were weighing on my joy to create. I saw another you-tuber recently who said she hadn't spent anything in 2022. So I was inspired to try it for myself. I was unprepared for the joy and challenge I am finding in using what I have and in committing to not buying anything new for 2023 (an ENTIRE year)! The new products are great, but they will have to wait until 2024. And for January, I am trying to craft using ONLY the supplies on my desk! Only time will tell if I manage to not "fall off the wagon."

[@joycecosta2788]

Susan, I can relate. I have purchased so much craft stuff I don't even know what I have. I am trying to pull back on purchasing new stuff too and use what I already have.

[@Corntassels]

Susan and Joyce, you aren't alone in trying to use what you have and buy way less. Like Jennifer said, I'm lucky to have enough that "rooting around" in my stash offers up forgotten-ish treasures. Good luck in any choices you make this year. :)

[@cindyrobinson2199]

Girl, the last part about a guilt free zone was great. I often feel guilty for buying craft supplies I may never use plus buying more, or how messy my craft space is. Plus, I feel guilty for wanting to craft in all my spare time. That was great inspiration. Thank you for sharing these ideas and bring the inspiring person you are.

[@lisabloedel539]

I agree exactly and totally!!

[@Tilly850]

yup. Me too. I do use, but buy faster than I can keep up! LOL

[@bunnylands916]

I still feel guilty for buying craft punches that I use less often now that I have a die cutting machine, even though when I got the punches I had no idea that later on I'd get a die cutting machine.

[@suzettenesmith434]

I agree so I found someone that couldn’t afford to buy lots of supplies and donated it to her!!! It was a blessing for me !!!!

[@nanjoy84]

I wish you tube had a love button! Your last tip should be your first! It brought a tear to my eye and smile to my face. I needed that reminder of NOT feeling guilt over something I love that isn’t harming anyone else. I think I might make a guilt-free zone sign for my craft area. Thank you!!

[@jennifermcguireink]

yes! not only is it not doing harm to anyone... it has the power to HELP someone. :)

[@MsAliemm]

Fantastic idea... In fact....I'm tossing up between a "Guilt free zone" or "Therapy in session" sign lol. 🤣

[@cursivesmiles]

@@MsAliemmWhy not both?!? 😂🤗

[@christineclose3345]

@@cursivesmiles haha exactly!! 👏🏻

[@lisabloedel539]

@@MsAliemm Yes Perfect! Both signs!!

[@kimlemons2426]

First of all, I wish I could like this video a million times!!!! I will definitely be sharing it with my friends!!! The last tip had me crying 😭! I won’t go into all of the reasons why, but Jennifer, this one is so powerful, and I’m grateful to you for all of the tips, but especially the last one!!! Thank you for all you do for so many people, not only in crafting, but in promoting kindness and being transparent about mental health issues!!! Much admiration for you!!! 😌

[@mlfett6307]

Bless you Jennifer - this is the message I think I need to hear. I have been amassing crafting supplies, but am having trouble going forward from obtaining to creating, for a number of long standing reasons. You always inspire me.

[@4holidaysdesigns]

Fabulous video! Perfect to start the new year with. 💕 I think your thoughts really resonate with many of us crafters. And love a long video like this, much better than any TV! 🙂

[@dianelikestosew]

Love you Jennifer. Thank you for being a big part of my therapy team. You are infinitely valuable! Much more than you know ❤️

[@sheilarodriguez2556]

After avoiding COVID for almost THREE YEARS, I caught it while flying back home from a family visit after the holidays (clearly from exposure on airplanes and in airports ☹). Have had no energy, but was delighted with this video that reminded me to take my joy of crafting at my own pace. There will be highs and lows, but the love of working with paper will always be there. Thank you, Jennifer. You're an inspiration!

[@laurabuehler]

And lastly, DON'T FEEL GUILTY for hitting the LIKE button every time you watch a Jennifer McGuire video!

[@natashakahealani8696]

everytime i feel like i lost my crafting mojo, i just watch your vids and get inspired to craft! you are so gifted & talented and, in my opinion, you're the G.O.A.T. of our crafting industry :)

[@lauraguggenberger6980]

Thank you for the message of not feeling guilty. I am now a disabled retiree who finds joy in crafting and sharing with others. I support the Meals on Wheels organization by supplying them with cards for each holiday. They get a handmade signed card with each holiday meal. Making 100 cards for each lets me use lots of creative ideas and supplies. Your gift of sharing your ideas means so much to me. Thank you again.

[@terrimiller4978]

You are so inspirational to us that follow you. Know that you bring sunshine in my life and thank you for saying to not feel guilty if this hobby brings so much joy. This truly is my therapeutic joy! And I thank the Lord that my husband is so understanding of my over indulgence in craft supplies. 🙏

[@mamaduck5981]

Thank you Jennifer for giving me so much encouragement. I can always count on you lift my spirits. Love the end of the video giving us the feeling that’s OK to enjoy our crafts. 😊

[@elizabethhair9017]

I loved this video - I'm definitely a craft hoarder, I buy things I like but don't use them; I have boxes of papers, trays of gems and charms, a large bag full of all types of ribbons - watching your videos gives me lots of ideas and though I need to use my own papers first rather than create my own backgrounds, your videos inspire me on how to present the front of my cards.

[@joanngirimonte9349]

Jennifer you are an inspiration to all. I love all your videos and tips !!! I also love die cutting. Your cards are absolutely gorgeous and I just ordered most of the concord and 9th bundles. Can't wait for my order to arrive 💖

[@sallywalker5143]

This video was the giant crafty hug I didn't know I needed ❤ Guilt free crafting 🙌🥰

[@paper_hugs_by_AlondaMae]

This video was just what I needed, thank you SO much for all the time and thought and talent you put into your videos. You truly are appreciated💗.

[@coast2coastcards]

Jennifer, you are such an inspiration to me! I love all of these tips, and I take them to heart ❤️ I also suffer from anxiety, and creating cards is my therapy. If I'm I lose my MOJO, I love to create backgrounds or color images. I used to hate die cutting, but I am starting to really enjoy it in preparation for future cards! Thank you for all you do!!

[@cherylthompson7157]

Love the colors you used on these cards. My mojo boost is to look over Pinterest or fun folds. I like to look up stamp or dies I have on Pinterest to find ideas I haven't thought of. Thanks for all your advice and inspiration. You often inspire me to get out old supplies I haven't used in awhile. That always makes me happy ;)

[@mamasaurusrex5915]

This video was so, so valuable. So many wonderful, practical tips that are seriously SO helpful to me! But the last tip….that had me sobbing. Thank you 💜 You are such a wonderful human 💜

[@JuleighMiller]

Thank you, Jennifer! I needed tip 10 in particular. I am a disabled empty nester and crafting is what keeps me sane but sometimes I do feel guilty about the money I spend on supplies. I keep wondering how many vacations we could have gone on with the money I've spent. Your words (and my husband's) remind me that I need to maintain my joy.

[@blancaalves8250]

Jennifer, we all know that you are an extremely gifted and inspirational card maker. I want to thank you though for being one of the kindest most compassionate people I “know”. You have such wonderful values. I admire your character, your generosity, your empathy and your humility. You seem to be a fabulous mother and friend. I aspire to make beautiful cards like yours, but more than that I aspire to be the kind of woman you are. Thank you so much for your positive influence. You are a special person.😊❤

[@carolwarr6670]

I second that!

[@dianerobbins7561]

Loved your video Jennifer. You are so inspiring in so many ways. Yes I do make a lot of mistakes, but you made me feel better about that. I love watching your videos. :)Happy New Year!

[@nicolesims6659]

Thank you, Jennifer, for your advice. I have been feeling like I neglect so much of my stash, so this is a great idea with the bins to help use my old with my new!!

[@sarao982]

Happy New Year Jennifer from the UK. Love the tip about putting new supplies into a new supply bin ready to use. I’m guilty of hiding my new products in a drawer and then completely forgetting about them - I’ve purchased duplicate dies as I’ve forgotten I’ve already got them 😂😂

[@robinjames6800]

Wow, number 10 is a fabulous tip. I am going to embrace it...and not feel guilty for all the time I spend crafting and/or just sitting in my craft room loving the products I have. Thank you for always inspiring me to be a better crafter. Hugs.

[@heatherjacobs378]

Thank you Jennifer! It’s nice sometimes to hear all of these joyful attributes that card making can bring! I really needed this video! Thanks for all you do.. supporting everyone! Your heart is so kind and I appreciate all that you do!

[@cursivesmiles]

You’re absolutely amazing, Jennifer!! I hope you recognize how much of a supportive cheerleader you are yourself. The crafty community is blessed to have you! ❤🤗 Thanks for all the wonderful tips, such a constructive & helpful video!

[@pageeadams]

Thank you so much for this video! All the tips were helpful, but I especially needed to hear #10 about crafting being guilt free. You are such an inspiration and I appreciate you sharing your talents with the world. Thank you!!

[@kathymcconnell6852]

You had me at “true crime videos!” Seriously, as a long-time fan I’m not surprised at the inspiration and support you offer, but this video is a mini-bible for crafters. Thank you so much, Jennifer!❤

[@debbielumpkins3442]

Jennifer, what a great video! The tips are very helpful, and I hope that everyone can get a take away, especially the comparison one. Thank you.

[@s0perm0m]

Watching you brings joy back to my crafting! I love 😍 how you layer them and the colour combi! I know what I need to work on now❣ 🤗

[@janisramsden8484]

I love your long videos! Thank you so much for your inspirational kind words. They are always uplifting.

[@jennifertoth6732]

Thank you Jennifer for such an inspiring video. Your tips will be useful throughout the year of 2023. I appreciate the time you spent pulling this together!

[@Cards4Cancer]

I have learned so many valuable tools from you over the years. Now, I literally make cards fulltime for cancer patients. It gives me purpose and I desperately needed that. Physically there are many things I can no longer do, but even on bedrest I can bring smiles to others.

[@winonhall7185]

This was a great segment. Your tips are so helpful and inspiration. I loved the last one about guilt. I know the feeling and have had many comments made about how much I spend and do cardmaking and at time I gave into them. You are very helpful. Thanks and Happy New Year.

[@deanamcallister9244]

Thank you Jennifer for pulling me up when I am down. Just watching you crafting destresses me and brings peace into my being. You inspire with your kindness.

[@phyllisnufer]

I LOVED this crafty video filled with tips on keeping the joy in crafting. I hope you do more of them. As always, your cards are so beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@debbiebingaman7752]

I absolutely loved this video. It is my favorite video. Two the suggestions I loved was that you and other card makers edit videos and leave out your mistakes and changes to cards. I knew this was done but it hit home when you mentioned it. It make the struggle real sometimes. That your videos can take days to create and then have to edit it to fit in the time frame. The other one was not to feel guilty for the amount of time you do or do not spend in your craft area. I personally spend many hours in my area. It is my happy place. I always look forward to your crafty products and gift guide videos. Thank you so much.

[@sjodoin1474]

What an inspirational video! Thank you! Your tips to make new crafty friends and share cards, and free myself from crafty guilt particularly resonated. (I’m a collector and organizer more than anything, but now I’m retired I’m making more cards so yay!). My tip for sparking crafty joy is to purge and learn to let go supplies that I’ve had forever, I’m never going to use and that spark guilt because I spent money on them. Ugh! Who needs that?! As always Jennifer I adore your cards and kind messages. ❤

[@karenschreiber9936]

This was just an amazing video Jennifer! It really blessed me. Thank you so much for taking the time to make it!

[@cynthiapoudrette8436]

I love your tip about sharing your cards! I created a happy meal group during lock down. Now I continue to add to that happy meal group and send out random cards throughout the year and always on a holiday. People love getting mail that isn't a bill!

[@cindyellis765]

This was such a special video. I love your tips and agree with all of them. You are such an inspiration and put such joy into your cards and crafting that watching and listening to your videos is a treat.

[@joselynsphar1905]

I am thankful for you being an inspiration to everyone, even someone who could be your mom or maybe your grandma! Thank you for sharing and for caring. You have given me inspiration to start card making again, it’s been years. Wish me inspiration and creativity, ❤

[@cyndyrogers2063]

YES, YES to the guilt free zone!!! All the tips have value. This was an important video!!

[@missyfower368]

I just adore you! Your tips and tricks are amazing and your cards are stunning. Your support of the people in the crafting community just blows me away! You’re a rock star Jennifer!

[@barbaraschierloh1209]

Hi,Jennifer. Thank you for making this video. I suffer from guilt over my crafting. I spend too much money collecting supplies, and my craft room is so disorganized that I can't even craft right now. I am going to watch this video over and over again and listen to your message. Crafting should be a guilt free zone. Thanks 😊

[@cindyjohnson4300]

What a great video! I almost choked when you talked about guilt. Lol. I feel guilty about all of it. Crafting, not crafting, collecting, not using, etc, etc. I will endeavor to scale back on the self guilt. Thank you!!!

[@743linda]

Thank you! Crafting is my "Joy". I am trying to be more thankful for what I have and to use it without buying anything new! And it is working! I feel so good using what I have but still getting inspiration from the new things coming out without having to have them! ❤❤❤. Happy 2023!!!

[@juliemckinley3895]

Jennifer you have no idea how much of what you have said has helped me. I always seem to compare what I do with what I see and sometimes it can be discouraging. You reminding us that we don't see the whole process of making a card or what ever. There's steps that have to be re-done or changes made before we get the final results we want. Thank you so much.❤

[@amyswares]

Great tips! This was a really fun format to combine the "real talk" with the gorgeous card making. I agree 100% on the crafty network of friends. I can't believe some of the friendships around the world that I have made so far through my youtube channel and facebook groups. What an unexpected blessing it has been! Beautiful cards as always! Thanks for sharing your talent AND experience!

[@sabineradowsky3198]

Thank you Jennifer. For the warm words and good advices. Crafting and sewing is my therapy in the evening. This makes my soul happy 😊. Last year I had an accident and had to face a surgery and stay in hospital. This was the moment I found your KZbin channel. This was so wonderful for me . Your videos kept me entertained and so inspired even i couldn’t craft myself. You have a wonderful way to explain things. I really enjoy your videos, the ideas and tips and tricks. Sending a big hug and thank you from Germany

[@sherryneumyer325]

Jennifer, this video was so nice. This is just what I needed to hear. It was so thoughtful of you to record this for us and share those beautiful cards!

[@flickster69]

Thank you for this video and the time you took to make it ❤ lots of really good advice and honestly I just love listening to you talk 😃

[@TatianaPCarvalho]

When you started talking about always using older supplies at the same time as you use your new goodies, I thought that one of your tips would be "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue". 😂 Thank you so much for your videos and inspiration. I was having a bad day and you really cheered me up. 💕 Always thankful for you. 😘

[@vickifedor2609]

Thank you so much for sharing this inspiring video! I've been feeling... less than... comparing myself, wondering what I'm doing wrong, or not doing... to get "noticed". It really is my happy place, and it was feeling like it wasn't anymore. I appreciate all of your suggestions and support. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@fonda5797]

Thank you for your inspiration! There is no need to apologize for a long video because they are always full of inspiration and information. Thank you!

[@annihilator45]

This is exactly how I look at all the makers doing their cards, as inspiration!

[@teresacrutcher7184]

Thanks so much for these tips, they have made me think about my crafting a lot and I love your long videos. I could watch a new video every day between you and Gina I go back to your videos over and over and this one really struck a cord with me thanks so much

[@caroldubois6183]

Thank you, Jennifer. Your videos can never be too long for me. You always brighten my day and week.

[@elizabethmarx8618]

I appreciate your reminders, but I still want to be you when I grow up. 😊

[@wenkaywc]

Thanks, Jennifer, for taking the time to make this video and being such a big inspiration and help. I love what you do. 🥰

[@sarahnunns8263]

Thank you Jennifer for this encouraging video, I really appreciate all the time and effort you and your crafting friends take to bring these to us. Bless you. 😀

[@marjoriebriggs7687]

Jennifer, I love your kind and sweet inspiring attitude! Thanks for the great video.

[@laurabush9812]

You are a gift to the industry and to the community of card makers. Thank you for all your encouragement!

[@karenaustin5307]

Thank you so very much for being such an inspiration and SOO supportive and encouraging in so many ways. I have followed you for years (and years) and LOVE all you do and all you are!

[@gigiandrews5327]

Thanks so much for the encouragement, Jennifer! ❤ Very timely! Great video!

[@kmmiller9876]

You are my inspiration when it comes to crafting. I am one who makes one thing and puts everything back in it's place before I start another project. Messy confuses and overwhelms me. Your organization videos brought the joy back to my crafting. Most crafters who make videos have helped me so much on my crafting journey. So thank you to you and all the creative people who share their ideas in videos for all. Blessings to you and your family.

[@carolbatchelor5855]

Oh, Jennifer, you are always inspiring! I look forward to seeing your videos, even your older ones. You have a great presence about you. You express your thoughts well, keeping my interest all the way to the end. Thank you for sharing your love of crafting. You help us in so many ways...more than you know.

[@epowell4211]

Having a "to use again" bin is really a good idea psychologically: it's obviously full of things you successfully used, enjoyed using, and loved the results, so you immediately get endorphins as you flip through it. The new bin can also bring back the excitement you had shopping for it, the ideas you had, the thrill of finding it, etc. Organizing, learning a new technique, and doing swatches are all ways I use to "get my mojo back." Some people suggest watching videos, but that is counterintuitive for me, as loss of mojo for me is usually a fear that it won't turn out right, that it won't be good enough, and watching the perfection in videos can be more discouraging. I have swatches of all my embossing folders, with a section inked on both sides of the paper, so I can get a clearer idea of how it can look. Trying to sort through my craft stuff, deciding if I just like an item or if I will actually use it, challenges me. Some of my favorite cards were made when I decided there had to be a use for some "ugly" paper - so much satisfaction in making it lovely and it's a great confidence builder. Crafty friends are awesome, especially if you do swaps with them, let them peruse your supplies and get their ideas on how to use stuff. My BFF has a different card style than mine, using a lot of pre designed elements from card kits or doing a Silhouette or Cameo design. I'm more of a "from scratch" person, so when she gifts me items that I would never think of using, it challenges me to make it my style. Like, she gave me many printed card fronts, I experimented and discovered they look great embossed. They look like photos cut from magazines, and just gluing that to a card doesn't do it for me, but when you emboss them, they can look like canvases, wallpaper, sculpture, etc. and really make an interesting background.

[@lorilehnen9077]

LOVE these tips, and they couldn't have come at a better time. After the hustle and bustle of the Holidays is over many of us are in a slump with things, including our crafting. Thanks so much for this video and for all you do.

[@mariahultander2102]

Thank you Jennifer for your video. This was just what I needed. Your kindness, great tips and encouraging words touched my heart. So thankful for you and your videos. ❤️🥰🙏 God bless you and your family for the new year. Stay crafty. ❤️🌈💌

[@karendaley3184]

Thank you so much! I appreciated all your good advice, and the reminder that my favourite you-tubers have their own ups and downs. It was also fun to see so many wonderful cards in production. Always a pleasure to watch you work. How often have I said to myself "Jennifer McGuire would probably find a better way to do this..." Lol. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the many ways you keep my joy in crafting!!! ❤️❤️❤️🥰

[@joycewerner8191]

Perfect timing on this video. After making Christmas cards, Christmas letter/photos, and a big Christmas party, I certainly was not motivated to make 4 birthday cards this week. But with your suggestions and your typical upbeat video, I'm ready to go! Thanks for all your videos and inspiration.

[@michiganlighthouse]

Timely! I'm 74 soon and suffer from all those aches and pains earned from living an active life! I dreamed of working for Hallmark as a child, but I didn't rediscover that dream until my husband bought me a Cricut for Christmas last year (2021). Neither of us knew what it did, but he thought I'd like it. I've spent all of 2022 learning and making and now have 2 small retailers and a handful of devotees who purchase cards from me. Now I find this early success has me a bit scared. Like I don't know how to do something on purpose that happened essentially by accident. I'll digest and put into practice the 1st 3 tips, then return to the video for more. I spent a huge amount of dollars the first year, but didn't use as much as I hoped. So thank you for the work you did putting this together. You're the best. And I do watch several others who've helped me develop my style and techniques.

[@LatonkaLady]

Thankyou again for reminding us about the reason we craft! It is hard when others around us don't get the joy that we do when we spend time crafting. The older I've gotten the more I appreciate the hobbies I've developed they bring me so much joy! I've probably tried them all and some I've moved on from while others like cardmaking have become a part of my daily routine! While other may travel, but jewelry or clothes I buy STAMPS and CRAFT Supplies! Thanks again for all the time you spend trying to support the crafting world and also for being so impartial yet supportive to craft companies. I can see how much you care and how hard you try to be balanced! Happy New Year!

[@lesleyshenfield1787]

Hello Jennifer. Catching up on this most helpful video from Queensland, Australia. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, your tips and tricks and most of all for being you and sharing that you too, like so many of us, have not so inspiring or crafty days. Some days I just don’t know what to start with first. Making backgrounds, die cutting or stamping is all that it takes to begin a project. I guess I get overwhelmed with all the beautiful products I have. I have so many and yes, the guilt in spending on craft supplies is a REAL issue for me. Thank you again Jennifer for all the inspiration you bring to the table and life in general. Blessings to you and your family.

[@Denise11Schultz]

This was just what I needed, and I felt like a cat twisting in mid-air to land on my feet as you went through all the “Don’t feel guiltys” 😉☺️🎨😎🙋‍♀️

[@IRC1026]

You are such an inspiration! This video is extra "normal." All the wonderful tips while you still creative and make gorgeous cards with lots of techniques. For me, one of the best tips was not to compare my cardmaking to the experts on KZbin. Thanks for the reminder that others edit videos; make mistakes; etc. to make it look effortless while I was struggling. Thank you Jennifer for putting in so much time and effort nd creativity into the videos you share with us. Hugs from New York City...

[@melissasantoro5904]

Jennifer, I watch all of your long videos all the way through and appreciate the time and dedication that you put into each and every one. Thank you for the encouragement to just keep moving forward. This was the boost I needed to not feel guilty, and just enjoy the process. You're the best! Hugs to you xx

[@kathleenmills7452]

Mail your cards!! This past November I was asked to create and donate cards for our shut-ins at church. We decided we'd put a card at each place at our Women's Christmas Dinner. We had 22 shut-ins, many of who were very involved in our church community in the past. We had 154 coming to the dinner. seriously - it worked out exactly like that. So I made 7 different types of cards, and we put them out with a recipient assigned, so each person would receive 7 different Christmas cards - a snowglobe easel, a nativity card, an old-fashioned card, etc. Everyone was so happy to take those cards home, write a note, and mail it to their assigned person. Joy spreading all over the place!! If you love to make cards and don't have anyone to send them to, consider taking them to a nursing home to be distributed, or mailing to people you know feel alone in the world.

[@JanetLMente]

So useful to talk about how to keep that joy. Much appreciated-especially the part about not comparing. Alas, I do that all the time and never feel like I come up to par. Thus, it is useful to know that everyone makes mistakes and begins again. As always, thank you!

[@conniesanginesi4676]

Jennifer, while I love all the cards my friends make they aren’t always my taste. I don’t feel guilty at all. My thing is paper and you are my inspiration. This craft is so much fun. Thank you for sharing your gift with all us. Happy New Year 🎉