5 Crafty Items I No Longer Buy What I Use Instead

These 5 crafty items have not made it into my personal shopping basket in a long time because I have found items that are a better fit for me. These are also items I realized I was able to let go during crafty purges. Hopefully this gives you some ideas of what you can cut out of your crafty budget as you think about your personal style.
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• Ranger Ink Ink Storage Tin with Mini Distress Ink Pad Set
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• Derwent - Inktense Pencils
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• Waffle Flower Crafts - Mini Stencil Mat
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• Heffy Doodle - Foam Tape
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--- ldli.co/e/76jxmx7 [ SSS ]
• Swingline Guillotine Paper Cutter
--- amzn.to/37MZZIP [ AMZUS ]
• Fiskars Paper Trimmer
--- ldli.co/e/nq6mzm4 [ SSS ]
• LDRS Creative - Enamel Dots
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• Scrapbook.com - Pops of Color - Gloss - Sunflower - 1oz
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• Scrapbook.com - Pops of Color - Gloss - Summer Bundle - 1oz - 8 pack
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• Nuvo - Spring Meadow Collection - Jewel Drops - Yellow Iris
--- ldli.co/e/43rk03k [ SBC ]
• Ranger Leaf Green Enamel Accents
--- ldli.co/e/26r2066 [ SSS ]
• Tonic Glitter Mister Spray Bottle
--- ldli.co/e/5y7roym [ SSS ]
• Sparkle Sheer Shimmer Spritz
--- ldli.co/e/3o9p0o3 [ KATS ]
• Tonic Frosted Lemon Nuvo Sparkle Spray
--- ldli.co/e/m5emd5e [ SSS ]
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[@BeverlyLeeCreates]

Thanks for the reminder. In the crafting community it's easy to get caught up and think we have to have it all. Most times it just sits and goes unused. We constantly buy things because we see others with them but if you stop and think more you would. Use the tips instead TFS

[@margotully-collazo5359]

Thank you so so much.

[@aquilaclark814]

You are so right.. I wish I had looked at more videos before I started card making ..but now that I have the things I probably will sell some stuff.. I really don’t need or am not using..but you are right we really buy more than we need🥰

[@maggieb4648]

Sort of a 'wish I knew then what I know now' situation. As a fairly new card maker, I bought into the 'necessity' of having all the things. All the fancy dies, all the tools and accessories - basically all the things - only to find now after a couple of years that I'm much more comfortable and happy letting the pretty papers do all the work and using various techniques, card sketches, and fun folds to make beautiful cards. All those thousands wasted on things I have never once touched. All I use are my guillotine trimmer, score board and craft mat. Even when it comes to sentiment stamps, I never seem to have one that says what I want and find it so much easier now to create my sentiments on my computer and print them out in any colour or font I want. A cautionary tale to newcomers to the craft - take your time and learn your style and preferences, build up your stash slowly based on that.

[@aquilaclark814]

Thanks for the printer tips🥰

[@PaperSquirrelsCardDesigns]

I print a lot of my sentiments too! I've found that 24-pound cardstock works just fine in my printer for that.

[@cherylotto-cunningham1843]

I'd like to share two thoughts. 1) trimmers. I had a huge gulletine, a Tonic, which is an awesome product, but is so large, heavy, takes up a bunch of room so I have to pull it out and put away every time I use it. So I've switched to We R Memory Keepers Trim and Score Board. I couldn't be happier. The cut line is exact positioned so there is zero guessing as to where the blade will cut. You can put the paper right back in at the exact position to finish a cut. It is also a score board. So I am only storing on product instead of two. And it folds in half! Perfect for my small craft room and going out to craft. It does use trimmer blades. So I always buy the titanium blades. I tape a spare blade on the back. For disposal i embed the blade in a piece of cardboard and tape to toss safely. I also have the Tim Holtz mini guilotine. This is an absolute must for any crafter IMO. I use it when my paper will fit. And mostly, it can cut off a piece of paper the width of a human hair when you are trying to get that perfect line. 2) enamel dots. All you really need is white. You can use an alcohol marker to color the white any color you want. You can use glue or some other liquid product to contol the size of your dot you put down on your paper and then color it. Any size you want. Tiny or larger. Wait to color the dots until you've placed them on the card to choose your color or use several colors. If you don't like the color, swipe a blender pen over the dot, (or rubbing alcohol) wipe the color off, and try again. This method also means you don't have to have a bunch of bottles of all different colors to decorate your cards. And the range of colors is huge. Just some thoughts I wanted to share. Nothing is perfect for us all. That's the beauty of sharing.

[@carolynpicken6949]

Great video…as a 15yr card maker, I have realized that the latest product is short lived. It’s just to sell and make $$$. I too switched yrs ago to a guillotine trimmer for the same reason as you. The latest fad is foam squares instead of foam tape. The longer you make cards, the more you find your style and settle down. Hope newbies take note and save lots of $$$

[@AimeeFleck]

I love my guillotine trimmers. I’ve been using them for nearly 20 years.

[@shirleyhiggins3395]

Instead of enamel dots I use drops of nail varnish, something I have but no longer use on my nails any more, in the same way I use old eyeshdows as pigment powders.

[@JessCrafts]

Very creative solutions! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@sooz617]

When I first started card crafting I bought all the things and now I’m realizing what I don’t use. This video is very timely. Also instead of enamel dots, I have gold paper and I use a hole punch to add dots.

[@aquilaclark814]

That’s a great tip I like yours also..Thanks for sharing..

[@lcrafts5907]

Great tip!!! I also use a hole punch for shaker cards instead of buying sequin mixes.

[@teresahampton7873]

Great idea!

[@mystichris1543]

Thanks for that tip about using a hole punch - lots of teeny shiny scraps to use up!

[@susantabone1570]

As a crafter trying to downsize her craft hoard I found your tips helpful.

[@nonalaughton9326]

I am on a lot of medications so end up using the packaging from the boxes, saves using my best card 👍. Thanks for the reminders of the other products x

[@annekildegaard9666]

Great tips! Every time I see a new product my brain goes “I want that!” I don’t automatically buy anymore, but try to see my stash in a new way: Have I got anything that can be used instead.?

[@JessCrafts]

Great idea, I too try to check my stash first.

[@jenniferdrake1210]

I must say Jesse, I have to get into the routine of using scraps instead of foam tape. Jenny

[@jesseb5112]

Great tips! Knowing what I like, can do, and am willing to do has become important in many aspects of my life

[@carolnelson7107]

Thanks, Jess for this video. You've really given me things to think about. There are always new products coming out, I've really begun taking a few days to think if the new release, is something I will really use more than just a couple of times. Things are getting too expensive to just sit in our craft areas, and end up in the landfill. Thanks again.

[@oricle81]

Love this! It's so easy to get sucked into the latest and greatest pretty things, but you waste so much money!!! I was sick of replacing blades on my trimmers so I went with a trimmer with a self-sharpening rotary blade and I've saved so much money not having to buy any more blades!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@MeBizylady]

I like using party confetti rather than enamel dots or gems too. Great tips, something to think about. Thank you!

[@shirleyh9583]

I can identify with what you said! I often see embellishments on other cards and like them, but don't care for them as well on my cards. Time for me to destash. Thank you for sharing what no longer works for you, I can look at my supplies differently now.

[@carolyngurney5376]

I use a guillotine trimmer too and I prefer it. I love your idea of using thicknesses of scrap paper rather than foam. Excellent,

[@PaperSquirrelsCardDesigns]

Great tips Jess (and everyone!) I've tried various hacks to replace foam tape/squares that are 1mm thick. But every option (including the expensive foam squares themselves) hurt my arthritic hands. My solution now is ordering 1mm-thick rolls of foam, the kind people used for cosplay---works great, cheap, and easy on the joints.

[@lindalawrence5975]

Great video. Thanks for sharing these alternative ways to use supplies we already have.

[@susankeller5557]

This video is spot on Jess! I’ve been refining my style and realizing how to use alternative items to achieve the same finish! Thanks for the reminder!

[@DarlaW]

Awesome video! I found your tips very helpful. I love how you are simply sharing your experience and not shaming others for their choices. Not sure why some commenters took it so personal. I'm glad you are still sharing!!

[@nicolalederer9517]

Hi Jess, I am absolutely with you, particularly saving the plastic of foam tape and trimmer blades! You are definitely saving plastic with a guillotine: (a) there are a lot of smaller sizes available these days and (b) a good guillotine you buy once and keep it (I just replaced my first one - after 20plus years!). Whereas you keep having to throw trimmer blades away. Thanks for these tips. Kind regards from Germany, Nicola

[@samanthac5761]

I applaud the sentiment of learning your own crafty style. It isn't necessary to buy every product that comes out on the market. Finding something you like and will use is important I love the inktense pencils that you showed. And I use them. I love to color stamped images with them and then use my water brush to bring them to life. I also use my distress inks as my main watercolor palette. I craft with some newbies that get the starry eyes every time they see a new technique and I let them try my stuff to see if they like using the products. I hate to see people invest only to find out that they're $80 into something that they really don't enjoy using.

[@valdenyer6205]

I am with you Jess. There are so many great craft products out there and it is so tempting to try them. But at some point, we realize what we enjoy using, and the rest just becomes overwhelming. Plus, as another crafter who makes most cards to donate, I strive to follow the guidelines of the charities. Ribbon is another product some charities do not want on cards, so my supply of ribbons…which were so popular in the past have made their way to Goodwill🤷‍♀️. Love your videos👍🏻

[@AbbyAvon]

great tips! Looking at my supply runs totally differently now!

[@michelegourd5742]

Jess, thanks for sharing!! It was very helpful! I also do not watercolor much at all!! I like the idea of using distress ink instead!!

[@magsschultz7780]

Hey Jess I’m subscribing because I Love the volunteer ing to send cards. Love your inside jokes. I’ll be sending some. Thanks for reaching out with your art. Maggie

[@trumbleslum]

Make do and mend. Sorry but I am the only person so far who actually loves getting the latest "stuff". Its not that I have lots of money but if you shop wisely it can still work. Anyway I just love waiting for the postman to deliver my next load of goodies!!!

[@sandpipersouth3766]

I am so glad that I found you. I have learned so much in just a few videos. Opened my options!!!

[@peniandrews165]

I would like to see some things you do with the stickles, pops nuvo drops, I like them but dont really know what to do with them, and in the beginning I bought lots of dots and embellishments, some I have never used. I donated a lot to a school and to a small nursing home. Still have a lot to use up or get rid of. I like the use what you have idea and have started doing that, I always have lots of small scraps I could use for dimensional , good idea!! thank you for your ideas.

[@terikellum]

I'm excited to try water coloring with my distress inks - thanks for the idea!

[@rochestermanagementservice6082]

Thanks! Good points and suggestions! I watched a lot of YT crafters before I started making my purchases. That's helped. I'm grateful for people like yourself who share their experience so I don't have to waste my money. Thank you, Jess. From Cheryl in AZ.

[@susanvanschuyver7900]

I love that you donate your cards! That's awesome!

[@ingrid2543]

Good choices, I also switched to pops of color instead of stick on dots or gems. I love the guillotine like yours. I use the pen for shimmer.

[@cathyschoenherr5253]

Wow! Jess. These are real good ideas.

[@becerelli]

Thought provoking Jess. Now everything I use I'll look at for its multiple uses. Thanks 😊

[@Momof31996]

WOW. I learned a lot from this video. I have some of the supplies and didn't even know I could use them in a certain way. Also like your nails, such a pretty color. Thanks for sharing.

[@beckypilcher688]

Some very good ideas. Thank you for sharing. I like the pop for enamel dots. Also using cardstock instead of foam dots or tape. That will get rid of some of my scrap pile.

[@pamcook8665]

Thanks for the replacement suggestions!

[@moemanley2579]

Nuvo drops are barnone the best for accents! Nuvo don't flatten out 😉. The best guillotine cutters are oldschool wood based with high quality steel blades. Fyi you can buy various thicknesses of foam tape. Heavy cardboard weighs more and adds to postage, foam is light, plus you're still having to add tape to paper which tape roll requires a plastic core minimumor and or dispenser casing made of plastic so the green factor is null and void at that point. It's a shame you didn't show how to premake drops on sheets to use later. I have copd, hubbys worked in emergency medicine 25 years, glitter is not an issue regarding health lol. You have admin people blowing smoke because the cheaply made things shed and are messy and they simply don't want the mess. I'm a graphic designer, my family has 120+ yrs combined hospital experience and I also make cards for charitable purposes. Not once has anyone complained about supplies used or glitter. Be smart, buy quality items and there won't be any problems! A great item for cleaning powders and glitter, mica powder, foil flakes etc is a lint roller. Paper breaks down quickly on it's own. I live next to a paper mill. The plethora of false info regarding sustainable items is amazing. We have hundreds of acres nearby that are home to a perpetual forest cared for by Mead-Westvaco. I've worked in the art and design field for 30+ years, attended trade shows and worked with manufacturer reps. What people know versus what they think they know and what they think they know because they saw something on KZbin is maddening to say the least. Do art, stop catering to influencers agendas. Turn OFF the screens and be creative however you want. Ignore the craft nazis demonizing things because of their beliefs, use what You want. Lastly, there are plenty of biodegradable products out there. Do your own research, stop taking the word of others that everything is bad. Most of that info is backed by an agenda that involves free products, reimbursements and discounts. It's the new tupperware, a quick way to be relevant and get something for themselves. My job for years was to design and sell, for one purpose, make someone else money. Buy what makes you happy, not what influencers tell you to buy 😉.

[@cindyrogers9099]

Great ideas to help us utilize what we actually need and how to save money!

[@stellaolejar9007]

Thanks Jess you are so right. We should be a little more conscious of what we are purchasing. Starting with me. Like you initially stated.

[@socal65]

great idea to use colored scap paper instead of white foam tape!

[@beckeyschlosnagle7650]

Thank you for sharing. Love it!

[@donnajosephsonblatz5058]

Very sensible. Thanks Jess.

[@noreenmulder5255]

Hi Jess. Great video. TFS your tips. I fully agree. Keep well. God bless 💙🤗🌼

[@minikraut]

Good food for thought, this is. Can't say I agree on everything, but that is not the point here. What I DO agree on is: Review what you have regularly. Reassess how you are using items you bought. When you like & save a link to a youtube video for future makes, take note of what you have already in terms of similar stamps, dies, etc. I have a list specifically for dies/stamps I actually own, but that doesn't get me very far. I also keep an offline list of cards I want to make and which of my resident dies/stamps I might use to create a similar effect. I would never want to replace my 3Dfoam with scrap cardstock, nope. I am very proud of chucking out all pieces below a certain size. But that is just me, your way is fine. As for dimensional accent "bubbles" - they are far too expensive when bought off the rack. Even when bought from Ali. Because - you always have to buy several colors in a set. I am LOADED with pink pearl drops. Wishing to trade for silver. Or white. Or black. So I agree with you 100%: make those using dimensional paint, yeah!

[@pennilane6019]

Idk if u know this but the inktense pencils r not like watercolor pencils bcuz inktense r permanent once they dry and watercolor can always b reactivated with water.

[@JoanOrloffDK]

Great video Jess 🥰 thanks for sharing your tips and tricks Hugs xx

[@judibradshaw1948]

Awesome tips! Thank you 😊

[@joannepetrulli4684]

I have so many craft supplies that I have never used. Hope to purge and donate them to an organization.

[@Mom2create]

Thanks Jess for this helpful video stay bless ☺️

[@JessCrafts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindascott5559]

Oh child thank you for taking the guess work out of card making it makes my head hurt 😂 when I do. Ps do you have a tips & tricks video for the guillotine trimmer I have two and still get wonky cuts ? 🌹❤️💯

[@EsselleCrafts]

I never buy foam tape. I'll reuse bits of foam from old greeting cards, as it can't be recycled, otherwise I've always used layered card scraps for creating dimension.

[@JessCrafts]

Awesome, thanks for watching!

[@tami1796]

Thank you for sharing your videos

[@gingerpayne7310]

Amazing video and tips.

[@Andi.Plans2]

Those watercolor pencils are my favorite 😍😍😍

[@Andi.Plans2]

I love those enamel dots, especially the pastel ones you showed

[@bazjoan]

You are absolutely right foam tape is not biodegradable but unfortunately as soon as you use glue on card it stops being biodegradable. Love you tutorials x

[@endurapuppy]

An excellent video. You are absolutely correct once we find our style we only use the items that are our style. I will need to donate my items I don’t use. TFS! Cindy Lou

[@JessCrafts]

I find it helpful to pass along the items that I don't use and focus on enjoying the ones I do especially because I have a small craft space.

[@terrytyson7489]

Just the tip on "pops of color" was worth watching this. I always have a problem getting them to "settle" and not spread. Thanks! Gerry

[@JessCrafts]

So glad it was helpful!

[@xdebjones]

Helpful! Thank you. I'm wondering if I would use the pops of color. A video of ways to use it would also be helpful. Thanks!

[@JessCrafts]

Glad it was helpful! The pops of color video is on my list of things to film!

[@ebriggs3498]

Good ideas.

[@juliebooker8254]

My crafting style has changed over the year and I now have a collection of stamps in styles I don't use, embellishments I'll definitely not use as well as other bits and pieces. 8 need to do a series destash a d only have those things that I'll use.

[@cardswithcaitlin]

great video!

[@inkyfeet12]

The plastic blades to the environment vs. all the plastic-container items you showed: not sure how you can compare these quantities of plastics? The other suggestions are pretty well thought out.

[@laurasutton1551]

I never lock my trimmer but I don't have little kids either yea I don't buy enamel dots either but I do have flat backed gems which I love I won't buy different color embossing powders any more I've found clear works for any color ink only other ones I have are gold silver and white

[@o.kenyattalittle7218]

I have gotten some stuff in kits that I have not tried. This is why I don’t get a lot of kits anymore. One day I am going to use everything just to see what I can do with it.

[@tabandken8562]

I tried Distress Ink for water coloring. I prefer the water color paint and pencils. I'm sure I'll never run out of those things that I'd have to repurchase though.

[@alicejump2290]

Wake up! Thanks for letting us know about alternatives!

[@clairec3504]

To sharpen blades cut tin foil

[@2BfreeATlast]

I've heard this, but haven't tried it. Does it work well?

[@chemistryinbiology]

Love the idea of making your own enamel dots. Do you have a product comparison, or will you consider making one?

[@JessCrafts]

It's on the list of videos to make. To be clear, would you like to see a comparison between the different kinds of products to make your own? Like comparing Nuvo Drops, Pops of Color and Ranger Enamel Accents?

[@chemistryinbiology]

@@JessCrafts yes, that would be great!

[@jcreateturner]

I have trouble getting a completely straight cut with a guillotine, it slides off towards the bottom. How to you get true cuts of long pieces?

[@JessCrafts]

I think with longer pieces like 12x12 it is helpful to have something gripping it at the bottom so I suggest holding your paper towards the bottom (careful to stay out of the way of the blade) and maybe consider a guillotine that has a bar to hold the paper like the one from Tim Holtz.

[@ritatharp5238]

I donate cards too! 😁

[@AimeeFleck]

I’m working on a big destash….my problem is dies 😂😂

[@annsay1210]

i bought that exact guillotine trimmer and i ended up buying the tim holtz because it doesnt cut sttaight.

[@JessCrafts]

So frustrating that you had that experience. I've been very happy with mine but I haven't tried the Tim Holtz one to compare.

[@Ninjamom4]

❤❤❤

[@Writer5619]

Where do you donate your cards

[@JessCrafts]

Several organizations. Here's a list: jesscrafts.com/card-drive-resources/where-to-donate/

[@patforrest319]

What groups do you donate to???

[@JessCrafts]

Here's a list of organizations and links to their websites: jesscrafts.com/card-drive-resources/where-to-donate/

[@patforrest319]

@@JessCrafts Thank you !!!

[@yelena86]

👍✌️🙏❤️

[@karinboschaart276]

This is just things you don’t use. So useless for me. This feels like a add for things you use