Why I quit craft fairs? Declutter & DIY in the cottage 🏡

📺 In this video, join me on a journey of decluttering and DIY as we tackle the chaos lurking within my guest bedroom wardrobe. As I sift through the clutter, I stumble upon a treasure trove of old craft supplies and forgotten thank-you cards, igniting a wave of nostalgia and reflection. We'll also dive into a bit of DIY magic as I spruce up my kitchen with a charming café curtain, adding a touch of cosiness and style to the heart of my home.
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I am delighted to announce that my second book "Heart & Home" by Catherine Carton, will be released later this Spring. I wanted to share some insights into the book process, so if you were curious about sales, etc., I hope you find this chatty Q&A insightful.
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Carving time out of our hectic, plugged-in lives to play and create can bring stillness and satisfaction. The projects in my book are for everyone, so take a break from the world, reignite your creative spark and make your home a little bit more beautiful!
In my book, I share over fifty of my favourite projects, from upcycling, crafting, sewing, painting and gardening, many of which take unloved items and make them shine again.
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** Please take care when using power tools and machines. While I've made every effort to make sure this video contains accurate information, I'm not a professional and am not responsible for any direct or indirect damages that may occur in connection to the information contained here. Please complete the projects featured on my channel at your own risk and consult a professional if you have any questions. Get creative, but stay safe!

[@saundrawilliams1601]

Ok - Show of hands - Who else LOVES Catherine’s philosophical side? 👋🏻❤

[@DaintyDiaries]

😁🙏🏼

[@nicoleandrews8575]

When our home burnt down 3 years ago we lost everything. I learned in that moment exactly what was important , it wasn't the stuff that I had been holding on to . In our new home I am a lot more minimalist 😊.

[@DaintyDiaries]

Oh wow I’m so sorry to hear about your home I can only imagine how tough that must have been! You have the most amazing outlook on it ❤️

[@lindylou3519]

I can see how that would certainly change a persons way of thinking. When I go visit relatives & sometimes stay in a small house half the size of my own I realize what I could truly get by with. ❤

[@crystalsdance]

So sorry to hear about the fire! I'm trying to clear out, and it us breaking me! I'm disabled and have so much I want to do that I can do. I just have to get rid of a lot of my "old life", so I will be able to move on with less and a mess I can handle!

[@kimbwf629]

So sorry to hear this. ❤

[@elenaizquierdo9060]

❤

[@zoeemiko8149]

Thank you for NOT doing haul videos! KZbin is so overrun with them and has reached such an oversaturation point I, like many others, avoid them like a plague because of sheet burnout. I've been slowly decluttering my home for about a year now. I do an area, wait a couple months & go back and do it again.. rinse, repeat. When I know I'm down to just must keeps I can finally leave it alone. It's incredible how much has gone to the charity shop. I had a closet of clothes from 20 years ago! Crazy. Craft supplies I'll never use again by the boxload I donated to the local seniors center. Now my process is if I bring a new item in - one must go out in it's place. Life is so much more simple!

[@DaintyDiaries]

Yes, I agree, it really is simple the less stuff we have x

[@lcatt6940]

I like the chatting. Feels like hanging out talking through projects and plans with my sisters or something.

[@mariazeeb2354]

I love watching you. I feel like I’m sitting with a friend drinking coffee. Thanks for being there.

[@DaintyDiaries]

Aw I’m so glad to hear that! ❤️ thanks for stopping by I always appreciate it! 🤩🌸❤️

[@debredhead9199]

Pro tip: place a sandwich baggie over the end of the curtain rods before slipping thru the curtains. It keeps the rod from snagging and getting caught on the fabric.

[@thatswhatisaid8908]

You are either a natural born genius, or a helpful hint-passer. Or both! Many thanks for this excellent tip!

[@debredhead9199]

@@thatswhatisaid8908 Aw, thank you. I figured it out many decades ago when trying to slip lace curtains over a rod. The rod kept getting hung up and and it was destroying my curtains. I looked around the house thinking there must be a better way, and that’s what I came up with.

[@poodlegirl55]

I save glass jars from spaghetti sauce and things, put my paint in them and label. It keeps much longer than in a can, it doesn't dry out and the cans always rust. I try to use the size jar for the amount of paint so there is little air in it. I just touched up a spot with paint from seven years ago!

[@faeriesmak]

That’s a great idea!!!

[@L0U1SE]

The thing is too, if and when you fit back into those smaller sizes you are gonna want NEW fashions to celebrate

[@vernhedeen9807]

Keeping you in my warmest thoughts and prayers as I just saw your video about the passing of your Mother. I am so sorry for your loss. Surrounding you with love and prayers. USA granny

[@bburke6650]

I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Catherine, in not doing "haul" videos. None of us needs more stuff. But we all need more of your philosophy! Thank you for being your own perfect you.

[@donnamullins2089]

Love your tiny bag. My doctor instructed me to only use small cross body bags and ditch the large ones to repair my shoulder. It worked. No more big bags. Keep you wooden hangers. They are expensive to replace. Oh well gone. I use them to hang up jeans and heavy coats. Great job of cleanup and declutter. Love the cabin in the forest painting. Peaceful draws you to the stream. Thanks Catherine. Enjoyed the video.

[@poodlegirl55]

We were packing to move and a receipt fell out of the back of a drawer. It was for a VCR in 1982 and we paid almost $400!!!!

[@CleoGravel]

When I moved into my own condo I declutter everything I didn’t need 😊the best ever think I did😊now my weekly cleaning takes no time at all 😊 thanks for sharing 😊

[@rachaelstronge4123]

Your younger self? She got you here... I love that! ❤

[@chesteris.]

I love your channel because you’re so realistic. Just pure life as it comes. Thank you for your lovely content ❤

[@DaintyDiaries]

Aw thank you so much ❤️❤️

[@JennyAmponsah]

Loved this video Catherine! I know exactly what you mean about minimalism - as I’ve got older, I’ve realised I’m not quite into materialistic things as I was when I was younger. I’m definitely I felt trying to adopt the “less is more” attitude these days. It’s all about making memories for me, so I’d rather spend my money on experiences and days out/travel/theatre than clothes. I have way too many lol😅😅😅😅

[@kebergify]

Amen, Catherine! Yes, it is ok to let go!! Something better is being prepared for you. It's grand to be older and be able to look at our younger selves...and realize its all worked out just as it was meant to.

[@DaintyDiaries]

So true x x x

[@diamondlee9034]

I totally agree 100% about our bodies changing over the year! we lose muscle mass, bone structure changes among many other things☹️

[@sandran9361]

May I suggest getting some S-hooks from the hardware store to hang those purses/bags on the high rod in that cabinet.

[@debc315]

I was just thinking about your you-tube channel that I used to watch a few yearsback and here you are, what a pleasant surprise

[@DaintyDiaries]

Welcome back x

[@kandyharris2195]

Oh Catherine, I have a leather jacket hanging in my closet that is vintage now ( 40 years ! ) I just can't let it go . They say people will have 3 careers in their lifetime, I'm on my 3rd ( 1st -floral designer, 2nd- dental assistant) now I'm retired and get to grow our own vegetables in a our garden ... no monetary value , but very rewarding. Have you considered making baby quilts / blankets and donating them to hospitals with some of your beautiful fabric? My daughter was a preemie 36 years ago , and was @Children's Hospital for a few weeks . It was during Christmas , and Santa brought her a beautiful patchwork quilt and a crocheted blanket made by a group of people that donated them . I still have them , and remember how thoughtful a gift it was . ( I can't get rid of them either)

[@juliebrown3720]

I have been slowing decluttering over the last year didn’t realise how much stuff that I was hanging on to for just in case I might wear it or need it so now one in one out i rule is working for me.🌸

[@sharonmakowsky172]

Hi, Catherine! So glad you got the pink framed picture! I love that one. That’s my style. Please leave the frame pink. It sets off the wall. Great job. Hugs to the kitties!🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛💜💜🥰👍

[@heatherrice6118]

This so resonated with me! Keeping stuff 'just in case' and I'm a serial craft collector! I really need to let some of it go too!

[@DaintyDiaries]

You are not alone, us crafters find it hard to let go x

[@helenogorman9467]

That was great Catherine. The only problem is now I feel like I should declutter! Love your videos and your cheery ways. Thank you.

[@IndieAnnieJones1]

I just love watching you make your home beautiful - you are so fun to watch and I love your kitties!

[@lynnslosson5937]

I have a small walk-in closet with plastic boxes of fabric! I need to live to be 160 to get to all the quilts I want to make!

[@natvtxn1213]

I did the craft fairs too and stopped for the same reasons. I convinced myself to give away all the clothes I'd been holding onto for so long by realizing if I ever did get back in that size, they would be out of style! 😉

[@DaintyDiaries]

It’s nice to have a refresh though!

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Catherine great job on decluttering. We need to learn to let go of things that no longer serve us and open for new possibilities. Thank you for sharing your thoughts 👍👍❤

[@maureenbrophy7852]

Love it “ the bones get bigger “. Mine too❤️❤️

[@sherryhudson9075]

You can use some of that fabric and make a Roman shade for your office.

[@donaleeslack4925]

One item in. One item out. Everything put back in its place😊 ❤

[@DaintyDiaries]

The self restraint is hard 😂😂 but that’s a good way to look at it!!

[@diamondlee9034]

Ive heard that “rule” before of 1 in, 1 out. that being said, its just swapping 1 item for another and not decluttering.

[@petro3441]

Very clever diy for extension😂

[@little_misscrafty]

Giiiiiirl, we've been needing a bit of motivation about decluttering and wafling chatty video for ages. Thank you so much, I remember your memory bears and the fair vlog. I am so glad you are now publishing books and continue to inspire us 🫶🫶🫶

[@DaintyDiaries]

Aww you’re so kind 🥹❤️ thanks for all the love!! And oh the motivation is a tough one all around don’t you worry!!

[@opalmoon2256]

Just what I had in mind...just needed the little push, declutter time.....n so true once you start cleaning u noticed how much stuff has been collected n with tags attached!??🤦‍♀️ guilty🙋‍♀️....L0L!!

[@lesleyoliver3310]

Thoroughly enjoyed your chatting and philosophical discussion. Also re your craft poster, why not put it up on the wall or inside the door of your wardrobe so when you go in it you have pleasant memories. I’m in a small home too so I try to find quirky ways to keep or show my treasures 😊. Till your next video 🦘🐨👋🏻

[@maryg9636]

Love your kitties have grown so much. I too am doing a huge declutter amazing how much you hold on to.

[@wildflowerwind6941]

I remember watching all your vlogs where you were wearing all the dresses. They were so cute.

[@benteboganes5275]

I just have to mention that your dish drying rack is absolutely adorable!!! It’s hard to find cuteness like that here in 🇨🇦 Canada.Anyhoo love you cozy cottage, you are a very talented young lady!!!👍🥰🇨🇦

[@DaintyDiaries]

Thanks so much! And thanks for stopping by ❤️❤️

[@ap85jp87]

Love the Longchamp bag!!!

[@junethiel632]

Always see your past experiences, whether flops or triumphs, as stepping stones to being the phenomenal young woman you are today. Life is simply too short to beat yourself up about mistakes, perceived or real!!! Life is a journey, enjoy the ride. Learn from errors, and move right along. Remember, if you never make mistakes, you likely never make or do anything.....failure is part of success, in fact, it is vital for success! Adore your videos, and you must know by now what a great little homemaker you are.....

[@DaintyDiaries]

Love this! I feel like I need these words printed off as a reminder x

[@Rubyisgrowing]

I completely agree about the bones getting bigger! I’m tall, and my frame just won’t fit into a size 10 top anymore, my shoulders and rib cage are just bigger than that now 😂

[@rosemarybushea3447]

You are just adorable and inspiring to this old gal. Love your videos!

[@tgardner3874]

Ahw my girl! Been up the craft fair path myself. So glad you brought up this burn out, not making the expense, time to move on experience. So proud of you! NO more fabric poppet!❤

[@DaintyDiaries]

haha, NO MORE fabric! I agree, so true about craft fairs, I wish people would support local makers, but the big shops reign

[@tanyahermann3431]

I did the Maria Kondo method of my home during early Covid lockdown and got rid of a lot. You mentioned things you bought and haven’t used, ie aspirational things, I let go of a lot of that…and continue to do so. Keep up the great work!

[@DaintyDiaries]

You were right to do it during lockdown!! We had so much time didn’t we!

[@MelissasPinkWorld]

Please keep the pink on the frame. The pink art frame looks so pretty against the green stripe wallpaper.🎀🩷💕

[@ap85jp87]

I got rid of quilting fabric and cross-stitch thread. I still have rulers and cutting boards. The money I have spent, ugh!!!

[@Anna-jx1on]

I have a TV in the cupboard too 😆. I used to fill every wall/room etc. Have changed a bit since then. Love sheer curtains. 💕

[@thatswhatisaid8908]

I'm not a pink person, but i was thrilled when you bought that picture. It's pretty, and the frame is lovely. Well done, I reck!

[@janebradfield2373]

Girl you have inspired me to go through my boxes and treasures that I thought I needed to keep! ❤

[@greenwillow5404]

The painting is so beautiful!! Looks a little like a Bartholomew Colles Watkins painting.(1833-1891). That would be amazing if it were! Some of his works are in The National Gallery of Ireland. I guess it’s more likely to have been done by a student of his or maybe an admirer of his style?! Anyway, it certainly is lovely.

[@catherineruthstudio2131]

I love your chatty videos Catherine! I also seem to find piles of old receipts in random places :) What a beautiful painting you found in the charity store! Will look beautiful when you restore the frame and dusplay it in your beautiful home!!

[@ritameza2961]

Wao loved this video very much thank you the 3 of you have a wonderful weekend thank you for being our friend ❤❤❤

[@DaintyDiaries]

Thank you! You too, have a lovely weekend x

[@freedomofreligion3248]

Oh, I agree! I avoid "haul" videos like plague.

[@louisecloherty5338]

I remember those vlogs and the bear tutorial!

[@GOGOSLIFE]

Hi Catherine! I say it's never too early to declutter! If you do it when you're my age(63), it gets to be a lot more junk, lol! I was wondering, at 20:20, I see you have a couple of pieces of Ikea furniture on top of the Hemnes 8-drawer dresser, and I'd like to do the same setup for more storage. Can anyone tell me which pieces they are? Please and thank you!

[@kathyesargent9088]

You have grown up before our eyes love you❤❤❤❤

[@leezasims9959]

Great video …..love the decluttering and the chats ❤

[@sherriebulechek8353]

This is my favorite declutter, it made me cry. So proud of you & all that you’ve accomplished. Beautiful ❤

[@DaintyDiaries]

Aww you’re so kind ❤️🥹 thank you so much!!

[@j.t.1215]

Beautifully said❤

[@yayabae4124]

Loved this video, dainty! Long-ish time watcher (2020), first time poster. I’m really trying to work on no judging my younger self for some things i did. It’s fun growing with your channel cause my interests are the same, nowadays I find a lot of the yt channels i used to follow so dilligently aren’t for me anymore. Thnks :)

[@kimbwf629]

Oh how I love these videos. Love your home and ongoing plans. ❤❤ Homes are always evolving, as we do 😊🩷

[@karenleemallonee684]

I love all your little fixes today & inspiration to go through my space & eliminate the unused items! Thank you!!! 👍👍

[@DaintyDiaries]

Yaayy decluttering all around!!

[@heatherellam4137]

I always look forward to your videos each Thursday ... great messages in this one. Thanks for sharing!

[@DaintyDiaries]

You are so welcome, have a lovely weekend! X

[@AudreyM2023-yo1fb]

Love the chatty video! Great finds at the charity shop.🥰😻

[@conniemorgan8402]

I needed to see this, today.. I moved from my daughters, over 2200 sq ft, into my small 1200 sq ft home.. tiny rooms and closets.. I also inherited many things that belonged to my mother. I can’t seem to let go of anything.. but, the clutter and so much furniture makes it hard to navigate. I’m so stressed over it, but I’m totally stuck, and overwhelmed.Thank you for sharing, sweet girl

[@DaintyDiaries]

Oh noo I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling overwhelmed! Take it step by step and little things at a time, you don’t have to clear everything at once ❤️ take your time to pick your favourite pieces that you can’t let go of and take it little by little xx

[@conniemorgan8402]

@@DaintyDiaries thank you, baby girl, at 70, nothing is as easy as it used to be.. you are a delight and I do so look forward to your videos. You brighten the days with your smile ❤️

[@patriciajosey6686]

I have been watching your videos (every single one!) since the day you signed onto KZbin. I remember you packing up the bins for the Christmas craft fair. It floors me that it’s been 7+ years! I’m enjoying your declutter/nostalgia trip! It’s been great fun watching you evolve into this flower growing, skilled DIYer, savvy author. ❤

[@DaintyDiaries]

Wow you’ve no idea how much that means to me! ❤️ the support and love is everything! Thanks for always watching! Hope you’ve an amazing weekend x

[@victoriafleming8215]

Throughly enjoyed the chats in this video… thank you Catherine 🥰 xO

[@Mary-f5k7u]

Aww it’s so lovely to come across your art work and crafts you kept all these years .love your dresses 👗 ❤. I’ve been clearing out my attic this spring found so many things from my children’s childhood 😢. My sons first shoes he’s in his thirties now ! 😮 . I’m still holding on to them . Lots of clothes and bags for the charity shop they’re delighted with them . A great feeling when you have cleared out a few bags and box’s .happy de cluttering love the chats on your channel.☘️💚

[@DaintyDiaries]

Aww it’s nice to have those little keepsakes to look back on and perhaps it’s something he can pass down to his kids too ❤️

[@emerybob1]

As usual, love your videos. Thanks for sharing, Laurie

[@tracieyeo4152]

We love you Catherine ❤ You’re only just beginning. Onward and upward 👏🏼

[@eileenstack255]

Nice things done Catherine I like the picture I was actually looking at a similar picture in a charity shop to day the one with the house and scenery 😊

[@anneosullivan4107]

I actually luvvv 😍 the pink frame and thrifted print/painting. It's really pretty.

[@jayne4328]

Another lovely vlog.

[@DaintyDiaries]

Thank you 😊

[@OhMyVintage]

Wonderful video! This definitely inspired me to declutter and go through my closet 😊💕💕💕

[@imeldacarroll5824]

Lovely chatty video Catherine..enjoyed that.😊

[@suziel6588]

I am sure you let the wool go...I kept mine and I make face flannel at 31 stitches and kitchen cloth at 39 stitches on a child's knitting starter kit...I can add soap to the face flannel and washing up liquid to the kitchen cloth, some tea bags and twine with a card and the grandchildren always have a gift 💚thank you again for being you🎉

[@ChristineHogan-t5r]

Love your videos! Personally, I consider myself a conscientious consumer these days, not a minimalist. My small house is tidy, but not immaculate. I own things I use and/or love/enjoy, and regularly clear out the rest. Sounds like you are on the same journey. Best wishes to you and the kitties for Spring and beyond!

[@DaintyDiaries]

You have the right mindset for sure!

[@PlumebeautyDunsborough]

So excited I finally got to do my pre order for the book .. I had a little trouble doing it but it’s confirmed and I’m excited xx

[@eileenboffo6300]

As crafters we can't help but over buy!!It's so addictive! Recently downsized from 5 bed house with 3 lofts & 2 garages!!! Had to be ruthless, kept so much for 'just incase or sure it will come in handy!!' Typical of us Irish gals. Now moving to a 2 bed flat so have to become a minimalist! Well done girl 👏🏼

[@DaintyDiaries]

Oh wow you will definitely have some decisions to make!! Best of luck with the move and clear out ❤️

[@summer189414]

Like you I'm doing a massive declutter and am shocked by just how much has accumulated so I'm selling all the excess stuff on a local selling site, word of mouth, vide greniers etc so people are getting bargains and I've been able to buy functional things I need ... win win x

[@zoewassermann6601]

As a expat family we used to move every 2-3 years so I am declutter lover… but now we are in the same house for 4 years and counting and I am now I am enjoying my space an growth of things too. I still tidy like a mad thing and throw out stuff that are not needed but enjoy some relaxed attitude to my desire to keep a few things

[@Lbarrow22]

I remember those bears, I was always so Impressed you made them . ❤

[@suziel6588]

Your second picture is a print...I believe it is called "sisters"...I have a Bradford Plate that I bought at my hometown thrift and is titled so...I put a little gift on it for my sister every time she visits...it cost me half a £😊...do as you wish to jazz it up 💚...I am sure it will beautiful

[@DaintyDiaries]

Aww what a lovely gift for your sister 😍😍

[@TheEmpressgoth]

Thanks for sharing always a joy!

[@mahlerwolf3734]

Thanks again Catherine, your videos are always so uplifting 🌞 Greetings from rainy Germany

[@DaintyDiaries]

Glad you like them! x

[@kimzanders9550]

Aww I just interrupted this video and watched your video from 2017. It's absolutely not cringe. You were (and still are) super gorgeous. 🥰

[@DaintyDiaries]

Awwwww, thank you x

[@Kristina-gz2wu]

Dainty, I have reorganized my office so many times as well and it always ends up being a catch all. So, I say it is what it is, as long as it is only the one room and not the whole house. Although, I really need to declutter some drawers as well. I recently bought a new dresser. It is quite large with a lot of drawer and storage space. This made it possible for me to get rid of two large cabinets and an armouire. So I actlually have more space bc everything fits in this one dresser instead of having three separate pieces and nothing fit.

[@DaintyDiaries]

That sounds great!! Sounds like your dresser is perfect 😍😍

[@gaylewatson689]

My bedroom looks like hobbycraft 🙈 currently refurbishing a dollhouse so will get to use some of it.

[@sandralord4005]

Hi, your cats are gorgeous, do you let them go out into you garden and wonder about? X

[@derekthomas8147]

Amazing video Catherine your one brilliant lady.Really interesting video thanx so much for sharing this Take care Suex

[@bethwhite2857]

Great job on clearing that cupboard... My whole house and shed are full 😂

[@DaintyDiaries]

Oh I feel your pain!!

[@chrisprpich3278]

Great video. I love the pictures. 😊🇨🇦

[@DaintyDiaries]

Thank you! 😃

[@K1rst1e]

A job well done! You have inspired me. I must make an effort to declutter clothes, craft materials and general tatt. 😂 The problem is, I get sentimental about random items. I need to detatch. 🙈

[@designdoctor247]

22:05 Maybe try a wall mounted mirror❤ on the wall

[@lindasmith5190]

Enjoyed. Loved the citten shots.

[@georgemaxwell4984]

That is a lovely wooden lamp base. ❤- Frances

[@ireneferrante2313]

I needed this,have been working on decluttering the craft things! And oh my there is more than I realized in that space. Someone will be very happy with it.

[@carmenlheureux5435]

Your home is my dream home. ❤

[@janejdough2230]

thank you

[@wideawake6501]

Try a new mount for the pink picture, i liked it too when u were going thru them in charity shop 😁