Is Stamping Dead? A Chat with Cardmaker Justine Hovey

[@neen1610]

I make hundreds of cards every year and do a lot of bulk cardmaking. There were two things that kicked my cardmaking into gear: 1. I organized my stamps and dies (I use Evernote). This was an absolute game changer - it took months to do but I no longer waste time trying to find a particular stamp or die - I can find what I need and put it back when I'm done. It also makes it much easier not to buy duplicates. 2. I found several charities that ask for cards - for kids in hospitals, seniors, veterans, etc. I love to make cards but they were just piling up and you can send or give away only so many. Now that I have places to donate cards and my supplies are organized, I'm a card-making machine.

[@deborahcorreale352]

That is so nice. My card making skills are extremely basic but I found cards for kindness and you can donate 10 cards to them so when I get 10 cards, I think that are nice enough to donate. I’ll do that. I agree that donating cards makes it so much fun and you can continue to do what you love and you are spreading joy and as well as your art and your talent to many people. ❤

[@functionoflightone]

I still love papercrafting... card making, scrapbooking, junk journaling, etc. I have a HUGE stash, but that's because I collected my paper, stamps, etc over 30 years. It was a combination of change in income (I retired) and you two ladies that got me to STOP a lot of my crafting purchases. You and Justine specifically made me aware that it's not about owning everything, it's about using the supplies you have. And certainly once Marie Kondo got her voice into the conversation, I was faced with the fact that I owned more stamps, paper and pens than most stores. That made me realize, that with just a few exceptions, I have everything I'll ever need. I still really like the new releases, I still look at the pretty toys and feel that itch. LOL BUT the question that you and Justine taught me to ask is, "if I buy it ,what will it do that I can't do with what I already own?"

[@chines68]

Very nice comment that will resonate with many of us.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm so glad we could help you find that balance!

[@karencook3808]

@@functionoflightoneAmen! Me too! I've been slow coming to that realization, but it's empowering!

[@jesseb5112]

I am with you!!!! Lindsay taught me that the unused things are more expensive than that awesome thing that I may have saved up for and use a ton.

[@99zanne]

And, I am having fun shopping my stash to find something that will do the same feeling of the new release. That has really unlocked my creativity, and I throughly enjoy my studio time.

[@MaryYoungblood-xy8vg]

We have a mom and pop quilt store on Main Street here in my small town and she carries vintage stamps. Many are red rubber mounted on wood but she has some clear. She also carries vintage scrapbooking papers. I try to go in there every time I go into town.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Fun!

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

Oh Mary, you’re lucky all our stores folded so we now have Michael’s, Joann’s, HobbyLobby and Walmart. But Amazon has everything. Great episode as HeroArts is acquired by Spellbinders this week. 😮😢😉💜

[@karencook3808]

Thanks to you both, very informative. Lindsay, i wish you'd get back into card making videos, they were so down to earth and i really appreciated your "use what you have" mentality! I learned a lot from you and I miss it!

[@chines68]

Yes, bring back some cardmaking videos! I really loved your style.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Id love to do more but they take me so much longer to make than other content. They take 3x longer to make than other videos and only get 1/3rd the views 😆 🤣 😂

[@lisablatt7287]

I have been crafting for 50 years , I love paper crafting but now I am into cross stitch and I have gone down that rabbit hole. And I believe everything comes back around and something will excite me to get back into paper crafting. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's always fun to rediscover a hobby!

[@shadowguard3578]

I started stamping in 2020 and I was following the trends and new releases on YT, and I was subscribed to many card making and crafting channels. This ended in 2022 when I unsubscribed to the majority of the channels (but not to your channel because you’re mainly focused on art and I’m still subscribed to Justine’s channel). I unsubscribed because I felt I was being bombarded with marketing of the latest products and I was feeling overwhelmed, but also I was always buying, and being tempted to buy card making supplies, but I was not making enough cards to justify the expense. I have kept all of my supplies and I do occasionally make a card. Approximately once or twice a year I might purchase stamps I like, but I have to think about how to use them before I can buy any. This was an interesting conversation. Thank you.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for sticking around. At least most of the supplies will keep so we can come back to them.

[@ldg0324]

I have followed you both for years, so I really enjoyed this podcast - Thank you! Yes, there is always a lot of new product, but shopping your stash for similar items you might own will inspire you to use what you own - I myself need to practice that more! And, thanks to Justine and others input, I moved my craft supply inventory to Airtable and love it. I also upload the images that inspire me to purchase and use the products. And, it keeps me from accidently re-buying items. Not all my items are logged in yet, but all new items in the last year are and I keep working on adding my other items by product type. It's really working great for me.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It sounds like you have a great system!

[@louisecornwall6870]

My two favorite ladies, together! So nice to see you both!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I agree! It was great to chat with Justine.

[@aartadventure]

I'm slow to comment on this video, but its such a great conversation. I really appreciate Lindsay for taking on this topic, and frequently reminding crafters and artists that they DONT need everything. In her words "Use what you have people!"

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks, I really appreciate your kind words!

[@candiwelsh5524]

I just went bananas when I started. I just want it all. Now I just can’t afford it all!! Shipping on top of already expensive products is just a killer. I really appreciate the gals who are super talented showing how to do a myriad of things with stuff you probably all ready have. Natalie from NBcards is fabulous this way. Then they all want you to take classes from them that cost hundreds of dollars. It’s crazy. You ladies are also great at sharing cheaper ways and do honest reviews to help with decisions when wanting it all. Very helpful. Thank you❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It is so true, cardmaking can get expensive quickly!

[@mitzi66]

I still love cardmaking, and I'm lucky enough to only be a 40 min drive away from Lavinia Stamps in North Wales, and they are thriving because they put s9 much effort into 3 x 2 open days a year, where they have all the design team members, and artist/owner doing free tutorials, fancy dress competitions, Facebook lives, daily tutorials, and the shop is so ethereal and a mini art gallery, plus Facebook groups etc etc, it's just such a happy place, and people come from all over the world, so much more than just a stamp company. ❤ Shops like Hobbycraft and the Range, here in the UK, barely sell any cardmaking stuff. I do absolutely agree, I am totally overwhelmed by the amount of product on the market though, and in my craftroom.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Fun! I am glad they have success!

[@KialayaKreations]

I am so envious, that sounds like a wonderful place to visit and buy stamps at. I wish you would do a video and post it so we could get to do a "virtual visit" there. I miss people doing that with the app Periscope when the big CHA shows and I had a fabulous time watching those videos because it was just like being there.

[@sheilacym]

Lucky you, being so close to Lavinia Stamps !! I am also in the U.K., but hundreds of miles from Ruthin, and I would love to go to their open days….the new shop looks fab ! I am quite new to discovering Lavinia and have bought some of the fairies stamps and have been researching all the different inks….Phew !!….I am now very pleased and relieved to have finally got my head around what all the different inks are for 🥳🎉😳🤣 Coincidentally, I just watched an old video with Justine talk about the different tools … blending brushes, foams, etc. etc. This has been a great conversation, Lindsay and Justine……thank you ladies….brilliant 🤩💕🤩💕

[@expressivepaper]

Paper crafting is my hobby and truly therapy for me. As I get older I find that my huge amount of supplies is frustrating me. What I have decided to do is to downsize my stash. I am going to continue to buy new items BUT I am going to be much more selective. I am keeping those items that I frequently go back to. I am amazed at those of us (me included) that create all of these cards and then don’t religiously send them out or give them away. Goals for 2025 are to reduce my inventory and send more cards out. I have also started using my patterned paper and card stock I don’t use for layering/dimension. Thanks for this podcast!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That is such a great way to look at your crafting, like therapy!

[@saywhat3522]

NEVER! The cost of individual cards is exuberant. Cardmaking is my therapy, and my family members love them.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It is definitely a great way to show love!

[@susanhammitt7080]

Thanks so much for talking about this. I have focused on just a couple of companies that I love and that way I am not being overwhelmed. I also have skipped a couple of the things like the Betterpress and Letterpress to avoid purchasing other items because that adds so much. I also make sure that I buy directly from the companies so I am not getting counterfeit products. I also have learned I don't like the really intricate things like multilayer or many pieces that need to be put together. I love looking at them, but I don't like doing it.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's great to know what you enjoy and stick with it!

[@cloverrabbit5622]

I loved listening to the both of you talking about crafting while I was doing some crafting myself. Thanks so much.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@lostinpaper]

Thanks for talking about this topic, it's something I have given much thought to in the past couple of years in particular. What I have found interesting is the number of 'new' or 'returning' card makers that I am seeing at the Summits and reaching out on videos, and I feel encouraged that papercrafting is here to stay. The great thing is that cardmaking can be done with minimal supplies and very little cost, to create something that can be given away and make someone's day with happy mail! It's a fantastic and supportive community, and we get to colour, die cut and stick things together... what's not to love!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It is a wonderful community to be a part of!

[@jadec2180]

My stamp buying comes in waves, I've stopped buying from certain brands because I wasn't into the new designs. The prices have increased so much that I am more picky and will check my stash if I have something similar.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's interesting how that happens, I do the same thing!

[@elizabeththomas8657]

Great conversation! The cards I make most are birthday and Christmas so I limit my spending to products to what don’t have but feel I’d get good use of in those categories. I recently purged supplies for donation to goodwill and will do so periodically. Recently, Kristina Werner debuted a bundle of products that will be used in a card class. This is a great way to get ideas to stretch those supplies. I’ve also seen a ton of videos on her first release which gives one a ton of inspiration to use those supplies. I’ve also seen several influencers mix in older supplies with new which is what I’ve always done. I know many hesitate to show older supplies if they aren’t sold anymore but there is usually something similar out there you can buy if you want to. I try to get a lot of use of my supplies before I decide to purge them. I adore so many of these stamp companies but can’t support them all financially so I do follow, like, etc… to support them and be inspired by them. Now those Waffle Flower postage collage stencils are something I’ve always sought but I don’t buy each one, only those I know I’ll get lots of use of (which is most of them!)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I love the idea of stretching your supplies!

[@47bettie]

Justine is very good and a lovely sweet person, I am one of her subscribed! Thanks for having her on great podcast thanks to you both... hugs Liz x

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm glad you enjoyed the chat!

[@gailallen6350]

Great conversation! As Justine mentioned, I got excited when I went to a Stampin' Up party. I had no idea about stamping and only went to be polite. LOL I placed a small order at that party and started taking classes from the demo. That was 16 years ago. I had always appreciated artistic people but thought I wasn't artistic. Learning to stamp really encouraged me and gave me confidence to branch out into mixed media and gel printing. Both of those techniques lend themselves to incorporating stamps, die, embossing etc. Endless fun!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's wonderful to hear you've found so much joy and confidence through stamping and other art forms!

[@rosaliehope5385]

Love you both so much! Nice to see this collaboration, demonstrating the close knit community :) i'm here and hope we can find ways to keep paper crafting alive :)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks, it's good to see the community is still out there!

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Lindsay, I can appreciate your outlook and just believe that some “crafts” have a short “life” and if you are not in on the start you lose out. I have made cards my whole life, yet I have never been to an “event” where people made cards. My wife was involved with the scrapbooking craze and she went to events and her friends used them as a get together time. I have used folded watercolor paper and created envelopes from simple construction paper. I just sketch an idea and use whatever medium that I believe the person might like or enjoy. I have a few stamps for making swatches or a color wheel. I have made plenty of color wheels just from blobs of paints in a circle! I am enjoying watching and listening to your thoughts on these trends. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with us!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I agree that the industry can be fast-paced, thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@Polly78249]

I am thankful there are still stamp and die companies because I like to add to my collection and augment my supplies with new ideas and innovation. I am an avid stamper and die cutter and make many cards and other projects. But a lot of my friends who are getting older have pretty much abandoned this hobby. They are busy with grandchildren and illnesses in many cases. But I am thankfully still going strong and love all the new ideas and tools out there.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's definitely a tough time for many hobbies, it's great to hear you're still going strong!

[@DeniseCreatesLife]

This was a very nice conversation to listen to. It made me sad when I saw the comments on Justine's video. There seems to be a lot of blaming the stamp companies for too many products, but the reality is that our attention spans have gotten much shorter since social media arrived on the scene, and these companies are just trying to keep up with the average consumer to stay in business. It's really up to us as consumers to recognize when we're taking in too much content and take breaks when necessary.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It is so sad to see how much negativity there is, even in the craft community.

[@stampscapes]

Great conversation. The creative impulse is still there with/in people and card making/stamping has always been a great method to bring that out of people in the modern world where it's nice to be able to create something start-to-finish in the time someone gets home from work, does what they need to do, and before they go to bed. Then, there's the giving aspect of the hobby. We can create something in however much time we have (which could be as fast as 20-30 minutes) and have something hand made to give to our recipient(s). I always said that the independent (and very knowledgeable) brick-and-mortar retailers were the front lines for the exposure of the medium to the public and with most of them gone that presentation is gone but also the community those creative hubs provided/created (in their community).

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It is so true that those local stores were a great hub for the community.

[@CoolCakesandCraftswithAmalia1]

It isn’t about the money or costs anymore but the constant marketing and consumerism that I am faced with. I have more than I can use in a life time and I have the space to house it but does it really make me happy vs not having it all!

[@CoolCakesandCraftswithAmalia1]

PS: I miss in person classes and events!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good point!

[@paulynevandersloot5677]

This was interesting. I love it all. I make cards, scrapbook, paint and draw. I love it all. I started listening to Lindsay years ago. I recall the first video was doesn’t anyone scrapbook anymore? I have been watching her videos ever since. All this lead me to Lisa of Lachri arts, and then I also started following Sandy Allnock and a few others. It all brings back my art classes from Junior high and High school. I have joined Lindsay’s classes, Lisa classes and Sandy classes. I have finished them all, no, but I will. I have tons of dies, stamps and card kits. I am almost 72 and retiring next year. I have been able to stash away a lot of stuff to keep me busy during retirement and I can’t wait. I spend most of much of my money on the Christmas stuff because I love making Christmas cards, but I never turned down a flower i didn’t love. Also did you know that Spellbinders and Hero Arts are merging?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yes, that was announced 2 days after we recorded this. Spellbinders has bought several stamp companies recently!

[@deborahbloom4624]

One way to make "stamping" more sustainable would be to offer line drawing down loads that people could trace in addition to offering actual rubber stamps. The reason I think this would be a good idea is because for me...and maybe a lot of other people....I don't use the stamps over and over and over. I tend to make something once and then move on. A lot of people might like that idea because they want the image, but they can't draw it themselves. You could argue that it takes more time, but you could also print it. Also, the companies could also have an easy to use software that help people layer the images and then print the entire layout. Just a thought.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I used to do that! They are called digital stamps.

[@deborahbloom994]

​@thefrugalcrafter yes! I totally forgot about Power Poppy who offers both options. More stamp companies should do it for sure.

[@KialayaKreations]

People already do that a lot, just take a walk around in Etsy and search for "digital stamp" as Lindsay mentioned, you will find loads of great creators that offer them. In Spain for example I know quite a few of them that do this since they dont have money so as to actually create the physical stamps and sell them but its easy to make their drawings and offer them as downloads for you to print out yourself. I also know quite a lot of artists that have Patreon and you pay a small quantity and they send you each month a a digital stamp, so everytime you have something new and it does not occupy so much space as a physical stamp each month.

[@KialayaKreations]

I wish more brands did with their dies as Spellbinders do. They sell their dies in very nice cardboard pouches with no plastic bags and no glue stuck to the dies to hold them in place. They open and close nicely so you can store the dies inside those in boxes and they have the images on the front so you can just go over them and see perfectly well what your dies are. This is my most adored storage of dies. For other dies, they come in plastic, which I have to open and throw away because they brake and then unstick the dies from the back, throw all that too. And then the dies I have to store them either in plastic bags, or in plastic boxes with magnetic sheets. At least Sizziz (I buy Tim Holtz dies in those) sells their dies with a plastic pouch that you can still use, I only throw the thin plastic bag it comes in and I put the paper photo inside so I can see what die it is. I really dont understand why more stores have not followed the Spellbinders way, its the easiest, nothing goes to waste and no plastic.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I put mine on magnet sheets in DVD envelopes

[@keirawelling]

My problem with stamp companies is that design innovation is rare. It just seems to be rehashing of the same designs.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It is frustrating when you want something new and they just keep doing the same old designs!

[@danahamilton]

Several points resonated with me. I got into scrapbooking back in 1996 and once my 3 kids got into hockey etc I had no time. However, I recently retired and picked right back up with all my original supplies. Enjoyed your discussion! Thank you!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I hear you! It's so nice to have time to get back into it.

[@bethjeans3780]

The people we card makers give cards to have no idea what’s trendy vs. what’s old, other than other card makers. So the trends really don’t matter and I wish people wouldn’t worry about them. (I see comments on forums asking whether something is too old.) And by the way, many of us have way too much; hence the gazillions of posts and comments about destashing, not enough room, not being able to find things, etc. I certainly do. I think it has to do with our fantasy self vs. our reality self. I imagine myself making these X cards but I feel overwhelmed by having too much. You spin. Well I do.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

So true!

[@cindihooks8178]

great podcast!!! I found myself wanting to join the conversation, thanks ladies

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@AyasPaperCrafts]

I have a huge respect for you amazing ladies ❤ 😍

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks 😊

[@lauracatesduncan7498]

You shared some information today which gives me pause to think about stamp companies. I now better understand companies' "positions."

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I know, it's interesting to think about the whole business side of it, isn't it?

[@theresapalmer7892]

Oh so much to say. Is card making a hobby growing or dying? That wasn't really answered. I make about 10 to 20 a month to mail out to friends just to let them know I'm thinking of them. I have a small group of internet art friends in this group and send them bits and bobs for them to use in their art. I never buy store bought cards because they are so expensive but I do take the ones I receive and take them apart and use them in my art. I started my card making after I stopped scrapbook making. I did both of those for the community of getting together with other women, like women use to do with quilting. I meet up with a group of 5 ladies about once a month and we make about 4 to 5 cards together and share snacks and visit , again community. Is card making dying? I don't know for sure. My 50 yr old daughter meets up with ladies to knit every month. I think women are needing these connections. I was SU demo for years as a hobbyist and accumulated too much. I never used it as a business. My mistake was I should have stayed a customer and only bought what I loved because in the long run the 'discount' was not cheaper. I have been on a no buy all year, but I have done that because I truly don't need anything. I have given away thousands of dollars of supplies in the past year to help others get started in this hobby I love. I don't just mean stamps, even die and embossing machines. So that is how I have tried to get my dopamine hits instead of spending more money.

[@nedanashu5025]

I don’t think it’s dying….I’ve said this before, I think it’s going thru some changes, people buying less, I buy a least twice a month, but I started buying during Covid & so I never saw the lower prices, I buy from 2 independent shops, both from Germany & the big company from France, that said I do buy a lot of floral and grunge background style stamps, the focal point stamps I tend to stay away from & I have been buying digital download stamps for that way cheaper & you can resize as needed. If anything this video is prompting me to buy more and save them just in case one day there are no stamps then I will have my own small shop worth to use.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on cardmaking and your experience with supplies!

[@jesseb5112]

Both of you are great!!! You have both talked about this type of thing for a while. I wonder if the average persons buying habits don't match the comments. The buying advice that you both give has DEFINITELY helped me!!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's always interesting to see how those two things match up! What people say and do is very different sometimes! Or the people who comment aren't necessarily the consumer at large.

[@jesseb5112]

@thefrugalcrafter Both of those things could be very true.

[@callycatus]

Hi Lyndsey and Justine .. I make all my cards and have lots of stamps but find to many stamp sets are so predictable so now If I see one I really like I will buy it apart from that I hunt for unusual stamps 😁and in between have fun creating art or gel printing

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Love gel printing!

[@Seedsofkindness01]

I have been making cards for 35 years and still making cards for sick and shut in, widow's. Back in the day, I did a lot of stamping and coloring. Now I don't like to color, and I have changed 3D embossing folders and die cutting. I have also changed gears to mixed media because, for me, there's more free-flowing ideas. What I am tried of see the same the same things but with a different name to give a different spin.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm glad you're still creating, and finding new ways to do it!

[@deborahreeder7374]

I've been stamping for over 40 years. I have hundreds of wood-mounted rubber stamps, almost all individuals, not sets. When clear stamps came out it took me a long time to start buying them. They're almost all sets, and I don't like buying 10 stamps to get 1 or 2 I like. Sentiment sets rarely have what I want; they're either in a font I don't like, or they don't convey what I want to say. I resisted die cutting for a long time too, due to expense. But with arthritis, I had to give in. I started at a stamp party, then scrapbook crops. I took lots of classes and joined a stamp club at a stamp store (The Stamp Mill in Tempe, AZ). We even went to the Carson City, CA Convention together. Those were the days. FYI: Spellbinders did acquire Stampendous, and they just acquired Hero Arts. Great video ladies. Justine, you and I are much the same. I bought SO much at first. Sometimes even now I go crazy when I see something I think will make me feel more accomplished. I should know better by now.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Those were the days, what an amazing experience!

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thank you for this interesting video and all of your thoughtful ideas. I enjoyed it very much!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@nedanashu5025]

Ok I think more artists should do digital stamps, you can download them print them out & resize, as you need. That’s a great idea for you guys.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That is a great idea, I used to sell digistamps when I first started my online business!

[@nedanashu5025]

@@thefrugalcrafter I think you make some images, maybe some animals?? i remember the fox you once drew I thought it was great.

[@dking1362]

Digital stamps are not for me! I love stamping and card making in part because it gets me AWAY from my computer! To each their own, I guess.

[@nedanashu5025]

@ well I use both, but it helps to keep the budget down

[@Paperista]

Interesting. I do think stamp companies are making a profit, nothing wrong with that. I would never buy from one of those rip-off sites, first it is immoral, second my niece is an artist. It would crush me to think of her art being stolen. That being said, a stamp and die set for the holiday season is being sold for $55 at a site I love from a wonderful designer. But having stamped for 30 years and seeing the evolution in product and prices, this price is out of wack and extraordinarily high. Especially when there are other brands that are ecofriendly, family owned and doing well and sell for half that price. This is not just a consumer problem.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I’m glad you’re bringing it up! The prices at legit sites can vary wildly!

[@Paperista]

@@thefrugalcrafter What a kind response. Thank you!

[@iknownothing-49]

My New Years Resolution this year was to not watch any videos with the word “haul” in the title. I was beginning to feel like KZbin was just a giant infomercial. I’m not even talking only about paper crafts. It’s all the art supplies too.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

So true and those videos are popular!

[@lucyc]

The age demographic is what concerns me. From comments on videos that I watch, it seems that a LOT of makers are my age (55) and older. I wonder what happens when we in the older generation pass on. Obviously there are young people in the community, but are there enough to sustain everything? I hope so!😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good point but a lot of stamp company owners are older and looking to retire. Maybe it will time out right.

[@michelleb4697]

I find the card-making product industry problematic personally because of what you mention about the constant sales churn of "New! New! New!" Companies that sell only card-making products aren't going to make any money if they don't keep selling, so they have to make new stuff and entice their customers to buy constantly. As a consumer I can't and shouldn't do it, but all the tutorials I watch by people who just seem like just a nice, talented person on KZbin are actually part of that sales cycle. It took me a while to realize that, and it is still a struggle to resist.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It can be really hard to be a consumer of this industry without feeling that pressure!

[@michelleb4697]

​​@@thefrugalcrafterI love art supply shopping as much as any hobbyist, but the card-making companies seems to go WAY harder than the more general arts and crafts sector.

[@LollyPalooza]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You're welcome!

[@Marilynlovesebiking]

Hi Lolly. Love your channel.

[@LollyPalooza]

@@Marilynlovesebiking Thank you! :)

[@olderendirt]

Thank you both for sharing your insights.

[@Susanne6581]

I actually found craft companies went too far in the childlike whimsy designs! And some companies, especially at Christmas didn't change things up much. Carta Bella and Echo Park for example (are they the same company?), so expensive and they just seem to release similar things year after year. Especially stencils which you want to be as diverse as possible. I had way to many snowflake stencils and after a while it's like how many of those do you need! lol Trends are tricky. It's like clothing, not everyone wants that, they want some classics and multipurpose pieces.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

A couple of people have said that.

[@sandykrupp-nguyen4613]

For me its not just the higher cost of basic necessities but the higher cost of art/craft supplies and tools now. A large portion of art/craft supplies and tools have double and a few have more than doubled in price. Now I am very selective on what supplies I buy. When/if I buy something, Ihave to be abke to use in multiple ways or it is a specific item I need for a current project I'm working. If not, I don't buy it. I've cut my art/craft spending down to just 20-25% from what it was four years ago due to much higher pricing. On the upside, I have gone back to recycling/repurposing thinga i already have around my house and from family and friends as much as I can and discovered a treasure trove of things i can use or turn into art and craft supplies.

[@nedanashu5025]

I have cut back on other things, but not my crafting that much at all, maybe a little more selective, but that’s it.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's so smart to be creative with what you have!

[@tracykiske7758]

Still papercrafting, but more focused on using what I have. Still purchase, but much more selective. To get inspiration Ive been playing along with Craft Roulette. Its really been helpful and I would encourage folks to check it out on you tube. Its for all ages and skill levels.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'll have to check out Craft Roulette, thanks for the tip!

[@allisonhicks2170]

Just heard yesterday that Spellbinders acquired Hero Arts! They did say it would stay separate, under its own umbrella with its creative team, etc.

[@lizzystitch4842]

I think companies are charging way too much. Yet, everyone needs to get paid for their work. At age 66, I am deciding about purging my stamps and sticking to my core reliables which are classic yet diverse.

[@marleneb.455]

I did card making with a friend for a few years and acquired quite a few supplies. I watched all the card makers on KZbin and wished for all the things. lol I watched stampers use watercolours and I tried that and fell in love. I have quite a few stamps, and other than sentiment stamps, I haven’t used in over 6 years. I tried selling some 6 years ago and had no interest even though I had them listed way under retail cost. They’ve been packed in boxes ever since. My mission this winter is to go through it all and either give it away or donate it. I still make cards but only when I need one and I like to paint them now instead of using stamps.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's hard to sell old supplies unless they are dirt cheap. I donate because it's not worth the trouble.

[@flychk1229]

Very interesting topic and insights!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm so glad you found it interesting!

[@yelsyels]

I love card making/creating/drawing/journaling! I love being creative! I do over spend and the Want Monster does exist! I love ribbons/washi tape and twine! I have everything a crafter could wish for ( collected over many years)! SO the new year I am going to be hard on myself and stop purchasing! I am going to go through my stamps and dies which are not really my thing and sell them. That is my aim for the new year. I have enjoyed this video and it is important to find your style! ❤❤❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It is!

[@jancpete]

There have been times when I get free gifts from stamp companies when I buy and pay $25 or more. The first I do I take what I know what I will use and either give the rest to my daughter to take to her school for the teachers to use or give them to my sister to share at the 55+ apartment building. I do that with paper as well. This summer I tried to use what I already have and it was great trying to come up with ideas and new layouts.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Nice!

[@LRC-yts]

I usually only buy during sales, products can sit in my wish list for years, very rare when I buy anything new.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That's a great way to shop! Then you can see if you still want it when a sale rolls around.

[@wanderingstar5673]

Enjoyed the podcast. The only stamps I have are the set from waffle. I am taking them on my trip so I can put them to use with the small watercolor set I’ll be taking along as well as downloading your Drawing class and the new Pen and Ink class on my iPad . I’m sure I’ll have some downtime and I am determined for my trip to be the beginning of retaking the retirement my children and grandchildren hijacked😊.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Sounds like you are going to have a wonderful time!

[@maegpye]

a few random thoughts as they come to me while I watch... [A] I am not a 'stamper' but I do use stamps and really enjoy using them. At the moment, primarily, I send my little art pieces to a covey of friends and family just to remain connected. Therefore, I am always trying to change up what I do so they aren't seeing basically the same thing over and over. If I buy a stamp, how many times can I use that one stamp to produce a piece for the same person. I can, to a limited extent, but only to a limited extent. Therefore, I have to really want a stamp before I'll let myself buy it. [B] I've had that same thought as Justine while watching a crafting/art video: 'wow... that's $100+ worth of product sitting on that desk right now. Seriously?. I am not hurting for discretionary money but I'm not a fool. I'm not spending $100 to make 'something like that'. I do know that some of those products on that desk can be used easily for other things but, still... I do know that, if I want to make 'that card' (or whatever), I'll likely need the stamp(s), the stencil(s), the ink pad, perhaps a brush for the ink pad, etc. And then, I have to find a way to use those - for the same 10-12 people, till I use up products or 'get my money's worth' on the tools. [C] Since I have not been a historic 'stamper', I can't track the history of the craft like you guys can. But I have to wonder, how has social media contributed to or even detracted from real life interest and commitment to any art/craft. There seem to be loosely three types of videos I watch: [a] Those that are focused on getting views, likes and subscriptions. There's nothing wrong with wanting that. It's decent business practice. But if that is the only goal of a video/channel, then that goal isn't really focused on me, the viewer, in any way but 'how can I get people to boost my success'. Lots of Haul and Swatching videos, in my opinion, fall into this category. You've talked about that, Lindsay. It's not like you love doing Haul videos but you find the get a lot of views. But haul or swatching videos don't usually do anything practical for me, the viewer. Sometimes, when exploring whether a new product will meet my needs, I'll seek out KZbin videos featuring that product. Overwhelmingly, what I find are haul/unboxing videos, or in the case of color media, swatching videos. Most of those videos are not at all helpful to me. (Lindsay, I would consider you an exception because you get actual feedback on the pluses and minuses of the product. You are, in my opinion, a rarity). [c] Alternately, or in addition to, lots of KZbin videos exist to promote a product. I have come to realize that those types of KZbin videos are essentially commercials for products or 'how to use' our product. I think they serve a function/need, but it's not really primarily serving my needs. I watch them, I can get inspiration from them. But, ultimately, unless I want to buy that product, it doesn't serve me in any meaningful way. [d] The third type are the ones that actually teach something. We all know who those people are. Whether they are teaching a particular skill or perhaps composition or shading, or color theory... everything they put forth in that video was in service for their viewers. In reality, lots of videos/channels are a mix and people will have different reasons for watching from any of those categories above. But I wonder if the proliferation of the first two has any diluting effect on getting people to actively engage in a craft/art rather than just being passive observers Hey... I have my passive observer moments - not knocking that! And I'm sure that there are people who do find value in any video they might run across. It's just how much a video is serving its own need vs how much it serves its viewers' need. I will conclude this section by saying that, although I have very little interest in the craft of 'stamping', I do use stamps and Justine, your channel is the only stamping channel that I'm motivate to click on and watch all the way through. I think it's because you have a very organized approach to how get the results you want - the steps you have to go through. As a now retired digital graphic designer, those kinds of steps are crucial for getting where you want to go and, often, can be kind of hard to figure out. I appreciate an organized mind and I feel I can use some of your approaches for other non-stamping work I'm doing! :-) [D] what do stampers do with their cards? Are they handing them to people they see? Or are mailing them? How often do they mail them? I think we used to be a society that mailed out stuff frequently but that's falling off. We don't mail letters. And it's so much easier to send an eCard than to mail something. I think younger generations aren't as into birthday cards or anniversary cards or congrats for new babies, graduations, etc. cards. It seems like stamping got really big before we all went online for communication. The fall-off of stamping now could be a reflection of just a general fall-off of greeting cards and mailed communication.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great points! More and more I find ambient or passive/entertainment videos resonating with viewers more than tutorials. Hauls, unboxings and reviews are popular out of curiosity I think. Mi think some people hate watch them and some are looking to find something that will inspire them. I think sometimes we just want to want something. It's easier to buy it than use it and you get a hit of dopamine from buying or watching someone unbox I think. Viewership tastes have been changing. I noticed a shift starting about 7 years ago from diy to more consumerist content being popular. I'm sure there are many factors at play, the biggest one is probably what the platforms push to viewers.

[@battygirlrachel]

@maegpye thank you for this! I've been struggling to figure out why I've been so dissatisfied with the content I see, and you've hit the nail on the head. A lot of it comes off as inauthentic and like infomercials. I prefer vids that are meant to share info and creativity and aren't heavy on 'and you can get this product here with my affiliate link'. It's the motivation of the making of the vid that I've been reacting to and couldn't put my finger on. Appreciate you getting into the details and taking the time to write this!

[@christieboy5419]

It would be fun to have card making stores like Wine-and-Design

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It would! A place where you could pick a card base, and embellishments and use their stamps, ink and coloring mediums. I mean, I could just do that with what I have 😆

[@deniselothrop70]

I miss going to crops. I went to one all the time that was every other weekend on Friday and Saturday. When they changed the hours, it was hard to get there with my work hours. I do miss the close knit and motivation you get when with other crafters.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It is definitely a bummer when crops change hours.

[@ronnielevine4770]

I'm retired and I love all my supplies. I dont think of it as just cardmaking, I think of it as making art on a smaller canvas.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That’s a great way to look at it!

[@janicek9399]

I really enjoyed this podcast! Many topics to think about, thanks for doing these talks!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks so much! It was fun to chat with her.

[@geriprior751]

Always interesting to hear your views. I support only trusted brands and hope those who can afford it do not support the knock-offs. Seems so dishonest yet there is no way to stop them. Thanks Lindsay and Justine for creating an informative podcast!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I totally agree! It's so important to support brands that are ethical.

[@ginabadeaux9319]

nice to see this .all i need is acrylics and cardstock to make my cards,it is cheap and beautiful.i dont sell them i give them to family and friends,

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's so nice to hear that you enjoy making cards and giving them to friends and family. It's really rewarding!

[@GraceAnnaShack1]

Great chat and information given tyvm Lindsay 😊happy Sunday 😊😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you! You too!

[@GraceAnnaShack1]

@@thefrugalcrafter I’m going to re start my making if watercolour cards I’ll get some strathmore blank watercolour cards they are nice to paint on

[@pattyh2410]

I buy less these days. I have stayed away from letter/better press and hot foil. I have enough card making stuff to start my own craft store.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's funny how our interests change! I loved the letterpress system but the results were lackluster (but I kept all the plates and inks cuz you never know 😆)

[@abcameo]

I'm watching and am a little over 1/2 way, however, so far there's no mention of the cost of postage these days which, for me, has been a root cause of no longer being as motivated as before . I've sent out an annual holiday card each year for over 20 years now, but this is the first time I'm going to just include a few with handmade gifts I'm making instead of sending out about 125 cards. The cost of having my artwork, buying paper, envelopes combined with postage rates of .73 PER CARD, not to mention $1.65 Per Card for overseas (for my Facebook groups' friends) makes it prohibitive now.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yes, postage rates have definitely gotten out of hand! Good point, thank you for mentioning it! I've been taking a Christmas painting I did the precious year and having it printed on cards and mailing those and between the cost of that and postage it's easily $200 just on christmas cards. I do love them tjo!

[@abcameo]

@@thefrugalcrafter It's almost killing me not to be sending out my usual 125 (I've even reduced it down from about 200+ per year.) But between the costs of printing and shipping (and the exorbitant postal limitations on size and shape!) realistically, I've just got to announce it on my FB page and fahgettaboutit now! It's kind of heartbreaking to me!

[@traceysleeman2836]

Thanks for this , it was interesting listening to Justine.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I agree! I loved chatting with her too!

[@ChantelleArts]

This is fascinating ☺☺

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks 😊

[@wavejumper6346]

Wow-two powerhouses in one place! I have been stamping for almost 30 years now. I see the industry like a flock of birds...we land on a tree with a trend and then take off to the next tree. I do a lot of buying and have a massive stash but that is bc I want to make cards to sell to supplement my SS. If that was not the case I would have a LOT less. But I don't do it-ie I am not a sloth fan so I passed on it when everyone had them. I know Justine said it is not planned but I see it happen in waves-like one or two companies come out with the unicorn...then 10 more will over the next 2-3 months. Then another 10 companies....so if it is an idea I like...I wait so I get the version I like the most. As for pricing...we cant drive both sides of the road. People complain about the quality of stuff made in China...but US payroll and costs are higher. If we want to support US companies...we have to bite the bullet. (which is true of any merchandise) I really like that Justine pointed out that these companies are not Walmart. Even the bigger ones are not anywhere close. A person can wait for sales. I do all the time. I purge every so often. (not enough lol). But I highly recommend it. Esp if one has limited space. To see a lot of use of a product I suggest people just go on YT and google the product. Or google the use of the TYPE of product...like pattern embossing folders...you can switch them in for what another person used. Many big bloggers will have posts specifically on the use of a type of product too. I always thought it was self defeating when my LSS stopped having beginner/intermediate classes-that is the best way to create a new generation of stampers. They did close. I agree with you both-those classes are a big draw. And a great way for people to see how to use a tool esp a more expensive one like a big shot. Beginners really struggle with what to get all the time...If I did not have a Yoda in my life I might not have kept going. Plus her rent in NYC was really high for tiny space. It is too hard to have a lot of variety in small space...plus a lot of the mfgs have high min buys for the LSS and it can be too expensive to invest in too many companies. What I have run away from are the online "summits"...I went to two and really did not like them. And I hated the amount of post-emails I got when I did not sign up for that. The only part I actually liked was seeing when big bloggers show their spaces and how they organized. BTW-Spellbinders has just bought Hero Arts. But they say they will keep it as a stand alone. it will just ship from their warehouse in AZ. Anyway...just some thoughts off what you guys were talking about. I love making and esp getting HM cards. That Hallmark launched "signature" cards which really look like our cards but we can see all the bits are factory made and glued on says to me that they recognized that we are a significant industry. :)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

All good points:)

[@battygirlrachel]

Hope you will consider having Stacey from scrapbooking made simple on... she hit 1 million subscribers this yr and is well on her way to 2M. She has a small store and now has her own line of products with sizzix, jacquard, and couture creations. 9:03 re the frequent releases... it seems to me the companies have kinda conditioned their customers. I'm guessing its part of encouraging fomo to sell products and not giving customers the chance to spend their craft money with another company. And then the constant sales... i hardly buy anything full price cause if you give it a week or two, it's on sale. It concerns me that they are undermining their products and good name by doing that... it kinda comes off as overpricing to capitalize on the fomo and then bringing it down to a more realistic price to finish selling out the product. That can leave a bad taste in the consumers' minds.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good points! Wow, Stacy's channel really has grown!

[@sweetheartlydzcraft7896]

I’m a young crafter… 33 years old. I make cards and do scrapbooking and love it but I do call it a ‘grandma hobby’ no idea why! Just associate it with older people. And my rule- one in, one out! So if I want something sell something.

[@ewokgirlTX]

I'm 50 now, but I went to a stamp convention in my 30s and noticed almost everyone else there was retirement age. I assumed the age discrepancy had to do with available time and disposable income. Younger folks are often busy with work and family life. Feeding and clothing kids, as well as investing in their interests and activities eat away time and money. The older stamps were often styles that appealed to an older generation, but were too cutesy for younger crafters, so that likely plays into it, too. I do think the industry has done a great job of bringing in younger designers and fresh ideas. I just hope younger folks will take an interest, so more companies don't die out.

[@catb737]

@@ewokgirlTXI’m 64. I was 31 when I started crafting with stamps. I was surprised back then by how many designs were what I label “cutesy.” I was very happy when a much broader selection and variety of designs came out, and with cling stamps larger designs came out as I am often frustrated with how small designs often are. I see a design, or set, I like and then look at the dimensions and don’t get because it’s just too small. But I am still surprised just how many designs are what I call “cutesy.” So I’m 64…so is that really an older thing?

[@opal777]

Scrapbooking and card making used to be exactly what the prior name implied….”scrap” booking. I am 70 years old and back in the earlier days, we used scraps…flowers cut from magazines or even tissue boxes. We used cheap art paper, REAL letters and REAL receipts. If you look at my informal wedding album, there is a notebook page in there where I had my wedding budget listed…different categories leading up to the wedding…not a list cut out of an ephemera page from a scrapbooking kit. Those albums were real. There are photos with ticket stubs tucked behind them. It was real…not an artistic illusion. Were they all pretty? No. They were real memories. So what happened? In my case, back in the late nineties, I was invited to the home of a friend who was selling photo albums…like a Tupperware party…but only hers was albums and bright card stock. We women sat at her table as she introduced her sister-in-law. That woman asked us how many of us had recently looked back at our albums of the past…and she had an album there to show what she meant. It was a magnetic album. She opened it and photos fell out of it onto the table. They were browned and fading. We were told how the glue was disintegrating the photographs and how awful it was going to be for future generations to not have these photos. She also appealed to our Christian heritage. We should be good Christians and to start making albums that showed our Christian background of family and friends and freedom. We are Americans…we need to record all of this for future generations who might lose their footing in the future. We all felt a sense of guilt because we hadn’t been doing this and logging our views. She was really good and she spread it in thick. Of course, they had special albums for sell that wouldn’t allow your photo to fade. They had special acid free card stock…no papers…that we could use to decorate the albums. Basically, it was regular colored card stock that had been cut up into basic shapes. If you bought the album, you would get the card stock shapes for free. $40 later, I left that room and started my scrapbooking journey that was supposed to last for all posterity. Companies got wind of this new movement and the rest is history. We didn’t have much to work with initially….and now we have an over saturated market. It is almost like a pyramid scheme. Those who got on board early reaped the rewards. The later that you joined, company-wise, the less profit by comparison. People get upset with China…but it didn’t start there. It was the big box stores that put mom and pop businesses out of business. We accepted that because we were still walking into those box stores which are located in our countries…the guilt was still at bay. But, with the Internet, China has easier access to us….and the controversies began. However, that is all about to change. At the beginning of Trump’s reign in America, he tried to pass a bill limiting China selling goods to us so easily without tariffs. Congress shot him down…but that bill was rewritten and eventually effected businesses who buy from China and then resell in the US. He had wanted it to affect individual buyers who deal directly with China…but was again shot down. Well, his bill just got passed. Biden just signed the bill which will make buyers expose themselves to the government in order to be able to buy from China (and other countries). Once this law is initiated, we will be required to give our Social Security numbers in order to purchase from companies like SHEIN, Temu, and Ali Express. How many people are going to be willing to give their SS# in order to buy cheap products? I know that I wouldn’t. I have already frozen my SS# because of the last few governmental debacles. Identity theft is a real thing and we could easily have our life savings wiped out and homes stolen from under our feet. It’s already happening without willingly exposing our IDs. It’s my own personal opinion that this is going to curb US spending overseas and the trickle down effect is that art being stolen will start to subside because there is no longer a market for it. But then….sigh…there may still be back alley black markets. But, hopefully, this will curb things some. Again….this is just the opinion of a 70 year old woman who got hooked by a “scam artist” who lied about how important it was to save everything acid free many decades ago. But here is the funny thing….my old, old albums might be faded…lol…but now we try to make things look aged. Mine is real. My newer generation albums now have pages in page protectors where the photos and artwork sit at the bottom of the page protector because the expensive, acid free glues didn’t hold up over time in this climate controlled house. It just makes me wonder….

[@thefrugalcrafter]

What happened to the "scrap" in scrapbooking? Capitalism! 😆 🤣 😂 you are right about the pyramid scheme analogy. Sadly, it is the same in so many trend based industries.

[@dinacarroll9211]

The problem is exactly that… too many releases. We can’t buy it all. If the companies slowed down their releases, creators would continue to create with each product a bit longer. Plus consumers would have time to get what they want.

[@CraftingMyWorld]

Because i live in Australia, the currency conversion from the US makes products so expensive. For example, a PinkFresh Studio Stamp set with matching dies and layered stencil set is $105. Can't afford it - plain and simple. Plus I am very happy stamping an old Penny Black Cat stamp and colouring it myself. I do simple cards. I don't need all the fancy layering stencils and foiling gadgets and interactive dies. I still use my basic shapes dies like circles and scalloped circles etc the most. Cardmaking seems to have got complicated with all the matching products. I don't need more stuff so I stopped watching videos that promote products. It's just one long ad. I think many of us don't want 40 different bunnies or mice by the same company in our stash. The market has been oversaturated with too frequent releases. Even scrapbooking collections have so many coordinated products & it's too expensive here in Australia.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I agree with you, cardmaking can get expensive quickly.

[@Marilynlovesebiking]

I am a card maker for sure. I love die cuts and clear stamps. But I realize I need to use the supplies I have already. I really do not need anything. I do update designer paper sometimes. Paper kind of like fabric gets dated.

[@thethriftyapprentice]

My crafting centers more around sketchbook, and junk journal making. This to is in decline in my opinion. A lot of card making techniques can be used in other crafting areas. So it seems that crafting overall might be on the decline. I mean I plan to keep it alive, but the industry itself is noticeably different.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I totally agree. The industry is definitely evolving! I've noticed a shify of viewers preferring ambient or passive content over diy/tutorials over the past few years. Tutorials got a bit of a boost during the pandemic, but now hauls, umboxing, and reviews are more popular. I think people are busy and it's easier to watch, buy or just have summing on in the background for company than follow a diy. It's not just you, it's a change in the viewership.

[@gamigirlHeatherB]

I get overwhelmed by the amount of new products and the push to use them in tutorials. I’ve backed off watching those types of videos and just use what I have and the techniques I know, even if it’s not trendy.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It can be so overwhelming! I'm right there with you.

[@carolynpicken6949]

Cardmaking is a live and well, just tired of the constant barrage of new products.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I agree! It can be overwhelming.

[@amandahodgin9316]

Dear Lindsay….your video title says “cordmaker”. You may want to edit 💕

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for catching that! I'll fix it right away.

[@reginaperkins8255]

Hero arts just announced that they were bought out by Spellbinders.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That's wild! I hope they stay afloat!

[@M1326]

Companies are not helping themselves with their constant releases... it creates this FOMO in people... For me money is not the issue, it's the never-ending push of products. Even when I buy a product, I go back to look at it later for reference ( since companies rarely put the instructions or images on packaging for assembly) and the product is gone from the website or discontinued... It's crazy, the push... When companies released 4 times a year, people planned their purchases and became creative with their supplies... Now it is all about the buy and what is new. I mean people will spend their money or won't. For me, I decided to unsubscribe from all company emails and if I need or want something I go look for it. Crafting should be fun and at this point, it feels like a sport... lol.. .no but really, I am finding I am only buying what I really like, what I run out of, or what I really would use, The same for KZbin, I now only follow people who create with old and new or show ways to use what we have... I have found I am enjoying crafting and creating again.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great observations, I'm glad you found a plan to stay creative!

[@jennifermaddock4382]

I still love to make cards and scrapbook but i don't have a place to sell them. I donate cards to our church bazaar every year and I sell a few dozen boxes to my mother's friends. I think many people have stopped mailing cards and just send internet greetings instead. The younger generation barely uses cards or scrapbooks.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

So true, the internet has replaced that.

[@Seedsofkindness01]

I would really like to learn something new, not the same things over and over, which is very frustrating for me. Mixed Media Arts Gelli printing are great.😊

[@lynnd6305]

It is the cost for me. I do not buy certain brands because their prices are out of control. I don't watch the $$$$ card makers because I don't need to want all the things.

[@TrashyTreasyours]

I do think card making and stamping is dead as far as social media goes/creator content options. There are only so many ways to use stamps and to make cards and they’ve all been done. I think the more painty and artsy stuff is the newer thing that draws a lot of people as it allows for a further exploration of creativity. Incorporating mixed media and junk journal styles WITH card making may be a niche that card maker creators could visit and see.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good point!

[@cherylthompson3882]

Lindsay - I really enjoy listening to you but you have more ads than any KZbinr I know. Good topic but I am turning off after 8 ads and not even halfway through.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for the feedback, and sorry for the Hassel. the ads are auto inserted by youtube. They seem to place more on videos where my face is on screen like sat chat and video podcasts. I'll have to see if I can control the number of ad breaks. Too bad they wouldn't put some on art tutorials and spread them around! Hopefully with the big election on Tuesday they will lessen after that. I reckon they are going after the adult woman demographic.

[@kalvarga5667]

I watched this today, I don’t think or believe stamping or cardmaking is dying. Buying is dying. The cost is killing everyone. I get making red rubber stamps is expensive but the companies are gouging people. They are making money don’t kid yourself or try to convince me these companies are not making money because they are. And why is red rubber so expensive now? Are you trying to tell me that if a company charges 55 dollars for a die set or a stamp and coordinating die for that price and 1000 people buy that die set they are not making a prophit. Stampin up in Canada I have supported for years, but the pricing is beyond believable. An average stamp and die set costs close to or over 100 dollars and that doesn’t include shipping and taxes. That’s for one stamp set with co ordinating dies. Hello Lindsay, wake up it’s all about money. Hero arts has now been absorbed by Spellbinders. A lot of my favorite companies are being absorbed and disappearing. There is too much product being thrown out there and people just can’t buy everything and they don’t. I don’t either. I have been making cards predominantly for over 20 years and I am still passionate about it but the cost is way too much. If cost is too high you have fewer people buying. The less people buy the higher the cost. I now buy a lot of my stuff at garage sales, stamping sales, discount stores but I have to because of cost. I love your channel, I have watched you for years, I have learned a lot from you about stamping and card making. I am truly sad you don’t do cards as much anymore, they are my favorite videos to watch. Cheers.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm glad you like the videos. Stamping up has always been on the high side because the demos need to make some money too but because if the cost I choose my sets wisely and end up using them more. I often and making last minute cards and tags and don't film it (because they are pretty average and there is nothing inspiring to teach) I know rubber has been more due to sanctions across other industries too. I don't know if many companies are selling 1000s or any stamp or die products outside of the huge companies. I don't work for any of those companies so I can't say. I design for craft stash but my products are in the $6-$25 range (the highest end for a stamp and die set) and we do a run of 250. Maybe check out the stamps and dies at craftstash, there are many talented designers across a variety of themes that are cheaper. I'm just a peon, I have no idea what goes on behind the scenes first hand.

[@phillipstroll7385]

It's because the stamps cost too much. No one wants to pay that much for a one time image. It isn't like you can send the same stamped images repeatedly. Then on top of that the designs are goofy instead of elegant like they used to be. If they want to survive they need to return to classic well illustrated designs at an inexpensive price. Otherwise temu will price them out of business. They are only hiring themselves. Ppl rather pay less because, again, you can't send the same stamped image to the same person 15 times over. But these ppl can keep lying to themselves pretending they have quality, theirs are worth more than temu's. People are tired of childish adolescent designs.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

There are many companies with any type of design style you can imagine. I used more cute images when my kids were small and they are always popular because many parents and grandparents make cards for small kids. I think, for me, finding classic backgrounds and nature images I can layer and collage stamp with give me variety and don't look as dated, and I invest in red rubber for those because the impressions are better and they last longer. And boy do I have a collection! Thar said the squishy clear stamps work better on watercolor paper or canvas for mixed media. Point is the elegant stuff still exists 😆 🤣 😂

[@beatrizaguillon1596]

I agree. By the time the ad goes off , I’ve kinda lost what they were talking about and also lost interest 😩

[@gdoreen75]

I've been stamping/cardmaking since 2001, when I got my hands on an All Night Media booklet at Barnes and Noble on the many ways to use one stamp-- I tracked down that stamp and the rest is history. The recent spate of craft store closings, the elimination of cardmaking supplies at the big box stores, and the sparse in-person craft shows has gotten me down. This past summer, the last craft store within driving distance in NJ closed (two years after The Ink Pad in NYC)-- so sad. Finally, a Hobby Lobby opened nearby but with almost no cardmaking supplies (half an aisle). Then longtime stamp companies began closing (PSX, Stampa Rosa, All Night Media, Rubber Stampede, Inkadinkado) one by one... but then new ones began to open, so it didn't feel so painful...but more recently stamp staples like Stampendous, Impression Obsession, Heartfelt Creations... now Hero Arts was sold...it's all so very sad. And it isn't that I "need" more, but I like the options and I enjoy buying supplies almost more than using them LOL. I have decades of stamp supplies (culled every so often...though I still keep a lot/ my favorites) in a dedicated craft room and have not slowed my accumulation as I fear the disappearance of red rubber stamps (my fave). Nevertheless, I refuse to let all that stop me. This hobby is my escape, my passion, and my therapy. I've resolved to find ways to keep myself motivated through Pinterest, SplitCoastStampers, looking at old blogs, older KZbin videos, old magazines, and new content of card makers who use what they have/ DIY/generic/easily replicated techniques etc. If I want to add to my stash and I don't find a new design I like, I'll turn to the second hand market on Ebay, Etsy, Mercari, etc. For inspiration, there are tons of techniques that we often forget and it feels fresh when revisited. As for keeping stores afloat--we all still need consumables like paper, ink, adhesive, mediums, etc. and every so often we see something new that we must have...like the Precision Glue Press (which I resisted for a year...) or a rotating stamp platform, etc. My hope is that the innovation in the industry does not stop and there are still reputable online craft stores to buy from. I am a longtime fan of you both and I hope you both keep making videos, tutorials and classes. Thank you for this video (and for this vent).

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good points! How do you like the glue press? I am glue challenged.

[@gdoreen75]

​@@thefrugalcrafter Thank you! I didn't want to like it, esp. given MSP's shady past with crafters' DIY versions of the MISTI ... but after trying the Glue Press at Brass and Bliss' class at S&SE, I had to have it and I love it. It hardly clogs. For a month I would squeeze the trigger just to see if glue came out and was shocked that it did. That said, it isn't perfect: it can clog (seems to depend on climate), it's black, it needs a dedicated spot on the table (unless the cap is replaced after crafting), the glue bottle has to stay in the right spot on the holder to not clog, the fine tip doesn't dispense glue at a perfectly even rate (at least with the Nuvo), but it is a game changer in that it provides a wet glue dispenser that stays at the ready without needing to be recapped for a very long time and it is ergonomic. It is very innovative. And I love me some crafty tools ;) I just wish it came in white/pink or some other neutral color. Even still, it is a good tool, if one is in the market for such a gizmo. Cheers, Doreen

[@alisonmartin6101]

Absolutely wonderful podcast from two respected people in the creative community. I've stopped purchasing stamps and other craft supplies for two reasons: cost and too many supplies in my stash. I'm happy now just to use what I have. 😃🩷

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's so nice to see that you've found a good place to be with your crafting.