5 Lies We've Been Told about Card Making

[@kathrynmoon8793]

I’m 59 and have been making cards for 19 years. Some years more or less than other years. Five consecutive Christmas seasons (‘03-‘07) I produced 65-75 individual cards. No two cards have ever been exactly the same. This was without dies, blending tools, scoring boards or embossing folders. My art space is always a semi-chaotic but practical mess. Patterned paper has always been a part of my stash as well as embossing powders. I don’t do glitter! I create using my imagination and supplies on hand. I recently purchased a large number of dies and embossing folders so I could change my style a bit and include these tools in collage paper and art journaling. I have never once felt obligated to purchase crafting supplies because ‘everybody else’ has them. Your video info here is so true! Thank you for sharing🙏💜🦋🌷

[@SueandMolly]

Another "lie" is that we can't take apart our stamp sets. A friend of mine puts all of the birthday greetings together, all the congratulation words together, etc. Tiny stamps are all in the same spot as are flowers, rainbows, etc. This doesn't work perfectly, but it sure is nice to go to one place for a birthday sentiment rather than digging through a bunch of sets that may have birthday, holiday, congratulations and still not find that birthday stamp that is the perfect size or font for your card.

[@khenagrant5166]

I do that too. It makes it so much easier to find the right font and size quickly for that particular word dies/stamps.

[@jenniferreece2218]

I did a similar thing by creating an index (by theme,, like B-day, congrats, etc) and then stamp sets are image theme (animals, beach, holiday, sentiment, etc.), so i can find what I am looking for.

[@teresalentlie553]

My mom did this with all her StampinUp sets and that's what worked for her. Now that I've "inherited" them it's made me crazy.

[@carlagrayson1810]

​@@teresalentlie553 This is why it's so important to figure out what system works for you.

[@kkrolf2782]

Oh, ya, S.I., I’ll be using Y O U R plan !! Otherwise there’s no bloody way to remember WHAT SET that darling lil snail is companioned with!! Was it paired with one of the Faerie sets?? Or, maybe it was in with one of the Gnome sets?? [[ There was actually a hidden benefit to buying WOOD MOUNT Stamps, besides the beautiful crisp images … They were easy to “file” as the category wasn’t difficult to determine, AND thusly “cataloging” was kept to a minimum!! ]]

[@olivemaycards]

Yes! That there is such a thing as “cheating” at crafting. There are no crafting police. Also that the recipient will notice the things that we think are important like techniques or “cheating” with patterned paper. Most people will just enjoy getting a card and notice the motifs and colors. They might be amazed by things we know are really easy to do - my friend was stunned by the most simple shaker window. They might not even notice the complicated things we spent hours on. And most of all, they don’t see the alternative ideas you gave up on or the perfect sentiment you wished you had - they just see the finished product and the message you sent them. :)

[@carlagrayson1810]

Hahaha The Crafting Police. Yes. In my experience, people appreciate getting cards. People like connecting with other people. So maybe the most important technique is getting your card in the mail.

[@kkrolf2782]

@@carlagrayson1810 SOOOOOO TRUE!! I chide myself with “I WILL have this card done by 2024. Ya, I’m sure. At least by 2024!”. I get so entangled with executing my design “just so”, that I lose sight of the goal of sending a “warm fuzzy” to someone I care about!!

[@mzp6620]

Patterned paper is a TOOL to be used, just like all the other stuff. ;)

[@ellenmcphate1441]

@@mzp6620 Well said!!! I sometimes feel a bit guilty using patterned paper but I LOVE it!! I like that idea of thinking of it as a "tool." Thanks for that guilt reliever!

[@mzp6620]

@@ellenmcphate1441 😂👍

[@vickyo471]

What I love about being a cardmaker/crafter is that there are no rules! I have no set "process" for making cards. I go where my crazy brain takes me on any given day at any given time. It is my happy place! Embrace your space and style! Thanks for sharing!

[@patriciadonaldson391]

I have learned over the 3 years when I started and I'm still learning . I have stencils and have never done much of it. So now I think I will give it another try. Not that I didn't like it, it's just I was into the stamp and dies. But either way I love crafting, it was life saving for me, when my husband(5 yrs) and our only daughter (1 1/2yrs) passed away. This is a great community and I'm so grateful to have found so much beauty and joy in the world of crafting!😍

[@candysulik401]

I love the fact that you are being so honest. I feel like sometimes the crafters you are watching say that you don’t necessarily need all of the new stuff, but there is an underlying tone that is telling you that you do. I am trying really hard to not buy all the new stuff, but as you know, it can be very hard. You feel like you need it and have to have it or the card that you make is not going to be beautiful. Thank you for your take on not having to have all the stuff!

[@teresalentlie553]

Thanks for sharing, Jess. Enjoyed this. Anyone asking what they should know before getting into papercrafting/cardmaking my #1 recommendation (after crafting for 25+ years) is YOU DON'T NEED ALL THE THINGS. I know that's hard, but I can't tell you how many rabbit holes I've gone down and how much money I've spent on things that once I tried them, I'm either not good at it or I don't enjoy (like Copic coloring, colored pencils, watercolor, foiling, mixrd media - so many things) If you are able to take a hands-on class or go to an event where they do make and takes so you can "try before you buy" that's my best advice.

[@olivemaycards]

Yes! And no matter how much you buy there will always be a new product next month that is a different spin, a different flower, a new trendy font or technique, etc etc. It never ends! I usually enjoy new techniques in the moment, but I’m learning what I come back to again and again and what gives me easy joy. Admittedly I had to try a lot of things I didn’t like to find what I did, so being willing to let go of the things that aren’t your jam and giving them to someone who loves them really helps.

[@kkrolf2782]

@@olivemaycards Oh you betcha!! And SOME manufacturers are even coming up with “gotta haves” that, given a bit of personal thought, we c o u l d see that something in our cupboards, craft stash, or garage even, would fill the bill quite nicely, OR BE DETERMINED TO BE A WASTE of MONEY & EFFORT!!

[@kellykellie85]

This video is spot on, thanks! I say things similiar in almost all of my videos. This hobby costs, requires practice to learn techniques, and so much more. Losing the desire to have everything, buying verstile products, giving yourself grace as you learn how to color with different meduims (or practice things period), and not comparing yourself to others can make crafting so much more enjoyable. ❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY just subscribed!

[@patriciadonaldson391]

I love that!🥰

[@ellen-marie6692]

Thank you. This is an honest, smart & by no means a negative video. You use common sense, logic, your own experiences & never once put anyone down here. While it can be fun to watch “craft supply haul” videos, I think they can send wrong messages and in and of themselves make creators look bad. I definitely can understand and do appreciate that this is a way for many to fund their channels, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn from them or adapt tips, etc to our own crafts, and I definitely have been able to make smart, informed decisions about purchasing items which I probably would not have done as well without their shares. Thanks again, Jess! Oh and yes, patterned paper is wonderful!!

[@micheledetta171]

I agree with all your points. I will admit I love pattern paper. When I first got into card making, I had to have everything matchy matchy and had to have the entire set. I've recently gone through all my supplies and found stuff I bought years ago and never used (ink pads, markers, and glue dried up). I found stamp sets I just had to have but never used them. It was an eye opener going through my stuff. I've come to realize that you can make beautiful cards without having to have all the latest toys.

[@kimcreate1]

Agree wholeheartedly! I just retired and really focusing on using what I have. The recipient doesn’t know if my stamp is current or 3 years ago. I’ve always loved patterned paper but I like simple too. It’s all ok

[@lindas.9313]

That you have to like coloring to make cards. I don't enjoy coloring and when I do color, I keep it very simple. And, I've never had anyone look at my cards and critique my coloring technique. I have a large family and make a lot of cards. More then 300 cards a year, and it's more fun and I think my cards are prettier when I enjoy what I'm creating. Thanks for the video.

[@M1326]

I was on dts for 15+ years off and on... and some of the big lies for me were: 1) You have to have professional camera/video of your projects if you post or share them... LOL... I never did and I still don't understand the need for it. 2) You must watermark all your photos... again, such an excessive step, if you are on a dt, sure add the company name or your logo. I wasted so much time editing photos and watermarking them just to share them... and 3) following the trend... oh boy, I have learned after all those years, that when a new trend comes out, everyone or almost everyone follows it, until the next new thing comes out. I found that very limiting... for me, I now only craft what I want, using products, new, mixed and matched, even old and no longer sold. I think crafters get caught up in the need to have what is new, what is popular and what pushed... That all changed for me, when I left all dts and toss 20 black trash bags full of supplies.... best reset ever. Thanks for these kinds of videos... I wish I had heard this when I first started making cards 20+ years ago.

[@teresamorgan4529]

what is dts?

[@nancyglaspie6735]

Great things to think about. I wasn't going to jump on the die cutting wagon. But, I found a big shot at good will for $5! We know where that got me! Lol

[@MichelleM-kp2gm]

Wow, what a find!!! Congrats 👏👏👏👏

[@crafttreenj]

This is so true. I am currently in a phase of my paper crafting (some might call it supply hoarding) journey that I have put the brakes on buying supplies. I have too many as it is and half the time I forget about what I do have on hand or I know I have it but I can't find it anywhere! So I need to get organized and get into a more productive place, which does not involve trips to the craft store or shopping online for the newest this that or the other. I should probably weed out and donate the things that I likely will not use or the duplicates I have accidentally purchased at the dollar store forgetting that I already bought that stamp or whatever. Yes, I am looking inward instead of outward for awhile. Fingers crossed for me!

[@datasciyinfo5133]

Good luck @crafttreenj, You can do it! Taking a pause here and there is a great way to get your creative juices flowing.

[@Mpompadour]

First off, Thanks for your insightful video. Well done. While I realize crafting companies have to constantly come out with fresh products, I tend to see the same styles over and over. How many Thank You, Congratulations, Hello, Happy Birthday, etc., etc., etc. stamps and dies do you REALLY need. Same goes stamps of flowers, Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Thanksgiving, etc. I have MAYBE 2 or 3 of these type of stamps and sometimes the dies that go with them. And stickers, OMG!!!!! I watched not too long ago here on KZbin of a sweet lady showing her sticker collection, you know the ones with the black and white banner at the top of the sticker pad. She had around 300 of those things. I thought to myself, she'll NEVER EVER use all of that. She did that with most ALL her items, FSS, (Full Set Syndrome). Same thing with cardstock. I would go CRAZY with that much stuff. Think of all the money people spend on this stuff AND the storage furniture to hold everything. I have a small amount of cardstock, inks, stamps and dies (that fit in one 8 x 10 basket), about 12 paper punches, little bit of embellishments, paint, glues and the regular cardmaking extras. I am VERY happy with what have and I'm NOT overwhelmed with too much stuff or choices. The store has more if and when I need something. I see these pristine craft rooms and it looks like a STORE instead of a WORKING craft room. Everything packed to the hilt, nothing out of place, and nothing looks used. It's like they are collecting and displaying instead of crafting. Mind you, nothing wrong with a clean and organized space, but some go WAY OVERBOARD, LOL!

[@MichelleM-kp2gm]

I am so proud of your willpower not to over purchase ❤ Unfortunately no matter how hard I try, clearance items get me every time🤣

[@Mpompadour]

@@MichelleM-kp2gm Thanks! I know, clearance items can be a tough thing to resist. It almost has to be free for me to buy it, LOL!

[@dariasikorski7217]

I recently got a new craft space and when I started pulling out all the stuff I had I surprised myself with all the stuff I had, things I just had to have. I wish more people would do your type of videos. I have been making cards for over 20 years and in those 20 years most of what I heard was that you have to have the latest and greatest to create great cards, which I found is a lie. In my new craft space I have open shelves so that I can see all that I have and try to use it before buying something else. I also ask myself if I have something similar to what I see and use that. I no longer watch haul videos, or crafting show videos. Thanks for sharing all your sketches so that I am able to use all my lovely papers that I’ve been hoarding cause they were just too pretty to use. 😅 And using patterned papers is NOT cheating, that’s what they were created for, to be used in card making. I could go on but I’ll stop here.

[@joycehuff9769]

I just watched a video of a custom designed craft space. Professionally designed, professionally organized and there’s $250,000 worth of supplies in it. Most crafters are never going to have that but they will keep trying, and go broke doing so. I don’t know if a room can be ‘’over” organized but when there’s tens of thousands of dollars invested in the cabinets, bins, storage etc I wish that crafters would stop trying to achieve this. Keeping up with the number of companies that are out there now and the continuous amount of releases is just crazy. I keep the majority of supplies in original packaging too and I was glad to see you showing this.

[@laraynespiczka3185]

THANK YOU My husband and I recently moved from a four bedroom house to a one bedroom patio home and I don't have a craft room any longer. My hubby bought me a Dream Box for Christmas and it is great , but I have every stamp pad, marker and alcohol marker that Stampin Up has. I also have their organizers for these along with the mini stamp pads. I was a demonstrator at one time. I had to have it all!!! I don't use a lot of the colors and don't even get me started on paper. This video is just what I needed to give me the kick in the butt to get rid of some of the bulk I have and downsize.

[@deannahogue3713]

What a great video!! Thank you for this!! I have been crafting for over 25 years and have so many things still in my stash. One thing that I love to do is mix and match products. I think some great creations can happen by just being creative and not following "directions"!

[@jac4YouTube]

I agree, card making isn't cheap BUT, it is so satisfying, its about expressing your creativity, coming up with a WOW factor that impesses the recipient and having fun doing it.

[@katiemccollister4358]

Jess, I just discovered your channel and I already love it. Thank you for the reminder that you do not have to have everything,. Inks, stamps, dies, paper, etc. I have not been making cards lately and have watched some ideas by people who are distributors for a particular company and they have everything. I was starting to get discouraged and having trouble getting started. Also, they show really pretty ideas but many take a long time to make. I am ready to go attack it again using your templates.

[@kkrolf2782]

Do yourself a favor … just for grins, IGNORE YOUR CRAFT STASH, and grab “stuff” from your kids’ room, or your kitchen, or the garage - odds & ends - and MAKE a CARD!! You can do it; you know you can. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece. You don’t even have to give it to anyone. It’s just an exercise. A way to exercise your creative muscle!!

[@DrFelicityT]

THANK YOU for this video Jess. I have so many unused crafting supplies (I just HAD To HAVE), and yet I'm always yearning for more. I don't have to have it all! And I don't have to invest in organising it in any fancy way. I had several 'aha' moments throughout your video

[@carloshaun7297]

WOW! I have been stamping for 33 years, and I have never gotten around to “swatching” my ink pads, etc. And you know what? I don’t care! I am not very organized, but I manage to create several hundred or cards annually, to send to family and friends, and 3 different charities. And I’m very happy creating in my messy studio! Thanks for saying that we don’t have to organize and repackage everything!

[@ematthews3267]

Just come across your channel, great video sooo spot on. I started cardmaking nearly 20 years ago, thought it would be cheaper/nicer to make my own Christmas cards (the special ones). Having bought so many things, I then felt I could never buy another card again. I am struggling at the moment not wanting all the new gadgets, I had a 6 year break from serious cardmaking, following a divorce and returning to full time work. I only returned to cardmaking with full force 2 years ago. Things have moved on so much over that time, the misti/stamp positioner hadn't even been invented when I started my craft break (uk). Makes me laugh when I see the new releases its the same old stuff coming back around a few years later and all the big companies follow the same trends. Tea bag folding will return one day🤣 Eleanor

[@MichelleM-kp2gm]

In my entire real life, I am super organized. I've methodically organized my craft supplies and feel like I don't use them as much because I don't want to "mess them up". In crafting, messy is fun sometimes. I've found that leaving supplies out in my view helps me with mojo and inspiration. Oh, then there is always the fun of shopping your semi-messy stash for things you may have forgotten about😅 That is one of my favorite challenge things to do instead of buying something new.

[@tammyb6497]

I’m not fond of the misconception that you need to have all of the latest organizational products. The caddy to hold your blending brushes, or your Nuvo drops upside down or ink refills in tins. The list goes on. Most people don’t have room for all of the containers that take up so much space to store their stuff. Think about YOUR space and find what works best for you.

[@andreaaufdermaur8733]

I think using patterned paper is very hard! There goes a lot of thinking into how to use it and what to combine it with. There is no cheating in using patterned paper. The art is to arrange all the elements in a pleasing way, no matter what those elements are. Lovely video! Thank you for sharing. :)

[@jcreateturner]

And to me using patterned paper makes the easiest cards! Further proof that what one person loves, another finds frustrating or at least not as enjoyable.

[@anitacher2412]

I used to buy 12x12" patterned paper when I started crafting until I realised that I wasn't using them at all as I'm a card maker not a scrapbooker. In the end I stuck to 6" or 8" paper pads which is so much better. However, after 20 years, I've finally found my style of crafting and have now only managed to try to use those paper which were gathering dust by making junk journals. I still will not finish using them in the foreseeable future but I can at least try.

[@christiedecker2724]

Thank you, Jess. I'm new to your channel, just subscribed after watching 2 of your videos...I have a real problem with those that just want to sell their newest products. I can't keep up with them. I don't have the resources to buy items just for the sake of buying them. A good chunk of my items if not most, are second-hand (things I've purchased or been gifted by a friend who shops at flea markets and lawn sales) and I don't have many sets, for sure. But I have made some beautiful cards for family, friends and also for sale. It looked to me like your ink swatches are being held in photo-negative holders or slide holders, cool...I was gifted a bunch of them and I think that's an excellent way to organize them...even if yours aren't. Please, keep up the videos. We need to learn to add what we NEED and USE WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE, and not be afraid to swap and trade if we have things (especially perishable things) we really aren't using. That would be an awesome idea - a swap shop to trade our unused items for things we'd like that someone else doesn't need...does someone want to run with that? Blessings!!!

[@sheilaperl4155]

Oh yes, when I first started card making I Had to have all the ink pads, oodles of stamps, markers, dies, paper, card stock , punches, glue, tape runners…whew, and I haven’t used more than half of it! I’ve made a lot of cards I must admit, and mailed them too but if I didn’t buy another thing I have enough to last me for years!! 😮 I DO need another paper cutter however mine has gotten heavier and heavier as I’ve aged and I need to replace it with a lighter one! 😊 great video!!

[@MsShanarun]

I like to see if my existing stamps (there are a LOT) will make the card that I spired me, when I can. There are plenty of new crafters/artists born everyday to support the companies and artists that we love! Great video! Love the title 😃

[@gillianwalker4766]

Patterned papers are so pretty. I love them! I love using them! Not cheating at all! I love your no waste sketches and are valuable to me. Love using the crafts I have but I want to purge a lot of stuff so I can use just the stuff I love to use. Good video of great advice!

[@gloriaebert4209]

Appreciate your honesty especially the last one about organization. Thank you.

[@valsfaves787]

Good points, Jess. It is so easy to get caught up in the newest inks, or stamp sets, or organizational tools, or whatever. Been there, done that. I have been purging and donating things I thought I had to have. Truth is, the more I have, the more overwhelmed I am, and the more stifled my creativity is. I think we all need to find our style, our comfort zone in terms of supplies, and get back to enjoying our crafting!

[@gingerpayne7310]

Thank you for sharing, Jess. That is one reason why I like watching your channel. And learning from this amazing group of crafter. I realized I don’t need a foil machine or Copic markers to be happy.

[@jenniferreece2218]

Great video! I think the biggest fallacy I heard was "all cards need to look like X" with X being whatever was in style at the moment. I think Shabby Chic was the thing when I started. I liked it but I could never achieve it because I have a different style. It's funny that people say using patterned paper is "cheating". I think that is way I got into card making in the first place--all that amazing paper! And I love keeping my stamps in their original packages. I even bought the same kind of clear sleeves for when the original ones wear out ($3 for 100, so pretty inexpensive, and I still have at least half left after 6 years.) Gotta do what works for you!

[@kkrolf2782]

“Gotta do what works for you“!! I L O V E IT!! Need that on a T-Shirt!!

[@bonniecarpenter6453]

Jess, great videp. Honest, that's what I love. So many new products coming out now that actually were products before with a little twist. Push push push sales. I must get 3 or 4 emails a day from the same stamping companies with a new item or new things they want show you before anyone else does.

[@katiemclaneak5182]

I am one of those crafters that LOVES to organize….. it is one of the ways I get happiness from my supplies….but I absolutely subscribe to the “you don’t have to have it alll” and “it doesn’t have to be expensive” philosophies. I also starting reassembling my stamps into sets that work for me rather than keeping manufacturer stuff together. I haven’t been able to bring myself to a delta sh moment yet, but I am working towards it!!

[@betyerpwet]

Just piggy backing off your lie that we have to have everything---no one needs an entire basement full of cardmaking supplies to make a good card. We don't need every new item for every technique under the sun in order to be creative.

[@craftforfun36]

I agree you don’t but I just love shopping for it 😬

[@datasciyinfo5133]

Hi Jess, Love your videos and this one is spot on. But I would like to add to #1. It's not true for maybe 90% of the people who try card making, but I think 10% of people save or make a good chunk of money from this hobby. So you need to be the kind of person who would have spent a lot of money and time looking for a special card for each birthday, and also a lot of money on buying special or unique gifts for each event. Now those money and time can be replaced by a hobby you enjoy, and if you gift a pack of cards as well as send individual cards, you have solved both the gift and card issue. Also each gift/card is likely to be unique relative to what is in the store. Regarding making money, there are product demonstrators who have made well paid full-time jobs out of it, although they are rare. Usually this requires design sense, online tech ability and social media marketing skills. But we see them everywhere so we should not forget them. It's still true that most crafters will spend far more on supplies than if they got their cards from store(s) [except from Papyrus stores ;-P ]. But you can't enjoy making the cards and your cards will not have that unique, handmade with love cache.

[@bettybywater7860]

A great start off point for new crafters who can fall prey to the popular bloggers that upsell everything. I store many of my clear stamps in the original packaging. They are in 5 groups (floral, sentiments, design, props and animals) in $ store baskets. No need to buy the $18 clear baskets! I'd rather spend my $ on necessary supplies. I'm all for creating multiples of images/sentiments -one or two that can be tucked into the packaging is nice but more than that becomes another storage issue. Recently it was suggested to use a magnetic page photo album to store prestamped/die cut sentiments...and now you have another 3 ring binder on your shelf. I've been a stamper for 30+ years and its' fair to say that I have a reasonable large collection though I am constantly purging out of date or 'trendy' sets. "No need to have it all" is a great motto. Find your style, invest in those items. Don't buy sequins in every colour if you find you don't use them or just get irredescent that will go with everything.

[@JessCrafts]

So much wisdom here! I also much prefer to spend money on supplies vs organization.

[@lorimauser2168]

Amen sister! A person can spend all their crafty time organizing.

[@patriciadolphin4161]

I make cards because I like making unique one of a kind cards. I use flyers that come through the door for backgrounds or matting and layering. Mosty matting and layering and I use cardboard boxes to stamp on to cheapen my cards and keep better Chardstock for when I want to make a more expensive card. I use magnets that came on a book of phone numbers pushed through my door to store my dies in the original packaging. My brother found some large magnnet sheets at work which were being thrown out I cut them to size and use them. I get lots of storage and craft items from charity shops and save money that way.

[@khenagrant5166]

I do both scrapbooking and card making and I mix and match all the supplies (whether it’s card making supplies or scrapbook supplies) in all my projects.

[@helenastanser9801]

This is so true! I get more creative when I don´t by new stuff, shopping my stash instead, or make a funfold card without special dies.

[@lamontmccaskel6078]

Enjoyed this and I discovered that I don’t have to have everything and that a lot of things that we purchase can be made, they’re just modern conveniences. I find cardmaking to be a lot like having to purchase new edition of college books every year because they have added and/or subtracted a page or two, I mean like really. Some of these cardmaking videos are like one big commercial featuring the most beautiful cards made by actual artists and graphic designers that I can never measure up to without spending my life savings

[@Card_Crazed]

As someone with severe ADD, I find I do need to keep my stuff organized. however, I put my stamps in bags like you do, Jess, and I simply label what theme or category it is. Alphanumeric, background, birthday, botanical (flowers and trees are separate), food, love, music etc. This helps me to look in certain crates for what I am looking for, rather than going through everything. But ALL of the suggestions are awesome. Like I said, I am ADD, so naturally am very messy... I do need some organization to keep from going crazy in my searches.

[@kristie3963]

Another thing about some tutorials is the implication that we need a dedicated craft room. I thought when my kids grew up I would have my own space. Glad I was wrong. We need that room for keeping grandkids. So like most women, I’m a kitchen table crafter. Sharp instruments must be hidden from little hands. I’m in the process of trying to find ways to organize supplies without taking over the living room/dining room. Yes, it would be nice to have a she shed or something but not a requirement.

[@kellyb8438]

I think one of the biggest lies is you have to use 110 lb cardstock to make a nice card. Hallmark has been selling beautiful cards for years and there is no way theirs are on 110 lb stock. If I can get it at a good price, I use it for my card bases, but if not, I just use something lighter weight. I don't really worry about trends because no one I send cards to knows what the trends are. They are not going to be thinking the card looks out of date. They are going to appreciate that someone thought of them.

[@Glittered_Kitten]

A Big lie that I was told for years, was you should only use big brand items. I am just as happy using the dollar store stamp as I am one from a craft store with a price tag 10x the dollar store, lol. A lot of "use the same brand for everything". Don't use homemade anything, buy it all. Buy everything all at once, because it's cheaper that way x.x I much prefer to use what I have, create things if I don't already have them, and buy with coupons and sales whenever possible. No rules, just art

[@ohmycuppycake]

You don't have to keep your things organized by brand. Unless you're on a design team or designing for a publication etc., you can mix and match and use whatever tickles your fancy. Even with the design teams I have been on, none of them were particularly stringent about what paper or cardstock I used...they just wanted their product to be the main focus. :)

[@JessCrafts]

Yes that is such a big one! Even if I didn't have my channel, I would probably organize my stamps by brand just because that's how my brain works but each person should do it in whatever way helps them find what they need the fastest.

[@glendamock2041]

I make 24 cards at a time…takes me about 2 hours…I do them assembly line technique. I send to all the church member and close friends every 2-3 weeks. Thanks for the tips

[@daisyparis1]

Thanks for the tips! I always appreciate the basic & simple reminders in card making! There can be a lot more complicated & fussy factors now with making homemade cards!

[@stellaolejar9007]

Jess, you are totally spot on with this video. If I had only known this information years ago 😅. But fast forward to present time and I have a craft room filled with lovely expensive crafty items. I am blessed

[@DreamWalkingAngel]

When someone gives a card, usually it is store bought. I've found that many people don't keep their cards, unless it's very sentimental as it can become hoarding, so cards are tossed out. I enjoy making cards too but here is my concern. What if I take so much time and effort to create a card and then it's tossed out with the junk mail after a while? Is it an obligation for someone to keep it? People who are not crafters do not recognize the price of the tools and supplies. They only see a thoughtful card.

[@1stLucySchmidt]

What immediately came to mind for me is kind of a tongue-in-cheek idea, which is that I need every new butterfly stamp and die that appears many times per week in some company's release. Personally, I am so sick of butterflies I often click out of a video that features them. There's usually another stamp in your collection that will do just fine without buying more than 1or 2 of any design. I know I'm the exception, as I read over and over again in the comments that "OMG! This one is perfect for my massive butterfly collection!" I don't have to fight the temptation on them since I'd never buy them in the first place.😉 Thanks for another spot on video, Jess.

[@agardener3621]

I so agree with you. They seem to use butterflies and those tiney flowers in all stamp and die sets as fillers. I looked through my stamp inventory recently and there are 3 A4 sheets of butterflies!!

[@lindageorge8209]

My fittest cards were made with cut outs of cute Christmas paper, glued onto cards made from pronged off cuts. Then we got our first windows computer, and made cards using publisher. The most frustrating thing was in getting my husband to get a coloured printer, and keep the inks up to it! The next thing I did was start borrowing library books, to get ideas. Then I borrowed a couple of paper punches from a close friend before getting my own. I'm pretty sure my first stamp set was a cheap set that felt like lipstick! Sorry I can't remember what my first stamp purchase ever was!

[@Gundelfine]

I mark every card as handmade and "renewable" with the instruction just to replace the personalized removable text sheet inlay with another sheet and pass the card on to another nice person. Also I try to scan most selfmade backgrounds or paintings for reprinting them later, if I thonk, they could match to another creative idea of mine. If I print with an inklusive printer on aquarell paper it's even hard to see the difference. If I coloured a stamp which comes even with a cutting die, I can use the die to cut out the print of the coloured stamp. Also I love to use printed Gift paperrolls as a designpaper. It is much cheaper the any designpaper and I can match the Card to the giftwrap. I also don't have to "fear" that an kind of paper will run out weile I will have so many ideas to use it later for other projects...

[@mzp6620]

I agree with all of things you expressed. I started down the trail of repackaging..but I didn't like the look and I couldn't find anything. I was so used to grouping by company, that's how I know where stuff is. SO thankfully, I hadn't gone too far on that and I just left everything in the original. If there are any new crafters out there reading this, my best advice to use is to pick an ink company and stick with it. I have LOADS of inks from all kinds of companies. IMO that is a huge waste of money. They are all pretty much the same ( I know I know..) but they are. Also...just buy the colors YOU like. Try not to fall prey to fomo (fear of missing out) or I have to have it all syndrome. You really don't. ;)

[@lorimantovi6932]

What you say is all true, lol! BUT, as well as putting a smile on the recipient's face, (my friends love getting them) it is my THERAPY. Patterned papers are gorgeous (definitely not cheating!). I , however, have become a die cut fanatic and THAT gets quite expensive, and my therapy takes a lot of space. I remind myself though, that it is cheaper than a psychiatrist!

[@datasciyinfo5133]

o true! :-K

[@JoanOrloffDK]

So true Jess 🥰 we all have different things, that works for us and we are all unique card makers ❤️ thanks for sharing and happy crafting Hugs xx

[@pattyfromherz9965]

Thank you for your ideas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! much appreciated. I have bought a lot of paper pads in the past and I still have them, I have not used them yet, because I get overwhelmed and than I wonder why did I buy them. I am not as creative in my mind like a lot of crafters on you tube, and so I really don't know what to do with them, and so I will look on youtube to see if other crafters have those same paper pads, to see what do others do with them, and I am not very successful in finding that type of info, do you have videos on how to use up your pretty paper pad stash? like a generic video that will use any type of paper pads? thank you Patty

[@ematthews3267]

Hi Patty, I have the same problem. If you put in the search bar "using up patterned paper pads" I'm sure some video's will pop up Ann Melvin if I have the name right has a number of videos. Happy hunting. Eleanor xx

[@kellyb8438]

All of Jess's templates use patterned paper. Just choose one and get started. If you're using one paper pad, pretty much all the colors coordinate, so it's easy to put a card together.

[@pattyfromherz9965]

Thank you@@ematthews3267

[@pattyfromherz9965]

@@kellyb8438 Thank you

[@andrewandberthapilgrim999]

Great video Jess. Another one is that images cut out with metal dies look better than images cut with an electronic cutting machine (because of that beveled edge) 🤔 No one receiving your handmade card really cares. They are just so happy that you’re sharing the love with them. I started with a Silhouette and was led down the metal die cutting rabbit hole by some crafty friends. It has been fun but I’m tired of storing metal craft dies. Much better to store images the computer so I’m starting my destash journey. Some metal craft dies are a delight, especially those with intricate designs but some of the others I have, like doors and windows… no need. Thanks for sharing this thought provoking video.

[@jcreateturner]

A lot of videos talk about using up paper pads. Especially with holiday or seasonal ones, i use one page of each design one year (to be honest, i may have more than one pack), then the next year i have different ideas how to use one of each page. Most packs have 2-4 pages of each design, so it's gone before 5 years but storing two or three partial packs takes as much room as one unused pack.

[@Bradie69]

As a beginner, thank you for the templates

[@beckymartin1810]

Great video! I have fallen into the organization trap and am frustrated with my system. Honestly I just want to create.

[@kkrolf2782]

Like another person said here … “You do what’s good for you!”

[@kristie3963]

Exactly. Newbie here. I felt guilty about tossing scraps. I quickly needed plastic containers to keep them organized. I’ve realized I don’t have the space for this. I’m going to be more discerning about what I save. Obviously, I need to organize dies, stamps, supplies, etc. I ordered a small plastic notebook thing from Temu last week with pockets and it seems to be working out really well. You might want to try it. I can’t figure out a good place for 12 by 12 paper collections. I bought an over the door hanger thing from Amazon. It’s in my hall closet and works great for this. But doesn’t hold it all. I’m keeping everything else I have in a plastic tub in my dining room. Can you recommend a good way to store those 12 by 12 collection packs? I hate the sticky plastic they come in so I switched them over to some plastic holders. I’ve already taken over two built in cabinets in my living room with other crafting supplies. Like you said, I just want to craft.

[@TS-qx1fh]

Indeed I wish I had know all these things before investing thousands of dollar's in this hobby. I had to have all the Copic colors and all the inks, all the different stamps and die sets, all the different special papers all the machines and tools. Now I can barely get into my craft room, I'm overwhelmed, which really does a number on my inspiration 😢 Thanks for the video. Maybe we can save someone from the same mistakes.

[@teresasanner-fecto3690]

This is so true. I think you hit the nail on the head. Happy I found you!

[@brendaelainewaddell1682]

Jess. What a great video. Thanks so much. 😊🇨🇦

[@pebblesstleonards]

A great video, all true! I don't have a full set of anything, however my worst problem is seeing a creator on YT using something which, suddenly, I MUST have...! I am trying to restrain myself though. 🙄

[@carriejones5776]

Thanks for this fabulous video. So true. I wish I had seen it before starting card making a couple of years ago. One thing I dislike is everything is overly positive. There doesn’t seem to be room for constructive criticism or even just factual feedback. and this has cost me a lot of money as I had to do trial and error myself to find out what was a better product and I know other people have been through this before me and already have the knowledge. Like for example Hero Arts Bermuda and spellbinders lagoon and simon says stamp peacock are all the exact same cardstock.

[@JessCrafts]

Hi Carrie! Thanks for watching! I understand the desire not to be overly negative but I also appreciate honesty. I also prefer a more realistic perspective of supporting small companies and saving money buying basics at bigger retailers.

[@kathypatterson4630]

I just make cards because I like to.

[@deborahbuchanan2995]

So right, wish I would’ve realized some of it years ago

[@andrealavigne7824]

Another "lie" I would add is that, if you buy all the supplies your favorite Master Cardmaker uses for a particular card, you too can get the same results. WRONG! Maybe that Master Cardmaker has coloring skills you don't. You can buy all the expensive coloring mediums you want - but that alone won't make you a master colorist. I think we each need to embrace our own abilities, rather than constantly put ourselves down because our work doesn't look like Mr./Ms. Master Cardmaker. They may well have spent years honing their abilities, while you may have just started doing whatever. Your creations are YOURS, and they will be appreciated. If you don't like your ability at a certain aspect and do like doing that whatever, just keep mindfully practicing, and you can improve! Also, don't hide behind any notion of talent or lack thereof. I really cringe when I read or hear someone say they have no talent at something. The most "talented" person in the world, if they don't work at a craft or skill, will not be as good as someone who is less "talented" and actually puts in the time & effort to practice. Talent is way overrated. Anyway, just my two-cents' worth. Thank you for sharing your views, Jess. And thank you for not saying that your way is The Only Right Way. I love putting my stamp sets & dies in labeled pockets. I just feel it helps me. Thank you for not shaming that, even though you choose not to label & repackage. Take care, & have an awesome day! :)

[@marypolancodesigns]

Jess, great video! Thanks for this topic. LOVED it!

[@JessCrafts]

Thanks Mary! Love your channel!

[@marypolancodesigns]

@@JessCrafts THANK YOU! That's so kind!

[@michelea9142]

Over all the many years my craft supplies have changed as I grow. Now, what do I do with all those I no longer use? Found roller dies today when cleaning out some drawers...😅

[@sandraaston1167]

There are two sides to every craft or hobby. 1 the hobby it's self and 2 collecting the supplies that makes the hobby.

[@JessCrafts]

Yes, as long as those things are balanced in a way that makes the crafter happy they should do what they like. No shame to anyone.

[@gabbyblanchette]

So do you love your lawn fawn inks? I have distress inks and I can’t really use them when I use my layering die sets.

[@JessCrafts]

Yes, I do love the Lawn Fawn. I had a few traditional dye inks from different lines (Hero Arts, Simon Says Stamp, Memento, and more) and found they all performed about the same but I had the most in Lawn Fawn so I just committed to them, gifted the others and completed my collection. I'd suggest just picking a 4 pack of cubes in colors you think you would use a lot and testing them out.

[@melissazabower339]

I haven't fallen prey to the full set syndrome. I buy inks i like. I haven't been able to make cards fast, though! Part of my issue is that I don't have a dedicated space -- everything has to be brought out and put away every time. And paper pads areNOT cheating! I looooove pretty paper. 😊❤️

[@kathyaclaude4966]

Thank you, this is very helpful ❤

[@stellarcraftsbypam]

I used to think I needed all the Lawn Fawn sets from every new release… omg was I wrong! It became hard to keep up! Now I’m picky and just buy the sets I really love ❤ I’m the same with inks. I decided to get rid of my CTMH and SU (b/c I kept getting full set syndrome on both and they kept coming out with new colors every year), and limited my inks to Catherine Pooler mini inks, distress oxides and mini distress inks. However, even CP inks are hard to keep up with but because I don’t have the room for more, I tell myself I don’t need more!

[@craftyasonline]

It took me awhile to realize I don’t want every new thing and that I really like what I already have, so I should use it.

[@diannesims7958]

Thx for this video. I particularly like #4 & #5, lol. I like patterned paper and my stuff is really scattered. But I DON'T CARE.

[@kkrolf2782]

Re: o.d. 4:23 … Since it took so long to accomplish the coloring of that lil beastie, why not USE YOUR PRINTER to make DUPLICATES? Or, if not that, at least make a REMOVABLE INSIDE PANEL with a note telling the recipient that they should feel free to remove that piece and pass on your beautiful handiwork to someone else? I’ve done that a few times, as I find it sad to think of my resources ending up in the landfill!!

[@Gundelfine]

Yes. This is what I do as well. I mark every card as handmade and "renewable" with the instruction just to replace the personalized removable text sheet inlay with another sheet and pass the card on to another nice person. Also I try to scan most selfmade backgrounds or paintings for reprinting them later, if I thonk, they could match to another creative idea of mine. If I print with an inklusive printer on aquarell paper it's even hard to see the difference. If I coloured a stamp which comes even with a cutting die, I can use the die to cut out the print of the coloured stamp. Also I love to use printed Gift paperrolls as a designpaper. It is much cheaper the any designpaper and I can match the Card to the giftwrap. I also don't have to "fear" that an kind of paper will run out weile I will have so many ideas to use it later for other projects...

[@BerniBernsify]

I don't think I'd call these lies, they're misconceptions we build in our minds. I think a better video title would be "I wish someone would have told me these things when I started..." Things like make sure you have an area to put your items and that they're easily accessible. Before you buy something new, do you have room for it? We definitely don't need everything for several reasons - 1. If I miss out on something I really like, it's going to be made again 2. Too much stifles creativity like crazy 3. The crafting industry is never going to stop making things we love, never 😂 therefore we're never going to miss out

[@CraftyComeLately]

Also if you color an image, could you scan and put it on several cards? As long as you don't sell it, I think it's OK and time saving.

[@amyfouts9781]

Thank u Jess. How much r your templates 4 cutting paper so there is no scraps? Have a great, blessed day.

[@laurasutton1551]

That fun fold cards are hard to make

[@MichelleM-kp2gm]

Love fun folds ❤

[@leeannsutherland858]

If using patterned paper is cheating is a quilter cheating when they use patterned material? 😊 it’s just another medium…like mixed media art….it’s fun to try different things and if you are having fun and enjoying the results it’s ok no matter what anyone says!

[@aprildahlstrom7063]

I found i dont need so many ink pads of the same color but different shade i just stamp off

[@kristie3963]

I’m fairly new to paper crafting. I wish tutorials would quit telling me to save every scrap. It gave me a complex. Lol. I was buying things on Amazon to store scraps. Good grief I craft for fun if I wanted to organize things I would clean out the closets. Trash the scraps unless you enjoy the challenge of herding scraps into organizers.

[@Natalia-009]

This was me, i thought i needed everything that people have on youtube. I was so sad i couldnt afford it. 😅

[@BETTYCERVANTES-k8o]

Jess where did you learn to use COPIC markers is there a class.

[@kellykellie85]

There are online classes. There are KZbin videos too with lots of tips and tricks, if you shift through and are patient. It took me awhile, but I'm happy that I learned how to use this medium.

[@JessCrafts]

I learned a lot from free tutorials including those from Sandy Allnock. But I have also taken classes from Sandy Allnock and Kit and Clowder. Kit and Clowder has a few free classes that could be very helpful. www.kitandclowder.com/markers101

[@coraliecampbell6946]

Adorable dragon card!

[@shannonroberts7242]

Question, Do you mostly give cards away of do you sell them? :)

[@pennyf9886]

there's been a lot of videos on storage and its rather ridiculous. the card making craft is expensive on its own so purchasing storage doesnt make any sense.

[@shay7090]

I love stickers, but I guess that’s a no no.

[@JessCrafts]

I also use stickers so it's definitely not a no no to me.

[@shay7090]

@@JessCrafts aww I’m glad you said this. I buy them from Hobby Lobby on clearance. I told a friend I was just starting to make cards and then gave her one for her birthday that I made with patterned paper & stickers and she said, “Oh so you just use stickers?” I was deflated.

[@JessCrafts]

I'm so sorry that happened to you.

[@shay7090]

@@JessCrafts thank you. Been making me think to do crafting for myself. Like listing, journaling or scrapbooking.

[@bunnylands916]

Also, if you enjoy making cards, you can donate them. There are a lot of organizations that welcome donations of handmade cards - just do an Internet search.☺

[@sandravandewater1998]

Oh boy, lie number 1, the whole reason I started card making. What a joke, but I love my new hobby

[@emmasheppard2639]

All my dies are in one tub, it's mayhem and I don't care 😂 They wouldn't manufacture these papers if peeps didn't use them hey xxx

[@Ninjamom4]

❤❤❤

[@JessCrafts]

Thanks for watching!

[@pathoodjoy]

It's a lie that card making supplies are unique.. So many products promoted in cardmaking are borrowed from art supplies that many of us have been using for years and which are much less expensive as art supplies. As an example, I was using matte and gloss medium in acrylic painting in the 1970s. Water brushes are just paint brushes without a water reservoir. You have to rinse a water brush the same as a paint brush. Fussy cutting is not a new technique. Detailed paper cutting has been a craft for hundreds of years. It was not invented for card making. Develop your artist's skills and educate yourself about art techniques and you will greatly extend your cardmaking abilities.