Tips to Stop Shopping and Use Your Stash!

[@ireneparker8253]

Your statement stop collecting and start using really resonates with me. I sew, crochet, paint and upcycle. When I am actually crafting and creating it puts me in such a wonderful headspace. But, I have buried myself in stuff. I have achieved SABLE (stash acquisition beyond life expectancy) in all of my hobbies. I just turned 65 and plan to retire in 2 years. I don't want to spend my retirement managing stuff. 2024 is a no buy year for me. I want to spend more time actually working on projects. I enjoy your podcast format. I can put on a headset and listen while I work.

[@functionoflightone]

🤣🤣🤣 Irene you describe my situation exactly. I've never heard the term "sable" before, but I'm using it from now on. In my crafting group we just say, "I won't live long enough to use all this stuff." But I think SABLE is more pithy. Here's to us using our stashes in good health over many years. Blessings!

[@patti3d]

I thought about that too with all my art supplies. Then I said to myself I will have to leave all my supplies in my will for my son and granddaughter! 😎

[@michelleclifton8868]

SABLE!!!! This is exactly where I'm at! But I just keep buying! I must be stopped! Lol. I can't do a no buy 2024 since I already bought a bunch of stuff lol. So maybe I'll do no buys for each month the rest of the year. A no buy month seems much more achievable than committing to a whole year.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I need that on a t-shirt!

[@michelleclifton8868]

​@@patti3d I have been thinking about the way I store things, so my SO can just sell whole bins if I go before him. Or hire an estate sale planner to just take care of it for him. Slightly morbid, but not unrealistic lol.

[@CraftingMissAika]

To all my ADHD friendly crafters out there, here is a bit of knowledge: I've learned that most of us tend to enjoy studying and preparing for "a thing" much more than actually doing "the thing" 🤣 and sometimes never get to the part of actually doing it. This preparation triggers us to buy ALL the supplies (cause full set syndrome is a reality over here), spend more than we actually would spend to just try a new hobby. We don't need all the high-end stuff, we can start with simple things first and go on from there. A tip would be after watching a haul and getting interested, do watch reviews and comparisons! those videos could lead you to less expensive materials with all the dopamine rush of researching and trying to tame the buy-all-the-things monster we have. I'm trying this method to test if it can work for me and stop me from buying every material known to man just to try coloring for the first time 😆 Right now I'm getting myself into the review/comparison of pencil blenders to try to find just a single one to buy.. so far so good cause I have like 4 different brands just sitting in my cart patiently waiting.. I hope 😆

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That's really intersting!

[@cassfonnesbeck8057]

Haha! You are so right!

[@LAURAb4k]

Right on!! I can relate friend 😊

[@louisapdjones]

❤❤❤ Putting the frugal into crafting again! WTG, Lindsey. You have always provided such a service with what you do for us, and now you double down. Brava 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@Alliekat423]

Lindsay, maybe something to address in a future podcast- Do you have any tips for rotating through your stash when you have a lot? I have a lot of supplies (which I love)- especially watercolors. I constantly feel stuck in a conundrum feeling like I want to really get familiar with a limited amount of supplies/colors- so I can get better at color mixing, really knowing what I have etc, but then I feel like I’ll neglect the majority of things I have. Then I think about getting rid of stuff- but I don’t like the idea of that either because all of my watercolors/supplies bring me joy. They are like my preciouses with each having their own personality and potential. So how do I balance becoming familiar with my supplies to grow as an artist while also not neglecting things? Is that even possible?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That's a tough one, I tend to rotate through my stash because I want to post a variety of videos on my stash. I'll think about it!

[@dawn4224]

One cost of excess is the time and effort in decluttering. I did a major decluttering of my entire possessions. Most items were easy but not the art materials. It took time to find artists or students or classes that needed the items! I donated massive bookmaking items to a university bookmaking class. I donated to art classes at the school where my son teaches. I gave supplies to artists who were taking the same classes I was taking. I donated to family members who would use the free art supplies. In the end I re-evaluated what I seriously would use and what I would not. I am now focusing on fewer art mediums and enjoying them more. Good blog!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good for you! When I did konmari I did art supplies last, like sentimental items.

[@debfries9880]

You are an inspiration and should be sooo proud of yourself!!!! Way to Go.

[@Froglynn33]

I really appreciated the discussion of traditional (multi-use) vs. trendy/seasonal/nondurable supplies.

[@louisapdjones]

Thank you for doing a podcast! I love visiting with you while I do my thing... draw, paint, sew crochet. Love it... do more ❤❤❤😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Will do!!

[@patti3d]

Yes, the last 4-5 years changed a lot of our thinking about availability.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yup

[@MaryYoungblood-xy8vg]

I love the idea of storing things at the store.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yes!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I have a lot of paper pads that I store at the store--I have PLENTY of paper, ha ha. My son picked up on this and for Christmas bought me four paper pads that I had been [formerly] visiting. 😂😂

[@gertietheduck]

I don't mind some of my supplies outliving me 😄. I have my starter sets of Neocolors I&II, Neopastels, Supracolors and Derwent Artists pencils (all well loved and used /many worn down to just itty bitty nubs) from childhood. I was lucky that my mum indulged my passion for art as a child (later not so much), and they remind me of happier times. They were my first loves and I will never use them up completely and want to keep them as a sentimental object. I have brand new versions of some of these that I use regularly (particularly Neocolor I - one of my fave sketchbook materials). I kind of want my childhood supplies to still be here when I am gone, and maybe pass on to another kid. They still work, BTW!

[@alicem1111]

Thank you for these types of talks, Lindsey. I listen to them while sorting through my things. I’ve been trying to sell what I don’t think I’ll use and am preparing to use what I’ve got more diligently. It’s like having a friend who gets it with me ❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm glad!

[@twk8520]

This is why I listen to you still. You promote products but won't hesitate to say don't buy them or if they're just not any good. So many in this space act as if art is just an infomercial. The truth is often non-existent Sadly. Like finding a needle in a haystack.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Ain't that the truth!

[@jimflack9462]

My daughter's husband got her a Scan n Cut for Christmas. Now, I don't think I have to buy one because she brings hers with her when she comes to visit! The "want monster" was foiled!! I'm not doing a complete Kon Mari, but I am downsizing of "stuff." No man needs as many clothes as I have, only because I never get rid of the old ones. I saved the old stuff I wore in my classroom and I retired 14 yrs ago. It's time. My children will thank me someday when they have to go through what's left. ( Hopefully it'll be a while yet!😂) Love your podcasts!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you!

[@ellencha5975]

Two big thoughts- 1. When the algorithm tells you how long you could paint with your paint before you run out; I want to try it to see how long I could eat without going to the store. 2. I just moved into a small house, very small, and my painting desk and supplies take up at least 80% of the space my kitchen gets which is very tiny. I have decided I’m now old and allowed to be eccentric. I’m going to stop going to the food store and instead just paint all the time.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Sounds good!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

😂

[@debfries9880]

Hilarious. How long I could eat without going to the store resonates with me. I have freezers & a pantry full of food to eat as I'm a fruit & veggi gardener, I can & dehydrate my harvest, and my husband fishes and hunts. I'm gonna shop my pantry & freezer stash!

[@jesseb5112]

I think you have been sharing a powerful message for a long time. You have taught us to learn our style, accept our changes, and buy things that make what we have more useful. You have also taught us to not buy, or at least not without true consideration, to buy things that will replace instead of enhance what we have. I appreciate your steadiness in this.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome:)

[@debfries9880]

I ditto this comment. I also try to buy things that enhance what I already have, i.e. a background ocean stencil to go with my ocean dies/stamps. I am on a no-buy for 2024 to use up my stash. I am a cardmaker and have watched so many of your card making videos. I love your "doesn't have to be perfect" card approach and watching you use old products & your stash. I'm more of a perfectionist and your style is counter to mine but I love it. It's so helpful & reminds me to "let go", create a hot mess, use what I have (even old creative memory supplies) and experiment. Thank you!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

This was a great podcast and I really enjoyed your suggestions. In 2020-21 I streamlined and donated a lot my craft supplies--I had an excellent bank of supplies going into the lockdown foolishness. In 2022 I sorted my crafting and stored it by category (papers, stamping, diecuts, laminating, etc.) I organized basic supplies onto two carts to make it easier to sit down and spontaneously craft. In 2023 I resolved "no new craft lines," ha ha--thankfully I have never been trendy and this extends to my crafting. I talked my husband into inheriting an enormous vintage office desk for a real craft area (which I LOVE), and now everything is easily accessible and out of the dining room. I got busy and made stacks of card bases, and envelopes with cards. Christmas was the year for the "not Misti" stamp platform I have always wanted (I made a DIY platform) because it finally became available at a good price. I also think about things in terms of "will I use it before I die?". I turned off KZbin suggestions, stopped watching the "latest and trendiest," I saved videos and subscribed to channels (Frugal Crafter obviously made the cut), and refer to image searches for inspiration. 2024 is the year of organizing fabric (aiee!), planned altered photo frames, shadowboxes, and scrapbooks of the kid and family. After I post this I am off to Amazon to remove the affordable 72 set of Staedler colored pencils from my shopping list because I have plenty of Prismacolors at my craft desk. 😂😂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good idea! I don't have a lot or fabric but I fold it up and fine it in a drawer so I can see each kind on its end. I have 4 drawers.

[@amozinshade484]

Those tips are solid! Also to those who have the fear of not being able to buy art supplies in the future, I really really really do recommend to stick to affordable reliable supplies right now and let that be the bulk of your supplies & supplement it with a limited selection of artists quality stuff and see how that works. When I have been in a tight spot financially I stopped using my better supplies because I knew it was difficult to replace them and although I invested the money already I had the fear of missing them if I used them up and not being able to get them back. It's not a good idea to get more artist quality or expensive supplies if you would be in a situation that can encourage you to just save them up. 😥

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Agreed.

[@cassandragoth8486]

Just before lockdown, I panic bought a lot of art/craft supplies as I didn't know when non essential shops might open again. Also I had arty crafty kids at home with schools closed for months and I was so glad of the supplies to keep us busy. Now even though that horrible time is long behind us I find it hard not to stock pile art/craft supplies in case something similar happens again though realistically I don't think it ever would. So now I have an over spilling craft room 😂 I wonder if anyone else feels the same?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yes, many of us do! I felt a similar thing because I used to have a teaching studio, so I always had extras, so coming to terms with the possibility of that season of life being over it was not just a feeling of loss of the supplies if I got rid if the stuff but the loss of that possibility. It's complex for sure!

[@amypak]

Collecting art books is one of my addictions... What helped me was ordering them through our county library system. By having to wait for them to be transferred to my library and taking a thorough look at them, I was quite surprised by several of them not being what I thought they would be. Most were just fine with a quick once over, realizing I could take them out again if I really wanted to. Others actually were a pleasant surprise as they contained more than I expected, or I knew I'd want to have it on hand to refer to often. If there were no libraries in my county that had the book, sometimes I could search on KZbin and would find that someone did a flip-through of it. Older, out of print books can also sometimes be found on archival sites where you can "borrow" it for an hour and view it that way. All these suggestions to say, this helped curb my desire for purchasing too many books and wasting my money! I could focus on just getting the ones I REALLY liked. 🙂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great idea!

[@tarjaholmberg7073]

Thank you for giving good advices. In the end of last year I put together my own watercolor palette. I took my colors I use the most, out of every set I own. And made a decision to only buy replacements of those 14 colors . And I know none of them go waste. I have a long experience of what artsuplies I´ve needed in the past. And that´s really what helps me not to buy something I don´t use.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@cathym3182]

I'm so glad that you started the podcasts again. Your tips are spot on. I've been decluttering & donating items to a non-profit recycle shop nearby. It feels good to get rid of stuff! Reading all the comments, I commend everyone for their plans but can we say the same things come June? Maybe a follow-up podcast/reminder in June will help us.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good idea!

[@Ann-ey1tw]

I love the idea of watching old videos of products I have that I don’t use often. I have those Caran d’ ache water soluble Neocolor II crayons that I do like, but haven’t really learned how to use it to its best results. I definitely am trying to do a no-buy year, I have so many things I need to use up. And I’ve had a lot of other unexpected expenses recently, so I need to not spend $ to cover those unexpected expenses. Thanks for this blog!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@gaylewills1294]

I am on a no buy. I am 61 and watch my grandson 5 days a week..I did buy stampin up and creative memories many yrs ago. But now I have gotten so much at goodwill..I have found wooden stampin up sets for $4. Even 2 creative memory albums new in pkg. But now I am not buying anything except adhesive. I made a plan for catching up scrapbooking and hope to have my albums caught up within 2 yrs. I have 12 kids...now adults. The youngest 5 are not completely done. Once they are done I will do 1 album for each of my 10 grandkids. I also do a family album. And keep an album my husband and me..I am making my 2 goals of the yr working on my physical body and scrapbooking.😊 .

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Wow! Sounds like you are off to a good start!

[@susanbaker3078]

Thanks for this great blog and the one before it, Lindsay, on using and enjoying what we already have and resisting the compulsive urge to buy MORE!!! I'll be replaying them several times!!!❤ In 2021, I thought I had to have a set of Neocolor 2 wc crayons and a set of FC Albrecht Durer wc pencils. They're beautiful, but I hardly ever use them along with other purchases that I was sure I needed. Most of the art supplies I already had were just fine, but it's sometimes difficult to know if the tempting new supplies will make a difference & will be worth the time, money, storage space, mental space, etc., especially if they aren't being used. Recently, I did make my first homemade sketchbook, using some old paper and other repurposed materials. I love it! I'm pleased with how it turned out, and it means more to me than the ones I bought on an good Amazon discount, last fall. A fun attractive project that used up some really old paper and I only needed to buy some new white glue to complete it!! Yay!! Hugs and happy creating everyone!❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Awesome!

[@susanlee8023]

Thank you so much for this! I’ve been sober for 17 years and I know what addiction feels like, so I took it seriously when I noticed that my stuff was outgrowing its space and I was still shopping for more. I’m making 2024 my year to Let It Go, and it is extraordinary to see all the emotional issues that come up while I attend to my physical things. I am so here for the life-changing magic of tidying up. It’s wonderful to hear you talk through these issues because I trust your experience and your honesty. ❤🎉❤🎉

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you!

[@AKM8829]

Cleaning my laundry room as I listen to this 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Love that!

[@cloverrabbit5622]

During the pandemic I was watching You Tube videos like crazy and they probably "made me" buy some of their products quicker than I would have normally bought them. I did get into art journaling during the pandemic but it was something I had wanted to try for a very long time and I still enjoy art journaling very much to this day. After scrapbooking and card making for over 20 years I needed something new to try. So, I definitely agree with waiting for a period of time before buying something new. Great podcast, I really enjoyed it.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@FaerieDust]

I think we, as humans, aren't wired for the kind of extreme abundance we live with in the wealthier parts of the world. Culturally, things have changed a lot, too - we've never had this much variety and access, and I know it took me forever to realize that sales happen all the time these days, and even if something is discontinued there'll be some equivalent product sooner or later. I started calculating the cash difference when things were on sale - it turns out that most sales aren't actually that significant 🤷‍♀️ I've also got a really firm rule that I'm not allowed to buy more storage. I have more than enough room, I could fit a ton of bookcases and my basement is practically empty, but it's a HARD no. If I run out of space, I'll just have to get rid of something. When I shop with the mindset of "what will I have to get rid of in order to have space for this new thing?" I end up buying much less.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great mindset!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Yes! Today I went looking for a set of Bible highlighters because the refillable click ones I have are used up and I do not like them enough to buy refills. My favorites were old Stabilo Boss, then Staedler (Austria) when Stabilo Boss were discontinued. The Staedler Dry Highlighter line was also discontinued. 😩 Today I found a new triangle line by Staedler (Germany)--the replacements are out there, sometimes they take time to find. 😊

[@williammcneill2753]

i need to give myself permission to play. No worries about the cost of material. No worries about fails. No worry about using up my supplies.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yes!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Agreed! When it came time to buy a Christmas present for friends this year, my husband's comment was "You have been doing all of this craft stuff, why don't you just make them something?" I pulled out a cutesy/mildly tacky photo frame I had bought to alter, then searched my stash for the right paper and pulled out some embellishments. I coated the frame with India ink and then papered the front, sprayed it with matte acrylic, and added embellishments (gears and keys)--and wanted to keep it, ha ha. I stamped up a paper bag, made a little card for some cash, and wrapped it up for them. They really liked it, especially the husband. I did not fret about using my India ink, the old(er) paper, or the frame.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

@@user-mv9tt4st9k it sounds gorgeous!

[@michelleclements6383]

Oh my goodness!! Saving this to hear over and over. Perfect message for me.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@Julie-vy3oz]

Early on in my art adventure I started watching your KZbin and a couple episodes stuck with me. In one you mentioned how you could probably never use up all your palettes (you mentioned that in this episode, too) and I took that to heart. The second was to not treat our supplies as precious. And that stuck with me too-I try to use and play with everything. I often say “my supplies out pace my talent” but it’s all fun. I try really hard to be in replacement mode with supplies rather than acquisition. Thanks for the reminder!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Replacement instead of acquisition, love it!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

My favorite episode was about how to make and refill pigment inks. I learned about glycerine and was able to try out powder embossing on a budget.

[@suearcher8708]

Good talk Lindsay! I always wait at least three days before I click go. It has served me well. The best thing I got out of Kon Mari was the "store it at the store" rule. I told you the other day that I was planning on not buying new stuff and mastering my scan&cut for 2024. I did not mention that I was planning on looking up old youtube videos on supplies that I already have...like Brusho powders and perfect pearls...I love them but I am looking for new things to do with them. Also I have an obscene collection of 12x12 paper pads, but I figure most of them are so old they will be new again. I have recently met a new friend with a 14 yr old son who is exploring his creative self. They don't have the $$ to buy supplies. It gives me great joy to pass on to him things that I hope spark joy in him. I think I am on my way to being part of the solution, at least I hope so..

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Brusho!!!! I think I need to get mine out! Great ideas!

[@TamboArtwork]

I also wait at least three days before I click "buy". The longer I wait the less likely I am to buy something.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

​@@TamboArtworkI have things in my cart that were added in 2021. 😂😂

[@TamboArtwork]

@@user-mv9tt4st9k I have old favorites list on Jerry's from 2021. Jerry's deleted my older ones. : D

[@anitadavidson1266]

Thank you so very much for this follow up podcast. I needed the reinforcement. I have decided that stopping completely is simply not going to happen. However, I now intend to collate all my current supplies - many are unopened and also currently AWOL, so I think seeing everything out in the open may be all I require to curb my art supply addiction to the occasional treat. Reading everyone’s comments in part one, along with this video has helped me feel less isolated with what I was feeling was a huge problem. I picked up tips from you and other listeners. Thank you Lindsay and thank you to fellow listeners - you’re fantastic! 👩🏻‍🎨🖌️🎨❤️

[@thefrugalcrafter]

We can be intentional and have the best of both worlds! We cam add to the stash when it provides value.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Enjoy the process. I recently opened and collated some goodies I was given for Christmas. Because I had already organized and purged my craft supplies last year I was able to see what might coodinate together and I got a lot of ideas based on projects I have in the works. 😊

[@anitadavidson1266]

@@user-mv9tt4st9k thank you so much for these encouraging words. The art community truly are the best, most supportive on KZbin. 👍🏻😊

[@CraftingMissAika]

Another thing I'm doing is actually thinking about what I've stock up over the years and what can be used in different crafts, as you said. I have stamps that I can use in coloring books, or color them on a card, or make notepads and then the stamping pads that I've learned years ago how to refill if they are dried up, then with them using sponges to make backgrounds, cutting those up to make some shapes that I can use to scrapbook and get to use all those cardstock I've bought and implement them in some covers for book binding that leads to using the cinch I have had for so long and make a notebook to write all the ideas I gather from different videos using the colored pens I had for so long... intertwine! And if you see a material that you cannot use for multiple things just try selling or giving it away to charity. In my case it will be my beads and the charity is called my daughter 🤣 since it is a material that does not go bad with time I can save them up to teach my daughter how to make bracelets and have fun kiddo time with her without thinking it was a waste of money buying so-many-freaking-beads 🤣🤣 I have to detached feelings from the supplies I have (that's a slow learning curve for me) and let go of unused stuff that are just cluttering my craft room, for example, glues and paints that have expired and have no real use for them but there they are sitting in my closet 😪 Cleaning and sorting things is my biggest challenge (maybe my adhd does not contribute to that 😆), I keep makings excuses to save them up beyond their time but I'm trying to learn. In the great words of Dean Winchester "Hey, be like Elsa.. just LET IT GO" 😅😍

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Love it!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I like to buy supplies with an eye toward multiple crafts, and I have used a lot for Sunday school crafts and boxing inherited jewelry (a seemingly never ending project). My mother the beader views me as that daughter: She recently asked about learning to bead and I told her I had no space for new craft lines, and would love to shop what she had for the simple beading and wire wrapping that I actually do--she has some amazing bead stuff. When she visited she was amazed at my different shelves of organized supplies.

[@CraftingMissAika]

@@user-mv9tt4st9k I just love the idea of my daughter being able to shop my stash 😍 since she is almost 5yrs old atm she can only "kinda borrow my stash" and use it with supervision 🤣 But let me tell you as a mom's perspective: when she says she wants to do some simple craft or coloring or have an idea for an artsy project, or something broke and she gets very sad, the feeling I get when I van just go into my craft room and help her is literally like I'm Supermom 😍 Now my mother is experimenting with different types of knitting and she comes to my house and talk about "a thing" she needs I usually say "I got you mom", and not only know what tool she needs but go grab it from my craft room and the expression of "WOOOW" she makes just makes my day 😁 In this process I destash materials I've never used and use some of the ones forgotten in a pile somewhere. It is amazing growing up in a artsy/crafty family and I am so proud to keep this loving for crafts alive that my grandma taught to me 🥰 I still regret never wanted to learn needle work from her but when I see my mom doing it, I swear, my brain does not compute and it's just magic to me 🤯 I never understood how I've manage to learn cross-stitch to be honest 🤣

[@ChantelleArts]

Fantastic tips, I love it ☺☺☺

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you so much 😊

[@pantalonious3984]

I needed this video so badly lmao! I must have 100 sets of dies and stamps and stencils and all the things that I haven’t even used yet and still have the “need” to buy all the new things and the cycle continues I need to stop buying and start shopping my stash because I KNOW I will find things Ive forgotten about and that’s basically like a new supply right there!! I want to do a “Die No Buy” at the very least because I am really into upgrading my color creating supplies (inks pads sprays pens markers etc) so that’s my plan. I need to at least organize what i have so i can actually find and use the stuff i have to. . . Man the struggle is real here !!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

it sure is!

[@sunnycharacter]

I “plan” to low-buy, but never a “no-buy” in regards to art supplies. Believe me, I have plenty of paints for the rest of my old life at 69. But, those are renewables I collect for the love of paints. Paper I have to buy and can’t just pull new paper out of my 😂 I love shopping my paint stash though. Always an adventure!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It sure is!

[@SherlockOhms119]

Great talk. Maybe use a seal a meal on your opened glues and tubes of paint. I especially do that for those with volatile compounds that evaporate like grip cement, keeps it good. They last way longer sealed up even after the container is opened, seal it up again. I leave room for resealing. I seal up my liner pens that I don't use often.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great idea!

[@theresapalmer7892]

Oh, my gosh such great suggestions to try. I was actually preparing some free share goody bags for a friend who is trying to start a junk Journaling group. I have been looking for ways to clean out my excess stash and see that it gets used. These will be starter kits for newbies and I will share some of your tips today with them at the first meet up. They were all card makers so have those stashes to use up too.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That's a great idea!

[@OG-ux8sf]

I also crochet and have been buying way too much yarn. Today, I am going to use what I have in my stash.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You can do it!

[@michelleclifton8868]

Lol!!! I haven't crocheted or any other yarn related activity in forever. So yell me why I got lured into buying a Lion's yarn mystery box along with several ready to dye hanks? I think one helpful thing for me is to unsubscribe from all art/craft related emails, texts and notifications. If I see it, the Want Monster takes control! 😂

[@Gypsisoul1111]

I HAD to just HAD to have the Derwent XL Blocks. I love them but not sure what to do with them ha ha, I like your idea about looking at older reviews on what we already have.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I totally get it!

[@ginabadeaux9319]

i just got the 12 xl set im glad i got them ,72.00 was pricey but in my mind i wanted daniel smith sticks but the xl were bigger so i got them just need to keep trying to make good art with them

[@lindabatey5876]

I’ve almost cured my watercolor paint addiction! I bought a big swatch book. I’m in the process of putting all of my paint brands in the swatch book. I write the pigment number and name of each color on each swatch. This is tedious but strangely fun! It’s really giving me a good idea of what I already have!!! I’m also including my watercolor pencil sets in the swatch book. After swatching the fifth brand of artist watercolors, and I have more to go, the thoughts of purchasing another brand almost sickens me!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Oh wow. That would cure me of buying more paint too! It's great though, you are really going to know what you have!

[@elyselaforest7700]

I swatched my watercolor paints on baseball card sized pieces of watercolor paper... labeling them etc. When I filed them by color, I was blown away by how many were identical. Crazy! Now I know I've over bought.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

well, they won't go bad so there is that:)@@elyselaforest7700

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Lindsay, I am enjoying your new flush of Blogs! so many wonderful thoughts and actions we can all benefit from, Thanks!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@FaithAnnNB]

I grew up in a very rural community as well (an hour drive to a small town, 2.5 hours to a small city) and I have always blamed that for my “stock up syndrome”. It makes me not want to run out of something because it used to be so difficult to buy anything (no online ordering back then!). Now that I live in a small city, I do have access to day-to-day things easily, but for a lot of art supplies, I need to order online and make the order and shipping “worth it”, so I have a tendency to stock up so I won’t have to order again too soon. That has lead to a WELL stocked art supply cabinet and craft room. Hence… shopping my stash in 2024 (probably several people could shop my stash in 2024 and I’d still have too much lol). So far, so good… almost at end of January and no purchases this year 😅.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are doing great!

[@jessieg4901]

A hack that I discovered recently to revive my watercolor paper that’s lost it’s sizing, is I will water down acrylic paint until it’s the consistency of water, and evenly soak the paper and let it dry over night. It acts as great sizing alternative, and I kid you not! It works!! I’ve tried it on strathmore 400, and other papers that the sizing went bad, and it works soooo well. I actually feel like it improves the quality of the paper, my paintings are more vibrant and look great. It’s great to be able to avoid losing paper!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Fantastic! I'll try that. Do you use any white acrylic?

[@jessieg4901]

@@thefrugalcrafter so far I’ve just used cheap craft acrylics from dollar tree 😂😅 I mix white with a vintage off white, I’ve only watered it down to an inky/water consistency, and haven’t tried any of my more expensive acrylics, was kinda afraid it would be plasticy looking, but I think I’ve found what works! I wanna try watering down modge podge glue too ! Just to see lol

[@thefrugalcrafter]

@jessieg4901 please keep me upated!

[@jessieg4901]

@@thefrugalcrafter sure will!!

[@alicem1111]

I really enjoyed the format and the topic, Lindsey!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yay, thank you!

[@shadowguard3578]

The future me needs to be healthy, but I love donuts too much LOL! Joking aside, I have mentioned in various videos (your channel and others too), that I’m doing a watercolor no buy until November 2024, and a low buy for other art supplies. One thing that can be hard to resist is a sale or discount, but if I need something I don’t have a problem buying it. One of my sketchbooks is almost finished and I needed a larger size from the same the range. I found the exact sketchbook at a discount from Amazon warehouse so I bought it. So in two months I have purchased one replacement sketchbook, yay! Another interesting podcast, thank you!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

My pleasure

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Replacement supplies are fair game!

[@shadowguard3578]

@@thefrugalcrafter👍☺️

[@shadowguard3578]

@@user-mv9tt4st9k👍😀

[@nathaliedale]

When my daughter was little there was something she really wanted but I didn't want to buy it for her (I don't remember what it was). She started putting money in he piggy bank to buy it.... it took her a longer than she expected and when she finally had enough money to buy it she decided not to because she thought it was too expensive for what it was and figured she would not get enough use or fun in return. I should try that for myself and see how many things I would end up not buying...

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good advice!

[@SkiSkateSmile]

That was brilliant. Thank you. I've been struggling with no buy :). Watching haul videos, fear of running out of my favourite products, thats a huge one, and trying to treat myself because i was deprived as a child ( we had money but my needs and wants weren't important)are my stumbling blocks. I was so determined, I was stocked up...and then I discovered kremer company in Germany that sells pigments and aquazol. :). So I'll be making my own watercolour. I admit I am beyond excited....but i would really like to stop buying now. As you say, the struggle is real. Very helpful and inspiring video. I have high hopes:) . Thank you very much for taking the time and sharing.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's hard when we have to parent our inner child. We try, and fill the voids that were created when we didn't have the power or means to meet our needs as children. I see this a lot. I think it might stem for a need for control but if you can think of future you and do things now that will care for you later you can take control and not feel like you are missing out. You got this!

[@SkiSkateSmile]

Ah thank you. You are so kind. You are right. Now that I have my freedom it would be foolish to give the control to some shopping addiction. Enjoy my freedom and all the beautiful things I have bought already. Play time. Who needs another candy when i accidentally got myself a whole chocolate factory! I got this. Thank you thank you thank you. Much appreciated 🙏. Hope you enjoy your freedom as well, and all your beautiful watercolour travel palettes, and looking forward to your future videos. Very best wishes to you and the family, Gabriela

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

I have had more than one bottle of Gorrilla glue go bad. I agree with your whole blog. I bought, saved and used supplies over the past 35 years. A couple things like glue have gone bad. Over the past two years I have been restocking the few things I have that I used up. My old supplies are made new because I look at a tutorial that gives me more ideas on how to use that supply. Like you said. You are one of my sources. Thank you for resourceful ideas.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@angelag9346]

Hi Lindsay... this follow up podcast about "no buy" was perfect timing....I'm so happy your podcasts are back...please keep them coming!!❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Will do!!

[@sonyaoart]

I often use your reviews as deterrents and most of the time, I walk away not buying the product. Thank you for saving me so much money. Podcasts are great, thanks for the company while I cleaned my kitchen before bed (future me will be pleased).

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@heatherhigbee5144]

I’m really trying to be more intentional this year (hopefully lifelong) for everything but especially for purchases. I lose inspiration the more I’m surrounded by convenience products. I feel most inspired when I see a new product (paint color, paste and gel mediums, etc) and try to replicate it, so it’s a conundrum that I purchase so many of them. In the craft arena, sometimes it just looks and feels like assembling rather than creating, which I get for some people (to each their own), but for me, I need to create to be happy. For real cost, I always try to think of purchases in terms of hours worked. I tried to teach my kids this too asking them if they were willing to work x amount of hours to buy whatever…apparently they love to work 😂 I went off the rails this past year, and I’m hoping to fix that this year. Thank you for this and last week’s too. The topics and ideas you discuss are thought provoking, and I feel like I should be taking notes!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you!

[@annettefournier9655]

Good points. Thanks Lindsay 💜

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@ShwetaC]

+10000 I wish KZbin would allow me to put these many likes! I’m loving this series, and gauging by what you said, if you’ll publish this as podcast to podcast platforms like apple, Spotify, etc, I’ll subscribe in a heartbeat and I’m not the only one 😊🎉❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It is! Search "the frugal crafter" in your favorite podcast app!

[@Princess_karen]

During the shutdown I get fear of loss syndrome and purchased $15,000.00 worth of craft machines and supplies. It snuck up on me and before I knew it I was so deep in debt I will never be able to get out, I am 67 years old and working two jobs to try and payoff all this debt, I will be 80 before I can retire. I am trying to make things to sell. when I am not working, I have very little time to see family and no friends now because I work so much. Everyone needs to take my advise and think before you buy

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Oh, I am so sorry. Dont work yourself to death, maybe you can sell the machines?

[@128titanic]

Hi, Lindsay. Thank you for your video.🎉.❤.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@angb1923]

I appreciate this. I am trying to be more intentional about my crafty wants/needs. I have been wanting a stamp set that is over 20$-I have talked myself out of it for now. I think you said or someone else said they want to consume less and create more. I"m really going to keep with that. I truly do want to consume less and create more. Goals!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Nice!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I achieved balance with my stamps; that is, I trulynhave all I need for my aesthetic. That noted, I understand and have talked myself out of dozens of $20 stamp sets. I did cave for my birthday and bought a set of numbers, BIG numbers, because I had been waiting for just the right ones. They were less than $20 and on my first demo I made a perfect bookmark. Win!

[@suel4269]

Perfect timing for this! I bought a small set of Inktense pencils so I could try your still life tutorial. By the time they arrived, I forgot why I bought them. A year later , your tutorial popped up. So I finally did it. I was thinking I need more colors but since I have so many watercolors, probably not.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michelleclifton8868]

Lol!!!! I was trying to organize all the stuff. I found a silicone mold that has nickle sized circle depressions. I was like, what on earth did I buy this for?!? I threw it in with my resin molds and forgot about it again. Yesterday I saw one for sale on Temu and realized I bought it to make wax seals!!! I have made literally 2 wax seals since buying all the stuff for it. I am making a list of all these products and if I don't use them by December I am donating them. I'm doing this with all of the categories of supplies I have while organizing my studio. I have so many categories that I haven't touched in well over a year and sometimes longer. 😮

[@suel4269]

@@thefrugalcrafter I listened while I was dusting , but now I’m curious about the crayons you mentioned. 🫣

[@ematthews3267]

Can you add this and the previous blog to your book😂 Along with all your frugal diy tips. Future Lindsay😊 Eleanor xx

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great idea!!

[@lindahutchings5394]

I agree!😊

[@allthumbs3792]

Love your channel/blog and advice! Using what you have is my mantra this year.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Wonderful!

[@sharonwinfield7591]

Thank you Lindsay!!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@annekenlon]

"Want monster" - lol - love all of this so much - thank you for sharing your insights, I love listening to you.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome

[@FaithAnnNB]

Haha… I jokingly say ALL the time that I am buying art supplies to invest in my retirement 😂. My husband doesn’t buy it (neither do I, but it’s a more interesting excuse/reason than “I bought it because it was pretty and I couldn’t resist” 😂).

[@thefrugalcrafter]

😆 all valid reasons.

[@opal777]

I remember going to a crop a gazillion years ago where I had packed my car full of supplies to haul to and from. But that wasn’t the worst of it. When I arrived, my friends were already there and had hogged most of the space and I had to put a lot of my stuff in my room upstairs where we were all staying. But in that one moment as I looked around this hall where the event was happening, it was suddenly an eye opener. The place was filled with tons of stuff from table to table. I thought…what a horrible sin. What a horrible waste. We would never use up all of this “stuff.” In that moment, I decided to finish up my current few scrapbooks and then call it quits. I can remember going to a scrapbook party years earlier, where they told us that our old photo albums were ruining our photos and that we needed to put them in special albums and use special paper and special pens. I fell hook, line, and sinker because of the artsy part of this “new idea.” It wasn’t new. I had been scrapbooking the old fashioned way for years. But, they had pretty papers and embellishments. There were these special punches that created paper lace. I love lace…I just had to have it…in fact I had to have all of those punches. This Christian organization created a monster in me. They made a ton of profit off of me too. So at that crop, I made my decision and decided to use up whatever I could and to share whatever I could. That was about ten years ago. I turned to making cards and selling them cheap. Proceeds went to missionaries at our church. Believe it or not, I either gave away or used up most of my patterned paper over those ten years. I still have a ton of card stock, paint, markers, ink, stamps…etc…but I still use them and they bring me joy. But, I still plan on giving a lot of those away. How many times can you make a birthday card using the same stamp over and over again within the same family? Plus…now we can just print what we need these days. I had painted murals on my walls in my craft room and they are covered by furniture that houses all of my supplies. Everyone loves my albums and they look forward to my cards, but those memories of vacations probably cost just as much as one of our most expensive vacations. We could have travelled to Europe with the money tied up in those scrapbooks, cards, supplies, containers, and furniture to house it all. I no longer get joy from it knowing that it was a sin. I could have been using that money to feed the homeless. I could have sponsored a needy family. I feel horrible about my behavior towards a hobby. I feel ashamed. But what is done is done. I can only change and move forward. 🙁

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Big hugs to you. Don't feel bad. There is a lot of good you can do with your supplies! You can use and enjoy them, donate them, sell them and use the cash for other things. My sister once told me when she was giving something away that was expensive: "I'm not paying for that mistake twice." It made letting go easier.

[@debfries9880]

You need to give yourself grace and forgive yourself. You sound like a wonderful and caring person with a beautiful heart. God Bless You!

[@lalamalo]

Wonderful ideas ! I definitely need to shop more in my cupboards ! See you soon in Albi 😄

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Can't wait!

[@impish22]

another great vlog, thanks Lindsay

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@sanctityjohnson289]

In contrast to your "year of yes" last year, I've come across an (audio)book by Sarah Knight, "F*ck no! How to stop saying yes when you can't, you shouldn't, or you just don't want to." I haven't listened to it yet, as I'm still on her book, "The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a f*ck!" It's a practical (and hilarious) parody of your Marie Condo book. I'm not sure it's entirely relevant or on point to your podcast. But I do think it might help you combat the negative comments on your previous video, and perhaps the cons of being a KZbinr in general. If nothing else, it is super entertaining so far. I listen to and read these for free on the Libby app. Which enables you to borrow these books from your local library for free. The next book on my list is, "Goodbye, things" by Fumio Sasaki. Which you actually did coincidentally, mention in this recording. Thanks for your encouragement to buy less & with more purpose!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for the book recs!

[@BirdwithaBrush]

It is possible to maintain fluid acrylic paints, but it does take some diligence. You need to check them every year or two. Shake them thoroughly, or even better, stir with a paint brush handle or something else sturdy that can get thickened pigment at the bottom moving. Popping off the dispenser top allows you to spot more problems than just shaking. Then dispense a drop to test if the consistency looks good. If they're starting to get thick, add water, shake/stir, and test again. Don't assume that if one bottle of a brand is fine all of them are - I've had newer bottles thicken up faster than older. Pigments vary, and so do plastic containers. When fluid acrylics sit unused the pigment and binder starts to separate, and if goes on long enough there can a point of no return on that where the acrylic just sort of coagulates. They are also much more susceptible to damage from freezing than tube acrylics. It's not great for any of them, but I believe the art brands like Golden say a tube can withstand a few cycles of freezing. One episode of being frozen can 'curdle' a fluid acrylic, which is also a point of no return situation.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for the tip!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Ooh... Yes. I do that, and it has been a while. Thanks for the reminder.😮

[@carolshain2163]

Thank you, Lindsay! Sage advice to think about when I want what they have. I make myself wait to see if I really want or need it.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@monica-NJ-123]

I like these podcasts , I’m fairly to new to them but it was so interesting listening to you as I was painting , thank you for always saying “but use what you have “ when I follow your tutorials , it takes the pressure off buying supplies and encourages to be more creative with what you have , you really only need a pencil and some paper 🤭

[@thefrugalcrafter]

So true!

[@graceschadt9319]

I print out a copy of my order and make notes on it to remind myself who I bought it.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great idea!

[@elizekohler6199]

I'm not buying craft products yet, but I am doing a craft class here and there.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Nice!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Twenty years ago when my handful of rubber stamps and supplies were being moved from the shoebox to a larger bin, my husband teased me "Can this become a disease?" I told him "Oh yes, it can." I had NO CLUE. 😂😂😂

[@nicolethompson3782]

I definitely need to do this and somehow break social media’s hold on me. Lately Pinterest keeps showing me watercolors from lisilinka, it’s gorgeous and sparkly. Is there anything you could recommend to recreate that look of so sparkly watercolor without spending so much money? I would love to support a small business just can’t afford that currently or is it better to just save up and hope that it’s still available.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Get a jar of mica or a pan of solver and gold watercolor and mix with your main colors. See if you like it while you save up for the pricey brand.

[@nicolethompson3782]

@@thefrugalcrafter Thanks! Now that I’m thinking of it I probably do have something to use even if it’s just eyeshadow. I may need to re-listen to the video lol.

[@angelastone9109]

I try to watch KZbin videos featuring a product I own already, in hopes it will inspire me to use it.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good idea!

[@pebblesstleonards]

I really regret not buying 'spare' Derwent Aquatone pencils! My Chinese White pencil is just a stub... and the Ivory Black pencil has long gone. Derwent stopped making these pencils ages ago so stock in stores is now non-existent. I have Inktense pencils, which I love, but they're not the same as Aquatones.... Ah well, first world problems! 🙂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yes! I have a rep at derwent and I keep asking for them to come back. The Dina wakly scribble sticks are similar tho!

[@pebblesstleonards]

@@thefrugalcrafter Thank you for the alternative suggestion - although... "must resist, must resist"! 😊😉

[@janetsjewellery]

I am searching for the perfect pencil sharpener that does not break my pencils and never goes blunt. I went through some that had gone blunt a few years back and now the ones I bought to replace them are going the same way.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Are they electric sharpeners with helix blades? I have the best luck with those. I'm not sure if this link will work if you are outside of the USA, but I've been using this jarlink for a couple of years, and it's wonderful and affordable: amzn.to/3SAkXmw

[@janetsjewellery]

@@thefrugalcrafter Just remembered to check if you had replied to my comment. Enjoying watching critique club at the moment 🙂 They are all manual sharpeners and some have a container attached. I bought a battery operated sharpener a while back that worked once so I sent it back to amazon. I take a sharpener with me to class but I don't sharpen my pencils until the next day at home so I guess it doesn't matter what size it is. The link works fine so I will check it out, thanks.

[@janetsjewellery]

Two of the sharpeners were quite expensive I thought at £5 each. One is a Derwent that has two holes for different size pencils and comes with a spare blade. The other one is shaped like a pencil and has a smiley face and the Caran d'Ache logo on it.

[@janetsjewellery]

@@thefrugalcrafter The link took me to amazon in the UK so I will have a look here and see what I can find, thanks.

[@raemckay]

This is a great discussion to have. Here's my tip, which I implemented last year. It may be a bit unpopular, so be prepared: If you want to do "no-buy" or you really feel you have too much, and want to use up your stash - unsubscribe from the companies, designers, and influencers who share the "latest releases". I know the FOMO (fear of missing out) is real, but let me say: I found myself in a panic to buy the latest Becca Feeken/Tim Holtz/Simon Hurley/Gina K things every four months, when I hadn't even opened the packages from the last purchase I made. I was being INFLUENCED in a very direct way, because these companies want me to feel a sense of urgency. And by subscribing to these channels and these groups, I was basically signing-up for the pressure, and asking for it. I unsubscribed. Truly, I haven't missed it. Those creators are still there and I can find them again if I want, but it would be because I sought them out mindfully.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I totally get that and understand:)

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I turned off KZbin suggestions and subscribed to see what I want to see. It became annoying to see a perfectly tidy pristine whiite craft space full of store displays of the latest and greatest when all I wanted to do was view a technique. 😂

[@MarthaJamsa]

There’s a lot of good food for thought here. I save the “good stuff” too. I have fear of wasting expensive paint. But then when I use low quality paint, I’m motivated less because the quality is low. Duh. Argh. I’m OK with not being a complete minimalist and OK with liking variety, but environmental concerns do motivate me to reuse, recycle, and buy intelligently. ❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Same

[@richardgagnon4234]

This isn't going to help, but Amazon has Derwent Lightfast 100 pencils tin for $250. Blick's price is $343.21. You've probably seen this, but it's worth mentioning just in case. The price has been fluctuating up and down and there's no indication how long the sale will last

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good to know, I love their pencils but have plenty:)

[@karenclarkcreations]

Maybe I should've watched this before I bought the fancy masking powder last night. 😂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

😆

[@jennw6809]

Judging by the likes and comments on this podcast you have really struck a nerve here :) Don't even remind me of my beading days!! I feel like soft pastels is a special problem since every pastel tutorial ever, someone uses their Terry Ludwigs. Nobody ever keeps to just one set!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Pastels are best when brands are mixed!

[@jennw6809]

@@thefrugalcrafter So true. I just got a new set of drawers for my fast growing soft pastel obsession. I am slightly scared to remove them from their sets. Maybe I will swatch first so I can replace any colors I run out of!

[@1orielle2]

So…on a completely unrelated topic…St. Louis Art has the full Daniel Smith watercolor stick set on sale for $586.28 or 40% off (normally 977.12). That’s about as good as it gets…and with a travel to France to paint with Lindsay coming up…worth considering?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

As it is I probably have a lifetime of paint so I'll pass but if you had a couple of friends who are not at critical mass with watercolors already and you cut the sticks in 3rds and split the cost it would be a good deal if you need all the colors. I think paying full price for a color as you run out is more sensible, tho if you already have a stash of colors.

[@EFergDindrane]

Does ANYONE retire at 65 anymore? Gen X sure can't.

[@mewsli]

I need you to record a video. The video? Just you wagging your finger and tutting. Please. Im trying to find things that I can donate to a local craft group, double purchases etc. My " want monster" recently bought me another set of pencils. My grandchildren will have supplies for the post 13 year old * age of child, for a good few year's to come. I am trying the no buy / donate thing as I need to save for a holiday !

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I won't finger way,I can't judge! Look at the room if hoard for goodness sakes! 😆

[@mewsli]

@thefrugalcrafter it is not a room of hoard! It is according to the justification fairy " Miss Lindsays Home for Lost Craft and Art Supplies " 😀

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Oh please... I get this. We have enough school supplies around here to keep the teenager in stock until he is 30. My Achilles' heel is paper and I finally reined it in during the lockdown--of course this Christmas my son bought me the paper pads that I visited, or was "storing at the store." The struggle is real. 😂😂

[@nicoleleckner7902]

It would help if you didn't share such good deals all the time..🤣

[@thefrugalcrafter]

😆 guilty

[@nicoleleckner7902]

@@thefrugalcrafter Lol you can't help how exciting you make the supplies look,🥳

[@LuGam-vf1yi]

I love your videos and art making so do not take this the wrong way. However your "want monster" is always satisfied as companies etc send you "FREE" items to review. You have affiliations with legacy companies that constantly send you things so you are obligated to use and review. We plebs do not have that luxury. You still get to play with new things, we do not. I think for me to take you seriously would be that you also say NO to all the free products for the year. I also believe if this kind of idea takes off, we all know that the companies are just going to do even more better discounts and deals, really testing your 'want monster'. If it really is the time of 'using what you have', then you really have to not acquire anything, either purchased or given for free.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so correct, I could technically do a no buy and have plenty coming in. I am trying to use my tried and true favorites more this year. I'm not anywhere near perfect, nor do I claim to be.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Oh, I would soften that a bit because I have seen plenty of reviews that make comparisons to supplies that cost bank. Another crafter I subscribe to gets toys like engravers and laser cutters and then touts them as if we could easily afford them. I do not see Lindsay going that far, most of what I see here is at least within reach, unlike a $1,200 laser cutter. 😉

[@flychk1229]

guilty, guilty, guilty...!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Right there with you!