I once had a very stressful job and found myself buying supplies like crazy because my cardmaking was my relief. Once I moved on, I opened a savings account which soon grew by leaps and bounds. I would fill my cart with everything I thought I loved, needed, wanted -- waited two days -- returned to the cart and removed everything that no longer seemed as appealing. The money (plus tax and shipping) that would have gone towards those items, was placed in the savings account. I no longer need the savings account. What I do now is place the item on a wishlist and revisit it at the six-month mark. If it still calls to me, I buy it, but most of the time I can't see or understand what was so exciting at the time. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
This is an awesome approach! I kind of do that with my amazon cart (as a waiting to buy list) and only check out the items when urgendly needed. The thing with Stampin Up is that they put timely pressure on us (demos and customers) because items are often limited in availablility for purchase. My strategy here is: only get a limited amount of products (top 3 of a category - for me thoses are bundles/stamp sets, paper and the third category is everything else together) from each publication during the lifetime of the publication. The rest of my wishlist has to wait for sale. If it's not reduced on sale I rethink, if it's reduced I also rethink if really really need it and will put it to good use (good use meaning: you can imagine at least (!) 5 different ways of using it or 5 different people you will bring joy to by sending them handmade kindness with). And if I get it on sale ok, if not, life goes on without it anyways.
I have to say that this video was extremely painful to watch! It’s as if I was watching myself say everything you said! You are correct, it is an addiction. I have been doing stampin up for 20 years and I have enough product to make thousands of cards. Will I make all those cards? Probably not even close! I want to sell most of my stuff but that hasn’t happened yet either. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us!
I have to say when I read the first few words of your comment, I thought it was going in another direction. But then I had to chuckle. We seem to all be in this (addiction) together.
It is a legitimate addiction. I have a full collection addiction too and am impulsive. I found out I have bipolar and the manic phase aligns with excessive purchases.
The reason this is an amazing idea is because it is difficult to use the same stamps over and over. Who wants to do the same project a hundred times. Even a swap would be great
Ive often thought what a great idea that would be! For a monthly fee, one could be a member and use a certain set, return it and then move along. Sort of a stamp rental. Heck, u can even rent clothes these days. Let me know if you decide to start one!
Love your honesty, and certainly can relate to “everything” you are saying. This is making me step back, and take a moment to rethink my crafting needs. Thank you!👍
I can 100% relate to this video. For a minute I thought you were holding up all of my unused items. LoL. FOMO is very real...and I suffer from it. I placed one pre-order (mostly In Color items) and was about to place another for a few more things...Thanks for creating this video and sharing this with us all. It reminded me why I didn't get those items on my first order...Because they CAN WAIT! I don't have to have it ALL...and I definitely don't have to have it all RIGHT NOW. 🍯🐝
I feel much as you do. I also started to purchase a few items during the pandemic. Crafting helped calm me. I am now working on backing off in purchasing items. I think we need a Crafting anonymous group!
I understand what you're saying about crafting helping to make you feel calm. Three years ago, my husband died of cancer and when I started papercrafting again, I found it actually helped me feel better because I could focus on something other than my grief. Art is a great way to express ourselves, and papercrafting is a form of art. But it can get out of hand with all the supplies. You have a good strategy of backing off purchasing new items while you re-assess (and use) what you have. Then strategically buy more. All the best.
@@susanmolloy7605 Hi Susan, My husband died of stomach cancer almost a year ago now, and I have had such a difficult time to get back into my craft room. Around the past five months I have been going on line to purchase new craft product hoping that it would get me inspired to create. It hasn't been easy as I go in the craft room with all my new products, and go blank... so I end up tidying the craft room instead. I now look at some of the items I purchased, and asked myself WHY? I pray that I can focus on creating beautiful papercrafts again, and hope that I can use some of these items purchased. Thank you for sharing your story. God's richest blessings, Gloria 🥰🌻
Having had to clean out my parents' hoarded house is what cured me. Our daughter and her husband, helped so much, our nieces, and nephews, and my sister, her husband, and our other daughter helped when they could. I just don't ever want to get to that point with our house. But I worry, because we are in our mid 60s, and my health has suffered from that horrific mess. Husband has numerous hobbies, but he's pretty good at choosing what he really needs, and letting others go. I cut my hobbies down to 2, paper crafts and quilting. I'm just concentrating on using up my stash, and purging a few books on the subjects. I get most of my ideas from Pinterest and TH-cam anymore. I don't think I'd miss these books. A project basket would be better in that spot, that I could grab and go. Or, Just empty shelf space would be nice, too. My parents had a thing about filling up every bit of wall space with furniture, every bit of shelf space with books, etc,.as if they could not stand to have empty spaces. They would even notice empty spots on our shelves that they would try to fill up. I'd take it down, and say, No, thank you, we like our shelves this way.So, they'd try to give us half a truckload for Christmas! I'd had several talks with them that they didn't need to keep filling our house with stuff. I've actually donated several items beyond what I thought I'd honestly use a couple years after receiving them. My husband and I do NOT want to go through that again! They had so much duplicates in their belongings.
@@wendywilson1736 Hi Wendy, I am in my 60's as well, and I am thankful that I don't have that problem as I cannot stand clutter. I go through my house several times a year getting rid of items that I no longer use or want. After my husband died it was difficult going through all his possessions, and clothes, but I knew it had to be done, and needed to do it sooner rather than later because it would only get harder the longer it was left. Of course I have kept some of my husbands things as I do not want to remove everything as I cling on to my memories of happier times. I used to collect Australian studio art glass, and Irish Belleek, and have filled up cabinets with these items, but I decided when my husband was diagnosed with stomach cancer back in 2019 that the spending on these collections had to stop! I am now content with what I have. As I mentioned in my above message that I have started to purchase craft items to try and help me get back into my craft room, but some of these craft items mainly stamps and their matching dies I now regret buying... will I ever use them??? Perhaps I will try! I got rid of all my books on papercraft and card making, because I never looked at them. There are so many wonderful card making tutorials on TH-cam. Only one problem with that however, is seeing an item in their tutorial and thinking I would like that, and then you want to buy it..., and it starts all over again! Wendy take care of yourself, and thank you for sharing. God's richest blessings to you, Gloria 😊🙏🌻
@@gloriaonesimus6244 Hi Gloria. I'm there with you. My mom lived with me for three years after my retirement. She had Alzeimers and needed me to help her and I needed company. She passed away a year ago in January. I miss her terribly and have grieved a long time even though I am assured of the resurrection. My card making went down the toilet with no motivation, though I kept buying every month. I only made about 9 cards within the last year when I used to make a lot. I need to get back to it and not neglect my loved ones who are still here.
I was a demonstrator when SU began & did it for almost 10 years! I was falling into that hole & had to pull the plug! Your every word is the truth & I applaud you for making a plan for the upcoming catalog & beyond… Best of luck! ✂️
Thank you so much. The one thing I like to do in my videos is just be me and talk to you all the way I would if we were sitting together at my kitchen table.
@@charlirobinson1548 The $400 was just for the last catalog period for stuff I didn't use or rarely used. But that $400 doesn't come close to what I spent in total in the 2021 catalog including products that I actually DID use. And the amount I have spent over the last 4 years of being a demonstrator (in the thousands of dollars) is mind boggling.
Although I am new to stamping (10 weeks) I can totally relate. I have purchased stamps and other items I haven't even begun to use or don't know how to use. Thank you!! I will begin a new mind set.
If you have purchased Stampin' Up stamp sets or other products that you're not using, or don't know how to use, let me know what they are and I will do a video and even give you a shout-out! I want my videos to be targeted to what my audience is looking for. So your feedback would be very valuable. Thank you.
I can so so so relate to everything you have said!!! I’m going to “rethink” my strategy beginning this year!!!! Thank You for making me realize, my addiction! God Bless!
Oh my gosh you read my mind! I am a hobby demonstrator for 5 years, I tried to do the business side and non of my customers wanted to buy. I think SU retire things way to fast. So now I buy what I love. But I do get caught up in seeing things online and want all that I see!
I have been a demonstrator for nearly 4 years and have one downline which happens to be a good friend. I make almost no money selling product from the catalogs. But I still love being a demonstrator for other reasons - like having early access to the catalogs, getting a 20% discount on everything I buy and being able to attend the Stampin' Up retreats. So, my suggestion is just enjoy what you do and forget about the selling side. Just get together with friends or family or just yourself and have some crafting fun.
I believe SU retires things way too soon also. And when they came out with the sticky film to make the older rubber stamps stick better to the acrylic blocks, it was a defect that they didn't stick if you applied the photo sticker, so they should have been giving that film out free (at least one package) to any customer of record, that requested them. I was a partial owner of a company that would have "made it right", when there was a problem with a product. Instead, we were made to use the stamps without the photo sticker or put double sided tape on the back to make it stick to the acrylic block. So disappointed in what I thought was a quality company.
Yes! Please do a video of your past stamp sets that you love. That’d be fun to see. As far as overbuying, I sometimes wish I could wear the Stampin’Up stuff I buy. I have no clothes! Craft stuff is a lot more fun to buy. 🤪
I am pulling out some of my retired stamp sets as we speak. I have a ton of holiday stamp sets so when the holidays roll back around later in the year, I will have loads to show. I was thinking that maybe when I do a video with a retired stamp set, that I might have a giveaway drawing and anyone who comments would be entered to win that stamp set. What do you think?
I can so relate to this video, I WAS a demonstrator and after three years got to to stage you have and just QUIT buying . and after another two years I still have stamp sets I haven't used. I have saved so much MONEY not buying Stampin up or craft items..
You can use so many things that you get for free in your crafting too, like old cards, papers bags, paper scraps without the need to constantly but crafting supplies even if you want to.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this video!!! I laughed so much and completely relate!! Hi. I’m Julie. I’m a papercrafting-buying-hoarder! I LOVE collecting stamps/dies/etc. I get frustrated trying to go back and find the samples I wanted to case…or (let me just be real)…trying to make a space to craft because of the piles of “new” stuff I’ve collected but piled up…. Bless you for this video! I found myself checking out your “for sale” page 🤣
Thank you for this video and the transparency. I’m new to their products, a new demonstrator and did not realize they retired items as they do. The shipping is costly and slow. 😳😫 You’re exactly right, we make purchase decisions based on an excellent demo. I think there is a market and a purpose to demo for customers to use what they have, just for the joy of it. I love their products, but not the business model. I’m not sure I’ll continue. Enjoy what you have, share card projects you love, there’s a market for that. 😘 We’ve all spent more than we should and I’ve purchased SU from EBay, try that for items you don’t love.
Hi Shelly. Since you're a new demonstrator, I would like to ask what kind of videos would you like to see me post that you would find helpful? I do some how-to tutorials, but perhaps there is something particular you're looking for, either as a cardmaker or even for your Stampin' Up business. Let me know.
@@susanmolloy7605 I would love to see videos on retired stamp sets. Someone I watch regularly does that and calls it THROW BACK THURSDAY-or even do videos using current products but say “other set that would work nicely with project are…” My sister is my demo and she is basically a hobbyist but I get frustrated when I get a stamp set I love from a mini catalog and it doesn’t carry over - so no one else does tutorials on it anymore.
You are singing my song! I love SU products and when a new catalog comes out I go hog wild - partly because I’m afraid that if I don’t buy right away, they will sell out. And partly because, like you, I see videos and get excited to make things. I also believe the long wait for delivery of products makes me lose enthusiasm (and ideas). I’m feeling awful for all the items I bought that are now retired and do not think I can reasonably keep up this pace. I love SU products, but the catalogs come too quickly and the lifespan of products is too short.
You are not wrong about stuff selling out. That seems to be happening with more frequency and then you have to wait a few weeks before it's back in stock. But as you say seeing videos on TH-cam of people making cards gets us revved up but by the time the products arrive, the air is out of the balloon so to speak. And I agree that the lifespan of catalogs is sometimes too short. So, I am planning on focusing more on products from the annual catalog and purchase a few nice products from the mini catalogs. I have to say though that when the holiday catalog comes out in late August, I'm going to have to hold myself back. That's usually a catalog I love because I love the holidays!
Thanks for the video. Good to know I'm not alone. I just told myself the other night, I need to make some cards before I buy anything else!!!!! Love making cards, but I am an impulsive shopper with the greatest plans, that I don't carry out! You are a great motivator! Good luck!
Bless your heart for doing this video. So many of us feel just like you! I became a demonstrator just to get the discount and I have way too much product to ever use. I refuse to go hog wild, either! I just subscribed to your channel.
I’m so glad I’m not alone. I’ve been bedridden for a while and crafting is the only thing that brings me joy. Say what you will about Amazon but at least when I go to check out a big box pops up and says purchased last so and so. I had completely forgotten about it. 😂😂😂😂❤️
I hear you. I feel like I want many products in the new catalog, too. I’ve also justified spending the $150 to get rewards. I’ve told myself I definitely won’t be pre-ordering and probably won’t be buying anything for awhile. It’s hard to say no, but I really do have plenty of stamp sets, card stock, ink and embellishments on hand.
Thank you for sharing the absolute truth about buying too much crafting supplies. I’ll bet if I went through my stamps I would be horrified to see how many I bought and never used. Although I am a demonstrator only to get the discount the quarterly required amount of money does make a difference in my budget. I use a credit card that my poor husband doesn’t know I use to purchase what I need to buy to maintain my demonstrator status. Plus I go to a class once a month and have to purchase a minimum there also. With the increase in shipping and the increases in the catalog prices, I am thinking of dropping my demonstrator status and just buying what I really want at my uplines monthly meetings. I too find the quality of products are the best on the market but I’ll never be able to use all the paper, stamps and dies if I live to be 100. Thanks again, you really got me thinking.
I agree the $300 quarterly minimum can be a bit daunting and the 20% discount is definitely a lure. If you stop being a demonstrator, you can always change your mind and join again during one of Stampin' Up's big offers, like during Sale-a-Bration.
I am retired and on a fixed income, so my funds are limited. Whenever I receive a new catalog I go through every page and write down what I would like to buy. Then I go through my inventory and pictures of all the sets(way to many) I own to see what is similar. I write the similar set on the page of the set, punch or dies I like, seriously comparing them. For example, how many flower sets or circle dies does one need? I then make a list with the ones I "must have" to order 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Seasonal ones, like fall or Christmas, are ordered first and so on. I limit to the $150 minimum to receive the rewards. This strategy is implemented over the life of the caty and I do the same with the mini and sale a bration catalogs. On my first order I double check the in colors to make sure I have all from the colors and accompanying refills, gems, ribbon etc that will retire at the end of the newest caty. The add the new items til I each the minimum. This works for me until I go on youtube and see a demonstrator make a card with a new set. ONE CARD! I try not to cave and buy unless I can see where I could make at least 15 different cards from that set.
I loved all of your tips, but I especially love the part about almost getting derailed when you see someone on TH-cam showing a stamp set you hadn't thought about buying and now you feel like you need to get it. I have been down that road more than once.
I can totally relate to this video! I have done the same thing myself and came to the same conclusions. Sometimes necessity forces us to create better habits (job loss, marital disagreements over money, etc.) and sometimes we can just make the necessary course correction ourselves. I’m glad you were able to make the change for yourself. I had to laugh because there were very few items I like in the new catalog. Then I realized what a plus that is for me.
You are totally spot on. We sometimes need to make changes, although it might take awhile to recognize it. I am being very picky with this new catalog. Plus, a lot of stuff is being carried over to the new catalog, and I already have a lot of that stuff.
Thank you. I felt it was important to do a video showing how easy it is to over-spend. The stuff is so great and we want it all, but that is not practical. We are all learning.
Oh Susan you just told my story "gotta have it all". I too am a demonstrator, but it is for my own use, I am not a sale type person. When this catalog hit my mailbox I sat down and decided that I was only going to buy the new in-color items and only the DSP that I really really loved and I narrowed it down to four. I placed my order last week and I stuck to my guns...painful as it was. I used my debit card as we don't use credit cards and feel like I kept control of my "gotta have it". I really enjoyed your video and it let me know that I was not alone in this addiction.
I can relate to all of this. I have so much that I have never touched. I am trying to do better too. I actually did not put in any order in March. I probably will put in the minimum host order this month (April) in order to get the rewards. Then I will just wait until next month to order again.
@@susanmolloy7605 wow! Bless you for doing this! I mulled over 3 catalogs most ALL day because we got free shipping today. I end up making multiple lists and then adding to cart only to remove a lot of things. I got paper and lots of blends and that’s about all I got. Oh but I wanted sooo much more! I have a huge craft room and MOST of what I buy never gets used! Time, money, obsession!!!! It’s sinful what I’ve done!! For years!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I don't have any Stampin up products (I live outside of Stampin up world), but I can totally relate to your story. I have so many dies, papers and stamps I bought from other manufacturers that I barely use and I keep buying them every time new products come out! I am a craft addict and a hoarder!
@@everydaypaper Oh yes I know where Oman is. Thank you for reaching out from practically the other side of the world from me. All the best to you and happy stamping.
Thanks for such an honest video! I am a Stampin Up demonstrator in Canada, although I am just a hobby demonstrator I can relate to everything your saying. I recently cancelled my paper pumpkin subscription as I never made the projects unless it was Halloween, Christmas, or Valentines day. This current catalogue coming up I am being very selective on products I buy. I love Stampin Up papers and DSP papers. Thank you for sharing your story its nice to know there are other people who share this crafting addiction and how to perhaps a way to curb the amount of money we are spending
You make a good point about Paper Pumpkin. I started subscribing when I first got involved in papercrafting and I didn't really know much about the process. It's a great way for beginners to make beautiful cards. But I feel I have outgrown it and hardly ever make the cards in the kit. I have a 12 month prepaid subscription and when it runs out, I probably won't be renewing.
Isobel, I’m in Canada also and I also cancelled my Paper Pumpkin subscription as I found so many of the cards were made so small and then wouldn’t fit well in their envelopes! A lot of the time I just didn’t like the projects. I only saw a couple of products in the new catalogues that interested me but not enough to sign up again…but you never know!!
I really, really love your honesty. I tend to also be impulsive, always have been. When I thought I was getting "well", C-19 hit AND I discovered SU. Wow!! What a revelation. All of the comments below confirm everything you say. Thank you again. Good luck to you.
I am in the same boat. Just put $200 on two credit cards for things I had to have. I am jealous of those ladies who can buy everything they want and want to act like them even though I don't have the money. Thanks for sharing to put this problem out in the open. I will try your strategy of just paying with cash.
I know what you mean about feeling jealous when seeing people on TH-cam who seem to buy everything in the catalog. I got caught up in that cycle of feeling like I needed to as well if I was going to demonstrate cards on TH-cam. Until I realized how much money I was spending. So, I've taken it back a notch and it's working out just fine. I have some new products, but I use other products I already have. Thanks for reaching out.
Terrific, wonderful, honest video!! I never realized I was addicted to buying SU products!! I love your idea to make videos using retired stamps and dies, brilliant! Just because SU retired them, to sell more, they haven’t self destructed and are still lovely products!!!
One way I use to determine if I'll buy a set is I go onto Pinterest, put the name of the stamp set and look at what people have made with it. If there aren't a lot of cards that I like I don't get it.
That's a great strategy. Sometimes we don't have inspiration and if others on Pinterest aren't showing anything with that stamp set, it means it wasn't resonating with anyone and you're better off steering clear of it.
Donna, I think that's a great strategy. I used to order what I liked, and I like odd, unusual things. LOL The stamp sets I like are typically not the ones that stay around forever. The exception would be the tree stamp set and the little snowman set and punch from the last few years.
What I have done is search out TH-cam's of cards made with specific stamp sets until I am inspired to make something with it. But I certainly can relate to everything that you said! Thanks for sharing.
I totally understand your plight! I too was a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I quit because I have thousands of dollars of unused products from them. When I realized that I had to purchase $1200 dollars a year to stay current ( I don't have demonstrators under me), I realized that I had to quit. Now my money goes to my other obsession, Rae Dunn and Chalk Couture. It never stops, does it??!! LOL
I just want to say I ran across your video tonight literally trying to “hunt down” the TH-cam tutorial I saw to make a specific card, that I was currently placing an over $200 stampin up order to be able to make a few card ideas from various tutorials I’ve seen. After hearing you for just 5 minutes, you brought my cart total down to $60. I just purchased an item that I originally wanted and had ideas for and some paper. It is quite addicting to try and have it all/do it all.. thank you for putting me back in my place 😊
Yeah! I'm so glad you shared that story! You can always buy that other stuff later during a future payroll period, but for now, enjoy what you bought and also enjoy the fact that the rest of the money is still in your own pocket and not someone else's!
I can totally relate. I used to buy so much when a new catalogue came out and then when it arrived I would become so overwhelmed and didn't know which product to use first. So a lot of it didn't get used at all. If it's any consolation to you, those products you have would have cost $800+ here in Australia.
Thank you for your comment. It’s a shame the amount of money spent on products we don’t use. I’m guilty of it all the time, and not just craft products. I’m trying to change that and respect my money. Thank you for watching.
I fined you are good is to say all this . I think we all are a bit or related to this and happy you did à videos so we could see it and say stoppp …… my daughter said mom you have enough . So thanks for you video
Hi Susan … I was on TH-cam and your channel popped up, your caption caught my attention and I decided to watch you. Let me tell you your not alone in this addiction. I am only a hobby demonstrator and don’t have time to spend making cards. Between working full time and running a home I have very little time to devote to a hobby. As painful as it was to watch you ( because I see myself in you) I did laugh out loud so many times. Thank you for your honesty and opening my eyes to buy items just because I see something other demonstrators on TH-cam making fabulous items with them. I’m glad I watched you before the release of the new catalog 😄. Thanks once again for this video
Thank you so much for your reply. And I'm glad you had a good laugh. I have to say that when I watched the video before posting it, I had to laugh at all of my facial expressions. When I was making the video, I felt like I was just chatting with you all. I'm glad that came across.
Thank you for your candid comments. It was funny to me and I can totally relate. I agree it's frustrating that things come and go quickly. I have been buying only what I love.
You have hit the nail on the head. I am overwhelmed with the amount of “stuff” I have. It is beginning to make me anxious as my craft room is FULL. I took inventory of all the cards I have made: 457. Of that I have 162 Christmas cards for 2022 all ready. And I’ll probably make more. I DO send a lot out. Big families on both sides. 10 grands. I Send to many friends. I make up boxes as gifts. My stamp room is my happy place. It’s therapy. However, it’s getting me anxious as I need to purge! And buy LESS. I don’t do garage sales or eBay. Or Marketplace but I SO want to clear out ones I don’t use. I’ve been collecting & stamping since 2004. I spend waaay to much for sure. I have used restraint more as years go by. I have one or two new sets I haven’t used yet. But I will. I have one regret: a dress frame lit. That was fine & I have used it, but there was a large die cut to make a pop up card $$$ & I’ve never used it. 😩. I never bought a lot of stamps at one time. It’s a stamp set, paper. Ink. Embellishments. I go to monthly class & get iT FREE with a certain $ order. That’s my justification. Now I look to see what I have similar and don’t buy something similar. In fact i’ve been doing this so long that many of the things in the catalog are just a different version of what I already have. It IS an addiction.
Wow. That's quite a story. I wish you and I could sit down together and have a chat over a cup of tea. You sound like a busy crafter and I would love to know about your story. What you shared here is fascinating. As far as selling your retired products, is there someone in your family that you could recruit to help you with that. Maybe one of your kids or even one or two of your grandkids if they're old enough. They could post your items on, say, Facebook Marketplace and handle the transaction for you. And maybe give them a little profit from the sale. It could be a win-win for both of you.
You sound like me talking about myself. I hated to hear this but, at the same time, I am so happy to hear there are other people out there who have made the same mistakes I have made.
Your video is timeless, and applies to all of us. I've never purchased any "cutesy" stamps - I have no children or grandchildren, so they're not my language. I try to practice "delayed gratification" and will flag items in the catalog, then go back to them before the catalog expires. It has saved me $$$ in the long run. Love Stampin' Up! products and continue to attend my demonstrator's stamp camps, and will do so for as long as she has them. But there are plenty of other resources out there to explore too.
I am enjoying this so much. I do not do Stampin Up but I got hooked on making Mini Gardens. I learned many things from it. I now have a spare room full of items to make mini gardens and now I have no desire to do them. I spent a great deal of money to give gifts to people and then found out nobody wants big things, nobody could keep the plants alive and eventually they were shoved in a closet or 😢thrown away
I’m sorry to hear that. Over the years I have had many hobbies, and like you bought a lot of supplies because I had grand ideas only to have it not work out as I planned. I ended up giving away and donating my supplies. Don’t hold onto your stuff if you don’t intend to go back to your hobby. Your local Boys & Girls club might like to have them. Clear away the old and lessen the burden on your mind. Then start fresh in a new direction.
Oh yes. I saw your order. So the website itself is managed by Integrant Services and the eCommerce portion where you add products to your cart and checkout is called Woo Commerce. The folks at Integrant installed the Woo Commerce system into my website. Then Integrant did screen-share training with me so I understood how it worked. Are you thinking of starting a website? If so, email me at susan.molloy@hotmail.com and we can talk more off-line. There is also a free website builder called Blogger, but if you want one that also lets you sell products, you need someone like Integrant Services.
Love this video - I too am addicted to purchasing items. I so appreciate you sharing this video and can relate to everything you are saying. Makes me want rethink what I buy and if I will actually use.
Thinking strategically about how you want to spend your hard-earned money is a good thing. Craft products are really fun to play with but can get expensive, as I'm sure you well know. Keep having fun!
Your words resonate with me and I too am a crafting addict! I just joined StampinUp as a Demonstrator and have spent several hundred already on my credit card. Thank you for this video as it is a reality check to slow down a bit here. it's truly an addiction and I am here with you.
Congratulations on becoming a Stampin’ Up demonstrator! And yes, there are so many wonderful products rolled out all the time, it’s hard to resist. But it’s important to find a way to pace yourself. I tell myself not to buy too much at once because there is no way I can use it all at the same time. I won’t lie though. It’s tempting 😊
OMG! I can't believe I'm hearing this. I feel like I'm having an out-of-body experience, I HAVE THE SAME ADDICTION. And, you should see my craft room. It's exploding! I have soooooo man cards made and stacked up that it's ridiculous. I'm ashamed to even admit to people how many stamps sets and craft supplies I have. Any, with that being said.... this may not be what you want to hear, but I would love to see you create projects and cards using 'moldy oldie' stamp sets. I have so many retired sets that have been shoved to the back of the shelves and should be used. Sadly, unlike you, I just can't part with them. UGH! My goal this year is to donate as many cards as possible to retirement/nursing homes so that I can 'get my fix' and find fulfillment in what I create. Keep on crafting, Susan. It's good therapy.
You are in good company. Just read the other comments. We are all in the same boat. I like your suggestion that I should make a video or two using retired stamp sets. As a demonstrator, I have been hesitant to do that in case people had a hard time finding the stamp set, and so, I would focus only on ones that are in the current Stampin' Up catalog. However, I am rethinking that. I have kept some of my favorite stamp sets. I actually have a ton of retired stamp sets that have not yet sold on my website. So, I am going to dig them out and make some cards with my favorite ones. Plus, we all need to buy new consumables as they run out (cardstock, designer series paper, etc.). So, we can change up the design of our cards by pairing a retired stamp set with new color cardstock and patterned paper. Thanks for the tip. I'm on it!
Hello! Your post popped up on utube. I can completely understand where you are coming from. I have been with SU for 5 years. What I "know now" is I enjoy making "flower cards" , and Christmas cards mainly. I do not buy any cutsie animal or baby stamp sets. When I first started purchasing product I thought I needed everything too. I soon realized I "only would like to have one or two "kid" stamp sets; one or two valentine stamp sets etc..I do enjoy background stamp sets cuz I don't purchase ANY dsp at all and want to create the "whole card myself" especially when I say "I made it myself". I have sold a few stamp sets here and there. Now I tend to purchase adhesive paper; dimensionals etc. I do buy dies without buying the stamp set. I have only "ONE SHELF" for my stamps..so I am good with this amount. And this year I plan on "waiting till next June 2023" to purchase anything that I LOVE and is retiring. OR when shipping is free. Shipping to Canada is very expensive! Thanking for sharing your views on shopping with SU. I too love love Stampin' UP products :).
It’s great that you figured out what you like and stick with it. Otherwise you could spend a fortune buying stuff you never use. Thank you for reaching out.
I get what you're saying, I'm a very impulsive buyer for anything that has to do with crafting lol especially Stamps, Paper punches, dies & craft paper 😬. I gotta have to go through all my craft supplies and start destashing lol. Tfs💛
Destashing is hard. I love my stuff - all of it. But it's just not realistic to keep it all. Good luck with it. And I hope you really enjoy whatever you end up keeping.
Hi I have been crafting for years but just recently became a stamping up demonstrator. Crafting is expensive, time consuming and additive BUT so satisfying, calming and gratifying. It's great you switched to using your debit card, I rarely put purchases on a credit card if I do my rule is that I have to have 1/2 the money at the time and I must pay off the balance in 30 days. I sell a lot of my craft items so this pays for my crafty addiction!! Loved your video, I did try to go to your blog to see if anything was available to purchase, I'm interested in a few older stamp sets that I am sure are retired. Love stamp in up products as you state they are costly but you can't beat the quality!
Thank you for taking the time to comment. Our hobby is definitely expensive and I have learned the hard way it's important to budget. I love being a Stampin' Up demonstrator. I literally make almost no money at it, but I still love it. I am so glad to hear you are enjoying yourself because that's what it's all about. Happy stamping!
I am a hobby demonstrator. To hold myself off. I make cards for senior Centers, long term care homes and the hospital. So I try to only buy what I can use in those cards. I might do card groups in the future ??? But for now I am soooo trying to keep my focus. And I am like you. I hate 2 step stamping
First time watching your videos. I agree with your thoughts and all the comments. I will rethink my stash as well. I’m a hobby Demo only- my business shrank over the years. Thank you for your honesty.
I just barely started out in February and so I only have like 10 sets. I got most of them from the free ones from the sale a bration. So far I’ve used each set at least once. And I hope I stick to it but I plan on only buying ones I’ll use. But so far it is an addiction! My MIL started it too.
Like others, I’m a hobby demonstrator, with no customer base. Spending the $ min per quarter does mean that I have purchased items just to keep my demo status. When I started a year ago, I wanted to have everything because I loved it all like you! But now I have much of the basics that I want. I have cards I’ve made that use retired SU stuff or mixed with other brand products but don’t share because of those “current and only SU” product policy; the FB SU groups only want this, and others have had problems posting their makes or tutorials on social media for as well. Thank you for your honesty.
I feel the way you do. But I am now realizing from the many comments here that people have a lot of retired product and they want to continue to use it. And they want fresh ideas on how to use those products. I was thinking of maybe doing Throwback Thursday videos using retired products but incorporated with newer ones, like current In Colors.
@@susanmolloy7605 what a great idea, plus it also shows that the products are not just “one hit wonders”. I actually have SU ink pads, the originals, which are still useable.
It's so true for many of us. I purchased much less from the new catalog than I have in the past. Check out my follow up video called 'What I ended up buying in the new catalog.'
Mine too. It's just not reasonable or practical for us to open our wallets and get everything. I have since changed my buying strategy and am being more mindful.
Good for you for admitting your addiction and how you approached it in the past as well as your plans for the future. I was exactly the same way, and I have to say I still struggle with it in a much smaller way, keeping it to just “supplies”…..lol Love your honesty. Thank you because I know us addicts need to feel that we aren’t alone, and how we are going to beat it!🥰
When the new catalog comes out, I put a check by products I think I want. Then I wait. When I order it's seldom & for stuff I really want. Orders are down to bout 70-$100 down from ~$200. That's how I know which ones I really really can use & not just want. I always use a debit card (maybe use a credit card ONCE a year) for SU. Those jam hats? I found similar ones on Amazon for less and in a set of 20. Then there's eBay for searching for the same stamps (even Paper Pumpkins sets)at a cheaper price. But I hear ya, Susan. Im getting rid of some that I had big plans for. But I learned.Thx for sharing😍
LOL as a previous SU Demonstrator I totally get it. I have boxes of unused stamps/dies and various other SU products. I've had intentions to sale but just haven't. Good to know we are not alone.
Amen for what you have exposed in so many of us!! You smacked it right in my face...even though it is so fun to wait for the next box to appear!! Bless you and good luck with your new agenda!!!
Hi Robin. Thanks for sharing. For some of us, when we get excited about a new endeavor, we may have a hard time hitting the 'pause' button. But we can all use those moments as a learning experience and hopefully realize we don't need to have it all at once. That's what I have worked on teaching myself. I wish you the best.
I applaud your honest evaluation of an all too common and personally relatable situation, and I encourage you to maintain your resolve with this new strategy. Please consider doing an update in six months, and another in a year, as I for one, would be interested to know how it’s going.
Oh man can I relate to this! It is a video that needed to be done. Thank you. I have watched a demonstrator who has "shared" stamp sets and dies. What a great idea! She gets the bundle from her upline so that she can create and do her TH-cam or FB videos, and then she gives the bundle back or passes it on to the next person. You spend less money and need less storage space. I have drastically pulled back on how many stamps I buy. Now paper ... that's another story. LOL
I admire your courage in speaking about your unused products. I don’t have have a following any longer, so if I want to remain a demo, I need to purchase an average of $100 a month. I’m seriously thinking it may be time to quit and try and use all the stuff I’ve purchased and not used! TFS
I understand what you're saying. My quarterly minimum is reached solely from my own purchases. I have a few customers but they only buy once in great while. That's why I'm trying to be more frugal.
I'm totally guilty of purchasing WAY WAY more than I ever use. My plan for this new catalog is not to order in the pre-order period, but to wait until the next sale a bration period (if they have another one this summer for the holiday catalog) to buy any of the new stuff I want and get free stuff in the process. I'm totally willing to wait to get new stuff. If items are on backorder, great! That may give me time to think twice about getting them. Trying to shop smarter this time.
The fact that you have a strategy is fantastic. As we have both learned the hard way, not having a plan gets you into trouble. I love the holiday catalog too because I love the holidays (hate the cold weather but love the holidays). And you're right, buying stuff during Sale a Bration is hands-down the best way to get free products and get twice as much for your money. You got this girl!
Thank you for your honesty. I'm sure that there are thousands of crafters that have the same problem, myself included. It definitely is an addiction. When I was young, my addiction was shoes. But at least I wore all pairs that I bought. Lol 😄 My problem is that I watch too many videos showcasing all of these products, and get super excited and just have to buy them. My new strategy going forward is to limit my video viewing, and use what I already own. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
I had a shoe thing too before I retired! You have a great strategy to limit the videos you watch because you're right that we see these videos and these people are really talented and we love what we see. Thank you for reaching out to me. Please stay in touch.
Thanks so much for sharing! ❤ I can totally identify with you and we (my sisters and I) call it retail therapy. Sometimes I know exactly what I’m doing, other times I go into a flurry of buying stuff (usually crafts online) and can’t remember what I bought. I know I do it when I have a lot of stress in my life but that’s no excuse, because it might just cause further stress down the road when I realize I could’ve saved some money. When a friend was unexpectedly terminated from his high level job. He started shopping at Goodwill for bargains twice a day like it was his new job. He would brag about all the bargains he got, what they were worth, and how much he saved. I warned him he’d go broke saving money. Sure enough, he spent his entire severance on collectables that have no value unless he sells them. He’s doesnt sell things online or otherwise. I convinced him to return some of the items e.g. a big old creepy wicker baby carriage from the turn of the century. It had a black covering-yikes! Anyway, I have stopped buying things just because they’re a great bargain. For 2024, I’m going to try not to buy any new crafts in 2024. And that’s a promise!
Thank you so much for reaching out. It is true, as you say, that we can get carried away buying crafts, or actually anything. In the past, I also engaged in retail therapy as a way to alleviate stress, but it only created a second problem (debt). I have since adopted a better strategy of limiting both my crafting purchases as well as purchases in general. I write down what I want and then wait a couple of days. By then, I sometimes just decide not to buy it at all. That's a win for me. I'm sorry to hear about your friend that spent all of his severance on unnecessary things. People often believe they need to purchase something because they will 'save' a lot. But in fact, they haven't saved anything. They have spent money, and that kind of spending will, over time, dwindle a person's precious resources. You gave him good advice to return what he can, and then sell what he can, even at a loss. All the best to you in 2024.
Thanks for your honesty. I am more than guilty of this, SU products and other company "must have" items. I did stop for a year, and was able to go to Europe to visit my son and his wife for 10 days. Had I kept buying, no way could I do that! haha Money is tight for a lot of us, and having a strategy is a very wise way to open the new catalog. I admire you for bringing this "problem" out for all of us.
This has been the best video ever. Love the honesty! You have really hit home about most of crafters. I am just a hobby demo, wish i was a million $ sales demo. I often wish there was a sharing page for hobby demos. Great job!!
I once had a very stressful job and found myself buying supplies like crazy because my cardmaking was my relief. Once I moved on, I opened a savings account which soon grew by leaps and bounds. I would fill my cart with everything I thought I loved, needed, wanted -- waited two days -- returned to the cart and removed everything that no longer seemed as appealing. The money (plus tax and shipping) that would have gone towards those items, was placed in the savings account. I no longer need the savings account. What I do now is place the item on a wishlist and revisit it at the six-month mark. If it still calls to me, I buy it, but most of the time I can't see or understand what was so exciting at the time. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
This is an awesome approach! I kind of do that with my amazon cart (as a waiting to buy list) and only check out the items when urgendly needed. The thing with Stampin Up is that they put timely pressure on us (demos and customers) because items are often limited in availablility for purchase. My strategy here is: only get a limited amount of products (top 3 of a category - for me thoses are bundles/stamp sets, paper and the third category is everything else together) from each publication during the lifetime of the publication. The rest of my wishlist has to wait for sale. If it's not reduced on sale I rethink, if it's reduced I also rethink if really really need it and will put it to good use (good use meaning: you can imagine at least (!) 5 different ways of using it or 5 different people you will bring joy to by sending them handmade kindness with). And if I get it on sale ok, if not, life goes on without it anyways.
I have to say that this video was extremely painful to watch! It’s as if I was watching myself say everything you said! You are correct, it is an addiction. I have been doing stampin up for 20 years and I have enough product to make thousands of cards. Will I make all those cards? Probably not even close! I want to sell most of my stuff but that hasn’t happened yet either. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us!
I have to say when I read the first few words of your comment, I thought it was going in another direction. But then I had to chuckle. We seem to all be in this (addiction) together.
I totally agree. I do the exact same thing I'm so glad I'm not alone 😂😂😂
Plz I will like to buy, in my country we don't access to stampin up.
@@ameenahahmed1729 I'm sorry but I only ship within the United States.
It is a legitimate addiction. I have a full collection addiction too and am impulsive. I found out I have bipolar and the manic phase aligns with excessive purchases.
It would be great if we could have a local art library of sorts to check out and return type of deal!
This is a fabulous idea…seriously just think of the fun of having a ‘new’ stamp set to play around with for a week or so then move on.
The reason this is an amazing idea is because it is difficult to use the same stamps over and over. Who wants to do the same project a hundred times. Even a swap would be great
Ive often thought what a great idea that would be! For a monthly fee, one could be a member and use a certain set, return it and then move along. Sort of a stamp rental. Heck, u can even rent clothes these days. Let me know if you decide to start one!
I Absolutely Agree. I have been saying this for Long time.
I think this is a great idea!
Love your honesty, and certainly can relate to “everything” you are saying. This is making me step back, and take a moment to rethink my crafting needs. Thank you!👍
I'm doing the same thing.
Me too.
I like your honesty and helping us crafters with the addiction of buying and not using
I can 100% relate to this video. For a minute I thought you were holding up all of my unused items. LoL. FOMO is very real...and I suffer from it. I placed one pre-order (mostly In Color items) and was about to place another for a few more things...Thanks for creating this video and sharing this with us all. It reminded me why I didn't get those items on my first order...Because they CAN WAIT! I don't have to have it ALL...and I definitely don't have to have it all RIGHT NOW. 🍯🐝
I feel much as you do. I also started to purchase a few items during the pandemic. Crafting helped calm me. I am now working on backing off in purchasing items. I think we need a Crafting anonymous group!
I understand what you're saying about crafting helping to make you feel calm. Three years ago, my husband died of cancer and when I started papercrafting again, I found it actually helped me feel better because I could focus on something other than my grief. Art is a great way to express ourselves, and papercrafting is a form of art. But it can get out of hand with all the supplies. You have a good strategy of backing off purchasing new items while you re-assess (and use) what you have. Then strategically buy more. All the best.
@@susanmolloy7605 Hi Susan, My husband died of stomach cancer almost a year ago now, and I have had such a difficult time to get back into my craft room. Around the past five months I have been going on line to purchase new craft product hoping that it would get me inspired to create. It hasn't been easy as I go in the craft room with all my new products, and go blank... so I end up tidying the craft room instead. I now look at some of the items I purchased, and asked myself WHY?
I pray that I can focus on creating beautiful papercrafts again, and hope that I can use some of these items purchased.
Thank you for sharing your story. God's richest blessings, Gloria 🥰🌻
Having had to clean out my parents' hoarded house is what cured me. Our daughter and her husband, helped so much, our nieces, and nephews, and my sister, her husband, and our other daughter helped when they could. I just don't ever want to get to that point with our house. But I worry, because we are in our mid 60s, and my health has suffered from that horrific mess. Husband has numerous hobbies, but he's pretty good at choosing what he really needs, and letting others go.
I cut my hobbies down to 2, paper crafts and quilting. I'm just concentrating on using up my stash, and purging a few books on the subjects. I get most of my ideas from Pinterest and TH-cam anymore. I don't think I'd miss these books. A project basket would be better in that spot, that I could grab and go. Or, Just empty shelf space would be nice, too. My parents had a thing about filling up every bit of wall space with furniture, every bit of shelf space with books, etc,.as if they could not stand to have empty spaces. They would even notice empty spots on our shelves that they would try to fill up. I'd take it down, and say, No, thank you, we like our shelves this way.So, they'd try to give us half a truckload for Christmas! I'd had several talks with them that they didn't need to keep filling our house with stuff. I've actually donated several items beyond what I thought I'd honestly use a couple years after receiving them. My husband and I do NOT want to go through that again!
They had so much duplicates in their belongings.
@@wendywilson1736 Hi Wendy, I am in my 60's as well, and I am thankful that I don't have that problem as I cannot stand clutter. I go through my house several times a year getting rid of items that I no longer use or want. After my husband died it was difficult going through all his possessions, and clothes, but I knew it had to be done, and needed to do it sooner rather than later because it would only get harder the longer it was left. Of course I have kept some of my husbands things as I do not want to remove everything as I cling on to my memories of happier times.
I used to collect Australian studio art glass, and Irish Belleek, and have filled up cabinets with these items, but I decided when my husband was diagnosed with stomach cancer back in 2019 that the spending on these collections had to stop! I am now content with what I have.
As I mentioned in my above message that I have started to purchase craft items to try and help me get back into my craft room, but some of these craft items mainly stamps and their matching dies I now regret buying... will I ever use them??? Perhaps I will try! I got rid of all my books on papercraft and card making, because I never looked at them. There are so many wonderful card making tutorials on TH-cam. Only one problem with that however, is seeing an item in their tutorial and thinking I would like that, and then you want to buy it..., and it starts all over again!
Wendy take care of yourself, and thank you for sharing.
God's richest blessings to you, Gloria 😊🙏🌻
@@gloriaonesimus6244 Hi Gloria. I'm there with you. My mom lived with me for three years after my retirement. She had Alzeimers and needed me to help her and I needed company. She passed away a year ago in January. I miss her terribly and have grieved a long time even though I am assured of the resurrection. My card making went down the toilet with no motivation, though I kept buying every month. I only made about 9 cards within the last year when I used to make a lot. I need to get back to it and not neglect my loved ones who are still here.
I was a demonstrator when SU began & did it for almost 10 years! I was falling into that hole & had to pull the plug! Your every word is the truth & I applaud you for making a plan for the upcoming catalog & beyond… Best of luck! ✂️
Your openness has resonated with me in so many ways. Thank you for being brave to share your thoughts and feelings. I can assure you are not alone!
Thank you so much. The one thing I like to do in my videos is just be me and talk to you all the way I would if we were sitting together at my kitchen table.
Thank you for this… purchasing and using are certainly 2 seperate hobbies.
My friend who is also a papercrafter says the same thing!
Wish I had only $400 worth of "stuff" that I've never used!
@@charlirobinson1548 The $400 was just for the last catalog period for stuff I didn't use or rarely used. But that $400 doesn't come close to what I spent in total in the 2021 catalog including products that I actually DID use. And the amount I have spent over the last 4 years of being a demonstrator (in the thousands of dollars) is mind boggling.
That's why I've got boatloads of yarn. Crocheting & collecting yarn are separate hobbies🤣
Although I am new to stamping (10 weeks) I can totally relate. I have purchased stamps and other items I haven't even begun to use or don't know how to use. Thank you!! I will begin a new mind set.
If you have purchased Stampin' Up stamp sets or other products that you're not using, or don't know how to use, let me know what they are and I will do a video and even give you a shout-out! I want my videos to be targeted to what my audience is looking for. So your feedback would be very valuable. Thank you.
I can so so so relate to everything you have said!!! I’m going to “rethink” my strategy beginning this year!!!! Thank You for making me realize, my addiction! God Bless!
You nailed it! You speak for many crafters. Thank you for being so honest.
I can relate. I've spent A LOT of money on items I just had to have but not ever used. Thank you for your honesty and sharing.
Oh my gosh you read my mind! I am a hobby demonstrator for 5 years, I tried to do the business side and non of my customers wanted to buy. I think SU retire things way to fast. So now I buy what I love. But I do get caught up in seeing things online and want all that I see!
I have been a demonstrator for nearly 4 years and have one downline which happens to be a good friend. I make almost no money selling product from the catalogs. But I still love being a demonstrator for other reasons - like having early access to the catalogs, getting a 20% discount on everything I buy and being able to attend the Stampin' Up retreats. So, my suggestion is just enjoy what you do and forget about the selling side. Just get together with friends or family or just yourself and have some crafting fun.
I believe SU retires things way too soon also. And when they came out with the sticky film to make the older rubber stamps stick better to the acrylic blocks, it was a defect that they didn't stick if you applied the photo sticker, so they should have been giving that film out free (at least one package) to any customer of record, that requested them. I was a partial owner of a company that would have "made it right", when there was a problem with a product. Instead, we were made to use the stamps without the photo sticker or put double sided tape on the back to make it stick to the acrylic block. So disappointed in what I thought was a quality company.
@@stamps4fungin I agree with the sticky sheet. Other stamp companies (Tim holts) his stamps come with the graphic on the stamp already.
Oh how I get what you're sharing! My mind works so much like yours! Thanks so much!
Yes! Please do a video of your past stamp sets that you love. That’d be fun to see. As far as overbuying, I sometimes wish I could wear the Stampin’Up stuff I buy. I have no clothes! Craft stuff is a lot more fun to buy. 🤪
I am pulling out some of my retired stamp sets as we speak. I have a ton of holiday stamp sets so when the holidays roll back around later in the year, I will have loads to show. I was thinking that maybe when I do a video with a retired stamp set, that I might have a giveaway drawing and anyone who comments would be entered to win that stamp set. What do you think?
@@susanmolloy7605 I love that idea!
Same here!
Jeanette I’m in the same boat, plenty of craft supplies but nothing to wear lol.
@@susanmolloy7605 That’s brilliant! A complete win-win!!
I can so relate to this video, I WAS a demonstrator and after three years got to to stage you have and just QUIT buying . and after another two years I still have stamp sets I haven't used. I have saved so much MONEY not buying Stampin up or craft items..
I'm glad to hear you found the right path for yourself.
Thank you. I actually did keep to the promise I made myself to not go overboard and I only used my debit card and not my credit card.
You can use so many things that you get for free in your crafting too, like old cards, papers bags, paper scraps without the need to constantly but crafting supplies even if you want to.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this video!!! I laughed so much and completely relate!! Hi. I’m Julie. I’m a papercrafting-buying-hoarder! I LOVE collecting stamps/dies/etc. I get frustrated trying to go back and find the samples I wanted to case…or (let me just be real)…trying to make a space to craft because of the piles of “new” stuff I’ve collected but piled up…. Bless you for this video! I found myself checking out your “for sale” page 🤣
It's been said that buying crafts and using crafts are two different hobbies!
Thank you for this video and the transparency. I’m new to their products, a new demonstrator and did not realize they retired items as they do. The shipping is costly and slow. 😳😫 You’re exactly right, we make purchase decisions based on an excellent demo. I think there is a market and a purpose to demo for customers to use what they have, just for the joy of it. I love their products, but not the business model. I’m not sure I’ll continue. Enjoy what you have, share card projects you love, there’s a market for that. 😘 We’ve all spent more than we should and I’ve purchased SU from EBay, try that for items you don’t love.
Hi Shelly. Since you're a new demonstrator, I would like to ask what kind of videos would you like to see me post that you would find helpful? I do some how-to tutorials, but perhaps there is something particular you're looking for, either as a cardmaker or even for your Stampin' Up business. Let me know.
That’s why I follow Karen Titus. Use what you have is one of her mottos
@@rosemary599 It's a good motto to have. Thank you for sharing.
@@susanmolloy7605 I would love to see videos on retired stamp sets. Someone I watch regularly does that and calls it THROW BACK THURSDAY-or even do videos using current products but say “other set that would work nicely with project are…” My sister is my demo and she is basically a hobbyist but I get frustrated when I get a stamp set I love from a mini catalog and it doesn’t carry over - so no one else does tutorials on it anymore.
@@susanmolloy7605 good to follow your presentation.
I have the same problem with the Stampin'Up products. It is definitely an addiction! Thank you so much for sharing your story!
You are singing my song! I love SU products and when a new catalog comes out I go hog wild - partly because I’m afraid that if I don’t buy right away, they will sell out. And partly because, like you, I see videos and get excited to make things. I also believe the long wait for delivery of products makes me lose enthusiasm (and ideas). I’m feeling awful for all the items I bought that are now retired and do not think I can reasonably keep up this pace. I love SU products, but the catalogs come too quickly and the lifespan of products is too short.
You are not wrong about stuff selling out. That seems to be happening with more frequency and then you have to wait a few weeks before it's back in stock. But as you say seeing videos on TH-cam of people making cards gets us revved up but by the time the products arrive, the air is out of the balloon so to speak. And I agree that the lifespan of catalogs is sometimes too short. So, I am planning on focusing more on products from the annual catalog and purchase a few nice products from the mini catalogs. I have to say though that when the holiday catalog comes out in late August, I'm going to have to hold myself back. That's usually a catalog I love because I love the holidays!
Thanks for the video. Good to know I'm not alone. I just told myself the other night, I need to make some cards before I buy anything else!!!!! Love making cards, but I am an impulsive shopper with the greatest plans, that I don't carry out! You are a great motivator! Good luck!
Someone on this comment thread said that buying crafts and using crafts are two different hobbies. I can definitely relate to that.
I too have the same problem. Good to know I am not the only one doing this.
Bless your heart for doing this video. So many of us feel just like you! I became a demonstrator just to get the discount and I have way too much product to ever use. I refuse to go hog wild, either! I just subscribed to your channel.
Thank you. Yes, having a plan not to go hog wild is definitely a good idea.
Oh my gosh . You could be talking about me. Crafts are really addictive. Thank you for being truthful.
See my video that I just posted yesterday about what I ended up buying from the new catalog. I think you will find it interesting.
I’m so glad I’m not alone. I’ve been bedridden for a while and crafting is the only thing that brings me joy. Say what you will about Amazon but at least when I go to check out a big box pops up and says purchased last so and so. I had completely forgotten about it. 😂😂😂😂❤️
Hi Darla!
That pop up box you refer to on Amazon is so helpful. I truly wish all the online companies had that feature available.
I hear you. I feel like I want many products in the new catalog, too. I’ve also justified spending the $150 to get rewards. I’ve told myself I definitely won’t be pre-ordering and probably won’t be buying anything for awhile. It’s hard to say no, but I really do have plenty of stamp sets, card stock, ink and embellishments on hand.
Thank you for sharing the absolute truth about buying too much crafting supplies. I’ll bet if I went through my stamps I would be horrified to see how many I bought and never used. Although I am a demonstrator only to get the discount the quarterly required amount of money does make a difference in my budget. I use a credit card that my poor husband doesn’t know I use to purchase what I need to buy to maintain my demonstrator status. Plus I go to a class once a month and have to purchase a minimum there also. With the increase in shipping and the increases in the catalog prices, I am thinking of dropping my demonstrator status and just buying what I really want at my uplines monthly meetings. I too find the quality of products are the best on the market but I’ll never be able to use all the paper, stamps and dies if I live to be 100. Thanks again, you really got me thinking.
I agree the $300 quarterly minimum can be a bit daunting and the 20% discount is definitely a lure. If you stop being a demonstrator, you can always change your mind and join again during one of Stampin' Up's big offers, like during Sale-a-Bration.
I am retired and on a fixed income, so my funds are limited. Whenever I receive a new catalog I go through every page and write down what I would like to buy. Then I go through my inventory and pictures of all the sets(way to many) I own to see what is similar. I write the similar set on the page of the set, punch or dies I like, seriously comparing them. For example, how many flower sets or circle dies does one need? I then make a list with the ones I "must have" to order 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Seasonal ones, like fall or Christmas, are ordered first and so on. I limit to the $150 minimum to receive the rewards. This strategy is implemented over the life of the caty and I do the same with the mini and sale a bration catalogs.
On my first order I double check the in colors to make sure I have all from the colors and accompanying refills, gems, ribbon etc that will retire at the end of the newest caty. The add the new items til I each the minimum.
This works for me until I go on youtube and see a demonstrator make a card with a new set. ONE CARD! I try not to cave and buy unless I can see where I could make at least 15 different cards from that set.
I loved all of your tips, but I especially love the part about almost getting derailed when you see someone on TH-cam showing a stamp set you hadn't thought about buying and now you feel like you need to get it. I have been down that road more than once.
I can totally relate to this video! I have done the same thing myself and came to the same conclusions. Sometimes necessity forces us to create better habits (job loss, marital disagreements over money, etc.) and sometimes we can just make the necessary course correction ourselves. I’m glad you were able to make the change for yourself. I had to laugh because there were very few items I like in the new catalog. Then I realized what a plus that is for me.
You are totally spot on. We sometimes need to make changes, although it might take awhile to recognize it. I am being very picky with this new catalog. Plus, a lot of stuff is being carried over to the new catalog, and I already have a lot of that stuff.
Susan I am that girl. Thank you for your honesty and hopfully being my voice of reason!
Thank you. I felt it was important to do a video showing how easy it is to over-spend. The stuff is so great and we want it all, but that is not practical. We are all learning.
Oh Susan you just told my story "gotta have it all". I too am a demonstrator, but it is for my own use, I am not a sale type person. When this catalog hit my mailbox I sat down and decided that I was only going to buy the new in-color items and only the DSP that I really really loved and I narrowed it down to four. I placed my order last week and I stuck to my guns...painful as it was. I used my debit card as we don't use credit cards and feel like I kept control of my "gotta have it". I really enjoyed your video and it let me know that I was not alone in this addiction.
You are definitely not alone as you can see from all the comments. And congratulations on sticking to your scaled-back strategy.
I can relate to all of this. I have so much that I have never touched. I am trying to do better too. I actually did not put in any order in March. I probably will put in the minimum host order this month (April) in order to get the rewards. Then I will just wait until next month to order again.
@@susanmolloy7605 wow! Bless you for doing this! I mulled over 3 catalogs most ALL day because we got free shipping today. I end up making multiple lists and then adding to cart only to remove a lot of things. I got paper and lots of blends and that’s about all I got. Oh but I wanted sooo much more! I have a huge craft room and MOST of what I buy never gets used! Time, money, obsession!!!! It’s sinful what I’ve done!! For years!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I don't have any Stampin up products (I live outside of Stampin up world), but I can totally relate to your story. I have so many dies, papers and stamps I bought from other manufacturers that I barely use and I keep buying them every time new products come out! I am a craft addict and a hoarder!
We can all get caught up in over purchasing, no matter what the products. What country are you in?
@@susanmolloy7605 I live in Oman, yes that’s in the Middle East, so I mostly order my craft tools & supply from the US online shops.
@@everydaypaper Oh yes I know where Oman is. Thank you for reaching out from practically the other side of the world from me. All the best to you and happy stamping.
Thanks for such an honest video! I am a Stampin Up demonstrator in Canada, although I am just a hobby demonstrator I can relate to everything your saying. I recently cancelled my paper pumpkin subscription as I never made the projects unless it was Halloween, Christmas, or Valentines day. This current catalogue coming up I am being very selective on products I buy. I love Stampin Up papers and DSP papers. Thank you for sharing your story its nice to know there are other people who share this crafting addiction and how to perhaps a way to curb the amount of money we are spending
You make a good point about Paper Pumpkin. I started subscribing when I first got involved in papercrafting and I didn't really know much about the process. It's a great way for beginners to make beautiful cards. But I feel I have outgrown it and hardly ever make the cards in the kit. I have a 12 month prepaid subscription and when it runs out, I probably won't be renewing.
Isobel, I’m in Canada also and I also cancelled my Paper Pumpkin subscription as I found so many of the cards were made so small and then wouldn’t fit well in their envelopes! A lot of the time I just didn’t like the projects. I only saw a couple of products in the new catalogues that interested me but not enough to sign up again…but you never know!!
I really, really love your honesty. I tend to also be impulsive, always have been. When I thought I was getting "well", C-19 hit AND I discovered SU.
Wow!! What a revelation. All of the comments below confirm everything you say.
Thank you again. Good luck to you.
Thank you for your kind comment.
I am in the same boat. Just put $200 on two credit cards for things I had to have. I am jealous of those ladies who can buy everything they want and want to act like them even though I don't have the money. Thanks for sharing to put this problem out in the open. I will try your strategy of just paying with cash.
I know what you mean about feeling jealous when seeing people on TH-cam who seem to buy everything in the catalog. I got caught up in that cycle of feeling like I needed to as well if I was going to demonstrate cards on TH-cam. Until I realized how much money I was spending. So, I've taken it back a notch and it's working out just fine. I have some new products, but I use other products I already have. Thanks for reaching out.
Terrific, wonderful, honest video!! I never realized I was addicted to buying SU products!! I love your idea to make videos using retired stamps and dies, brilliant! Just because SU retired them, to sell more, they haven’t self destructed and are still lovely products!!!
Thank you so much. I am planning Throwback Thursday videos showcasing retired stamp sets paired with current papers.
One way I use to determine if I'll buy a set is I go onto Pinterest, put the name of the stamp set and look at what people have made with it. If there aren't a lot of cards that I like I don't get it.
That's a great strategy. Sometimes we don't have inspiration and if others on Pinterest aren't showing anything with that stamp set, it means it wasn't resonating with anyone and you're better off steering clear of it.
Donna, I think that's a great strategy. I used to order what I liked, and I like odd, unusual things. LOL The stamp sets I like are typically not the ones that stay around forever. The exception would be the tree stamp set and the little snowman set and punch from the last few years.
@@anna-laurahocker5570 I understand about liking stamps that don’t stay around long. I bought the Brave Vikings. I think my grand kids will love them.
What I have done is search out TH-cam's of cards made with specific stamp sets until I am inspired to make something with it.
But I certainly can relate to everything that you said! Thanks for sharing.
You're doing the smart thing by trying to make use of what you already have.
Thank you for your honesty. Everything you said is so true for so many people.
I totally understand your plight! I too was a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I quit because I have thousands of dollars of unused products from them. When I realized that I had to purchase $1200 dollars a year to stay current ( I don't have demonstrators under me), I realized that I had to quit. Now my money goes to my other obsession, Rae Dunn and Chalk Couture. It never stops, does it??!! LOL
I just want to say I ran across your video tonight literally trying to “hunt down” the TH-cam tutorial I saw to make a specific card, that I was currently placing an over $200 stampin up order to be able to make a few card ideas from various tutorials I’ve seen. After hearing you for just 5 minutes, you brought my cart total down to $60. I just purchased an item that I originally wanted and had ideas for and some paper. It is quite addicting to try and have it all/do it all.. thank you for putting me back in my place 😊
Yeah! I'm so glad you shared that story! You can always buy that other stuff later during a future payroll period, but for now, enjoy what you bought and also enjoy the fact that the rest of the money is still in your own pocket and not someone else's!
I can totally relate. I used to buy so much when a new catalogue came out and then when it arrived I would become so overwhelmed and didn't know which product to use first. So a lot of it didn't get used at all. If it's any consolation to you, those products you have would have cost $800+ here in Australia.
Thank you for your comment. It’s a shame the amount of money spent on products we don’t use. I’m guilty of it all the time, and not just craft products. I’m trying to change that and respect my money. Thank you for watching.
You have totally described me and my impulsive craft buying.
Thank you for your honesty...it's refreshing!
Thank you for sharing this video. I'm guilty of spending to much on SU. It is an addiction for me too. I appreciate your honesty.
I fined you are good is to say all this . I think we all are a bit or related to this and happy you did à videos so we could see it and say stoppp …… my daughter said mom you have enough . So thanks for you video
Hi Susan … I was on TH-cam and your channel popped up, your caption caught my attention and I decided to watch you. Let me tell you your not alone in this addiction. I am only a hobby demonstrator and don’t have time to spend making cards. Between working full time and running a home I have very little time to devote to a hobby. As painful as it was to watch you ( because I see myself in you) I did laugh out loud so many times. Thank you for your honesty and opening my eyes to buy items just because I see something other demonstrators on TH-cam making fabulous items with them.
I’m glad I watched you before the release of the new catalog 😄. Thanks once again for this video
Thank you so much for your reply. And I'm glad you had a good laugh. I have to say that when I watched the video before posting it, I had to laugh at all of my facial expressions. When I was making the video, I felt like I was just chatting with you all. I'm glad that came across.
Thank you for your candid comments. It was funny to me and I can totally relate. I agree it's frustrating that things come and go quickly. I have been buying only what I love.
I’m happy for your new strategy . That will help for sure . You are a good help thanks
I’m the same way-think I need them and don’t use them-money wasted-thanks for your honesty
You have hit the nail on the head. I am overwhelmed with the amount of “stuff” I have. It is beginning to make me anxious as my craft room is FULL. I took inventory of all the cards I have made: 457. Of that I have
162 Christmas cards for 2022 all ready. And I’ll probably make more. I DO send a lot out. Big families on both sides. 10 grands. I Send to many friends. I make up boxes as gifts. My stamp room is my happy place. It’s therapy. However, it’s getting me anxious as I need to purge! And buy LESS. I don’t do garage sales or eBay. Or Marketplace but I SO want to clear out ones I don’t use.
I’ve been collecting & stamping since 2004. I spend waaay to much for sure. I have used restraint more as years go by. I have one or two new sets I haven’t used yet. But I will. I have one regret: a dress frame lit. That was fine & I have used it, but there was a large die cut to make a pop up card $$$ & I’ve never used it. 😩. I never bought a lot of stamps at one time. It’s a stamp set, paper. Ink. Embellishments. I go to monthly class & get iT FREE with a certain $ order. That’s my justification. Now I look to see what I have similar and don’t buy something similar. In fact i’ve been doing this so long that many of the things in the catalog are just a different version of what I already have. It IS an addiction.
Wow. That's quite a story. I wish you and I could sit down together and have a chat over a cup of tea. You sound like a busy crafter and I would love to know about your story. What you shared here is fascinating. As far as selling your retired products, is there someone in your family that you could recruit to help you with that. Maybe one of your kids or even one or two of your grandkids if they're old enough. They could post your items on, say, Facebook Marketplace and handle the transaction for you. And maybe give them a little profit from the sale. It could be a win-win for both of you.
Oh so true! Thank goodness I'm not alone with this addiction! Thanks for sharing!
You sound like me talking about myself. I hated to hear this but, at the same time, I am so happy to hear there are other people out there who have made the same mistakes I have made.
I can relate to you completely!!
Oh my goodness, you just described me!
Hahahah. It describes a lot of us. Glad you enjoyed it.
Your video is timeless, and applies to all of us. I've never purchased any "cutesy" stamps - I have no children or grandchildren, so they're not my language. I try to practice "delayed gratification" and will flag items in the catalog, then go back to them before the catalog expires. It has saved me $$$ in the long run. Love Stampin' Up! products and continue to attend my demonstrator's stamp camps, and will do so for as long as she has them. But there are plenty of other resources out there to explore too.
You have the perfect approach to stamping and buying products. Thank you for sharing.
I am enjoying this so much. I do not do Stampin Up but I got hooked on making Mini Gardens. I learned many things from it. I now have a spare room full of items to make mini gardens and now I have no desire to do them. I spent a great deal of money to give gifts to people and then found out nobody wants big things, nobody could keep the plants alive and eventually they were shoved in a closet or 😢thrown away
I’m sorry to hear that. Over the years I have had many hobbies, and like you bought a lot of supplies because I had grand ideas only to have it not work out as I planned. I ended up giving away and donating my supplies. Don’t hold onto your stuff if you don’t intend to go back to your hobby. Your local Boys & Girls club might like to have them. Clear away the old and lessen the burden on your mind. Then start fresh in a new direction.
Susan, I am a hobbies demonstrator and buy stuff I dont use just to stay. I feel your pain.
Susan, your site for buying stamps... is fantastic! I bought a few stamps. Who does your site for you?
Oh yes. I saw your order. So the website itself is managed by Integrant Services and the eCommerce portion where you add products to your cart and checkout is called Woo Commerce. The folks at Integrant installed the Woo Commerce system into my website. Then Integrant did screen-share training with me so I understood how it worked. Are you thinking of starting a website? If so, email me at susan.molloy@hotmail.com and we can talk more off-line. There is also a free website builder called Blogger, but if you want one that also lets you sell products, you need someone like Integrant Services.
Love this video - I too am addicted to purchasing items. I so appreciate you sharing this video and can relate to everything you are saying. Makes me want rethink what I buy and if I will actually use.
Thinking strategically about how you want to spend your hard-earned money is a good thing. Craft products are really fun to play with but can get expensive, as I'm sure you well know. Keep having fun!
Your words resonate with me and I too am a crafting addict! I just joined StampinUp as a Demonstrator and have spent several hundred already on my credit card. Thank you for this video as it is a reality check to slow down a bit here. it's truly an addiction and I am here with you.
Congratulations on becoming a Stampin’ Up demonstrator! And yes, there are so many wonderful products rolled out all the time, it’s hard to resist. But it’s important to find a way to pace yourself. I tell myself not to buy too much at once because there is no way I can use it all at the same time. I won’t lie though. It’s tempting 😊
OMG! I can't believe I'm hearing this. I feel like I'm having an out-of-body experience, I HAVE THE SAME ADDICTION. And, you should see my craft room. It's exploding! I have soooooo man cards made and stacked up that it's ridiculous. I'm ashamed to even admit to people how many stamps sets and craft supplies I have. Any, with that being said.... this may not be what you want to hear, but I would love to see you create projects and cards using 'moldy oldie' stamp sets. I have so many retired sets that have been shoved to the back of the shelves and should be used. Sadly, unlike you, I just can't part with them. UGH! My goal this year is to donate as many cards as possible to retirement/nursing homes so that I can 'get my fix' and find fulfillment in what I create. Keep on crafting, Susan. It's good therapy.
You are in good company. Just read the other comments. We are all in the same boat. I like your suggestion that I should make a video or two using retired stamp sets. As a demonstrator, I have been hesitant to do that in case people had a hard time finding the stamp set, and so, I would focus only on ones that are in the current Stampin' Up catalog. However, I am rethinking that. I have kept some of my favorite stamp sets. I actually have a ton of retired stamp sets that have not yet sold on my website. So, I am going to dig them out and make some cards with my favorite ones. Plus, we all need to buy new consumables as they run out (cardstock, designer series paper, etc.). So, we can change up the design of our cards by pairing a retired stamp set with new color cardstock and patterned paper. Thanks for the tip. I'm on it!
If you have particular Stampin' Up stamp sets that you want to see a video on, let me know what it is. If I have it, I can do videos on those first.
Thanks for sharing!!! From Nc
Your words resonated with me 100%
Hello! Your post popped up on utube. I can completely understand where you are coming from. I have been with SU for 5 years. What I "know now" is I enjoy making "flower cards" , and Christmas cards mainly. I do not buy any cutsie animal or baby stamp sets. When I first started purchasing product I thought I needed everything too. I soon realized I "only would like to have one or two "kid" stamp sets; one or two valentine stamp sets etc..I do enjoy background stamp sets cuz I don't purchase ANY dsp at all and want to create the "whole card myself" especially when I say "I made it myself". I have sold a few stamp sets here and there. Now I tend to purchase adhesive paper; dimensionals etc. I do buy dies without buying the stamp set. I have only "ONE SHELF" for my stamps..so I am good with this amount. And this year I plan on "waiting till next June 2023" to purchase anything that I LOVE and is retiring. OR when shipping is free. Shipping to Canada is very expensive! Thanking for sharing your views on shopping with SU. I too love love Stampin' UP products :).
It’s great that you figured out what you like and stick with it. Otherwise you could spend a fortune buying stuff you never use. Thank you for reaching out.
I get what you're saying, I'm a very impulsive buyer for anything that has to do with crafting lol especially Stamps, Paper punches, dies & craft paper 😬. I gotta have to go through all my craft supplies and start destashing lol. Tfs💛
Destashing is hard. I love my stuff - all of it. But it's just not realistic to keep it all. Good luck with it. And I hope you really enjoy whatever you end up keeping.
Hi I have been crafting for years but just recently became a stamping up demonstrator. Crafting is expensive, time consuming and additive BUT so satisfying, calming and gratifying. It's great you switched to using your debit card, I rarely put purchases on a credit card if I do my rule is that I have to have 1/2 the money at the time and I must pay off the balance in 30 days. I sell a lot of my craft items so this pays for my crafty addiction!! Loved your video, I did try to go to your blog to see if anything was available to purchase, I'm interested in a few older stamp sets that I am sure are retired. Love stamp in up products as you state they are costly but you can't beat the quality!
Thank you for taking the time to comment. Our hobby is definitely expensive and I have learned the hard way it's important to budget. I love being a Stampin' Up demonstrator. I literally make almost no money at it, but I still love it. I am so glad to hear you are enjoying yourself because that's what it's all about. Happy stamping!
Yes! Crafting IS a very 'crafty' addiction!
You are so right!! We are addicts! I have made lots of cards but what do you with them all?.
I am a hobby demonstrator. To hold myself off. I make cards for senior Centers, long term care homes and the hospital. So I try to only buy what I can use in those cards. I might do card groups in the future ??? But for now I am soooo trying to keep my focus. And I am like you. I hate 2 step stamping
I love that you do cards for senior centers and the hospital. I’m sure they appreciate it. Happy stamping!
First time watching your videos. I agree with your thoughts and all the comments.
I will rethink my stash as well. I’m a hobby Demo only- my business shrank over the years. Thank you for your honesty.
I just barely started out in February and so I only have like 10 sets. I got most of them from the free ones from the sale a bration. So far I’ve used each set at least once. And I hope I stick to it but I plan on only buying ones I’ll use. But so far it is an addiction! My MIL started it too.
You have a good plan. Yes it's an addiction. A fun addiction, but one that costs a lot of money. You and your MIL should have fun with this.
Thank you for your honesty! I’m afraid that we are all guilty of this!
Like others, I’m a hobby demonstrator, with no customer base. Spending the $ min per quarter does mean that I have purchased items just to keep my demo status. When I started a year ago, I wanted to have everything because I loved it all like you! But now I have much of the basics that I want. I have cards I’ve made that use retired SU stuff or mixed with other brand products but don’t share because of those “current and only SU” product policy; the FB SU groups only want this, and others have had problems posting their makes or tutorials on social media for as well. Thank you for your honesty.
I feel the way you do. But I am now realizing from the many comments here that people have a lot of retired product and they want to continue to use it. And they want fresh ideas on how to use those products. I was thinking of maybe doing Throwback Thursday videos using retired products but incorporated with newer ones, like current In Colors.
@@susanmolloy7605 what a great idea, plus it also shows that the products are not just “one hit wonders”. I actually have SU ink pads, the originals, which are still useable.
I’m very impulsive purchaser, during Covid I seemed to have got much worse. I have definitely got more products than I’ve used.
I did that too during Covid. There wasn't much else to do. My online shopping in general spiked during Covid and that included stamping supplies.
I needed this video! I gave half of my unused stamps to my niece, even though I HAD to have them! I really hope she uses them.
I have given my niece a ton of stuff too!
I love your honesty! I agree by the time I get some of the products I forget what I was going to make!
It's so true for many of us. I purchased much less from the new catalog than I have in the past. Check out my follow up video called 'What I ended up buying in the new catalog.'
I definitely share your feelings about wanting everything!! But my time and wallet say otherwise lol
Mine too. It's just not reasonable or practical for us to open our wallets and get everything. I have since changed my buying strategy and am being more mindful.
Good for you for admitting your addiction and how you approached it in the past as well as your plans for the future. I was exactly the same way, and I have to say I still struggle with it in a much smaller way, keeping it to just “supplies”…..lol Love your honesty. Thank you because I know us addicts need to feel that we aren’t alone, and how we are going to beat it!🥰
When the new catalog comes out, I put a check by products I think I want. Then I wait. When I order it's seldom & for stuff I really want. Orders are down to bout 70-$100 down from ~$200. That's how I know which ones I really really can use & not just want. I always use a debit card (maybe use a credit card ONCE a year) for SU. Those jam hats? I found similar ones on Amazon for less and in a set of 20. Then there's eBay for searching for the same stamps (even Paper Pumpkins sets)at a cheaper price. But I hear ya, Susan. Im getting rid of some that I had big plans for. But I learned.Thx for sharing😍
Love this video!
LOL as a previous SU Demonstrator I totally get it. I have boxes of unused stamps/dies and various other SU products. I've had intentions to sale but just haven't. Good to know we are not alone.
Thanks, you opened my eyes!
Amen for what you have exposed in so many of us!! You smacked it right in my face...even though it is so fun to wait for the next box to appear!! Bless you and good luck with your new agenda!!!
I love getting a box to myself from myself!
Susan you sound EXACTLY LIKE ME. I spent over 4,009.00 in a couple of months after signing up. Lol
Hi Robin. Thanks for sharing. For some of us, when we get excited about a new endeavor, we may have a hard time hitting the 'pause' button. But we can all use those moments as a learning experience and hopefully realize we don't need to have it all at once. That's what I have worked on teaching myself. I wish you the best.
I applaud your honest evaluation of an all too common and personally relatable situation, and I encourage you to maintain your resolve with this new strategy. Please consider doing an update in six months, and another in a year, as I for one, would be interested to know how it’s going.
My son said the same thing. He suggested I do a follow up video in 6 months and maybe do it annually.
I’m the same with scrapbooking made simple. They ship when they ship and could be months and I forget what I wanted to use it for.
Oh man can I relate to this! It is a video that needed to be done. Thank you. I have watched a demonstrator who has "shared" stamp sets and dies. What a great idea! She gets the bundle from her upline so that she can create and do her TH-cam or FB videos, and then she gives the bundle back or passes it on to the next person. You spend less money and need less storage space. I have drastically pulled back on how many stamps I buy. Now paper ... that's another story. LOL
I admire your courage in speaking about your unused products. I don’t have have a following any longer, so if I want to remain a demo, I need to purchase an average of $100 a month. I’m seriously thinking it may be time to quit and try and use all the stuff I’ve purchased and not used! TFS
I understand what you're saying. My quarterly minimum is reached solely from my own purchases. I have a few customers but they only buy once in great while. That's why I'm trying to be more frugal.
Wow that is so me. I thought I was the only one to do it. Thanks for sharing!
Hang in there girl.
I'm totally guilty of purchasing WAY WAY more than I ever use. My plan for this new catalog is not to order in the pre-order period, but to wait until the next sale a bration period (if they have another one this summer for the holiday catalog) to buy any of the new stuff I want and get free stuff in the process. I'm totally willing to wait to get new stuff. If items are on backorder, great! That may give me time to think twice about getting them. Trying to shop smarter this time.
The fact that you have a strategy is fantastic. As we have both learned the hard way, not having a plan gets you into trouble. I love the holiday catalog too because I love the holidays (hate the cold weather but love the holidays). And you're right, buying stuff during Sale a Bration is hands-down the best way to get free products and get twice as much for your money. You got this girl!
I hear you loud and clear! I do the same thing! Mine is Creative Memories! I have to buy all the punches and the matching paper and embellishments!
Thank you for your honesty. I'm sure that there are thousands of crafters that have the same problem, myself included. It definitely is an addiction. When I was young, my addiction was shoes. But at least I wore all pairs that I bought. Lol 😄 My problem is that I watch too many videos showcasing all of these products, and get super excited and just have to buy them. My new strategy going forward is to limit my video viewing, and use what I already own. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
I had a shoe thing too before I retired! You have a great strategy to limit the videos you watch because you're right that we see these videos and these people are really talented and we love what we see. Thank you for reaching out to me. Please stay in touch.
This is so me. Thank you for your honesty and kick in the pants. Sending inky hugs!
Thanks so much for sharing! ❤ I can totally identify with you and we (my sisters and I) call it retail therapy. Sometimes I know exactly what I’m doing, other times I go into a flurry of buying stuff (usually crafts online) and can’t remember what I bought. I know I do it when I have a lot of stress in my life but that’s no excuse, because it might just cause further stress down the road when I realize I could’ve saved some money. When a friend was unexpectedly terminated from his high level job. He started shopping at Goodwill for bargains twice a day like it was his new job. He would brag about all the bargains he got, what they were worth, and how much he saved. I warned him he’d go broke saving money. Sure enough, he spent his entire severance on collectables that have no value unless he sells them. He’s doesnt sell things online or otherwise. I convinced him to return some of the items e.g. a big old creepy wicker baby carriage from the turn of the century. It had a black covering-yikes! Anyway, I have stopped buying things just because they’re a great bargain. For 2024, I’m going to try not to buy any new crafts in 2024. And that’s a promise!
Thank you so much for reaching out. It is true, as you say, that we can get carried away buying crafts, or actually anything. In the past, I also engaged in retail therapy as a way to alleviate stress, but it only created a second problem (debt). I have since adopted a better strategy of limiting both my crafting purchases as well as purchases in general. I write down what I want and then wait a couple of days. By then, I sometimes just decide not to buy it at all. That's a win for me. I'm sorry to hear about your friend that spent all of his severance on unnecessary things. People often believe they need to purchase something because they will 'save' a lot. But in fact, they haven't saved anything. They have spent money, and that kind of spending will, over time, dwindle a person's precious resources. You gave him good advice to return what he can, and then sell what he can, even at a loss.
All the best to you in 2024.
Thanks for your honesty. I am more than guilty of this, SU products and other company "must have" items. I did stop for a year, and was able to go to Europe to visit my son and his wife for 10 days. Had I kept buying, no way could I do that! haha Money is tight for a lot of us, and having a strategy is a very wise way to open the new catalog. I admire you for bringing this "problem" out for all of us.
I love that story!
This is so me. I want it all.I have my basement full of wooden stamps .
This has been the best video ever. Love the honesty! You have really hit home about most of crafters. I am just a hobby demo, wish i was a million $ sales demo. I often wish there was a sharing page for hobby demos. Great job!!
Thank you so much!