Jennifer, sometimes when I spend hours and hours on cards I wonder if the recipient will appreciate it. Well, in 2020 I had multiple occasions where I was thanked for one of my thank you cards! So, I say to all of you card makers out there, keep going, keep creating! You never know the impact of your handmade cards! And, Jennifer please know what a blessing you are to all of us! I can't tell you how many hours I spent watching your videos while having to stay home and stay safe! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
This video comes as just the right time. Just yesterday I found myself saying internally, "I don't want to finish those cards." I was able to catch my negative self-talk, for once, & deliberately made myself change that negative thought to, "I DO want to finish those cards, but I just don't feel like it today." I gave myself permission to not do anything yesterday & now, today, I'm energized to keep going with a project I started last weekend. Stopping the negative self-talk is a big deal. Why on earth would I tell myself I don't want to? I most certainly DO want to. Also, just sitting down with supplies and starting goes a long way towards getting out of my creative slumps. I just plan on making a very simple project in a short amount of time, and before I know it my mojo is back. It's getting started that is so hard for me.
Jennifer you can’t really know how much you’ve blessed my life and how your videos have been an encouragement. This is not your job or your hobby, it’s your calling! Thank you, and have a glorious 2021.
I have similar struggles with depression and anxiety-it can really take a toll. I’m still learning how to not let anxiety stand in the way of creating and really appreciate your tips for getting through a slump. Thank you for sharing your wonderful episodes. I do a little happy dance whenever there’s a new one to watch!
"keep the joy in your hobby" is so perfect .... sometimes we forget that we are meant to do this because we love it. Your creativity and your candor are inspirational.
I wanted to thank you for all your videos and particularly for making so many teacher appreciation cards. I am a teacher and this year has been brutally difficult. Throughout the first semester I worked 10-12 hour weekdays and 5-6 hour days every weekend desperately trying to keep up with an impossible workload. I was so discouraged by all the social media posts that I saw with people saying things like 'teachers just don't want to work' etc. Your videos along with card making and my family were the only things that kept me sane. As I sit here trying to psych myself up for work today in preparation for next semester, I just wanted to let you know how much your videos have helped me get through this difficult time.
Sometimes it takes me awhile to catch up with videos I have starred and want to come back to as I did with this one. The ideas you share for mass producing or making slight changes to cards that use the same materials or ideas are always appreciated, Jennifer. Each year I make at least 200 cards that we sell at church for missions and I don't like to put a lot of repeats out, but having an appreciation for how you can make little changes that make each card a little unique is very helpful. Thanks for your candor and your imagination!
Wonderful video as always. I can relate to the struggles, the anxiety and the depression... especially in 2020! I have PTSD and making cards calms me, but the best part of all is that people so appreciate getting all our homemade goodness. I so often have people call, text or even write to tell me how much my cards and special notes mean to them. It’s such a gift to participate in this wonderful hobby.
Jennifer, I love your honesty. I struggle too with depression. Watching your videos is a happy place. Like you, I enjoy making a number of cards at once and the rhythm and peace and flow that I get into!
I want to say Thank you Jennifer. I felt so overwhelmed to try and make cards, that I just lost “what one might say” the feeling to create anything. This year has caused so many things and different feelings for many. I know that the new year is coming in the next two days and many say it’s a new beginning. I say we have hope, understanding and a new positive way of dealing with and looking at what is in front of us to be able to not hold on to what the past year has dealt us, and what we have learned from it of ourselves. We all have different ways of handling our struggles. We need to wake up with the sun to have a brighter day, which gives us positivity and go to bed with the 🌙 to have the rest we need for new beginnings. Love you all and God Bless!
Such a help. My mother got through a difficult life by helping others where possible. When I'm down I send cars of encouragement with typped verses from the Bible stuck on the front to people I know who could do with a lift. It is so appreciated that this alone can make me do a batch of the same inspirational card to my congregation, especially in Lockdown here in London.
Jennifer, You have been an inspiration to me since I started paper crafting. I love your videos. You are prepared, you don't ramble on and on, and your ideas are reasonable for average crafters. I have suffered from depression off and on for over 60 years. Be sure to faithfully take your meds and never be reluctant about your problem. God bless you.
I appreciate everything about you. Your craft, your struggles, your honesty and your kindness! You share real life. You’re part of my escape and I love it when I get to spend some time with you! Thank you for everything you are!!!
You are so inspiring and have helped me manage my own depression and anxiety. I find that making sympathy cards as needed is very therapeutic in working through grief. I made some sympathy cards to have in advance, but found that it just didn't help. I use those for co-workers or for people who lost loved ones that I didn't know. However, when I am grieving and wanting to console others too, creating that individual card is so helpful. Thank you for your warm, loving spirit.
Wow Jennifer, great video and great tips!! After a car accident, I often am so tired and have a sensory overload that I lost my creativity.... and at the same time cardmaking or coloring helps me to get the rest in myself so that I can handle my life.... it helps me to watch video’s like this. I get new ideas and most of the times I can translate this techniques in my own taste of cardmaking. So, luckily I am not depressed, but I recognize some parts of your story. And your video’s help me a lot! Thank you for that!
What inspires me is YOU!!! I find your videos so inspirational no matter what products you use, I adapt to what I have and get crafting! I can't thank you enough for a year filled with wonderful ideas and techniques. YOU made quarantining way more FUN! xoxox
I didn’t know you suffered from depression and anxiety. I do too and making cards is such a relief for my mental health so I understand. Take care of yourself.
Amazing tips yet again, Jennifer! Love the guillotine trick. When I’m in a creative slump I find that tidying and reorganising my supplies helps. It always needs to be done, and when I’m in a creative phase it’s not a high priority. I always rediscover supplies I had forgotten about or that I had plans for which I hadn’t followed through on, and my new excitement kicks the creativity back in. If that still doesn’t work, I then just mass produce stamped and die cut flowers or backgrounds just for the fun of playing with inks and stamps with no expectation of a card resulting. This often triggers new creative ideas, and if it doesn’t then I still have a pile of die cuts or backgrounds for next time. 💜
Thank you Jennifer for all the time you put into your videos so we can be inspired. Thank you also for being a positive voice this year and spreading joy through your card making. You are a special person.
When my elementary students had to take state assessment tests for several hours during one single week each year I came up with this idea to refresh them. We turned our desks to face a different direction for different sections of the test.If we began the testing session facing the front of the room, then two hours later we reversed our desks to face the back of the room. Other times we faced the window wall or the closet wall. When I have a creative block I physically get up and go and sit on the opposite side of my craft table. Staying at the same table means I still have all of my materials near at hand. If I am really stuck I relocate to another room, but that means moving supplies and that can add to the stress.
I love this video so much. Not only because of the inspiration but because of what was said. I too struggle (esp. in winter!) with depression, and paper art is therapeutic for me. I've made 15 sympathy cards this year and this week at church heard about 2 more friends who have lost parents. 😔 The one thing I like to do during rough times is make backgrounds. Whether it's just smooshing ink or spraying ink on photo paper or blowing through a stack of computer paper with the brayer, that is relaxing for me. To say I have a bunch of backgrounds is an understatement. 🤣. Anyone need some backgrounds 😑😉. **I want to say that I do copy your bling placement! I don't know why that is so hard for me, but it is. 😬
My Stamping hobby helped me through 2020. I spent many hours in my stamp room. It is “my happy place.” Thank you, for all your videos, which I enjoy so much. Hopefully the second half 2021 will be a better year. Love to you.
Thanks for sharing, Jennifer--beautiful cards, as always. Another benefit from our wonderful hobby is that we get joy when we help others--the recipients who get our cards. I've been sending at least one card each day to someone since the lockdown started last March. I'm always touched when someone takes the time to let me know how the card cheered them up. My cards aren't as gorgeous as yours, but just getting some personal mail can do a lot to help people feel less alone.
Yes -- therapy & escape & delivering smile-inducing cards to friends & family & random strangers. *** I didn't particularly care for the patterns on the holographic cardstock -- but I used holographic gift wrap & double-sided adhesive sheets & scrap cardstock to create my own. Works wonderfully. Thanks for sharing your tips & struggles -- we ARE all in this together. May 2021 bring you Joy & happiness. Blessings & Hugs.
you are what inspires me. The day I found a gel plate online I googled and found your video and have since bought different sizes. I have found that sometimes I don't like my designs but have enjoyed the process so I am not disappointed. I also found that when I go back and look at my art I love my art even the ones I didn't like. I am planning on making some cards for people who have kidney cancer like me. creating helps me forget the struggles. thank you for sharing such beautiful content you brightened 2020
When I’m struggling. I watch TH-cam or read a book or article, blog. This helps inspire me and I pick a technique to try. I watch you A LOT! Thank you!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I am so happy you have found your way back this year through crafting. In my case, the new-found anxiety from such an absolutely terrible year actually made me not even want to craft. I hardly made anything this year. But, since our dance classes have resumed late this year, I have finally found something that works for me.....music & dance! How can one be sad when exposed to lots of music? Plus it so helps decrease my anxiety. And it is helping me to purge all the items I don’t use, giving my craft room a much more streamlined appearance. Maybe I can make more stuff! I wish you a wonderful new year full of exciting ideas and projects. May God bless.
I've realized the same - card making - the art, the creativity - is so comforting and inspiring. I ended up up-grading all my equipment, rearranging my craft space, and getting rid of craft supplies I'll never use. 2020 was truly cathartic for me in many ways. Thankful to be a cardmaker! Thank you!
Thankyou Jennifer, I suffer from anxiety & depression too & there are times I find my brain just doesn't want to work. These tips are wonderful, very helpful. Again thanks. I hope you have a great week.
Your videos are ALWAYS worth my time. They are always amazing! Your cards are beautiful every time. And I love your personality, passion, and kindness.
When I hit that wall, I go outside and swing. Brings me back to nature by closing my eyes and just listening. And swinging. Sometimes for 10 minutes and sometimes 30 minutes. Refreshes my mind and inspires me to create. Love all your videos and techniques. You are my inspiration, Jennifer. Thank you!
Jennifer you are a genius. Don't know how you do it. First your are always so positive and happy. Second you are always coming up with genius techniques that everyone can use. I have been watching you for years and am always looking for your next videos. You have been a life saver during these troubling times of 2020. Let's home 2021 will be a better for everyone. Thank you for being you.
This was a helpful video, Jennifer, but that last few minutes were truly precious: Encouraging us to think about what part of the process makes us happy so we can get through slumps. The fact that you are still so passionate about crafting - especially when it’s also your job - is an inspiration. This is also my therapy. I’m glad it is still that for you, despite the pressures it must also bring because it isn’t solely a hobby. When I hit a wall, I sometimes find that following a card sketch from Pinterest can help. This reduces the design process and lets me go straight to making. Happy 2021!
Thank you so much for this video. It was extremely timely for me. Finding out that you also deal with depression was such a huge surprise for me. Thank you for your openness. I appreciated the card making tips too, specially the one with the trimmer. When I am depressed it helps to listen to a soothing voice. Quite often it is yours. Thank you.
I appreciate you so much. It helps to know that even you get stuck. You have shared soooooo many helpful tips...I can't ever thank you enough. You are a special human! 💜
Oh my goodness! The tip for cutting sentiment strips with your guillotine literally bought tears to my eyes. So much frustration gone. Thank you Jennifer for sharing your ingenuity.
The cards are lovely and thank you for the tips. I’m going to make those window templates right away! For me to get through crafters block I do one of two things. First I go through some of my favorite crafting videos on TH-cam from you and other crafters and that usually gets some creative juices going. Second, my craft room is a tiny spare bedroom and I share it with odds and ends from other people. But every so often when I can’t figure out what I want to do I’ll start re-organizing it, the papers or my tools or my embellishments and I’ll find things I haven’t used in a long time or forgot I even had! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for creating this video. I loved the tip for getting sentiment strips just the right size - will definitely be using this! I also appreciated hearing how you get past creative slumps. I think we can all relate and having ideas to push through them helps so that we can continue to experience the joy that our craft gives us and others is so very important. Keep up the great work Jennifer x.
Thank tou Jennifer!! So many good ideas. Like doing repetitive things during slumppy depression time. I recently sat in the living room cutting card stock for backgrounds. This is such a great community! It's been a rough year and you and others kept my head above water during the rough spots. Thank you and stay well.❤
Dear Jennifer i am so glad you can use your talent in making your cards to help you in a particular hard time,and i admire you for sharing with all of us that never knew that you had that problem,but thank you so much for your honestly. God Bless, I mean that Sincerely. ( and i always love your videos & cards) xx
While I don’t mass produce the amount you do, I always make 3 or 4 cards from whatever design I’m trying. I find I have less waste and I enjoy it more. Plus more cards!
Jennifer, you are the "Queen of Cardmaking" , but you are so human. We all have times that we get stuck. I need to empty my dishwasher but I just can't make myself do it. I think about it until I realize is "my job". I watch one of your videos like this and I realize we all share our lives in our hobby. It is evident that we use similar techniques to move forward. We need people like you to model these behaviors for us and we all benefit from your honesty and compassion. You are my hero for 2021!
Making cards is my therapy and my ministry. When I feel blocked watching your videos is my release. I enjoy watching them any time not just when I feel blocked. I always learn something especially to ‘be myself’ . I ordered an aqua shimmer pen but am not having success in using it. I like my cards to be cheerful and think the shimmer would help with that. Thank you and God bless you. Nina Meeker.
Yes!!!!! I have been waiting for this video! 😍It helps me a lot to just stop what I’m doing and organize my craft room or even just my table. It gets out of control really fast since I have a small space. It bring me great relief and my creativity back after I organize/reorganize it.
I LOVE the sentiment strip cutting tip - I've struggled so much with getting those right. You are always so inspiring and I relate with you that crafting is therapeutic!! I struggle with depression and anxiety as well and there is nothing better than sitting in my craft room making a mess and creating beautiful things!
Wow wow Jennifer, thaaaanks so much for the whole year demonstrate, point, showing, indicate and guiding us how to make so beautifull card. For me you are the best crafter teacher ever, thanks so so much. I wish you and your family a wonderful, healthy new year and stay safe . Greetings and hugs from Germany Sabrina
Your cards are beautiful, as usual. I've been making cards for a loooong time, but I always learn something from your videos. Even if it's that I really want a stamp or die that you used. :) I need to thank you for speaking about this hobby being such a refuge and ESCAPE, especially this year, from stress & anxiety. I am a craft junkie, but card making is my go-to craft since if keeps me distracted from my anxieties AND I then have beautiful cards to send to people that I love. I think ESCAPISM is my word for 2020. Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your amazing talent & coping techniques. You've definitely made a difference in my life. Blessings to you & your family for a Happy New Year.
After watching your Gel Press videos, I sent a a Gel Press to two friends for Christmas. I sent the link to the videos and asked them to watch them. We set up a Sunday afternoon FaceTime and played with our Gel Presses. It was fun to share time creating with friends again. You are such an inspiration. Now we can see what you did with those pieces you made in this phenomenal video. It is full of wonderful tips! Thank you so much. You are a gem, so creative.
Thank you for sharing your talents and gifts! I know you say it's your "job," but your job helps so many people and brings joy to others! I admire your honesty and willingness to be open about your feelings. Many of us suffer from sort degree of anxiety, so you are not alone. Thank you for all that you do for others! We do not take your kindness, talents, gifts, ideas and guidance for granted!
Thank you Jennifer, I am new to card making, I started watching your videos when New Zealand first went into lock down and got so inspired by what beautiful cards you made, that as soon as the shops here opened, I went and brought my first supplies, and have been hooked ever since. Thank you for all your tips and tricks to make things easier!! And when I have a creative block, I just watch your videos to get me back on track!! Thank you for giving me back “me time” that I haven’t had in years, because life “got to busy”! Xx
I wish there was a LOVE button because I loved this video and how you share your personal thoughts and feelings. I two suffer from depression and anxiety and this hobby has helped keep me balanced and brought me joy at times that have been very difficult. Thanks for being an inspiration to so many. You are wonderful Jennifer. XOXO
Thank you so much for the comment about tape runners and liquid glue. I’m fairly new to this hobby and just couldn’t upstanding the attraction to the tape runners. I always reach for the liquid glue and I thought there was something wrong with me!
I'm a disabled vet who struggles with PTSD and chronic pain related depression. Paper crafting has been a (expensive!) lifeline for me, especially on days when even taking a shower seems overwhelming. My trick for overcoming a crafting slump is to watch TH-cam videos from my favorite crafters. You are my number one, even though I'm not a card maker particularly. Your techniques are so useful for my mini albums and journals, and your honesty about depression and anxiety is such a relief. Knowing I'm not the only one who needs "crafty therapy" means the world to me. I hope you and your family are blessed in this holiday season and n the year to come ❤️
First, and most importantly, I am so thankful for your service and I am sorry to hear about your struggle. But I am glad that my and the videos of other crafters can help you.
I've been making cards since I was a kid, but only in the last couple of years or so has it become something good. This year I wanted to focus on making better cards, and by watching and learning from you (and others I've learned about from you) I've started to make truly decent cards. Sometimes watching card making videos helps me get beyond a slump or creative block. If I need something more, I go back to crocheting.
I don’t suffer from depression or anxiety, however, this year has been tough, and so crafting has helped me to spend some hours away from thoughts of negativity. Thank you for all the useful tips you have shared in this video. The most useful to me is your method of cutting thin sentiment strips! You have been a great source of inspiration and motivation for me over the years, and for that I give thanks. I look forward to more of your videos in 2021. Xxx
Love the tip for cutting sentiment strips, I'll be using it a lot! When I'm a bit stuck creatively I like to experiment with new techniques and make lots of backgrounds; before I know it my creative mojo is back. Crafting is great therapy for whatever ails you. Thanks for your wonderful videos Jennifer.
Seeing that black bracelet on your wrist- still- gives me hope Jennifer. Also, thanks for walking us through your "slump." It's helpful to hear your perspective on what works to get to the other side.
Thank you Jennifer for so many great techniques and tips, including the steps you take when you get stuck. I have depression at times as well and it's hard to stay motivated or feel my creations are worthy. Taking time away really helps and/or I watch a video from you to get re-inspired! Take care and thank you again for all you do for the creative community! 💖💖💖
Thank you so much for sharing this video. Yes I too have low times. Yes I too have creative slumps. Your ideas and comments will help me cope with them. Much love from Scotland. X
Hi Jennifer. You asked us to post the way we use our hobby to make us happy. Well here is some of mine. I always have multi crafts on the go. Crochet, beading, card making, scrapbooking. Within these I have multiple projects on the go. When I get fed up of one I move to another one. Most importantly I take photos and make notes of where/what I am using before I stop. I can’t tell you the amount of times I have returned to a project and can’t recall the hook size, colour type or weight of card I was using. This method has helped me get out of multiple problems. My other way to kick start my craft session is to watch a couple of your videos. Search a particular creative method and this helps me see my products in a different light. I love the tip of having a favourite design which you use when your low on ideas just to get you going. I often spend a day messing about but not getting anywhere then just as the creative juices start flowing I have to stop to cook the evening meal or go to work or something else that interrupts my craft session. I love your videos. No messing or yapping, just pure creative videos. Thank you for your time you freely give to us. Xxx
I can't like this enough. I found your tips thoroughly helpful. I need to use what I have because our finances have taken a hit but appreciate all your cool tricks and the hours of time you put into your work and videos 🙏💜💙💚
Dear Jennifer happy new year! I too suffer from the 2020 depression! I watch your videos for inspiration and to inspire me to get moving and make cards! It does get me out of a slump! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing not only your creative genius with us, but yourself! We have never met but you are my crafting friend thru your videos while I sit and craft. My "live" friends 😃 do not understand cardmaking and scrapbooking so it is so nice when you share stories along with your ideas! Thank you so much!
Oh my so many, many tips I can't begin to remember them all. You're so generous to share your knowledge with us. I definitely find therapy in the simple repetition of mass assembly. Thank you for helping me get through a "sick day".
Love the tips and tricks. When I get stuck creatively I read positive quotes and listen to soft relaxing music. Even those of us living a Christ centered life, we still struggle from time to time.
That you so very much for sharing your creativity and your struggles. It's people like you who help connect the world together. ❤ I am so grateful that I found your videos when the lockdown began.
I have always stated that there is not a day that goes by when I am in my craft room that I don’t use at least one tip that you have given me! Today’s “light bulb moment “ was the card stock guide in the guillotine paper cutter! Brilliant time saver! 🙌🏻 I loved all your cards. Thanks again for all the inspiration.
Thank you Jennifer for sharing all the tips and your struggles. One thing I have found with tape runner is that it doesn’t last on cards over time and dries out. Liquid glue doesn’t in my experience. I find just to keep working and playing with all the bits and bobs on my desk helps me to be most creative. Hugs!
Thank you Jennifer, for this video and for sharing your struggles. You keep it real. You are such an inspiration. I love every card you create. They are always so clean and have that WOW punch. Many blessings in 2021!
God's timing is perfect. I was in a slump creatively and thinking I should just get rid of all my card making supplies. The reason was because I seldom receive encouragement. I teared up when you said you had depression and anxiety issues. I had not heard that before...maybe because sometimes I have to watch without sound. I can relate to those issues. You encourage me Jennifer. I love your videos. I love how humble you are. Thank you so much.
I’m lucky because when I get stuck creatively I have you. I pick one of your videos, pick my favorite card from it then find a different stamp set or die that I own that would work and I duplicate the design, then I do it again with a different stamp set or die and try to change it up a little and so on. So thank you for being my helper that gets me out of a creative funk! My guess is that I won’t be the only person that says this about your videos.
Love these cards! The gel press videos were fun to watch, and then seeing you putting those prints to use was amazing. Thank you for sharing your hints and your talent!
Agree whole hearted Jennifer you have to find your joy. Mine is definitely unique interactive cards. Thanks for all the inspiration you provide as someone new to crafting your videos have helped me through 2020.
Love seeing your end results and the tips along the way to make it easier and more enjoyable. Using the edge of the trimmer with the different colored paper to line up a small sentiment strip... awesome! Also, how to utilize scraps using a small die, great. But using a large word background stamp to add life to a card front... simple but so clever!!! THankYou a million times over!!!
I’m just starting card making in 2023 - a message from the future! Anyway, so far its the planning out of a card that I love…and then spending days on it. Thanks so much for your videos, I love them!
Thank you so very much for everything that you share. I absolutely LOVE your tips. I always leave encouraged and equipped to create cards that I’m happy to send to friends. Keep doing what you do. You’re good! 🙂
Thankyou Jennifer. You are ALWAYS worth my time. Love all your cards, tips and creativity including the bad moments. Thanks for sharing how you get through.
I am sorry you have struggled with depression and anxiety. I have too. Crafting is a HUGE escape for many of us! Working in a restaurant at this time of a pandemic has been horrible, both financially and emotionally....I have always concentrated on my crafts while we are off work. My stress level is way down, and I don't worry like my coworkers. I have found an inner peace that I think a lot of us crafters do. I have lots to do with my hobby, where my coworkers are bored at home waiting to go back to work. Crafting is so much more therapeutic than I think most people realize. (It also helps watching great videos from you and others!) Thank you for all your inspiration!!!
My biggest tips for getting over creative hurdles are 1) use your creativity when you have it: sometimes the ideas just keep coming, write them down, sketch them out and save the ones you don't make immediately for when you want to create but you're stuck creatively. 2) pair up your products: most of the time I get stuck is when I look at one product, a stamp set, a die set, a new specialty cardstock or some ink and I want to make something with it but I don't have an idea immediately. I go through my stash and pull out 5 different products I want to pair it with. Or sometimes I pair it with 5 techniques I want to try.
Beautiful cards as always! Love all the tips and inspiration you give to your subscribers we really appreciate your tips and all the kindness you share.❤️
Jennifer, sometimes when I spend hours and hours on cards I wonder if the recipient will appreciate it. Well, in 2020 I had multiple occasions where I was thanked for one of my thank you cards! So, I say to all of you card makers out there, keep going, keep creating! You never know the impact of your handmade cards! And, Jennifer please know what a blessing you are to all of us! I can't tell you how many hours I spent watching your videos while having to stay home and stay safe! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
This video comes as just the right time. Just yesterday I found myself saying internally, "I don't want to finish those cards." I was able to catch my negative self-talk, for once, & deliberately made myself change that negative thought to, "I DO want to finish those cards, but I just don't feel like it today." I gave myself permission to not do anything yesterday & now, today, I'm energized to keep going with a project I started last weekend. Stopping the negative self-talk is a big deal. Why on earth would I tell myself I don't want to? I most certainly DO want to. Also, just sitting down with supplies and starting goes a long way towards getting out of my creative slumps. I just plan on making a very simple project in a short amount of time, and before I know it my mojo is back. It's getting started that is so hard for me.
Jennifer you can’t really know how much you’ve blessed my life and how your videos have been an encouragement. This is not your job or your hobby, it’s your calling! Thank you, and have a glorious 2021.
I have similar struggles with depression and anxiety-it can really take a toll. I’m still learning how to not let anxiety stand in the way of creating and really appreciate your tips for getting through a slump. Thank you for sharing your wonderful episodes. I do a little happy dance whenever there’s a new one to watch!
"keep the joy in your hobby" is so perfect .... sometimes we forget that we are meant to do this because we love it. Your creativity and your candor are inspirational.
I wanted to thank you for all your videos and particularly for making so many teacher appreciation cards. I am a teacher and this year has been brutally difficult. Throughout the first semester I worked 10-12 hour weekdays and 5-6 hour days every weekend desperately trying to keep up with an impossible workload. I was so discouraged by all the social media posts that I saw with people saying things like 'teachers just don't want to work' etc. Your videos along with card making and my family were the only things that kept me sane. As I sit here trying to psych myself up for work today in preparation for next semester, I just wanted to let you know how much your videos have helped me get through this difficult time.
Sometimes it takes me awhile to catch up with videos I have starred and want to come back to as I did with this one. The ideas you share for mass producing or making slight changes to cards that use the same materials or ideas are always appreciated, Jennifer. Each year I make at least 200 cards that we sell at church for missions and I don't like to put a lot of repeats out, but having an appreciation for how you can make little changes that make each card a little unique is very helpful. Thanks for your candor and your imagination!
Wonderful video as always. I can relate to the struggles, the anxiety and the depression... especially in 2020! I have PTSD and making cards calms me, but the best part of all is that people so appreciate getting all our homemade goodness. I so often have people call, text or even write to tell me how much my cards and special notes mean to them. It’s such a gift to participate in this wonderful hobby.
Jennifer, I love your honesty. I struggle too with depression. Watching your videos is a happy place. Like you, I enjoy making a number of cards at once and the rhythm and peace and flow that I get into!
I want to say Thank you Jennifer. I felt so overwhelmed to try and make cards, that I just lost “what one might say” the feeling to create anything. This year has caused so many things and different feelings for many. I know that the new year is coming in the next two days and many say it’s a new beginning. I say we have hope, understanding and a new positive way of dealing with and looking at what is in front of us to be able to not hold on to what the past year has dealt us, and what we have learned from it of ourselves. We all have different ways of handling our struggles. We need to wake up with the sun to have a brighter day, which gives us positivity and go to bed with the 🌙 to have the rest we need for new beginnings. Love you all and God Bless!
Such a help. My mother got through a difficult life by helping others where possible. When I'm down I send cars of encouragement with typped verses from the Bible stuck on the front to people I know who could do with a lift. It is so appreciated that this alone can make me do a batch of the same inspirational card to my congregation, especially in Lockdown here in London.
Jennifer, You have been an inspiration to me since I started paper crafting. I love your videos. You are prepared, you don't ramble on and on, and your ideas are reasonable for average crafters. I have suffered from depression off and on for over 60 years. Be sure to faithfully take your meds and never be reluctant about your problem. God bless you.
Thank you Jennifer for the beauty you bring the world. This video was quite inspirational on many levels.
I appreciate everything about you. Your craft, your struggles, your honesty and your kindness! You share real life. You’re part of my escape and I love it when I get to spend some time with you! Thank you for everything you are!!!
You are so inspiring and have helped me manage my own depression and anxiety.
I find that making sympathy cards as needed is very therapeutic in working through grief. I made some sympathy cards to have in advance, but found that it just didn't help. I use those for co-workers or for people who lost loved ones that I didn't know. However, when I am grieving and wanting to console others too, creating that individual card is so helpful. Thank you for your warm, loving spirit.
Wow Jennifer, great video and great tips!! After a car accident, I often am so tired and have a sensory overload that I lost my creativity.... and at the same time cardmaking or coloring helps me to get the rest in myself so that I can handle my life.... it helps me to watch video’s like this. I get new ideas and most of the times I can translate this techniques in my own taste of cardmaking. So, luckily I am not depressed, but I recognize some parts of your story. And your video’s help me a lot! Thank you for that!
What inspires me is YOU!!! I find your videos so inspirational no matter what products you use, I adapt to what I have and get crafting! I can't thank you enough for a year filled with wonderful ideas and techniques. YOU made quarantining way more FUN! xoxox
I didn’t know you suffered from depression and anxiety. I do too and making cards is such a relief for my mental health so I understand. Take care of yourself.
Amazing tips yet again, Jennifer! Love the guillotine trick. When I’m in a creative slump I find that tidying and reorganising my supplies helps. It always needs to be done, and when I’m in a creative phase it’s not a high priority. I always rediscover supplies I had forgotten about or that I had plans for which I hadn’t followed through on, and my new excitement kicks the creativity back in. If that still doesn’t work, I then just mass produce stamped and die cut flowers or backgrounds just for the fun of playing with inks and stamps with no expectation of a card resulting. This often triggers new creative ideas, and if it doesn’t then I still have a pile of die cuts or backgrounds for next time. 💜
Thank you Jennifer for all the time you put into your videos so we can be inspired. Thank you also for being a positive voice this year and spreading joy through your card making. You are a special person.
When my elementary students had to take state assessment tests for several hours during one single week each year I came up with this idea to refresh them. We turned our desks to face a different direction for different sections of the test.If we began the testing session facing the front of the room, then two hours later we reversed our desks to face the back of the room. Other times we faced the window wall or the closet wall.
When I have a creative block I physically get up and go and sit on the opposite side of my craft table. Staying at the same table means I still have all of my materials near at hand. If I am really stuck I relocate to another room, but that means moving supplies and that can add to the stress.
The trick to cut sentiment stripes is brilliant! Thank you!
Thanks for being so candid and sharing your struggles, it lets so many of us know we are not alone as we go through the same ones ourselves
I love this video so much. Not only because of the inspiration but because of what was said. I too struggle (esp. in winter!) with depression, and paper art is therapeutic for me. I've made 15 sympathy cards this year and this week at church heard about 2 more friends who have lost parents. 😔 The one thing I like to do during rough times is make backgrounds. Whether it's just smooshing ink or spraying ink on photo paper or blowing through a stack of computer paper with the brayer, that is relaxing for me. To say I have a bunch of backgrounds is an understatement. 🤣. Anyone need some backgrounds 😑😉. **I want to say that I do copy your bling placement! I don't know why that is so hard for me, but it is. 😬
My Stamping hobby helped me through 2020. I spent many hours in my stamp room. It is “my happy place.” Thank you, for all your videos, which I enjoy so much. Hopefully the second half 2021 will be a better year. Love to you.
Thanks for sharing, Jennifer--beautiful cards, as always. Another benefit from our wonderful hobby is that we get joy when we help others--the recipients who get our cards. I've been sending at least one card each day to someone since the lockdown started last March. I'm always touched when someone takes the time to let me know how the card cheered them up. My cards aren't as gorgeous as yours, but just getting some personal mail can do a lot to help people feel less alone.
Yes -- therapy & escape & delivering smile-inducing cards to friends & family & random strangers. *** I didn't particularly care for the patterns on the holographic cardstock -- but I used holographic gift wrap & double-sided adhesive sheets & scrap cardstock to create my own. Works wonderfully. Thanks for sharing your tips & struggles -- we ARE all in this together. May 2021 bring you Joy & happiness. Blessings & Hugs.
you are what inspires me. The day I found a gel plate online I googled and found your video and have since bought different sizes. I have found that sometimes I don't like my designs but have enjoyed the process so I am not disappointed. I also found that when I go back and look at my art I love my art even the ones I didn't like. I am planning on making some cards for people who have kidney cancer like me. creating helps me forget the struggles. thank you for sharing such beautiful content you brightened 2020
When I’m struggling. I watch TH-cam or read a book or article, blog. This helps inspire me and I pick a technique to try. I watch you A LOT! Thank you!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I am so happy you have found your way back this year through crafting.
In my case, the new-found anxiety from such an absolutely terrible year actually made me not even want to craft. I hardly made anything this year. But, since our dance classes have resumed late this year, I have finally found something that works for me.....music & dance! How can one be sad when exposed to lots of music? Plus it so helps decrease my anxiety. And it is helping me to purge all the items I don’t use, giving my craft room a much more streamlined appearance. Maybe I can make more stuff!
I wish you a wonderful new year full of exciting ideas and projects. May God bless.
I've realized the same - card making - the art, the creativity - is so comforting and inspiring. I ended up up-grading all my equipment, rearranging my craft space, and getting rid of craft supplies I'll never use. 2020 was truly cathartic for me in many ways. Thankful to be a cardmaker! Thank you!
I’m going to have to watch this a few times over to remember all those amazing tips! Thanks!!
Thankyou Jennifer, I suffer from anxiety & depression too & there are times I find my brain just doesn't want to work. These tips are wonderful, very helpful. Again thanks. I hope you have a great week.
Love the die cut inlay trick using the die as the carrier!
So clever ...
Your videos are ALWAYS worth my time. They are always amazing! Your cards are beautiful every time. And I love your personality, passion, and kindness.
When I hit that wall, I go outside and swing. Brings me back to nature by closing my eyes and just listening. And swinging. Sometimes for 10 minutes and sometimes 30 minutes. Refreshes my mind and inspires me to create. Love all your videos and techniques. You are my inspiration, Jennifer. Thank you!
You are a gifted communicator and a tremendously talented and blessed artist! Looking forward to following you into 2021!
Jennifer you are a genius. Don't know how you do it. First your are always so positive and happy. Second you are always coming up with genius techniques that everyone can use. I have been watching you for years and am always looking for your next videos. You have been a life saver during these troubling times of 2020. Let's home 2021 will be a better for everyone. Thank you for being you.
This was a helpful video, Jennifer, but that last few minutes were truly precious: Encouraging us to think about what part of the process makes us happy so we can get through slumps. The fact that you are still so passionate about crafting - especially when it’s also your job - is an inspiration. This is also my therapy. I’m glad it is still that for you, despite the pressures it must also bring because it isn’t solely a hobby. When I hit a wall, I sometimes find that following a card sketch from Pinterest can help. This reduces the design process and lets me go straight to making. Happy 2021!
Thanks for all of your hard work throughout the year! We all love you for sharing your talent with us. You're the queen and well deserved I'd say.
I didn't realize you deal with depression. Your so amazing. I wish you would not feel that way. Love everything you do. Hugs and purrs
Thank you so much for this video. It was extremely timely for me. Finding out that you also deal with depression was such a huge surprise for me. Thank you for your openness. I appreciated the card making tips too, specially the one with the trimmer. When I am depressed it helps to listen to a soothing voice. Quite often it is yours. Thank you.
I appreciate you so much. It helps to know that even you get stuck. You have shared soooooo many helpful tips...I can't ever thank you enough. You are a special human! 💜
Whoa. That sentiment strip trick....is pure genius! Thanks again for another terrific video packed with creativity and kindness!
Oh my goodness! The tip for cutting sentiment strips with your guillotine literally bought tears to my eyes. So much frustration gone. Thank you Jennifer for sharing your ingenuity.
The cards are lovely and thank you for the tips. I’m going to make those window templates right away! For me to get through crafters block I do one of two things. First I go through some of my favorite crafting videos on TH-cam from you and other crafters and that usually gets some creative juices going. Second, my craft room is a tiny spare bedroom and I share it with odds and ends from other people. But every so often when I can’t figure out what I want to do I’ll start re-organizing it, the papers or my tools or my embellishments and I’ll find things I haven’t used in a long time or forgot I even had! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for creating this video. I loved the tip for getting sentiment strips just the right size - will definitely be using this! I also appreciated hearing how you get past creative slumps. I think we can all relate and having ideas to push through them helps so that we can continue to experience the joy that our craft gives us and others is so very important. Keep up the great work Jennifer x.
Thank tou Jennifer!! So many good ideas. Like doing repetitive things during slumppy depression time. I recently sat in the living room cutting card stock for backgrounds. This is such a great community! It's been a rough year and you and others kept my head above water during the rough spots. Thank you and stay well.❤
Dear Jennifer i am so glad you can use your talent in making your cards to help you in a particular hard time,and i admire you for sharing with all of us that never knew that you had that problem,but thank you so much for your honestly. God Bless, I mean that Sincerely. ( and i always love your videos & cards) xx
god bless YOU for you kindness
While I don’t mass produce the amount you do, I always make 3 or 4 cards from whatever design I’m trying. I find I have less waste and I enjoy it more. Plus more cards!
Jennifer, you are the "Queen of Cardmaking" , but you are so human. We all have times that we get stuck. I need to empty my dishwasher but I just can't make myself do it. I think about it until I realize is "my job". I watch one of your videos like this and I realize we all share our lives in our hobby. It is evident that we use similar techniques to move forward. We need people like you to model these behaviors for us and we all benefit from your honesty and compassion. You are my hero for 2021!
Making cards is my therapy and my ministry. When I feel blocked watching your videos is my release. I enjoy watching them any time not just when I feel blocked. I always learn something especially to ‘be myself’ . I ordered an aqua shimmer pen but am not having success in using it. I like my cards to be cheerful and think the shimmer would help with that. Thank you and God bless you. Nina Meeker.
Yes!!!!! I have been waiting for this video! 😍It helps me a lot to just stop what I’m doing and organize my craft room or even just my table. It gets out of control really fast since I have a small space. It bring me great relief and my creativity back after I organize/reorganize it.
Love the sentiment tip with the dark card stock. Thanks for sharing.
I LOVE the sentiment strip cutting tip - I've struggled so much with getting those right. You are always so inspiring and I relate with you that crafting is therapeutic!! I struggle with depression and anxiety as well and there is nothing better than sitting in my craft room making a mess and creating beautiful things!
Wow wow Jennifer, thaaaanks so much for the whole year demonstrate, point, showing, indicate and guiding us how to make so beautifull card. For me you are the best crafter teacher ever, thanks so so much.
I wish you and your family a wonderful, healthy new year and stay safe . Greetings and hugs from Germany Sabrina
Your cards are beautiful, as usual. I've been making cards for a loooong time, but I always learn something from your videos. Even if it's that I really want a stamp or die that you used. :)
I need to thank you for speaking about this hobby being such a refuge and ESCAPE, especially this year, from stress & anxiety. I am a craft junkie, but card making is my go-to craft since if keeps me distracted from my anxieties AND I then have beautiful cards to send to people that I love. I think ESCAPISM is my word for 2020.
Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your amazing talent & coping techniques. You've definitely made a difference in my life.
Blessings to you & your family for a Happy New Year.
After watching your Gel Press videos, I sent a a Gel Press to two friends for Christmas. I sent the link to the videos and asked them to watch them. We set up a Sunday afternoon FaceTime and played with our Gel Presses. It was fun to share time creating with friends again. You are such an inspiration. Now we can see what you did with those pieces you made in this phenomenal video. It is full of wonderful tips! Thank you so much. You are a gem, so creative.
Thank you for sharing your talents and gifts! I know you say it's your "job," but your job helps so many people and brings joy to others! I admire your honesty and willingness to be open about your feelings. Many of us suffer from sort degree of anxiety, so you are not alone. Thank you for all that you do for others! We do not take your kindness, talents, gifts, ideas and guidance for granted!
Love the cricut sticky mat idea, as well as others.Thanks so much.
Thank you for sharing about depression. I love watching you.
Thank you Jennifer, I am new to card making, I started watching your videos when New Zealand first went into lock down and got so inspired by what beautiful cards you made, that as soon as the shops here opened, I went and brought my first supplies, and have been hooked ever since. Thank you for all your tips and tricks to make things easier!! And when I have a creative block, I just watch your videos to get me back on track!! Thank you for giving me back “me time” that I haven’t had in years, because life “got to busy”! Xx
I wish there was a LOVE button because I loved this video and how you share your personal thoughts and feelings. I two suffer from depression and anxiety and this hobby has helped keep me balanced and brought me joy at times that have been very difficult. Thanks for being an inspiration to so many. You are wonderful Jennifer. XOXO
Thank you so much for the comment about tape runners and liquid glue. I’m fairly new to this hobby and just couldn’t upstanding the attraction to the tape runners. I always reach for the liquid glue and I thought there was something wrong with me!
I'm a disabled vet who struggles with PTSD and chronic pain related depression. Paper crafting has been a (expensive!) lifeline for me, especially on days when even taking a shower seems overwhelming. My trick for overcoming a crafting slump is to watch TH-cam videos from my favorite crafters. You are my number one, even though I'm not a card maker particularly. Your techniques are so useful for my mini albums and journals, and your honesty about depression and anxiety is such a relief. Knowing I'm not the only one who needs "crafty therapy" means the world to me. I hope you and your family are blessed in this holiday season and n the year to come ❤️
First, and most importantly, I am so thankful for your service and I am sorry to hear about your struggle. But I am glad that my and the videos of other crafters can help you.
OMG. That tip for cutting sentiment strips with your Tim Holtz Guillotine trimer using dark cardstock....LIFE CHANGING!
I've been making cards since I was a kid, but only in the last couple of years or so has it become something good. This year I wanted to focus on making better cards, and by watching and learning from you (and others I've learned about from you) I've started to make truly decent cards. Sometimes watching card making videos helps me get beyond a slump or creative block. If I need something more, I go back to crocheting.
I don’t suffer from depression or anxiety, however, this year has been tough, and so crafting has helped me to spend some hours away from thoughts of negativity. Thank you for all the useful tips you have shared in this video. The most useful to me is your method of cutting thin sentiment strips! You have been a great source of inspiration and motivation for me over the years, and for that I give thanks. I look forward to more of your videos in 2021. Xxx
Love the tip for cutting sentiment strips, I'll be using it a lot! When I'm a bit stuck creatively I like to experiment with new techniques and make lots of backgrounds; before I know it my creative mojo is back. Crafting is great therapy for whatever ails you. Thanks for your wonderful videos Jennifer.
Seeing that black bracelet on your wrist- still- gives me hope Jennifer. Also, thanks for walking us through your "slump." It's helpful to hear your perspective on what works to get to the other side.
Thank you for sharing your struggles. It reminds us that none of us , who struggle, struggle alone.🥰
Big hugs
Thank you Jennifer for so many great techniques and tips, including the steps you take when you get stuck. I have depression at times as well and it's hard to stay motivated or feel my creations are worthy. Taking time away really helps and/or I watch a video from you to get re-inspired! Take care and thank you again for all you do for the creative community! 💖💖💖
Thank you so much for sharing this video. Yes I too have low times. Yes I too have creative slumps. Your ideas and comments will help me cope with them. Much love from Scotland. X
Hi Jennifer. You asked us to post the way we use our hobby to make us happy. Well here is some of mine. I always have multi crafts on the go. Crochet, beading, card making, scrapbooking. Within these I have multiple projects on the go. When I get fed up of one I move to another one. Most importantly I take photos and make notes of where/what I am using before I stop. I can’t tell you the amount of times I have returned to a project and can’t recall the hook size, colour type or weight of card I was using. This method has helped me get out of multiple problems. My other way to kick start my craft session is to watch a couple of your videos. Search a particular creative method and this helps me see my products in a different light. I love the tip of having a favourite design which you use when your low on ideas just to get you going. I often spend a day messing about but not getting anywhere then just as the creative juices start flowing I have to stop to cook the evening meal or go to work or something else that interrupts my craft session. I love your videos. No messing or yapping, just pure creative videos. Thank you for your time you freely give to us. Xxx
I can't like this enough. I found your tips thoroughly helpful. I need to use what I have because our finances have taken a hit but appreciate all your cool tricks and the hours of time you put into your work and videos 🙏💜💙💚
Dear Jennifer happy new year! I too suffer from the 2020 depression! I watch your videos for inspiration and to inspire me to get moving and make cards! It does get me out of a slump! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing not only your creative genius with us, but yourself! We have never met but you are my crafting friend thru your videos while I sit and craft. My "live" friends 😃 do not understand cardmaking and scrapbooking so it is so nice when you share stories along with your ideas! Thank you so much!
Oh my so many, many tips I can't begin to remember them all. You're so generous to share your knowledge with us. I definitely find therapy in the simple repetition of mass assembly. Thank you for helping me get through a "sick day".
Thanks for the great tips Jennifer. This hobby has kept me sane this year. I appreciate all my crafting friends and teachers.
Love the tips and tricks. When I get stuck creatively I read positive quotes and listen to soft relaxing music. Even those of us living a Christ centered life, we still struggle from time to time.
That you so very much for sharing your creativity and your struggles. It's people like you who help connect the world together. ❤ I am so grateful that I found your videos when the lockdown began.
I have always stated that there is not a day that goes by when I am in my craft room that I don’t use at least one tip that you have given me! Today’s “light bulb moment “ was the card stock guide in the guillotine paper cutter! Brilliant time saver! 🙌🏻 I loved all your cards. Thanks again for all the inspiration.
Cardmaking and paper crafting helps me with my anxiety and depression. Beautiful cards and great ideas to help with low mojo.
Thank you Jennifer for sharing all the tips and your struggles. One thing I have found with tape runner is that it doesn’t last on cards over time and dries out. Liquid glue doesn’t in my experience. I find just to keep working and playing with all the bits and bobs on my desk helps me to be most creative. Hugs!
You are more important to many of us than you will ever know. I wish you a healthy and happy new year.
Boy, for having a creative slump, these turned out absolutely gorgeous!!! Love it, love it, LOVE it.
Thank you Jennifer, for this video and for sharing your struggles. You keep it real. You are such an inspiration. I love every card you create. They are always so clean and have that WOW punch. Many blessings in 2021!
God's timing is perfect. I was in a slump creatively and thinking I should just get rid of all my card making supplies. The reason was because I seldom receive encouragement. I teared up when you said you had depression and anxiety issues. I had not heard that before...maybe because sometimes I have to watch without sound. I can relate to those issues. You encourage me Jennifer. I love your videos. I love how humble you are. Thank you so much.
I'm so glad you stopped by. We are all in this together right?
I’m lucky because when I get stuck creatively I have you. I pick one of your videos, pick my favorite card from it then find a different stamp set or die that I own that would work and I duplicate the design, then I do it again with a different stamp set or die and try to change it up a little and so on. So thank you for being my helper that gets me out of a creative funk! My guess is that I won’t be the only person that says this about your videos.
Love these cards! The gel press videos were fun to watch, and then seeing you putting those prints to use was amazing. Thank you for sharing your hints and your talent!
Agree whole hearted Jennifer you have to find your joy. Mine is definitely unique interactive cards. Thanks for all the inspiration you provide as someone new to crafting your videos have helped me through 2020.
Love seeing your end results and the tips along the way to make it easier and more enjoyable. Using the edge of the trimmer with the different colored paper to line up a small sentiment strip... awesome! Also, how to utilize scraps using a small die, great. But using a large word background stamp to add life to a card front... simple but so clever!!! THankYou a million times over!!!
I’m just starting card making in 2023 - a message from the future! Anyway, so far its the planning out of a card that I love…and then spending days on it. Thanks so much for your videos, I love them!
Thank you so very much for everything that you share. I absolutely LOVE your tips. I always leave encouraged and equipped to create cards that I’m happy to send to friends. Keep doing what you do. You’re good! 🙂
Thankyou Jennifer. You are ALWAYS worth my time. Love all your cards, tips and creativity including the bad moments. Thanks for sharing how you get through.
I am sorry you have struggled with depression and anxiety. I have too. Crafting is a HUGE escape for many of us! Working in a restaurant at this time of a pandemic has been horrible, both financially and emotionally....I have always concentrated on my crafts while we are off work. My stress level is way down, and I don't worry like my coworkers. I have found an inner peace that I think a lot of us crafters do. I have lots to do with my hobby, where my coworkers are bored at home waiting to go back to work. Crafting is so much more therapeutic than I think most people realize. (It also helps watching great videos from you and others!) Thank you for all your inspiration!!!
Big hugs. I am so glad that crafting helps you -- it helps me too.
So sorry you hit a slump. We would never know, your amazing. Helps the rest of us simple crafters remeber we are human. You are such an inspiration
My biggest tips for getting over creative hurdles are
1) use your creativity when you have it: sometimes the ideas just keep coming, write them down, sketch them out and save the ones you don't make immediately for when you want to create but you're stuck creatively.
2) pair up your products: most of the time I get stuck is when I look at one product, a stamp set, a die set, a new specialty cardstock or some ink and I want to make something with it but I don't have an idea immediately. I go through my stash and pull out 5 different products I want to pair it with. Or sometimes I pair it with 5 techniques I want to try.
I love watching your videos and don't care how long they are. SOMETIMES i watch 3or4 in a row. Thanks for the inspiration.
Beautiful cards as always! Love all the tips and inspiration you give to your subscribers we really appreciate your tips and all the kindness you share.❤️