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Post by glory77 on Dec 29, 2018 3:25:55 GMT
I've been a scrapbooker for a really long time. Even before it became popular. I've created about 20 albums and have a large craft room FULL of supplies.
I haven't scrapbooked for about 5 years now. I have a Silhouette Cameo that I love and use a lot. But, instead of creating scrapbook pages, I'm now using my machine for cutting heat press vinyl for shirts and vinyl stencils for making wood signs.
I'm seriously considering getting rid of all my scrapbook supplies since I haven't touched them in years. I'll keep all my cardstock as I still make banners for birthday parties and showers, and of course I'll keep my Cameo, but I'm planning to get rid of all the patterned papers, embellishments, etc.
My plan is to sell it all on Ebay and I know it will take me months and I also know I won't get anything close to what I paid for it.
So.....to my question. Have any of y'all sold all of your scrapbook supplies and regretted it? I'm retired and have plenty of time to craft, but I've recently been wondering about leaving all these scrapbooks to my daughters when I'm gone and am realizing they probably won't even want them (so why create more?). Both of my girls are organized neat freaks and they hate clutter. I can picture their conversation when I'm gone and them keeping the albums I created just because "mom loved these", when I KNOW they really won't want them.
I still love all those beautiful patterned papers and embellishments and I know when I'm getting rid of them, it will give me pause. And I DO think I'd still enjoy making scrapbook pages, but I've moved on to other hobbies with my Cameo and I don't know if I'll ever get back to scrapbooking.
We're having new flooring installed in my craft room in January and I also plan to reorganize my room so if I'm going to get rid of my scrapbook supplies, this would be a great time to do it.
If I get rid of all my scrapbook supplies, my plan is to continue with my current crafting with vinyl and also to spend my time scanning and digitizing years and years of photos. So instead of creating scrapbooks with all those photos, I'll organize them by year and make digital copies of them so they are still "saved" for future generations, but without dozens of bulky scrapbooks.
I spend a LOT of time in this room. I have a large TV, my computer, my music, framed family pictures, etc. It's my happy place. But, I'd say about 70% of the items in the room are scrapbook supplies that I don't currently use. I'd like to organize the room for my current crafting needs and give myself more space as the room is really packed right now.
So, if you've read this far - thank you! I'm wondering if others have made this same decision and regretted it? I've spent years collecting the most beautiful scrapbooking collections on the market - and these are items and companies that no longer create supplies so I wouldn't be able to replace all of this stuff if I decide I made a huge mistake. Thoughts? Thank you!
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Post by 950nancy on Dec 29, 2018 3:29:42 GMT
You sound like you aren't quite sure. I would sell off the stuff you know you won't use or feel badly about getting rid of. See how that feels and go from there.
I hear plenty of ladies on this site wishing they could get their hands on old lines. Maybe make a list of some of them and see if anyone bites. At least they would be going to a good home.
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Post by mom on Dec 29, 2018 3:30:16 GMT
I've never sold all my supplies. BUT if I were to, I would sell them at a garage sale vs. Ebay. Have a sale, price them well and just be done with it all. Shipping will kill any sale if you have to ship the items.
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Post by kiwikate on Dec 29, 2018 3:51:27 GMT
I got rid of the majority of my supplies last year. I was done with the way I had been scrapbooking and I needed a clear space and clear head. I sold it all for reasonable prices and donated some that I didn't think would sell. I kept only the things I knew I would use. It gave me a fresh start and a new perspective on what I WANTED to be crafting rather than what I felt I SHOULD be crafting in order to use up/justify my supplies.
This year I got a kit subscription for Felicity Jane, and every month I use up the kit. This makes enough layouts to keep my girls' albums ticking over, and i usually do it all at a once a month crop I go to. It is enough. I have also been making a lot of cards, so again have stuck with just one brand to keep everything working together. I am a clean and simple scrapper and card maker, so this suits too. It has been really freeing and refreshing. I have not regretted one thing I purged, in fact it keeps me moving thing on when I feel that I am done with them. My crafty friends love me!
Having said all this, I am a minimalist at heart. I get overwhelmed with too many choices and options. I say enjoy your space, make it have the things you enjoy in it and move the rest on. I intend eventually to scan or photograph all my layouts and make them into digital books for my girls to keep. I will probably print copies too. That way they have the memories without the burden.
Hope that helps!
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Post by scrappyem on Dec 29, 2018 5:42:54 GMT
If you haven't touched stuff in 5 years, I would probably let it go. And if you change your mind down the road, you can buy similar stuff at a later date. You can even shop eBay or wherever so you don't pay full price if you do ever want to restart. For me, if I haven't used it in a year, I'm probably not going too, so I let it go unless I still love it or it's a basic item like white card-stock. I try and remember there's a cost to storing stuff in addition to the cost of what I paid for the item. It's okay to move on if it's not your thing anymore. A fresh start, focusing on the hobbies you do enjoy, is a great plan. Another option, would be to box everything up that's scrapbook related when you re-do the floors. Put it in a garage or somewhere and don't bring it back in the space. Set-up the room how you envision it for your current crafty loves. Live with the new setup for a while. If you don't find yourself needing to pull out your scrapping supplies in say another 6 months, then I think you have your answer. Good luck with whatever you decide!
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Post by joblackford on Dec 29, 2018 6:17:10 GMT
I recently helped clean out my MIL's craft room after she passed away. She used to make miniatures and do papercrafts, but she hadn't actually done any crafting in a decade or two, although she did keep accumulating supplies during that time. It was very sad and difficult to have to go through all of her things and try to decide what was important and what to do with everything. I wish she'd made those decisions herself, so we had a better idea what mattered and what was just stuff. And honestly, a LOT of her stuff ended up in donations or the trash because we couldn't figure out what to do with it.
So I'm a little biased...
But I feel like if you think you're done, you're probably done. There will always be new collections and people selling old stash on eBay so if you really do come to regret your choice you could rebuild a new stash. But if you have good reasons to let it go, and I think you do, you should.
If you decide you're done I'd recommend writing down all the reasons why it's the right choice for you in case you need reminding later.
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dald222
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,602 
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Post by dald222 on Dec 29, 2018 11:11:49 GMT
if you decide to see some there is a For sale on this board
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Post by KelleeM on Dec 29, 2018 12:10:48 GMT
I’ll play devil’s advocate here for a minute...why did you scrapbook? Was it to pass down memories, because you enjoyed it or some other reason? I have no idea what will happen with my albums when I'm gone. They may all end up in landfill and that’s okay. I love the process of scrapbooking. I love remembering the stories and the moments. I stopped scrapbooking for several years but always thought I’d get back to it. I purged a lot of my stuff but never the card stock, tools, dies, punches, etc. I just started again in May and my love for it is greater than ever before.
If you decide to purge, I’ll echo what others have said, please post here to see if anyone is interested in the paper lines you have. Good luck with your decision!
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Post by mikklynn on Dec 29, 2018 12:14:02 GMT
First of all, I scrapbook for my own happiness. I hope my grandchildren will keep some of the albums or have them scanned, but if not, that is ok. I have given my DD permission to throw them all away guilt-free, if no one wants them. So, if YOU still enjoy paper crafting, I would not get rid of everything. It doesn't have to be all or nothing. Keep things you love and let the rest go. ETA KelleeM Once again, we are on the same page! |
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Post by KelleeM on Dec 29, 2018 12:16:50 GMT
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Post by pennyscraps on Dec 29, 2018 12:55:11 GMT
It sounds like you have reasoned with this a long time. If you do not intend to resume scrapbooking for your own joy, then I think you are good to let it go. If any items give you pause as you empty out the room, set those to the side in a box. In a year if you haven't missed them, let them go. On certain tools that are no longer made, I would for sure set the to the side if you have room to store them elsewhere. If you don't, then let it go. I do think often that things we don't use can quite bog us down. Enjoy your room reno and good luck with the decisions.
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Post by sleepingbooty on Dec 29, 2018 13:53:00 GMT
What pennyscraps and mom have said: it sounds like you've been quietly mulling this over in your mind and the next step is to get practical. Selling a mountain of items off can take a lot of energy and time. It can be better for your overall wellbeing to get rid of it in a quicker manner if you're not strapped for cash. The financial return of having it sit in your home for another year and having to find + pack all the items individually can be a real burden. Consider selling as much as you can off in one go and donate the rest. Your lengthy post makes it sound like you are ready to move on so carpe diem and all that jazz: let go of the sunk cost fallacy, take back your space and move on with the hobbies and craft specials that you really love and use nowadays.
Congratulations on having found a new creative outlet! If you have any October Afternoon laying around in your stash, please consider selling them on the FSOT board here: they're very much sought after. You will get some money for them and make a few Peas extremely happy.
Good luck with the big purge and craft room remodel!
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Coffee Mom
Full Member
Posts: 200
Dec 18, 2018 0:16:30 GMT
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Post by Coffee Mom on Dec 29, 2018 14:19:32 GMT
I would keep your absolute favorites and hang on to them, just in case. Then get rid of everything else. If there are only a couple papers you LOVE out of a whole pad, take those out and get rid of the rest of the pad. This alone can save soooooo much space.
I tend to lean towards the minimalist side but try to avoid regret. I stopped scrapbooking for years and years but still kept my favorite papers and embellishments (and it wasn’t a lot. Everything fit inside a single 12x12 paper case). I’m so glad I kept it what I did! Last week I scrapped with paper I loved and it was over 20 years old and it made me so happy lol.
Just my 2 cents!
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Post by jen on Dec 29, 2018 15:16:07 GMT
I personally have gone through feeling like I'm never going to do things again, to totally being back into something again years later & being thrilled I held onto supplies. Of course, this may make me a hoarder of all the things.
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Post by katlady on Dec 29, 2018 16:24:39 GMT
Similar situation. I haven’t really scrapped in years. I have other hobbies I enjoy more. Right now, all my scrapping supplies are in boxes, stacked up in a spare bedroom. I have a few half finished albums, so I’m 2019 I plan to finish those albums/photos and then I will probably get rid of whatever supplies are left. I have already purged quite a bit. Any new photos I take I have been doing printed digital books. Plus, my boys are grown up (and single), so not many current photos of them to scrap.
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twinsmomfla99
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,974
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Post by twinsmomfla99 on Dec 29, 2018 21:49:17 GMT
I haven’t scrapped in 5 years, but I don’t want to be done—I’ve just had to make a lot of other things a priority.
That said, I have been thinking about doing a big purge. But I am limiting myself to getting rid of the consumables and keeping things like tools, unused albums, storage containers I like, etc. Those are hard to replace, and I like having access to all my tools.
Getting rid of papers and bling frees me up to shop for newer, more current designs that will get me excited about scrapping again!
ETA: I need to limit my discussion to traditional scrapbooking. I have done project life during my “hiatus”, but that doesn’t require the “creativity” that gave me joy with traditional scrapbooking.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Dec 31, 2018 5:50:57 GMT
I knew someone who did that with their stamping stuff. She was in it really big and had a TON of stuff. Decided one day she was just DONE and wanted it gone and got rid of it all. Two years later she decided she really wasn’t done and had major regret for getting rid of all her tools and favorite stamps and inks. She ended up dropping a ton of cash buying and replacing a lot of the stuff she sold off for pennies on the dollar or outright donating.
Since you will still be doing some papercrafts, I wouldn’t get rid of any tools you think you might still use or any papers you absolutely love or think will work for the themes you will still do paper crafts for in the future. Purge anything you know you don’t love anymore as well as any themes you know you’ll never use again.
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emarie
Junior Member
Posts: 52
Dec 25, 2018 16:50:28 GMT
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Post by emarie on Dec 31, 2018 16:14:00 GMT
I would keep anything that you might use in the coming years. Since you are retired, would you be able to replace the items if you have sellers remorse? Maybe do a craft room purge and the cleared up craft room might help inspire more creativity. I try to keep stuff that inspires me or makes me happy. If it doesn’t, I sell it.
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,286
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Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Dec 31, 2018 16:50:40 GMT
My advice is to clean out what you don't think you want and put it in storage bins, tucked in the closet, basement, wherever you have extra room. Then, in 6 months if you're not thinking about any of it start getting rid of it. I do this with anything that is leaving our house - craft supplies, kitchenwares, clothing, furniture. Sometimes I realize I want something and take it out before sending it off.
For actually getting rid of it. My local GW/thrift stores don't accept paper so I gave my paper to my niece's school. The other stuff I put in zip bags with like items and donated. I did not get rid of any tools because they're usually costly to replace. I just have them in a storage box. It's costly to ship items, so I'd stick with selling locally. LSS "yard sale", Craigslist, FB group, NextDoor or even Freecycle.
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Post by Florida Cindy on Jan 3, 2019 14:46:03 GMT
"I scrapbook for my own happiness".
That is the #1 rule.
It took me years to figure it out.
I cleaned out my scrapping stash two times.
Once I went completely digital and it was very freeing. But I did miss the tactile aspect of scrapbooking.
Every time I end up purchasing items again.
The items are purchased are actually new items, not duplicates.
I also did not purchase as many items as in the past. I purchased items I can use again and again for a variety of projects. I always purchased items on a super duper clearance.
Personally I would get rid of it.
If you are not happy scrapping then consider what makes you happy.
You can always revisit scrapbooking with newer products that are better than the ones you have sold.
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christinec68
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,116
Location: New York, NY
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Post by christinec68 on Jan 3, 2019 15:13:32 GMT
Aside from things you use with your cameo, I would keep tools you think you might repurchase. Otherwise, I would get it out of the house. Save the patterned papers for last - I can see where they might be useful for layers in your banners.
When I purged a few years ago, I sold things that had value and were easy to ship like QK alpha dies and gave away the rest. I didn't care about making money back because the money was long gone so most of the supplies were donated to schools and libraries where friends worked and a carton went to my sister for her kids' crafts/girl scouts/PTA activities. It was such a relief to see it going someplace it will be used. For me, there was also value in not storing and looking at it anymore.
I never regretted getting rid of any of it.
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Post by meridon on Jan 3, 2019 23:01:36 GMT
Looks like you've gotten some good advice already. We're contemplating a cross country move. If we decide to go, then I'll be getting rid of probably 80% of my stash. I'll give it away to local schools and my church and my crafty friends, so I know it will be well used. That will help with any guilt of my having paid for it and then not used it. Maybe instead of hassling with selling it, you could find somewhere to donate it that you know would really love to have it.
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