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Post by missbellejane on Dec 17, 2024 1:04:38 GMT
Hello scrappy friends Some of you may remember me as former semi-active member on this forum, others may know me from my now very quiet YouTube channel. But for those that don't, my name is Belinda and I'm a mid-40's paper crafter from hot and sunny Perth, Western Australia. This past year has been incredibly challenging for my family and I. So my time and capacity for making things has pretty much been at a standstill. I have however tried to compensate and get my crafty dopamine hit by continuing to purchase new pretty paper and scrappy things throughout the year. Which means I've now reached a point of overwhelm with my supplies. With the seemingly endless announcements of papercrafting businesses and manufacturers closing their doors, I definitely get sucked into the fomo of it all. It feels like the options and range of supplies dwindles more and more every year and a part of me feels like I need to be hoarding now for the possibility of there being "nothing left" in the future. But as things stand right now, I would easily have enough physical supplies to last me for at least the next 5 (probably more) years. I also dread to consider how much money I've spent on my stash over the last few years! So although it pains me somewhat, I do think that I need to embark on a spending freeze of some kind in 2025. Is anyone else considering or planning to freeze or chill their spending in 2025? If so, what are your plans? And if I were to try to breathe some life back into my YouTube channel by spending a year focusing on stash-busting / maintaining a spending freeze, is there any particular content around that, that you would be interested in seeing?
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Post by 950nancy on Dec 17, 2024 4:46:27 GMT
I will probably continue to get some baby stuff as well as travel stuff. I have a lot. I don't need much. For me, in the past if I tell myself I need to freeze, it only makes me look more often. Lesson learned.
I like anything that has great color combinations and things I could easily recreate with my own stash.
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camcas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,414
Jun 26, 2014 3:41:19 GMT
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Post by camcas on Dec 17, 2024 10:06:24 GMT
Hello- I’m on South Coast South Australia! Also on a spending freeze for 2025. I have a huge stash
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Post by AussieMeg on Dec 17, 2024 11:16:18 GMT
Hi Belinda! Fellow Aussie here, from the other side of the country. I'm currently scrapping my February trip to your amazing home town.
My spending has really slowed down the last year. One of my favourite digital stores closed down, and even though most of the designers found new homes, I miss the great sales they used to have. And one of my favourite designers hasn't designed anything new since March. I used to buy her products every month.
My stash of digital products is ridiculously huge, and honestly I never need to buy anything ever again. But I will never go full-on frozen, because there may be something that I absolutely must have. I certainly won't be spending as much as I used to, though.
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Post by teacherlisa on Dec 17, 2024 13:44:11 GMT
Sorta. With the changes to AE kits/products, and the fact that I could scrapbook for years with the stash that I have, I have decided to tone it down a bit in 2025. In general, I am adopting a "do I own anything that will work instead" kind of outlook everywhere in my life. Maybe the answer is no, but I am going to try to use what I already have in scrapbooking, wear what I already own, more kitchen/food type substitutions to get to where I eventually just own less.
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Post by ScrappyGlue on Dec 17, 2024 13:54:28 GMT
I feel your pain! I want to be able to DO MORE next year like travel, concerts, etc with my husband. I could probably open a small store if I wanted to with my supplies. It is out of control. My last day to spend (except for cardstock and adhesive) is 12/31/24 on scrapbooking supplies. I am on a FREEZE for all of 2025 (I hope). I want to save money and, again, do things! Good luck to everyone. 
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Post by Linda on Dec 17, 2024 14:02:45 GMT
welcome back. No advise on the YouTube channel - I'm not much for video watching.
Looks over at my stash - pretty sure I could scrap all year without buying much more than adhesive, cardstock, and albums. I'm not committing to a full year-long freeze (although I probably should) but I think I'll set up a ticker to remind myself of not spending.
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Post by workingclassdog on Dec 17, 2024 14:09:03 GMT
Yes I am considering doing this as well.. I have enough for a lifetime and this year I have gotten back into it after many slow years. And I bought a lot this year and really didn't need to. So I am hoping to curve my spending at least by 1/2 if not more. Other than glue or similar stuff you need, I am going to attempt it.
I need to do this in all areas in my life this year. Going to talk to DH to get him on board. We would like to travel more, which we have, but if we can get some needless bills out of our way, things would be much better.
On YT videos, I watch more of junk journaling kinds these days.
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Dec 17, 2024 14:28:09 GMT
I am declaring I am on "selective" shopping mode.
I've been scrapbooking for 28+ years. I have a lot in my stash. I probably don't *need* anything.....but I *want* the new things that *I* think are cute and that *I* love.
I have decided to think twice, think three times, think ten times......before I make every purchase. Do I have something similar? Do I love it or just >> like it?
I saw this quote meme a couple years ago >> I'm stuck between I need to save money and you only live once.
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Post by mikklynn on Dec 17, 2024 15:28:32 GMT
I need do need to stop buying. I'm out of space in my craft area.
I've gotten into journaling/planning, because it's a quick way to be creative and the books don't take up much space. I'm now addicted to washi stickers, LOL.
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Post by breakfastattiffanys on Dec 17, 2024 16:07:31 GMT
I am definitely planning to use my stash in 2025 and buy less or nothing. I would like to use my stamps more, pull my own kits and also make my own embellishments by fussy cutting or at least using supplies on hand. I’ll be searching YT for that type of video.
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Dec 17, 2024 16:40:48 GMT
I was chilly in 2024, spending less than $400. That does not include classes, just product. I hope to say this same course in 2025.
(And, yes I'm the nerd who keeps track of spending)
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breetheflea
Drama Llama

Posts: 7,316
Location: PNW
Jul 20, 2014 21:57:23 GMT
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Post by breetheflea on Dec 17, 2024 16:40:52 GMT
I am declaring I am on "selective" shopping mode. I've been scrapbooking for 28+ years. I have a lot in my stash. I probably don't *need* anything.....but I *want* the new things that *I* think are cute and that *I* love. I have decided to think twice, think three times, think ten times......before I make every purchase. Do I have something similar? Do I love it or just >> like it? I saw this quote meme a couple years ago >> I'm stuck between I need to save money and you only live once. I'm stuck between buy it because who knows what the industry is going to do in the next few years, and where am I going to put it.
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Post by workingclassdog on Dec 17, 2024 17:17:14 GMT
I was chilly in 2024, spending less than $400. That does not include classes, just product. I hope to say this same course in 2025. (And, yes I'm the nerd who keeps track of spending) No judging..I probably spent that much but when you type it out like that.. I was like WHOA that's a lot.. but who am I kidding.. I am sure I spent that much (including old materials, like magazines, old books, ephemera stuff and the newly 49 and Market stuff I discovered this year)
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Ryann
Pearl Clutcher
Love is Inclusive
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May 31, 2021 3:14:17 GMT
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Post by Ryann on Dec 17, 2024 18:45:01 GMT
I tend to be pretty chilly during the first half of the year. Once christmas releases start rolling out, plus black friday/holiday sales, then year end clearances - this is when I do the majority of my purchases. I hate paying full price for things and very often wait for sales/clearances. The second half of the year is definitely more expensive for me than the first half. This year was no different. 
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liya
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,527
Location: Western NY
Jul 3, 2014 17:55:08 GMT
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Post by liya on Dec 17, 2024 18:47:22 GMT
I was chilly in 2024, spending less than $400. That does not include classes, just product. I hope to say this same course in 2025. (And, yes I'm the nerd who keeps track of spending) That is a great idea. I really need to cut down on my spending but I cannot resist a good deal. I have gotten better at resisting a bit, I will put things in my cart and then sit on it to make sure I really want them. I absolutely want to freeze for 2025. Fingers crossed I can achieve it.
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Post by scrappersue on Dec 17, 2024 19:02:51 GMT
Yes, I am going to limit my spending in 2025. I went a little wild with Black Friday and pre-order sales and it all came in all at once. I thought what the heck am I doing. So for 2025 I am not going to order anything online (the only exception is if I get low on adhesive). I am allowing myself to buy in person mainly because I hardly ever get to a actual scrapbook store, but there is a chance I might and I want to be able to support that store. I created rules in my email to send all my scrapbooking store emails to a folder so I don't see them at all (but there are there). We will see how it goes ...
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Dec 17, 2024 20:38:15 GMT
I was chilly in 2024, spending less than $400. That does not include classes, just product. I hope to say this same course in 2025. (And, yes I'm the nerd who keeps track of spending) No judging..I probably spent that much but when you type it out like that.. I was like WHOA that's a lot.. but who am I kidding.. I am sure I spent that much (including old materials, like magazines, old books, ephemera stuff and the newly 49 and Market stuff I discovered this year) It does sound like a lot! It adds up without noticing over the course of a year. To put 2024's $400 in perspective... 2023 = $1350 Includes new die machine of $150 2022 = $ 850 2021 = $1275 Includes new Silhouette of $175 and $50 for a new trimmer. Also this is for cardmaking - so stamps, dies, stencils, as well as the consumables of paper, envelopes, adhesives, Copic and ink refills, and the above mentioned big purchases. Crazy!!!
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Dec 17, 2024 20:40:04 GMT
I tend to be pretty chilly during the first half of the year. Once christmas releases start rolling out, plus black friday/holiday sales, then year end clearances - this is when I do the majority of my purchases. I hate paying full price for things and very often wait for sales/clearances. The second half of the year is definitely more expensive for me than the first half. This year was no different.  I was really doing good until the BF/Holiday sales, too. And most, not all, of my purchases are made on sale or with some type of discount.
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Post by justjac on Dec 17, 2024 20:58:18 GMT
I need to freeze in 2025 or at least slow down. After we paid off our mortgage, I felt rich and spent accordingly. Now we are facing paying for some home repairs and I haven't slowed down my spending yet. Once everything is paid for I make no promises, and honestly I often fall victim to FOMO and also rebel against anyone telling me what I have to do (even when it's me), but it's not like I have a small stash. I am going to try.
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Post by Citygirl on Dec 17, 2024 21:15:16 GMT
Like everyone else I should and I definitely need to but I usually fail miserably. It’s looking like I may not have any subs (debating the monthly ES sub still) in 2025 so that will help. My main issue is FOMO (not just of scrapbooking items) so I really need to do a complete social media detox and also drop Amazon Prime. I need a year of using what I already have. Anyway those are the good intentions. Who knows if I will follow through.
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Post by lg on Dec 17, 2024 21:52:18 GMT
With the discontinuation of the ae story kits and a personal push to start smashing my stash I’m another “use what you have” video inspo kind of girl. Welcome back from the harbour city!
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christinec68
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Posts: 5,673
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Jun 26, 2014 18:02:19 GMT
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Post by christinec68 on Dec 17, 2024 23:42:39 GMT
I have no business spending one red cent on scrapbooking supplies in 2025 as I have made a grand total of 8 layouts this year. I did complete one and a half VB workshops and have one on deck for March. I need to spend my time filling up these projects with pictures. So printing supplies are the only thing I can buy until that’s all done.
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Post by joblackford on Dec 18, 2024 0:53:42 GMT
I'm a fan of all kinds of use it or lose it, use it up, scrap your stash kinds of things.
I'm focused on not getting overwhelmed by choices rather than worried about budget, and space is always an issue for me. I'm using my supplies a lot, but trying to be realistic about which ones are the most "me" and which ones aren't earning their keep. I plan to let some things go next year and shop carefully to avoid making the same mistakes.
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Post by Texas Scrap on Dec 18, 2024 4:26:53 GMT
I canceled my Heidi Swapp subs and about to cancel SBTM knowing I hardly used last year. I started a Studio Calico stamp sub with a great Paisley Press stamp in June and the rest of the sub has been meh so far. I may cancel and just buy out the remaining sub. I am overflowing with stamps. Once I cancel them all, I will just have Brandi Kinkaid's Extravagant Hope which I love for so many reasons.
I think just canceling subs will save a ton of spending for me. My intention is to continue with Ali E One Little Word, Week in the Life and Dec Daily for 2025, but otherwise I will be using existing stash to catch up on trips, 2024 Project Life, and finishing WIP albums.
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Post by kiwikate on Dec 18, 2024 6:53:09 GMT
I am always looking for this sort of YouTube inspiration, so would definitely check out any videos you make! I wont be frozen completely, but will be significantly cold……
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Chinagirl828
Drama Llama

Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,010
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
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Post by Chinagirl828 on Dec 18, 2024 7:01:40 GMT
I definitely need to slow down my spending next year. I have a scrappy friend who is a very bad influence on my shopping, she regularly shares photos of her kit subscription and other purchases which makes me want all the things. While she buys a lot, she also scraps a lot so she actually uses the things she buys. My downfall is I'm nowhere near as prolific as she is, so my purchases just accumulate.
I often start the year with a challenge to make 50 layouts before I buy anything which has worked pretty well for me and I definitely need to do that again. I also think I'd benefit from doing a second round somewhere around mid-year, perhaps overlapping with sketchtember which is always good for making me focus on using my stuff and making pages.
I really enjoy stash busting videos. While I don't scrap with purchased kits or single collections I love watching people work through those kits. I also watching people kit supplies up and then use those kits. Anything that is focused on using up a nearly finished product, whether that's a kit or collection or just an embellishment pack, is always motivating to me. I also love seeing older supplies get mixed with newer things to give them a fresh lease on life. And for what it's worth, I also enjoy watching people work through their stash deciding what to keep and what to get rid of. Laura Alberts did a series before her move earlier this year (?) and I just loved seeing all the supplies and hearing her thought process on why something went into the keep or discard pile, and especially how she handled the maybe pile.
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A7
Full Member
 
Posts: 396
Aug 12, 2021 8:12:32 GMT
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Post by A7 on Dec 18, 2024 8:51:55 GMT
I really like your YT Channel. I have decided I have enough stash from now on. I'm not buying anything anymore - ever. It is tempting though. 😂
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chrisc
Shy Member
Posts: 32
Location: Brisbane Australia
Dec 28, 2017 12:16:25 GMT
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Post by chrisc on Dec 18, 2024 11:21:54 GMT
I just had a look at your channel and love your layouts. Would definitely enjoy new content if you get back to it. And I do enjoy videos where people use their existing stash.
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scrapnnana
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Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
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Post by scrapnnana on Dec 21, 2024 14:11:26 GMT
I have a huge physical stash, as well as digital files. In 2025, I will have more time to scrapbook. I want to stop collecting supplies and spend my time actually paper crafting. Essentially, I am planning to go into the freezer.
I think anyone with talent and creativity can create great layouts and other paper crafted projects, even without using the “ latest and greatest.”
As far as what I would like to see on your channel, I would be more interested in seeing videos geared toward using what you have. I love card making, mini albums, and traditional scrapbooking, so I am interested in just about anything and everything.
I haven’t watched any of your videos, so what I am about to say isn’t a criticism of you, but of other YouTubers.
I prefer to watch videos that get to the point and don’t waste my time. If a video goes quickly enough that I miss something important, I can always rewind. I don’t want to hear about someone’s personal life, or listen to them rave about the particular collection they are using for a project.
I hope getting your channel going again goes well.
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