AerynK
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Posts: 262
Location: CA
Jul 7, 2014 19:51:37 GMT
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Post by AerynK on Jul 31, 2014 8:00:22 GMT
Bear with me here. This isn't something I'm used to doing, so I might not be clear on my thinking process. The issue I'm having is that I've bought embellishments with the thought of "You buy so much paper, but when it comes to scrapping your pages end up plain because there's no embellishments, just buy some". So I do that. I have a lovely collection of wood veneer that I just organised even (insert eye candy.... )  I have three of these boxes filled with enamel dots and sequins as well, plus REAL enamel dots, sticker shapes, mistable shapes, flowers, washi... you get the idea. I have BOUGHT the embellishments I keep telling myself to use, and then I'm just not really using them all that much. I mean, the enamel dots I'm pretty liberal with, but aside from that? Then I see the (wonderful!) thread about making your own embellishments. Clusters and little punched shapes with other bits of punched shapes or wood or buttons on them and think I should make those. I'll maybe use more, yeah? I'll have something ready for my pages, get stuff done, and I'll like my pages more. But then something sticks in my head that says "what if you need those embellishments as they are, later?" and "what if you use the perfect piece on making some random embellishment and you need it for a layout as it was in the box?" Then I leave things there and don't use them. I've never had this issue before. Paper, stamps, whatever, I'll just cut into it and not even look back, you know? So why the hesitance here? Is there like some sort of amount I should just pull out and use willy nilly? What do you do to make yourself say "this is the amount I can play with" and then just do that? Is there something you can't make yourself use no matter what you do? I mean, I suppose these supplies are readily available, I could just buy all of it over again! |
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AerynK
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Posts: 262
Location: CA
Jul 7, 2014 19:51:37 GMT
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Post by AerynK on Jul 31, 2014 8:00:51 GMT
Good gods that photo is big! Sorry, folks!!! ETA: fixed it. it's in the HTML code, lol! |
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Chinagirl828
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Melbourne, Australia
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Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
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Post by Chinagirl828 on Jul 31, 2014 10:57:53 GMT
But then something sticks in my head that says "what if you need those embellishments as they are, later?" and "what if you use the perfect piece on making some random embellishment and you need it for a layout as it was in the box?" Then I leave things there and don't use them. Ah, classic scrappers fear.
Given you have quite a few designs that have multiples in your box I would pull out some of the duplicates and put them somewhere I could see them every time I scrap. Not many, just a few, enough to make it not scary because I'd know I still had heaps of them safely tucked away if I happened to need that exact design for the next project I made after the pile was gone. Then I'd try and add it to the next project. And the one after that.
It is a challenge getting past that mental block that says "what if I need it?" and I'm glad I'm no longer there. I'd rather admire the pretty things in my albums with stories and pictures that mean a lot to me than just fondle my supplies (although for the record I do that too!).
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jul 31, 2014 13:39:09 GMT
I'm probably no help because I use my embellies willy-nilly, and often run out of things. But I just gotta say, your wood veneer selection has me all atwitter with admiration.  |
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Post by triplettkarla on Jul 31, 2014 13:43:54 GMT
I am like that to but, i found use it and always something better comes up. It's fun to add to your story and see these in your books. I am a master horder of supplies, but trying to use and enjoy.
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doglover
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Jun 27, 2014 14:50:33 GMT
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Post by doglover on Jul 31, 2014 13:46:03 GMT
I'm that way with paper sometimes, especially if I feel I can't replace it.
i want every page to be as nice as I can make it, so I just keep adding until I'm happy.
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Post by guzismom on Jul 31, 2014 13:47:17 GMT
But then something sticks in my head that says "what if you need those embellishments as they are, later?" and "what if you use the perfect piece on making some random embellishment and you need it for a layout as it was in the box?" Then I leave things there and don't use them. Ah, classic scrappers fear.
Given you have quite a few designs that have multiples in your box I would pull out some of the duplicates and put them somewhere I could see them every time I scrap. Not many, just a few, enough to make it not scary because I'd know I still had heaps of them safely tucked away if I happened to need that exact design for the next project I made after the pile was gone. Then I'd try and add it to the next project. And the one after that.
It is a challenge getting past that mental block that says "what if I need it?" and I'm glad I'm no longer there. I'd rather admire the pretty things in my albums with stories and pictures that mean a lot to me than just fondle my supplies (although for the record I do that too!).
This is exactly what I do. I have a bin on my scrap desk with embellishments that are left over from other projects or that I've owned a long time and feel the need to use. I make it a point to try to incorporate at least one of those items onto every layout I make. |
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scrapnnana
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Post by scrapnnana on Jul 31, 2014 14:04:12 GMT
I make my embellishments as I need them, for a particular page, not ahead of time.
As for embellishments that I have already bought, when preparing to scrap photos, I go through my stash to see if anything might have potential for that page layout: papers, cardstock, and embellishments, and I put them together into a sort of kit. I shop my stash first. Actually, now that the LSS has closed, I will be shopping exclusively from my stash. I will also be making more of my own embellishments from now on, but not ahead of time.
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Post by robkaynel on Jul 31, 2014 14:04:49 GMT
I store mine the exact same way. I am enticed by trying to make some of my own embellishments too but then feel like I should wait until I don't have something in my substantial stash to make something that matches. So many supplies & ideas, just not so much time. I say 'Go for it!' and share with us what you come up with.
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Post by jamh on Jul 31, 2014 14:09:37 GMT
aerynkelly,
That is an impressive(and organized)amount of wood veneers! I so understand about the "scrapper's fear" of saving/running out of a desired embellie. I am not sure what the answer is, but I have cut way back on buying ahead of time and am making more of my embellishments as needed. I am also in the process of making kits and putting in potential embellishments. This strategy has been very helpful.
JamH
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Post by crazy4scraps on Jul 31, 2014 14:11:29 GMT
LOL you've just described most of my stash! (Bought but not used.) Mine isn't getting used because I just plain have no uninterrupted time these days, not for a lack of desire. This falls into the same category as clothes or jewelry that are too nice to wear, china that's too nice to use and furniture that's too nice to sit on, so instead it all ends up boxed up, in a drawer or under plastic unloved! I think you should just give yourself permission to play with some of it and chalk it up as a learning experience. Try thinking of it this way: what if you end up LOVING what you made with it and can't wait to use it on something? If not, you can always try to repurpose it by painting it, stamping on it, covering it with patterned paper, etc. especially in the case of the veneers. I vote for using it and getting some enjoyment out of it instead of stockpiling it for "someday".
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Post by meganliane on Jul 31, 2014 16:05:00 GMT
I think this is definitely something all scrap bookers have to work to get past at some point. I basically just force myself to use what I love b/c I know soon enough, I will be loving something else. One thing that has helped is getting a kit each month. I know more stuff is on the way. I think it gets easier but just try and start using it - like others said challenge yourself to just add something to each project and hopefully, that will take the fear away!
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Deleted
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Nov 23, 2024 20:48:59 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2014 16:25:51 GMT
Maybe you like your pages plainer and really don't need to use those embellishments?
When it comes to embellishing, I do whatever I think the page needs or that looks good. If that means using one scrap of paper and nothing else, I do that. If that means using an entire package of embellishments on one page, I do that. I figure I bought them to be used and I should use them the way I want to.
I don't let myself "save" stuff for future pages, anymore. After collecting/scrapping for 10 years, I've gone through several rounds of purging, only to find myself completely over entire packages of expensive embellishments that I just HAD to have (or bought because everyone else was), that I realize I no longer care for.
I'd rather use something now and get it on a page if that's what works for that page.
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PaperAngel
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Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Jul 31, 2014 17:34:43 GMT
"Buying But Not Using" seems to be a common status for scrappers. Given most retailers never reorder a collection, we're conditioned to buy supplies when available with the intention of using them, rather than embarking on extensive searches to track the elusive products, in the future. Yet, they often sit unused for fear the current page/project is unworthy of these discontinued items. It's a vicious cycle that's difficult to break, but can be done by changing your motto to "Just Do It!" Decide whether these specific embellishments actually fit your style. If not, donate them. If so, use them now while you still like them... Happy scrapping!
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tiffanytwisted
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Jul 31, 2014 17:40:14 GMT
Just keep telling yourself that *they* will always come out w/something new & lovely that will make your heart race. I am also a hoarder who tells herself 'what if I use it all up and wish I had it for some layout in the future'. Mind you, I don't even have the layout idea or photos in my mind, so I'm basically saving it for the unknown. But I continue to do it. I am getting better, though and it is because I keep repeating my first sentence to myself. I have been scrapping for 16 years and I have always found it to be true. There will always be something new & lovely to replace what I've used. Isn't that how we've become hoarders in the first place - by buying all this new stuff every year?  Take solace in knowing that you're not alone. And remember - they will always come out w/something new & lovely.  |
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Post by redshoes on Jul 31, 2014 17:48:50 GMT
To me, "maybe i'll use it later" = "it will be purged" as soon as I move on to the next fad.
It has taken me some time, but I've learned that there is always some new fad/phase embellishment...long ago it was brads, then metal embellishments, then washi, etc and everyone gathers huge collections of that item, only to purge it later when the fad fades (and they've used only a small % of what they bought). We see it over and over on the GS board, especially.
Now, I use what I like without regard to how much I have because there's always something else that will come along.
Use it and enjoy looking at it on your finished pages! It will make you happy!!
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scrappinchar
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Jul 29, 2014 12:54:19 GMT
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Post by scrappinchar on Jul 31, 2014 18:08:44 GMT
I'm probably no help because I use my embellies willy-nilly, and often run out of things. But I just gotta say, your wood veneer selection has me all atwitter with admiration. Same here. I love to use it up so I can get more. |
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AerynK
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Location: CA
Jul 7, 2014 19:51:37 GMT
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Post by AerynK on Jul 31, 2014 18:21:44 GMT
Thanks, guys. I needed to hear all that said back to me, just like I've said it to others and said it 100 times to myself. It helps to have a cheerleading section of great ladies behind you saying "do it!" Karen - that's always the point that I make too. I'll/you'll love it more on my pages and cards than in the box. I KNOW this, that's why I don't hoard. That's why this has never been a problem before. I KNOW it! That's why I'm so frustrated! I'm always so good at using my paper, or my embellishments because I am SO good at purging when I stop loving something. The only reason this box is so full is that after I'd used almost my whole stash, I went and won a contest that provided me with a BIG bag of more veneer. Ashley - you totally have a point, maybe I just like my layouts less embellished. Maybe that's true. I do think, sometimes, "this layout needs something" but when I finish it I just go with it and don't sit there and regret it later. The only layouts I don't like are ones I've tried to copy someone else because I liked it when *they* did it. I think the thing that's sticking is that I love Janet's (Cherrypicker) little box of punched shapes and mis-matched bits that come together to form cute little embellishments. Here's a pin, since I can't seem to link to a specific blog post from Scrap Your Scraps... there's no post titles..... I can see myself doing tons of these. Hell, I even bought a scalloped punch to be able to make some, or at least one! And then there's all these veneer to add, or sequins, or dots, or whatever and wouldn't that be cute! I know I could make them per-project, but I also know that I *won't*. I scrap too fast. And in scrapping fast things fall by the wayside because I really, truly *enjoy* scrapping fast. I like the outcome of a 30 minute page, but it means that those little fiddly embellishments won't make it on the page either. They would if I made them ahead though... hmmm. I guess, in the end, if there's a veneer or a sequin or whatever sitting in the pre-made box that I truly need for a page, without its accompanying embellishments, I could just take that pre-made piece apart. I just got SO inspired by that "make your own embellishments" thread, I want to DO something about it, and I know for sure that I'm too lazy to do it in the moment! |
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Deleted
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Nov 23, 2024 20:48:59 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2014 18:37:19 GMT
Why not try making a few small embellishments and leaving them out where you can try them on a few pages? You don't need to invest a tonne of time or supplies, just start out small. Maybe use up some scraps or leftover bits you have laying around right now?
I don't like to sit down and make a whole pile of things all at once, because I find that they're never quite right for my pages. However, I DO like having a small dish of items that I made for previous pages that I ended up not using... and those I keep in reach and try them out on pages when I need something. Sometimes the colour/shape is so random, it just works perfectly for the page! Some of the stuff I get tired of and when I see something I don't like any more, I just toss it.
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Post by scrapperlady on Jul 31, 2014 18:46:05 GMT
It has taken time but, I have finally made it the point where I can use any product rather than save it for 'someday.' The more I used this philosophy, the easier it became. Seeing the pages that I created because, I went ahead and used the product led to me being more willing to do the same thing in the future.
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Post by underwatermama on Jul 31, 2014 18:53:53 GMT
I have a lot of monthly kits in my stash. For the majority of them, I've kept all the items in the plastic bag together to really try and use what came with the kit rather than thinking "oh, it's so cute, I need to save this for later".
My "goal" is that I have to use up some of these kits before I sign up for another kit club, so that's a pretty good incentive.
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Post by chlerbie on Jul 31, 2014 18:59:05 GMT
I have a HUGE supply of stuff and just pull out stuff as I need it. I never worry that I might run out or anything like that, as I figure that there will be enough other things to use tht have come out in the meantime, or that I have made, that I really won't miss what I have used.
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Post by anniefb on Jul 31, 2014 22:08:18 GMT
I can totally relate to the hoarding instinct! I've gradually become better at actually using things, mainly because when I've gone back to look at a lot of the things I've kept for 'special' projects, I realise I don't want to use them anymore - maybe my style has changed or they're out of date, or I have no idea why I bought so many in the first place  |
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Post by berta147 on Aug 1, 2014 0:23:40 GMT
I have a hoard of pattern paper, it is my most favorite scrappy obsession. I was buying so much but then not having any embellishments to use with it  So like you, I set out to buy just embellishments. I use them, but not fast enough. Or I run out of a favorite. So I need more. But then I see another pretty pattern paper. A vicious circle. I have decided what I really need is more time! There have only been a few papers I could not bring myself to use. And some are really more for cards, than scrapping, as I mostly scrap "boy stuff" and that pretty pink rose floral just does not work with my photos. And making embellies ahead of time does not work well for me either. Just like all those page classes I took when I first started scrapping. I never used one one of them  I am not much help here, but I understand where you are coming from!!!! |
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Post by judyc on Aug 1, 2014 1:17:26 GMT
I think about not using my favorite, special, pretty papers on layouts that are everyday kind of layouts -- same for embellishments -- but then I do it anyway. Unless I have specific plans to use that piece of paper or that button, I just go ahead, even if it means cutting one tiny piece out of an otherwise whole and awesome sheet of paper. And I have a LOT of paper and a LOT of embellishments, and I have a lot because I am a very slow scrapper with not much time available to scrap. So, I may look like a hoarder, but I'm not, I'm just not using up my supplies at anywhere near the rate I accumulate them.
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oaksong
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Jun 27, 2014 6:24:29 GMT
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Post by oaksong on Aug 1, 2014 1:46:45 GMT
I like the embellishments from the Pinterest link you posted, Aeryn. I am also working on adding more embellishments to my pages, and figuring out how to use what I have more creatively. Not sure if the premade would work for me, because I'm usually matchy-matchy (even if I try not to be). The layering ideas are certainly something I would use.
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AerynK
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Posts: 262
Location: CA
Jul 7, 2014 19:51:37 GMT
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Post by AerynK on Aug 1, 2014 3:23:33 GMT
So, little update. Today, I made a layout and made embellishments for it. Little layered circles, some butterflies, stuff like that. Easy, right? Like in the Pinterest link. I think y'all are right that making them ahead of time for layouts is tough, especially with how picky I am. Maybe, if I really want to change my layouts, I need to just slow down, take the time, and make things. My own Pinterest embellishment board is full of stuff I'd love to make and use on my pages.
When I made the layout I used up most of a paper collection, including the last of the 12x12 papers. Now I'm going to sit here, punch things, and make the rest of the scraps into punches to layer for sort of centerpiece embellishments for cards. Kinda the best of both worlds, right? Least I'm gonna try!
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