Do you think you were happier scrapping before...

I think I was happier when all my stuff fit in a tote and I went to crops.

I never followed what was in though or specific people. I still scrap pretty old school.

I've purged a lot in the last couple years and have only a closet full now and I'm happier scrapping again.

I was a fine arts major in college so I came into scrapping with alot of knowledge about design, color and art materials. I didn't have much knowledge of scrap companies or products that were more in the realm of "crafts" rather than "art". At one point, as I learned more about those things, it became harder and less enjoyable. But after awhile, I gained more faith in what I knew and was able to not think about it quite so hard and just trust that I would know what to do. So, now it's more enjoyable again.

I do have to say though, that I am a little overwhelmed with "stuff" though and that can be challenging.

Not really. I like inspiration. I just finished pinning bookmarks from 2peas and a lot of my favorites were from scrappers i wouldn't consider "in the know".

I can't believe I haven't gone through those layouts earlier. I want to dig through my stash and pull out so many old patterned papers I saw in those layouts!

No-I love all of the pretty products that we can get now! I have never really cared "who" made a page if it inspired me.

Nope- I think the quantity of pages done back in the late 90's was high for me, but it wasn't necessarily quality. I so appreciate people like Ali and Cathy focusing on the story and design. I love the process.... When I look back at my scrapbooks from my early days I see some of the journaling and cringe. Mostly because it's so surface-y and vague 'say cheese' 'smiling for the camera' in nearly every photo (which were cut with fun scissors no less) . I feel like now the pictures are just as important as the story and when paired together the impact is so much more meaningful. I love perusing the latest and greatest the industry has to offer, but I'm more discerning than in the hay day 10 years ago when I bought every damn thing I saw. Now- I purchase for specific projects/layouts in mind.
Aside from from the design aspect, I learned how to take better photos as well. Altogether I love what's happened in the industry.

No, not me. I totally get what you are saying because I certainly wouldn't have the stash I do now had I never gotten online to connect with other scrapbookers. But for me, when it comes to crafty stuff, I'm a visual learner. Have to see it to be able to do it myself. Before I knew what I was doing, I never really liked my pages. Once I started buying the latest and greatest, followed the trends, soaked up the inspiration, I gained a lot more confidence in my own abilities. I love soaking up all the ideas and inspiration. And let's face it, it's a great way to procrastinate when you aren't feeling the mojo!

Yep that too.  There was all the criticism in the magazines about the "sticker sneeze" and how awful the SB's that were done 5 years ago.  That just got to me.  Stupid but true

I remember when all of my stuff fit in one little bag, and that is all I needed. It was nice for saving on space and clean-up.

Sadly, it took me just as long back then to make a page. I didn't know what I was doing, and actually realized I didn't know what I was doing. Art is definitely not the strong point of this math teacher. I would get frustrated knowing my layouts weren't working for some reason. Still, I pushed on and kept creating.

Once I became more familiar with the scrapping lines than the LSS was, then things began working for me. Sure I have a room exploding with materials, but I adore digging through them like a child at Christmas. That moment when you pull a paper and then keep excavating through the pile (because who needs organization) and find the perfect companion paper is pure bliss. I admit that I often still scrap from gut instinct, but later I can see where design principles have crept into my process. After finishing my page yesterday, I realized my embellishment clusters formed a diagonal across the page. No, I didn't think about it at the time, but there it was! I am much happier with my pages.

My only regret is looking at how much money I have invested. It isn't beyond my means. I am a fairly frugal shopper, but it does add up over time. My husband just smiles and shakes his head when I worry about the money. He sees how proud I am when I get done with a page. He knows creating takes my mind off of things, helping me to relax. As I've read at the pod many times, it is probably cheaper than therapy.

So the abridged version is that I am much happier with all of my pretty things and being a crazed fan-girl of those famous designers.

I love all the inspiration I got since I started 2 peas! And with the board closing, I had to start pinning and saving my bookmarks. Thanks to the pea that posted that idea! I am new to pinterest and didn't know scrapbook layouts were on there. so I have been going crazy looking on pinterest for layouts. I am so excited! I haven't scrapped much in years, but I blame it on my digital camera and having way to many pictures!

Honestly, I don't think I was any happier then than I am now. I definitely have way more stuff, probably more than I need but I love being inspired by the scrapbooking community. I think I browse more than I create though. lol!!

I think it was easier when I had less stuff. I've got too many choices now and it's overwhelming. Knowing who designers are and their work serves as much needed inspiration. I'm much happier knowing design principles as well since I'm happy that I know why some stuff just works. Owning all the stuff though...that's my downfall.

Same here

I'm very anti follow the trends/fads, so current trends don't do much for me. But I love shopping so I do have too much stuff and that is overwhelming.