I am SO TIRED of it!!😭 

Thank you for this Ann! I don't have a YT Channel, blog, nor am I on a DT....just a stay-at-home crafter. Over the past year, I have been extremely distressed over what I have done to myself, with all the crafty purchases I have made and let me be clear, I am ASHAMED for spending money that I don't have and I have no one to blame but myself! It forced me to look deep inside myself to understand WHY I did this because my whole life I have had to be very frugal with what I can buy, so, I asked myself WHY NOW! What I discovered was that because I am older and disabled, I'm pretty sure I was looking for some validation of self-worth....ie., is there anything left that I am good at? I think this is something that we all want. As far as DT members go, I hope you all band together and start demanding payment for your services as well as free product. Seriously, most businesses pay a lot of money towards marketing & sales and let's face it, who works for free especially in this day and age during this pandemic. HOW do we, as crafters, avoid the hoarding of supplies? How about when we watch a video using floral stamps & dies, we don't need to have the exact images that are used in the video....we should just look through our stash and pick anything floral that we have and use it to create something. Then, not only will we be much more satisfied with our accomplishment, we also won't feel guilty for spending money we don't have. For myself, that GUILT DESTROYS ALL THE FUN! I hope my comment helps at least the newcomers to this hobby to be more aware because God forbid, I don't want to see what happened to me, happen to you. Creating most definitely can be therapeutic, but if not careful, it WILL wreak havoc on your bank account. Oh, and one other thing...IMHO, craft companies need to stop OVER-SATURATING the market! Coming out with monthly releases is ultimately going to destroy many companies, particularly the 'Mom & Pop' stores. Take care everyone....health and happiness to all of you. (PS: I hope I didn't make too many typos/errors as this was very difficult for me to post and I can now wipe away my shameful tears)

Not buying seems to be a trend this year. Many crafters i follow are encouraging "use what you have."

My Motto is "There are no mistakes in art, only embelishments." God bless your heart.

Winston Churchill said, “Perfection is the enemy of progress “.

We are constantly being pushed to buy, buy, buy. Last year I only spent about £50 all year. I have started to try making cards and albums using similar stuff that I already have. And, no, they aren't perfect. I make them for people I love and they appreciate my efforts. Please carry on. Don't even worry about telling us where you got your supplies. Sending a hug. 🤗

I told my husband that's it! I'm not buying another thing for crafting. I'm not enjoying myself because I rarely get to use it. Too busy buying and organizing everything I have. It takes too much of my time for creating. I love your videos. I enjoy hearing your calming voice. I love that you use what you have around you. 2021 is the year I'm going to use what I have and enjoy being creative. You inspire me. You are what I need to keep my head straight and behave. So please, continue to inspire all of us. You're honest about what you do and who you are. I believe you speak for many of us. I look forward to watching and enjoying more of your videos. Thank you for all you do for us. I'm adding on here because I just thought of it. My mother's cousin was a seamstress. She would purposely allow one mistake on her clothing. You could see or tell it. But her reason was, "only God is perfect. It's to remind me my talent was given to me by God." I always thought this was a beautiful reminder.

"Comparison is the thief of joy."

This is exactly how I have been feeling lately myself Ann .. Thank you for your honest opinions .. much appreciated x

Yes! Let’s just have fun ! This year, I want to be more creative, using what I already have in stock and buy only essentials like glue. Thank you for inspiring me !

I sign my cards on the back with a stamp I got created which says "Not perfect handmade with love". Because it is not perfect, but I made it and unless you look or know where the imperfections are then it is perfect. I am especially fed up with the amount of new releases by certain companies, so much so that I have stopped purchasing from them.

The “entire set” syndrome is at the root of evil for crafters etc. I haven’t bought Tim Holtz’s latest colours. Hang in there Ann.

Hello Ann, this video really hit home with me, I’ve crafted my whole life, come from a long line of crafting women….and I will admit that a few years ago I just stopped, I was caught up in the “ to make this you need to buy that” and as military wife at the time my budget didn’t allow for those kind of expenditures and it caused me to loose the love of crafting, for some reason trapped in the idea that to make whatever the latest idea out there was, I needed to purchase more and more. I’ve recently gone back to the old days, use what I have or improvise and do ya know what, that love is back and I’m really enjoying it. Thank you for speaking about this and bringing it to light. 😘🥰🌻

This is me right now and looking at the comments a lot of other people. I just end up shuffling things around my desk until I'm fed up, even though the ideas are in my head. It's strange how lockdown gives us the chance to craft, but takes away the energy to do so. Thank you for sharing, we are all in this together

Totally agree Ann that's why I stopped chasing the latest thing in crafting.... it cost so much and the outcomes were less than I had seen - it's very soul destroying so I try to be creative instead and I'm happier that my crafting isn't perfect and i dont mind that its 'homemade' because it's the love that we put into the project not that it's perfect 💕

Well said!

Yes Ann I think we all have to stand back a bit. I love your videos because they are so genuine and you show your mistakes which makes us feel better (Not being horrible) because it shows none of us do perfect work. I agree dont show your supplies, if we really want them we can email you and ask. FUN SOUNDS BRILLIANT, that is all any of us want.

You know Anne there’s a lady on utube been going for years called Jennings 644 Fiona is her name you ought to see the things she makes she is very talented and uses scraps and bits and bobs wastes nothing and she doesn’t have all the mod cons she’s a great inspiration and your right I gave up because I was getting roped in buying expensive things you are a great inspiration to me I love your work xx PS your looking great love your jumper x

Omg you are so right!!!! I see something buy everything and cant recreate it then I get even more depressed because I spent the money for something I cant even do and then I'm no longer in the mood to create and dont do anything for a while until see something else I feel might be easier lol.. we are very hard on ourselves listening to you know and I feel like its me talking ... we do need to stop watching sometimes and just craft from the heart xoxo

My mantra is perfect comes from a machine, beauty comes from the heart!

There’s been a lot of talk about this lately with companies having new releases every single month. Not only that but they are so expensive too. Sometimes I look at things people have made and think that’s lovely I’d love it, but then I think what else have I got in my stash that would work instead? There is usually something that would look just as good in a different way. Glad your back and keep up the creativity!

Totally agree. In fairness you are one of the only utbers that have stayed loyal to your fans. Videos that don't need a lot of expensive materials. Stay true and keep crafting.

Well said Ann, you are quite right when you say “use what we have” ........ it’s rather like baking, if you don’t have self raising flour then use plain flour with a pinch of baking powder instead. 🤗

From an Aussie, I have just discovered you and I love your work and down to earth attitude. Woohoo for keeping it real!

I so agree I stopped watching several other crafters as it all about buying new and different supplies every week. I can’t afford it and my cards don’t look anything like theirs. Thank you for saying what needed to be said. You are amazing

Ann, thanks for keeping it real !

Absolutely you are SPOT ON!!! I do see things and think I'll go get all those materials and do the same..... NEVER turns out that way :( Makes me feel inadequate and not good enough and I've spent a blooming fortune on stuff that's going to sit in my room and I'm disheartened. I need to have a word with myself to be honest. I need to get back to making things fun again. You are a total inspiration for me hun and I'm glad that I'm not the only one xx

Please know that you are an inspiration to me. What you do and share has made me able to cope with the trauma associated with these times. It is brave of you to share your feelings. I don’t struggle with the perfection issue but I struggle with the idea that crafting is a ‘waste of time’ and I don’t have a lot of people to give cards etc to so it seems selfish. But I’m realising that the process of creating and crafting is what I need to deal with my depression. And if my colleagues get boxes of cards for various occasions I’m grateful when they graciously say how lovely they are.

I used to buy every craft magazine that was on the shelf which used to cost me about £30 a week, for nearly 2 years. fair enough I got lots of dies and stamps etc but when you open the mags you need more and more things, I now have stopped buying them and have started making what I can make with what I have. Some mags were still in there cellophane lol. But all tagged and sorted now, now I mix and match them and I love what I can create. You do fabulous work Ann, take a step back and look at what you have achieved, your amazing xx

Thank you Ann, for showing me and many others that we are NOT inadequate with our crafting. Please continue to have fun and share your ideas with us.

The cards we see on Pinterest ~ I wonder how many mistakes were made and how many rubbish attempts have been thrown away before they get one suitable for photographing. (They don’t show that) thats why I like watching videos. If you make a mistake ~ go with it. Our creations need to come from US ~ mistakes and all. Friends appreciate whatever we make, it is the thought that goes into whatever we make, NOT the item itself!!. DONT GIVE UP HUN!

I don’t earn anything with my crafting and I absolutely love it. It’s definitely about accessing a different part of your brain and just relaxing. Everything you said has become more true in recent years. Pinterest has set unreachable standards.

Thank you Ann for your humble wisdom. I am sure this video will be a huge relief to those of us who have failed miserably at Pinterest or you tube challenges. My downstairs could open up and be a shop, I have bought so much stuff. I think I got addicted to buying the craft products in the hope that oneday I would successfully make and produce all these gorgeous items. Plus I'm enthralled with this craft, and that craft and have ended up starting something and not completing it. Thank you for reminding us to get back to the simple enjoyment of making something with what we have. You're awesome!

Good for you! I have stopped watching videos where you need to have certain products to produce the finished item, things should be adaptable to suit what we have, keep going you do a fab job.🤗

That's why I like card sketches. I don't look at the results of others any more. I create my own card with stuff of my stash. Kind regards.

I can relate!...I stopped buying from Stampin Up for the most part, for the exact same reason...every time I watched a you tube video with SU demonstrators, I felt if I wanted to re-create the project, I would invariably not have the stamps/dies/paper, etc. so I felt I would have to order it, and when a stamp/die set costs almost $100.00 with tax and shipping...it can become extremely expensive...so, I have made the decision to use what I have, and just create for the fun of creating...thanks so much for this video, it hit the nail right on the head. I recently re-cycled all my Christmas cards I received, and will be sending them out next year!...don't give up sweetie, you are sooooo good at what you do, no need for perfection...just enjoy...God Bless!

I think you're on to something Anne. A few crafters who make videos have had similar feelings this year. 2020 was a test for everyone and many of us are now unemployed. I watch the videos and decide what I want that could be versatile and be made into other items. I love the videos that show how to use what you have. Without you, I wouldn't have had so much fun with a laminator this year! You have persevered through all of these trials this year and inspired others who needed that outlet SO badly, thank you for sharing these things with us.

Ann i totally agree with you, I have stopped watching a lot of videos because I can afford to buy the products. It would be lovely to see more channels going back to basics and and just enjoying craft making again xx

Please don't give up and stop what you're doing! I realized that, every time I buy a new item, I don't buy the time to use it! Its just more time spent finding a place for it, more time spent looking for stuff......I was at my most happy and most creative when I was challenged to make do with what I had at the time. Have a lovely 2021! Regards from South Africa.

You are SO right, Ann! I don’t believe in trying to be ‘perfect’ because it takes the joy out of crafting to me! So, you be YOU, I absolutely LOVE hearing and watching you! So, hang in there, do what you do HOW you do it, and know I’ve got your back! ❤

I agree ! For me I started as a kid with glue, scissors and paper and that made me happy to just create with basic things and I felt very creative to come up with thing using such minimal materials. I think that we are to hard on each other to add all " the bells and whistles " . You make Amazing things with paper and a score board . There is nothing wrong with forgoing the trends . tfs

I totally agree! I haven't made anything since before March. I love it too & I make jewellery as well. I've even bought birthday cards this year instead of making them!. Perfection is not on!!

Wow, I am so glad to hear you stand up and say how expensive it is just to buy each item to create a simple yet stunning card layout that we come across on RU-vid Etc. The cost is outrageous and so many of us are living paycheck to paycheck just getting by. So much is out of reach for 100’s / 1,000’s of fellow crafters. I have noticed a number of times how stressed out so many video crafters are due to the push from so many of the big craft companies. How to Video tutorials teach us so much; but when our joy/heart is taken out then the true beauty within the creating process is tarnished. I just love your videos. It broke my heart when you encountered months of waiting to be able to move. The world is in such a mess. We are doing our best to hold on to some sort of normal and the creative allows us to drift back into a peacefulness we had in the past. Thank you for straight forward from the heart, thoughts. More people need to stand up...

Oh Anne you have hit the nail on the head! I was only thinking yesterday, I was making some sympathy cards, and I wanted to make simple because I feel sympathy cards shout simple to me! I sat for an hour! Pushed paper and card around! No inspiration! I love journalling too, but everyone is doing the same thing, snippets, using scraps, what to do with bookpages etc etc! No insult made but I am not seeing anything fresh and Crafty! So I have decided I am not looking anymore, I am going to find in myself my own inspiration, I used to, but then I found U Tube which is lovely but I have lost my " Crafty fun" you are so so right Anne! I have followed you since your Stampin Up days and love what you do, and a big thank you for releasing the " chains" so we can be free to craft again for ourselves!

Thank you, Ann, for expressing what I have felt for some time now. I have been collecting supplies and so much stuff yet produced nothing. Just two weeks ago I was trying to get rid of everything. I broke down and started watching a few craft videos, yours being the first. After a few videos I started asking myself why am i watching this if I am getting rid of it all? It dawned on me (I even said it out loud) that you aren’t perfect. You make a mistake and you keep it in your video. Your comments about doing better next time, guess we all make mistakes, that didn’t do as I expected truly helped me because I am furthest from perfect as you can get. Sorry for blathering, you struck a nerve. Now I know whatever comes out of my craft room is ok. No more expecting perfection just because everything shown makes you feel inadequate.

I’m with you there Anne. The amount of stuff I’ve bought and is still unused, is a joke. I started doing classes just over a year ago, showing people how to make cards. It was really fun getting together and just having a play. I’ve had to go on to Zoom now, and provide my ladies with a kit for two cards each week. It’s still fun, but harder as I can just take stamps, dies etc and let then choose what they want. Now I have to stamp, die cut, punch everything and it takes time. The fun was taking most of my stuff, and saying today we’re going to make this sort of card using these sort of items, and seeing what they all came up with. You’re right, they don’t have to be perfect, they are handmade, which means so much more. I’ve made some of your storage boxes, cards, etc and they aren’t as good as yours, but I’ve had fun making them and I use them. That’s all that counts. If my ladies say they’ve made a mistake, I tell them it’s not meant to be perfect, it’s hand made. There are no such things as mistakes, they are happy accidents. Love what you are doing. Stay safe and take care xxx

Thank you Ann I totally agree with you, I never post my work as I always feel it’s not good enough, but I have to say that you are really genuine and would rather tell us how to save money than to spend it, it would be a sad day if you decide to pack it all in as you have worked so hard to get where you are now and there would be a lot of disappointed followers out there, but I would like to see more of the craft stuff we have rather buying new stuff all the time it seems that a lot of demos now are about they’re products than about the demos, please keep on giving as you make so many of us happy particularly at this sad 😞 and can be lonely times, let’s get back to hand made as this is what your all about 👏👏😘😘🌈

I’m watching this video two years after you made it, and it’s still very relevant. I love your content because you show how to make things that don’t always require a lot of very specific supplies. I make cards but don’t use die cuts. To me, feeling pressured to have a certain size punch or a specific die really takes the creativity out of the whole process. Creativity partly means finding alternative ways of making things. Thank you for being so honest and open 💕

I think we have all struggled with this at times. We constantly compare ourselves to other crafters. We don't always see the mistakes or the ones they threw away - we only see the perfect one. I agree that it's time for me to get back to creating and crafting instead of comparing and copying. Thank you for your honesty. Looking forward to learning from you and enjoying the process instead of buying things I may never use!

Happy New Year Ann. You look amazing! This is probably a message that we all need to hear and remind ourselves - the comparison aspect to creativity has to stop.

Oh you are so not alone in this! I've often thought that my hobby is buying all the things I see in videos and not actually crafting. It looks like I spend more time buying stuff and sorting stuff and organising stuff than I actually do crafting. And it is frustrating when you spend all that money in order to achieve something similar to what you saw in a video and failing miserably. And, for someone as perfectionist as me, its easy for focus on the "failure" rather than on the creative aspect of it. Thank you for being so cadid and thank you for your videos, I really enjoy them x

OmEmGee!!!! You are not alone. We all buy supplies and never use them. Let's stop collecting and get to using our stuff. I love "use what you have" videos. I can't wait to see some of your ideas. I know it could be hard to find inspiration during the pandemic. What I do is just pull out one or two items that I've admired, but never used and start there.

You’ve hit the nail on the head here Ann, it’s exactly how many crafters feel. Watching a card being made where you need three different sets at £50 each to achieve it..being told if you buy a bundle altogether you get so much off..it’s daft..well said Ann, crafting should be enjoyable not cost a fortune.. I love your videos because the cards are all achievable..nice to put a face to the voice..be happy .

I have always liked your videos because you come up with projects that don't need new dies. I was really glad when you decided to get off all the design teams because I couldn't afford to buy the things you were using and I didn't have anything to substitute. You should focus on your successes such as the easel hat card and box. OMG! How many of us made that successfully? I know I did! Look at your laminating videos. Wildly successful! I could go on but there are just too many to list. Stay positive and keep sharing your creativity and talent with us please!

Crafting and and other things in life, I see as Perfect Imperfections. Without the imperfections, it wouldn’t be unique and one of a kind. There always be people who look for perfection, but so much is missed in those imperfections. Life is not perfect. 🦋🌻

I gave up perfection years ago. I go for excellence now. There are many things we are excellent at doing. You are an excellent crafter. My joy is in the journey. I don’t have many of fancy tools, die cutters, embosser, punches-I have a laminator, thanks to you, and I bought a snap system and long arm stapler. I have a cutter/scoreboard and lots of paper and stickers! I do so many other crafts. Perfection is never my goal. My mother taught me to always change something when doing a sewing kit to make it your own. Handmade is better any day over perfect machine made. Machines don’t have love in them.

So glad I'm not alone. For a while I stopped doing swaps because I felt I couldn't comply with expectations and money spent. My love of crafting began with making stuff out of "scraps and trash". Thank you!! Looking forward to your series!! ❤

What a breath of fresh air, thank you for your honesty and hitting the nail on the head for all us stay at home crafters. I have vowed this year not to spend on craft items unless I really have to.

Lets make this year POP ,positively over perfection, make it become something happy not perfect, we are all our own worst critics and that stops us a lot of the time, just don't give up on it, we love you Anne and love your honesty, you show your flaws on screen and we love you for it, so please, please , please don't let it get you down!

I absolutely agree 100%. I can relate, our son died this year and I wanted to give up. I felt guilty for even thinking of crafting. THEN I FOUND YOUR DO-ABLE CHANNEL. I can’t wait to get the time to watch and one of your videos. I’m going thru every one of your videos. I adore the way share card making, it’s fun again and so easy to follow. Thank you so much all you do.

Ann, my most favorite video of yours is when you made the Father’s Day toolbox. It was literally red paper and a few brads....and because of that I was able to make it for my dad..it was an amazing project that without you I would have never even conceived it, I thank you for sharing your talent and ideas and also for the heartwarming memories and amazing project. This year has has been tough financially emotionally physically and crafting has indeed been a huge issue for many of us. It is a love hate relationship for sure especially with covid trapping us in our homes and in our own heads, totally feel you. Please know that I appreciate your hard work and talent. Because of this video right now typing this from inside my craft room. It has been weeks since I have been in here or even wanted to be here. ......so thank you.

I've seen about 40 crafters, decide to stop being on design teams- because they are losing their love. I love your channel, I love your honesty. And, I think this whole past year has many of us, especially crafters/artists- are just burned out because of the big money purchases- but- I think many would miss you if you didn't pop in. I was Glad I didn't develop a large audience, when I started feeling overwhelmed by MY shopping decisions, illness, and I could Probably open a craft store at this point. Best wishes!

Nothing I have ever made has been perfect! And the people who get them, love them just the same as if they were!... it is the love of crafting that makes our work what it is, no matter what! Most of the crafters I know (including myself) are perfectionists! That’s what drives us! But the good news is that we don’t have to be perfect! Thank you for sharing your heart. 💜😊

Hi Ann, You are so right in what you say, all of us crafters must have spent thousands on craft supplies over the years, now at 78 I look round my craft room and am amazed at what I have bought and a lot of it I haven't used. I've seen this quote from somewhere that perfection is the killer of creativity! so true. Thankyou I can definitely relate to your video x

Thanks for sharing. Love to watch your video’s. Please never stop creating! 😘☘️

Thank you, Ann! You are such a lovely person, inside and out. Your posts and videos have inspired so many of us. I agree with you completely how expensive this hobby is. But I love it! Please keep on inspiring and encouraging us all with your practical and beautiful, creative projects.

this is also one of my frustrations. That's why my hobby is increasingly moving towards junk journaling. The techniques are very interesting.

Ann, you may have created this video a couple of years ago, but it was the first time seeing for me and I really needed to hear your message. Thank you for all you do, sharing your passion and the time and effort you put into everything you share. ❤

Totally agree, it's not about copying others completely, it's about taking a bit of the idea and putting your own twist on to our own projects 💜 I hope you get back to some kind of crafting Ann. Take care x

What most people forget is that those professional crafters have been at it for years and years, most for many hours s day and you only see the best results out of many. If you are a one a well hobbyist and compare yourself to them your doomed.

What you said is so true. I have soooo much in my stash. I see things on RU-vid and think "that is so cute" and want to get the things to make it. We, here in the U.S., are supposed to stay home too and it can be so depressing (and I already suffer with cronic depression). My downfall is Amazon. It's so easy to go on it and order and have it delivered to your home. I love what other people do, but know that I'm not talented enough to do things as nice as they do it. I joined a group on Facebook called Craft Your Stash and Curb Your Spending. They encourage you to use what's in your stash instead of buying more and more. They are a great group. I just found you today and will look for other posts from you.

Thank you for that. I've recently found you. As a new crafter I have now decided to put a stop on the buying for a few months. I've decided to use what I've got for now. I hope you are feeling more positive about your crafting and once again enjoying it.

Ann I so totally agree with you. I am guilty of looking at a card and trying to recreate it and not pleased with it. Your videos and tutorials are so easy and helpful without costing the earth. You give us so much inspiration. I can’t believe how chuffed I am when I recreate one of your makes. We appreciate all the effort and your time you put into the projects. Big hugs 😘😘😘

I’m with you Ann 100% and agree with everything you’ve said regarding feeling you have to buy to create a certain item. Being a pensioner I can’t afford to anymore and stated this awhile back about a certain item advertised by a certain company on TV and was slated by another crafter however so now I stick to your page and one other as never any nasty comments. Ann you’ve inspired me and made me a better crafter and I thank you for that. Your never pushy or make anyone feel they have to purchase you’ve even stated alternatives if havnt got what your using that to me is a true honest inspiring crafter. As the saying goes beauty is in the eye of the beholder well same with perfection in craft is in the eye of the beholder. Take care stay safe .

This is a real turn of events and thank you for speaking up about it all. There is no reason to chase the new and beautiful. Finally a video created by someone who isn't afraid to speak her truth! Use what you have. Stop chasing perfection because perfection does not exist! My hobby is not collecting craft stuff. My hobby is creating crafty items for others to enjoy!!

Sometimes we are just too hard on ourselves. I have purchased many things that in truth I have never used. This year is the year to use what I have already. Sometimes also we are too hard on our selves. I made my first journal (an altered book) for my daughter for Christmas and I must say I was disappointed with it. Everyone else that saw it thought it was beautiful and my daughter was very happy with it. It was a gift from the heart and even though it has imperfections, I am very happy with it.

Exactly how I feel, I have so many dies and stamps etc. So my goals this year is to pull 1 stamp set or die set out a week and try and make 3 different cards with it. I want to Try and improve and ink blending and colouring, also try stuff I haven’t done like masking stamps and creating a scene. I hope we all get our mojo back soon. I must admit I always feel like this after Christmas as Christmas crafting is so much easier and once it’s over,it’s like now what.x

I quite agree with you Ann, I am living in Spain at the moment and craft supplies are difficult to get hold of, unless you order online, so I have to make do with what I have got. But please don't stop your crafting, because I love watching you video's. Take care of yourself and thank you for your inspiration.

I can 100% relate and understand what you are saying. You are a lovely lady and very talented. We must NOT give up our love of crafting. It helps us keep our sanity during these trying times. Just remind yourself that you are crafting for the love of it and for those who follow you with the same mindset. Keep up the great work.

Don't lose your crafty spirit! The supplies you have won't go bad over time, so maybe take a little break and come back to it another day. I'm learning not to check out any new scrap products to prevent that urge to buy, so I'm working on using what I already have too. I really feel if everything we created was perfect, it may as well have been store bought, it would't feel homemade. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, you are not alone!

Well said Ann I am tired of paying 50 pounds to make a card. I just want to enjoy the craft and take my mind of more lockdowns and deaths. Looking forward to your future videos. Stay safe and well. x

You inspire me craft wise, I’ve gained so much confidence watching your videos, Thank you and keep up the good work 😘

I can relate to all you have said. It was good to hear you talk about what a lot of us think. Thank you.

Thank you Anne for sharing. You are not alone sweetie. Looking forward to seeing what you have hidden away!

Sounds good to me Ann, it's just what we need in my opinion. Just do what you love. 😊 X

I appreciate your comments Ann. I feel that if we can relax and enjoy and have fun crafting then what a wonderful way to spend our time. There are many of us who enjoy your work. Keep it up and don’ t COMpete with anyone. Warm wishes Leonie

I buy what I like and have fun with them. They may not be the newest items, but they make me happy. I started crafting again when my youngest daughter died. It is therapy for me. We used to craft together. This is a way we can kinda be together and have fun. This is what crafting is... having fun! Bless ya Ann. Xo

Amen ! thank you for sharing this,so many of us feel this way.

Thank you so much for this video Ann! I have been watching you for years, and I remember a couple of times over the years where this has happened to you, then you come on and talk about it, and I was at the exact same spot. You just did it again 😅 I feel the same way right now! I haven't crafted since right before Christmas because I just couldn't get a few things perfected. And I have bought so much stuff, thinking I needed it, and now I can't even get to my desk! I also have stopped buying things because it's just so overwhelming! Again, thanks for reminding me I'm not the only one feeling this way! Much love to you Ann! From Ohio, U.S.

Totally agree!! Comparing ourselves to others, in every aspect of our lives, is where the trouble starts. The videos and and pictures we see, I'm sure, were not the first attempts. They very likely did the project many times to get what we see as perfection. You are right... it's about having fun and creating. Excellent reminder. And, for the record, a lot of us would miss you if you were to stop but you need to do what's best for you. :)

I so agree. The biggest issue is I really want to make that beautiful card! Then, when it is made, I've spent hours, money and frustration on it, I'm disappointed it's not as beautiful. Then the mojo to craft goes out the window. I don't feel like my creations are good enough, I've wasted all this money on craft supplies and I just sit. I've cleaned, I organized, I've watched hours of videos, to try and get my mojo back to make something, anything. So I am absolutely on the same page you are. My saving grace? I've learned to toss it in the bin, start something else simpler and easier so I have something successful. Then I share them with my family and friends. Thank goodness they love me and always tell me my work is beautiful. It helps. Keep on keeping on Ann. We are all watching you and supporting you.

Thank you for your honesty and truth!!! There are few words to describe how much I needed to watch this; I got caught up in (perhaps) the wrong RU-vid channels for me and spent a fortune trying to emulate (poorly) what was being shown. Your craft, your tutorials, you common-sense is really and achievable and I am forever thankful. K😊

Well said Ann sometimes it just takes something like this to be said and listened to. I personally couldn’t have watched this at a better time. Thanks you so much. Keep up you great videos I love to watch them thank you xx and Happy New year to everyone xx

“Do what’s achievable”....I like that! 😍 I’ve already put myself on a spending hold for 2021 and have committed to using every stamp, die, ink etc I have on hand before I buy anything new. I’ve been seeing a lot of these types of posts lately so I think a lot of us are feeling this way. With 2020 being the year of the lockdown I think a lot of us went on a crazy spending spree on craft supplies because we are watching so many more videos... 2021 is going to be the use what you’ve got year for me!

I love your videos I have tried a lot of the ideas you have demonstrated. Thank you for sharing your creativity and look forward to more of your videos. God bless!

Oh Ann you are soooo right and I couldn't agree more with you. I have done exactly the same as you over the years and have found that I can't do half of what I've seen on some videos. I know I'm nowhere near as good as them and don't try to be, but after a while you start to question your own ability because of it. I too, have hit a wall when it comes to creating and crafting and I too almost tossed it all in and am still struggling with it. However, as my friends have said, "..don't even consider getting out of it..what you do is far more important than being perfect..." but I'm still not quite thinking where my friends are yet. All I can say to you Anne, is continue doing what you are doing and posting your videos - I look so forward to seeing them and crafting along with you. You really are an inspiration to all of us and more importantly, a VIP in my and lots of your followers world. Having said that, you have to do what's right for you though and I know you have to acknowledge other peoples ideas, products, etc but sometimes it becomes very onerous in doing so. We all appreciate everything you do and hope you continue doing your own thing but sharing with us too. Love Debxxx

Oh wow, i am glad finding out I'm not the only one who has that problem, thanks for this video, i don't really comment, but this video is making me realize that i don't have to be perfect in anything i make..i just need to enjoy myself...

there is to much commercialisation of it all, you have all these people, "oh, you have to have this tool, you have to have these inks, pens, powders, papers etc", things we don't need to CREATE a beautiful handmade anything... so long as it is made with LOVE and given with love that is all that matters.... I make lots of edible goodies at Christmas time and everyone loves them because they are made with love and thankfulness and are given in appreciation, love and thankfulness... and that is what matters... Thanks for sharing with us Ann! Stay safe, well and create with love and fun! xxoo from Julie and the land down under

I love your sincerity, and I love your quality of the videos and will continue to learn and create the cards you teach. PLEASE DON'T STOP YOUR TUTORIALS.

Please don't give up Anne you have achieved so much, and you have helped so many of us! If you make a mistake you don't hide it, you show us another way! I have followed you for so long and the laminator ideas are brilliant, I like to be self sufficient and make my own things before I buy! You have done Crafting a great service! Thank you Anne!

Such a brilliant video so truthful . X