How Many Craft Supplies is Too Many?

The Top Reasons We Hoard Craft Supplies

Hi there crafters, so if you’re like me, you do like the latest & greatest when it comes to supplies and one of the questions we tend to ask ourselves is do we really need It?) This is one I ponder and especially hard for me as I am always shopping for new products for the shop and its just so flippin tempting to snaffle a cute little something something from the shop.

1. The "Just in Case" Mentality

Crafters are planners. We like to be prepared for every possible creative situation. That’s why we hold onto that one pack of vintage buttons, that specific shade of cardstock, or those glitter pens we bought in 2012. What if one day, the perfect project comes along, and we need it? We simply cannot risk it!

2. The Bargain Hunter’s High

There is no greater thrill than spotting a “50% Off” sign in the craft store. It doesn’t even matter if we already own a lifetime supply of gel pens—this set is on sale, and we’d be losing money if we didn’t buy it, right? Right??

3. The "Too Pretty to Use" Problem

Some craft supplies are simply too beautiful to touch. We buy that stunning scrapbook paper, admire it, hold it up to the light, and then… place it safely in a drawer where it shall remain untouched for eternity. Cutting it feels like a crime. Using it? Unthinkable.

4. The Fear of Running Out

Ever used the last sheet of a favorite patterned paper and felt like you were losing a piece of your soul? Some of us buy multiples just to avoid that heartbreak. After all, what if they stop making it?! We must stockpile!

5. The "One Day I’ll Use This" Dream

We've all bought craft supplies for future projects that exist only in our imaginations. Quilting fabric for that someday-quilt. A calligraphy set for the fancy wedding invitations we might make. A die-cut machine that we swore we’d use every day. But instead, these treasures sit in a drawer, waiting for their moment to shine… someday.

6. Craft Shopping is Therapy

Some people do yoga. Some meditate. We buy craft supplies. There is nothing more comforting than strolling through a craft store, breathing in the scent of fresh paper and new markers. It’s not just shopping—it’s self-care.

How to Know When You Have Too Many Supplies

Let’s do a quick self-check. If you:

• Have more craft supplies than actual storage space

• Own items you forgot you had

• Have supplies still in their original packaging from five years ago

• Feel overwhelmed by the idea of organizing your craft room

• Have to hide your new purchases from family members (no judgment!)

…then maybe it’s time to consider decluttering. (Just a little.)

Turning Your Craft Hoard Into a Creative Haven

So what do we do when our stash starts overflowing? Instead of feeling guilty about our collections, let’s turn that crafty energy into something productive:

1. Start a Creative Planning System

If you’re drowning in supplies, why not organis e them into a creative planning system? This helps you actually use what you have instead of letting it gather dust. A simple rotation—choosing a “supply of the month” to focus on—can work wonders!

2. Join a Destash Challenge

We actually do this at my retreats, and let me tell you — it’s always a blast! Everyone brings their “not-sparking-joy” stash and drops it off at the big ol’ Destash Table.
And guess what?
Someone’s crafty trash almost always becomes someone else's next treasure! 

It’s all about letting go of what’s not inspiring you anymore — and making room for what does!
(Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to shop the destash table... just sayin’. 😉)

3. Make "Use It or Lose It" Projects

Challenge yourself to create a project using only supplies you already own. No new purchases allowed! (Okay, unless it’s glue. We always need more glue.)

4. Tie It Into a Crafty Membership Community

If you love being surrounded by like-minded crafters, consider joining a craft membership that helps keep you accountable for using what you have. A community that shares tips on creative planning and destashing can make the whole process way more fun!

The Final Verdict: Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Supplies?

 At some point, we have to ask ourselves: Are we collecting supplies, or are we actually creating?

Crafting should bring us joy, not stress. If our supplies are inspiring us—fantastic! If they’re overwhelming us—maybe it’s time for a refresh. Either way, let's embrace the stash we have, make space for creativity, and maybe leave that extra roll of washi tape on the shelf next time. (Or not. No judgment.)

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