Confessions of a Craft Supply Addict: Why Shopping, Organizing, and Creating All Hit Different (And Why I Love Them All)

You know that feeling when you stumble onto a new craft tutorial and instantly think:
“I need that die set. And that ink. And that stencil. And ooh, what’s that tool she used?”

Yeah. Me too.

I’ve been obsessed with crafting and card making lately — like, fully in it — and not just the creating part. I’m talking about the whole journey: the browsing, the buying, the unboxing, the organizing, and finally (hopefully!) the making.

And the truth? I love every single one of those stages.
But if I’m being honest… I think I love the shopping and dreaming part the most.

🛍 The High of Possibility (Shopping)

There’s something intoxicating about the possibility of creating. The dopamine hit of clicking "Add to Cart" on the perfect ink color or a die set that promises to unlock a whole new creative universe.

Dopamine is often misunderstood as the “pleasure” hormone — but it’s really about anticipation and motivation. It spikes when your brain detects potential. The thrill isn’t in the object itself — it’s in the hope that this will finally be the thing that unlocks the magic.

For me, shopping isn't about consumption. It's about curating the ideal version of myself: the one who’s in the zone, fully inspired, and has everything she needs at her fingertips. The one who doesn’t have to stop mid-project because she's missing a single sentiment strip or the exact right shade of green.

📦 The Calm of Control (Unboxing + Organizing)

Unboxing is a thrill — like a tiny holiday every time a package arrives. But then comes what might be my favorite part of all: organizing it.

Swatching colors, labeling drawers, finding the exact right home for every item — it gives me peace. There’s a reason why: organizing lights up your brain’s reward system too.

• Serotonin is linked to a sense of order, pride, and calm.

• Dopamine kicks in again when we complete small tasks (hello, swatch charts).

• There’s even some oxytocin in the mix — especially if organizing feels nurturing or personal, like creating a sacred space just for you.

It’s deeply satisfying. It’s grounding. It makes the future feel possible.

🎨 The Flow of Expression (Creating)

Now, when I do get into the creative zone — when the ADHD fog lifts, the space is clear, and the supplies are ready — I’m reminded why I started this in the first place.

Creating something with my hands — playing with color combos, textures, layouts — pulls me into the moment. That’s what psychologists call flow: a state where you're fully immersed, challenged just enough, and completely present.

It’s less about brain chemicals and more about alignment. About being fully in it — no distractions, no searching, no “I wish I had...”

Just creating.

🤍 Minimalist in Life, Maximalist in Creativity

Here’s the thing:
In most areas of my life, I lean minimalist. I don’t like clutter. I value calm, space, and simplicity.

But when it comes to creative expression?
I’m a micro-organized maximalist. Give me the full set. The entire rainbow. The backup. The backup’s backup.

And I’m not even sorry about it. Because creativity asks something different of us. It asks for tools, options, flexibility — and, sometimes, a little excess. It’s not about “need.” It’s about readiness.

So… Is Shopping My Real Hobby?

Maybe. But maybe that’s okay.

Because in a world that asks us to constantly perform, produce, and hustle, there’s something beautiful about falling in love with a process — even if that process includes collecting, curating, and organizing before the creating ever begins.

Each stage of this creative journey brings its own kind of joy:

• Shopping is about hope and potential.

• Unboxing and organizing are about order and ownership.

• Creating is about presence and flow.

And when I get to experience all three? That’s the real magic.

If you’re someone who also finds joy in collecting, organizing, and dreaming about your next project — you’re not alone.
You’re not “overdoing it.”
You’re not doing it wrong.

You’re just honoring the full creative cycle — and that deserves to be celebrated.

Warmly,
Keli