Why I quit craft fairs? Declutter & DIY in the cottage 🏡
📺 In this video, join me on a journey of decluttering and DIY as we tackle the chaos lurking within my guest bedroom wardrobe. As I sift through the clutter, I stumble upon a treasure trove of old craft supplies and forgotten thank-you cards, igniting a wave of nostalgia and reflection. We'll also dive into a bit of DIY magic as I spruce up my kitchen with a charming café curtain, adding a touch of cosiness and style to the heart of my home.
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I am delighted to announce that my second book "Heart & Home" by Catherine Carton, will be released later this Spring. I wanted to share some insights into the book process, so if you were curious about sales, etc., I hope you find this chatty Q&A insightful.
The book is packed with home and garden projects, from wall panelling to growing your garden. Whatever space you are in, I share my tips for putting your heart into your home.
The release date is May 6th for Ireland.
** Signed copies will only be available from pre-orders from Easons through this link, and then they will ship internationally: bit.ly/CC_heartandhome
The book will be available from all major retailers, including Amazon. However, they will not have signed copies.
Keep an eye on future videos or my Instagram for details of upcoming
Order my first book now:
Carving time out of our hectic, plugged-in lives to play and create can bring stillness and satisfaction. The projects in my book are for everyone, so take a break from the world, reignite your creative spark and make your home a little bit more beautiful!
In my book, I share over fifty of my favourite projects, from upcycling, crafting, sewing, painting and gardening, many of which take unloved items and make them shine again.
You can order a signed copy from Bookstation ( while stock lasts ) here: www.bookstation.ie/product/da...
Bookstation ships internationally.
If you are in the US and Canada, you can order from Barnes & Noble: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dain...
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I really appreciate your support on my blog and KZhead channel at this time. I always read through the comments, and I really appreciate your kindness. I try to heart and reply to as many as I can. THANK YOU :)
** Please take care when using power tools and machines. While I've made every effort to make sure this video contains accurate information, I'm not a professional and am not responsible for any direct or indirect damages that may occur in connection to the information contained here. Please complete the projects featured on my channel at your own risk and consult a professional if you have any questions. Get creative, but stay safe!
Ok - Show of hands - Who else LOVES Catherine’s philosophical side? 👋🏻❤
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When our home burnt down 3 years ago we lost everything. I learned in that moment exactly what was important , it wasn't the stuff that I had been holding on to . In our new home I am a lot more minimalist 😊.
Oh wow I’m so sorry to hear about your home I can only imagine how tough that must have been! You have the most amazing outlook on it ❤️
I can see how that would certainly change a persons way of thinking. When I go visit relatives & sometimes stay in a small house half the size of my own I realize what I could truly get by with. ❤
So sorry to hear about the fire! I'm trying to clear out, and it us breaking me! I'm disabled and have so much I want to do that I can do. I just have to get rid of a lot of my "old life", so I will be able to move on with less and a mess I can handle!
So sorry to hear this. ❤
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I like the chatting. Feels like hanging out talking through projects and plans with my sisters or something.
I love watching you. I feel like I’m sitting with a friend drinking coffee. Thanks for being there.
Aw I’m so glad to hear that! ❤️ thanks for stopping by I always appreciate it! 🤩🌸❤️
Thank you for NOT doing haul videos! KZhead is so overrun with them and has reached such an oversaturation point I, like many others, avoid them like a plague because of sheet burnout. I've been slowly decluttering my home for about a year now. I do an area, wait a couple months & go back and do it again.. rinse, repeat. When I know I'm down to just must keeps I can finally leave it alone. It's incredible how much has gone to the charity shop. I had a closet of clothes from 20 years ago! Crazy. Craft supplies I'll never use again by the boxload I donated to the local seniors center. Now my process is if I bring a new item in - one must go out in it's place. Life is so much more simple!
Yes, I agree, it really is simple the less stuff we have x
I love your channel because you’re so realistic. Just pure life as it comes. Thank you for your lovely content ❤
Aw thank you so much ❤️❤️
The thing is too, if and when you fit back into those smaller sizes you are gonna want NEW fashions to celebrate
I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Catherine, in not doing "haul" videos. None of us needs more stuff. But we all need more of your philosophy! Thank you for being your own perfect you.
Pro tip: place a sandwich baggie over the end of the curtain rods before slipping thru the curtains. It keeps the rod from snagging and getting caught on the fabric.
You are either a natural born genius, or a helpful hint-passer. Or both! Many thanks for this excellent tip!
@@thatswhatisaid8908 Aw, thank you. I figured it out many decades ago when trying to slip lace curtains over a rod. The rod kept getting hung up and and it was destroying my curtains. I looked around the house thinking there must be a better way, and that’s what I came up with.
I just love watching you make your home beautiful - you are so fun to watch and I love your kitties!
Love your tiny bag. My doctor instructed me to only use small cross body bags and ditch the large ones to repair my shoulder. It worked. No more big bags. Keep you wooden hangers. They are expensive to replace. Oh well gone. I use them to hang up jeans and heavy coats. Great job of cleanup and declutter. Love the cabin in the forest painting. Peaceful draws you to the stream. Thanks Catherine. Enjoyed the video.
Hi, Catherine! So glad you got the pink framed picture! I love that one. That’s my style. Please leave the frame pink. It sets off the wall. Great job. Hugs to the kitties!🐈⬛🐈⬛💜💜🥰👍
I have been slowing decluttering over the last year didn’t realise how much stuff that I was hanging on to for just in case I might wear it or need it so now one in one out i rule is working for me.🌸
Catherine great job on decluttering. We need to learn to let go of things that no longer serve us and open for new possibilities. Thank you for sharing your thoughts 👍👍❤
When I moved into my own condo I declutter everything I didn’t need 😊the best ever think I did😊now my weekly cleaning takes no time at all 😊 thanks for sharing 😊
That was great Catherine. The only problem is now I feel like I should declutter! Love your videos and your cheery ways. Thank you.
Amen, Catherine! Yes, it is ok to let go!! Something better is being prepared for you. It's grand to be older and be able to look at our younger selves...and realize its all worked out just as it was meant to.
So true x x x
Love it “ the bones get bigger “. Mine too❤️❤️
Love your kitties have grown so much. I too am doing a huge declutter amazing how much you hold on to.
Giiiiiirl, we've been needing a bit of motivation about decluttering and wafling chatty video for ages. Thank you so much, I remember your memory bears and the fair vlog. I am so glad you are now publishing books and continue to inspire us 🫶🫶🫶
Aww you’re so kind 🥹❤️ thanks for all the love!! And oh the motivation is a tough one all around don’t you worry!!
Thoroughly enjoyed your chatting and philosophical discussion. Also re your craft poster, why not put it up on the wall or inside the door of your wardrobe so when you go in it you have pleasant memories. I’m in a small home too so I try to find quirky ways to keep or show my treasures 😊. Till your next video 🦘🐨👋🏻
May I suggest getting some S-hooks from the hardware store to hang those purses/bags on the high rod in that cabinet.
I totally agree 100% about our bodies changing over the year! we lose muscle mass, bone structure changes among many other things☹️
Oh Catherine, I have a leather jacket hanging in my closet that is vintage now ( 40 years ! ) I just can't let it go . They say people will have 3 careers in their lifetime, I'm on my 3rd ( 1st -floral designer, 2nd- dental assistant) now I'm retired and get to grow our own vegetables in a our garden ... no monetary value , but very rewarding. Have you considered making baby quilts / blankets and donating them to hospitals with some of your beautiful fabric? My daughter was a preemie 36 years ago , and was @Children's Hospital for a few weeks . It was during Christmas , and Santa brought her a beautiful patchwork quilt and a crocheted blanket made by a group of people that donated them . I still have them , and remember how thoughtful a gift it was . ( I can't get rid of them either)
We love you Catherine ❤ You’re only just beginning. Onward and upward 👏🏼
Very clever diy for extension😂
We were packing to move and a receipt fell out of the back of a drawer. It was for a VCR in 1982 and we paid almost $400!!!!
I just have to mention that your dish drying rack is absolutely adorable!!! It’s hard to find cuteness like that here in 🇨🇦 Canada.Anyhoo love you cozy cottage, you are a very talented young lady!!!👍🥰🇨🇦
Thanks so much! And thanks for stopping by ❤️❤️
The sharpie improvisation made me laugh so much. I've been known to adapt things with clothes pegs. Great job in the end.
haha, the good ole sharpie x
I thought the Sharpie was quite clever.
This so resonated with me! Keeping stuff 'just in case' and I'm a serial craft collector! I really need to let some of it go too!
You are not alone, us crafters find it hard to let go x
I save glass jars from spaghetti sauce and things, put my paint in them and label. It keeps much longer than in a can, it doesn't dry out and the cans always rust. I try to use the size jar for the amount of paint so there is little air in it. I just touched up a spot with paint from seven years ago!
That’s a great idea!!!
I actually luvvv 😍 the pink frame and thrifted print/painting. It's really pretty.
Girl you have inspired me to go through my boxes and treasures that I thought I needed to keep! ❤
One item in. One item out. Everything put back in its place😊 ❤
The self restraint is hard 😂😂 but that’s a good way to look at it!!
Ive heard that “rule” before of 1 in, 1 out. that being said, its just swapping 1 item for another and not decluttering.
Wao loved this video very much thank you the 3 of you have a wonderful weekend thank you for being our friend ❤❤❤
Thank you! You too, have a lovely weekend x
Oh how I love these videos. Love your home and ongoing plans. ❤❤ Homes are always evolving, as we do 😊🩷
Love the Longchamp bag!!!
I completely agree about the bones getting bigger! I’m tall, and my frame just won’t fit into a size 10 top anymore, my shoulders and rib cage are just bigger than that now 😂
You are just adorable and inspiring to this old gal. Love your videos!
Great video …..love the decluttering and the chats ❤
I remember watching all your vlogs where you were wearing all the dresses. They were so cute.
So excited I finally got to do my pre order for the book .. I had a little trouble doing it but it’s confirmed and I’m excited xx
I have a small walk-in closet with plastic boxes of fabric! I need to live to be 160 to get to all the quilts I want to make!
I love all your little fixes today & inspiration to go through my space & eliminate the unused items! Thank you!!! 👍👍
Yaayy decluttering all around!!
I'm not a pink person, but i was thrilled when you bought that picture. It's pretty, and the frame is lovely. Well done, I reck!
I remember those vlogs and the bear tutorial!
As usual, love your videos. Thanks for sharing, Laurie
I agree that the pink frame needs to be darker
You have grown up before our eyes love you❤❤❤❤
22:05 Maybe try a wall mounted mirror❤ on the wall
Throughly enjoyed the chats in this video… thank you Catherine 🥰 xO
Please keep the pink on the frame. The pink art frame looks so pretty against the green stripe wallpaper.🎀🩷💕
Ahw my girl! Been up the craft fair path myself. So glad you brought up this burn out, not making the expense, time to move on experience. So proud of you! NO more fabric poppet!❤
haha, NO MORE fabric! I agree, so true about craft fairs, I wish people would support local makers, but the big shops reign
Wonderful video! This definitely inspired me to declutter and go through my closet 😊💕💕💕
I have been watching your videos (every single one!) since the day you signed onto KZhead. I remember you packing up the bins for the Christmas craft fair. It floors me that it’s been 7+ years! I’m enjoying your declutter/nostalgia trip! It’s been great fun watching you evolve into this flower growing, skilled DIYer, savvy author. ❤
Wow you’ve no idea how much that means to me! ❤️ the support and love is everything! Thanks for always watching! Hope you’ve an amazing weekend x
I got rid of quilting fabric and cross-stitch thread. I still have rulers and cutting boards. The money I have spent, ugh!!!
Take some old clothes and slap together a nice quilt.
The painting is so beautiful!! Looks a little like a Bartholomew Colles Watkins painting.(1833-1891). That would be amazing if it were! Some of his works are in The National Gallery of Ireland. I guess it’s more likely to have been done by a student of his or maybe an admirer of his style?! Anyway, it certainly is lovely.
You can use some of that fabric and make a Roman shade for your office.
I love your chatty videos Catherine! I also seem to find piles of old receipts in random places :) What a beautiful painting you found in the charity store! Will look beautiful when you restore the frame and dusplay it in your beautiful home!!
I did the craft fairs too and stopped for the same reasons. I convinced myself to give away all the clothes I'd been holding onto for so long by realizing if I ever did get back in that size, they would be out of style! 😉
It’s nice to have a refresh though!
Oh, I agree! I avoid "haul" videos like plague.
Love the chatty video! Great finds at the charity shop.🥰😻
I have a TV in the cupboard too 😆. I used to fill every wall/room etc. Have changed a bit since then. Love sheer curtains. 💕
I always look forward to your videos each Thursday ... great messages in this one. Thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome, have a lovely weekend! X
My hand went up, but then down again....I guess I'm in denial! 3:37. Think I will just have to be more ruthless when decluttering!
This is my favorite declutter, it made me cry. So proud of you & all that you’ve accomplished. Beautiful ❤
Aww you’re so kind ❤️🥹 thank you so much!!
Beautifully said❤
I did the Maria Kondo method of my home during early Covid lockdown and got rid of a lot. You mentioned things you bought and haven’t used, ie aspirational things, I let go of a lot of that…and continue to do so. Keep up the great work!
You were right to do it during lockdown!! We had so much time didn’t we!
thank you
Another lovely vlog.
Amazing video Catherine your one brilliant lady.Really interesting video thanx so much for sharing this Take care Suex
Great video. I love the pictures. 😊🇨🇦
Thank you! 😃
As a expat family we used to move every 2-3 years so I am declutter lover… but now we are in the same house for 4 years and counting and I am now I am enjoying my space an growth of things too. I still tidy like a mad thing and throw out stuff that are not needed but enjoy some relaxed attitude to my desire to keep a few things
I had a moment of deja vu and then I remembered that I really have seen this video before.😂😂😂
Ah you get the members only perks Colleen ❤️❤️😂
Aww it’s so lovely to come across your art work and crafts you kept all these years .love your dresses 👗 ❤. I’ve been clearing out my attic this spring found so many things from my children’s childhood 😢. My sons first shoes he’s in his thirties now ! 😮 . I’m still holding on to them . Lots of clothes and bags for the charity shop they’re delighted with them . A great feeling when you have cleared out a few bags and box’s .happy de cluttering love the chats on your channel.☘️💚
Aww it’s nice to have those little keepsakes to look back on and perhaps it’s something he can pass down to his kids too ❤️
I needed this,have been working on decluttering the craft things! And oh my there is more than I realized in that space. Someone will be very happy with it.
I remember those bears, I was always so Impressed you made them . ❤
Just did a massive craft declutter... gave it to a local youth group 😊
Loved this video, dainty! Long-ish time watcher (2020), first time poster. I’m really trying to work on no judging my younger self for some things i did. It’s fun growing with your channel cause my interests are the same, nowadays I find a lot of the yt channels i used to follow so dilligently aren’t for me anymore. Thnks :)
Thanks for sharing always a joy!
Thanks again Catherine, your videos are always so uplifting 🌞 Greetings from rainy Germany
Glad you like them! x
Just what I had in mind...just needed the little push, declutter time.....n so true once you start cleaning u noticed how much stuff has been collected n with tags attached!??🤦♀️ guilty🙋♀️....L0L!!
Great job on clearing that cupboard... My whole house and shed are full 😂
Oh I feel your pain!!
That is a lovely wooden lamp base. ❤- Frances
Agree about the over consumerism comments.
Nice things done Catherine I like the picture I was actually looking at a similar picture in a charity shop to day the one with the house and scenery 😊
Lovely chatty video Catherine..enjoyed that.😊
Lovely ramble. X
Enjoyed. Loved the citten shots.
You have given me lots to think about. I too do ,and have done lots of crafts, and have all sorts of stuff saved. I’m sure it will never get used.
Love your videos! Personally, I consider myself a conscientious consumer these days, not a minimalist. My small house is tidy, but not immaculate. I own things I use and/or love/enjoy, and regularly clear out the rest. Sounds like you are on the same journey. Best wishes to you and the kitties for Spring and beyond!
You have the right mindset for sure!
Always see your past experiences, whether flops or triumphs, as stepping stones to being the phenomenal young woman you are today. Life is simply too short to beat yourself up about mistakes, perceived or real!!! Life is a journey, enjoy the ride. Learn from errors, and move right along. Remember, if you never make mistakes, you likely never make or do anything.....failure is part of success, in fact, it is vital for success! Adore your videos, and you must know by now what a great little homemaker you are.....
Love this! I feel like I need these words printed off as a reminder x
Your home is my dream home. ❤
Nice video. Thanks again for sharing this with us.🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
I needed to see this, today.. I moved from my daughters, over 2200 sq ft, into my small 1200 sq ft home.. tiny rooms and closets.. I also inherited many things that belonged to my mother. I can’t seem to let go of anything.. but, the clutter and so much furniture makes it hard to navigate. I’m so stressed over it, but I’m totally stuck, and overwhelmed.Thank you for sharing, sweet girl
Oh noo I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling overwhelmed! Take it step by step and little things at a time, you don’t have to clear everything at once ❤️ take your time to pick your favourite pieces that you can’t let go of and take it little by little xx
@@DaintyDiaries thank you, baby girl, at 70, nothing is as easy as it used to be.. you are a delight and I do so look forward to your videos. You brighten the days with your smile ❤️
Offtopic but man those pants are so cute.
I am sure you let the wool go...I kept mine and I make face flannel at 31 stitches and kitchen cloth at 39 stitches on a child's knitting starter kit...I can add soap to the face flannel and washing up liquid to the kitchen cloth, some tea bags and twine with a card and the grandchildren always have a gift 💚thank you again for being you🎉
I had to laugh there, I'm literally watching this video whilst stuffing a memory bear. I am indeed such a crafter, I have an actual brick and mortar shop where I sell crafts, upcycled items and vintage pieces.....you are absolutely right about the time/money imbalance.
I just got a few prints, so I’d love to see you Mod Podge your print.
So wonderful to hear your philosophy!! Great video.
Thank you so much! x