Positive Mindset in Crafting: How to Gain Confidence and Overcome Mistakes

Last Updated: February 4, 2025

You might have heard the saying: ‘Mistakes are part of the journey’. It’s absolutely true! In fact, no one can truly call themselves a crafter if they’ve never made a single mistake, whether it’s something small like misaligned stamping or something larger like spilling ink on a project.

A black and white image depicting a mistake as a crafter stamps layered images onto different cardstock

On the other hand, we also know how upsetting it can be to make mistakes, especially if you’re just starting. You don’t want to waste your precious crafting supplies and personal time, but the truth is that these mistakes are here to make you a better crafter!

In this guide, we’ll talk about overcoming crafting mistakes and how to keep your motivation and confidence.

A video about How to Fix the 10 Biggest Mistakes Card Makers Make

Mistakes Are Frustrating, But They’re Also Essential

It’s easy to get frustrated and give up when you make crafting mistakes, but it’s more important to have a positive mindset when working on your projects. Here’s why you should look at mistakes more as an opportunity to learn rather than something to fear: 

Mistakes Can Potentially Fuel Your Creativity

Ideas can spark at the most random moments, even when you make a mistake while crafting! For instance, if you accidentally tear your paper while working on a project, why not turn it into a torn, vintage vibe by tearing off its other parts? 

They Help Make Your Projects and Crafting Journey Unique

It’s always great to follow a tutorial and have a specific result in mind, but making mistakes while crafting somewhat forces you to think outside the box! If things don’t go your way while crafting, you’re left with an opportunity to make something more unique. 

Mistakes Can Make Fun Memories

Sometimes the best way to overcome mistakes while crafting is to just laugh at them. Maybe your cardstock got warped or your embellishments didn’t adhere to paper. We all have these moments, and sometimes all you need to do is shrug it off, have a little laugh, and move on!

A photo of a crafter smiling happily while posing alongside her crafting supplies from Altenew

What’s the Key to Overcoming Crafting Mistakes? Confidence!

Need some help turning your mistakes into crafting masterpieces? Not to worry, we’ve lined up a few tips to help you gain your confidence in the event you make a little slip-up while working on your next crafting project: 

Reframe the Mistake as an Opportunity

Shifting your mindset is the first step to crafting with confidence. The next time you make a mistake, instead of getting frustrated and throwing the project away, think of what you can do to fix it. Your mistake could be a gateway to an even better-looking project!

Lean Into Imperfection

Another thing you can do to be more comfortable with making mistakes is to lean into the idea of imperfection. Things don’t always have to be perfectly solid or symmetrical while you’re crafting, in fact, it might even add character to your project.

A flat lay image of a crafter holding onto a small die-cut flower made using Altenew's Mini Blossom Die Cutting Machine

Take the Japanese art of wabi-sabi, for instance, where transience and imperfection are seen as beautiful. Once you learn how to accept this, you’ll have a healthier approach to making mistakes while crafting. 

Learn How to Do ‘Cover-Ups'

A great way to embrace imperfection in crafting is by working with what’s in front of you. So you’ve made a mistake, now what? It’s time to test how well you can adjust and adapt to the situation.

Here are some ‘cover-up’ ideas you can consider if you make a mistake while crafting:

 Mistake Solution
Smudged Ink Cover it up with die-cuts or embellishments like pearl dots or sequins
Misaligned stamps Stamp over it for a layered effect or try repeat stamping or layered stamping
Watercolor/Ink Bleeds Embrace it with a watercolor-themed background!
Torn paper/cardstock Go for a subtle vintage vibe by tearing other parts of your paper
Wonky die-cuts Pair it with other tools like instant dimension foam tape or layer multiple cuts for a unique, layered look

 

Circle Back to the Reason Why You Craft

If you ever feel overwhelmed or defeated while crafting, take a step back from your project and think about n why you’re doing it in the first place. Is it because you want to learn new skills, share your projects with others, or simply relax and have fun? Go back to your crafting goal and allow it to be the center of your project instead of worrying about mistakes.

Share Your Work with Others

It’s an unfortunate truth that crafters or anyone with a creative hobby can be too hard on themselves. The pressure of achieving perfection can be a double-edged sword, so when you feel like that pressure is too much, rely on others for help!

A photo of Altenew's leadership team divvied in pairs and working on projects together

Ask your friends, family, or fellow crafters for reassurance or seek their opinion on your project. Through their eyes, you might find that certain mistakes or imperfections hardly even matter. 

Practice, Practice, Practice! 

No one becomes an expert overnight. Be kind to yourself because you’re going through a creative journey with ups and downs. Persevere through each setback and celebrate achievements no matter how small, and soon you’ll find yourself reaching your crafting goals in no time. You can do it!

An image of a crafter in her workspace wearing her Altenew apron and working on a project with stamps

Foster a Positive Mindset in Crafting with Practice and Confidence!

Having confidence in crafting is about learning to deal with failure and being able to look on the bright side! Don’t forget, the best crafters aren’t the ones who never make mistakes, it’s the ones who turn their mistakes into beautiful masterpieces. Keep learning, never be afraid to try new things, and most importantly, have lots of fun! 

If you ever need more inspiration and tips on all things paper crafting, pay us a visit In The Craft Room!


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