Hi! My name is Faye, and I have been a papercrafter for almost 10 years. I am passionate about sharing the knowledge and skills I have picked up along the way with others, so in 2024 I decided to launch 'The Chronic Crafter'

A selfie of Faye smiling and wearing pink headphones.

I help crafters of all abilities and skill levels, and on this site you can expect to find plenty of inspiration, tips and tricks, and of course, free tutorials. This is a place where everyone is welcome, and I hope I can inspire others to have a go at this wonderful hobby!

Visit the 'Shop Now' tab to browse the latest products and catalogues, and visit the events tab to check out all the wonderful upcoming events and promotions.

All about
The Chronic Crafter

I am a 20 something paper crafter based in the UK. I have been crafting for almost 10 years, and as time has gone on I have become more and more into this wonderful hobby! In 2022 I was diagnosed with a chronic illness. This massively impacted my day to day life and indeed the plan for my life. In 2024 I decided to start 'The Chronic Crafter' as a way to share the cards I had made with others, and to connect with people in both the papercraft and disability community.

I wanted to start a website so that I could offer free printables, including tutorials, card sketches, organisation tips and much more! You can find all of the freebies and tutorials on the free printables page and my YouTube channel.

In 2025 I decided to become an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. This decision has led me to discover a wonderful community of people and having more support than I could ever have dreamed of! Naturally, this means that the projects you find on this site will have been made using Stampin' Up! products, but that is a good thing!

One of the main reasons I became a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is because I was impressed with the quality of the brand. I had not used them until 2024 when I signed up to an online summer craft day. My parcel of goodies arrived and I went over the contents with a fine-tooth comb. I wanted to know how they compared to the products I already had in my stash from most of the big paper crafting names, I am pleased to say Stampin' Up! did not disappoint! Since then, I have slowly been replacing the contents of my craft room with those from Stampin' Up!

Some very exciting news from me today! I’m very aware I haven’t been online much recently but I promise that’s with good reason. I’m so incredibly proud to say that yesterday I sat the ACCA Management Accounting Exam and I passed first time 🥳 I’m so glad that it’s over and done with, and now I can get back to crafting.

I have some YouTube videos planned, along with some projects to make with some new items I haven’t had chance to use yet and I can’t wait to share those with you all 💕

Thanks for sticking with me! #ACCA #thechroniccrafter #stampinupdemo #cardmaker #papercrafter

If you love Papercraft and all things sparkly then you might love the things I create!

#thechroniccrafter #cardmaking #papercrafting #handmadecards

It’s Amazon Prime day so I thought it would be fun to share some of the things I’m hoping will be on offer.

These are some of my tried and tested chronic illness essentials that I’m always looking for bargains on, along with some of the crafty things I’d love to get my hands on.

Let me know what you’re hoping to get this prime day? I’d love to know if there’s anything I’m missing out on!

#TheChronicCrafter #ChronicIllness #papercrafter #disability #cardmaker

These are such a must have for me, they are amazing to have next to my bed for middle of the night joint icing!

Most of what I print now is printed on to this. It’s honestly the smoothest paper I’ve ever felt. It’s great for printing cross stitch patterns due to how sturdy it is.

I’ve wanted this for ages, and I know it has a Psyduck pattern inside 🦆💛

Love me a good pen, and honestly these are nothing special but I’ve never been let down by a bic! They have a squishy grip which I find easier to hold.

One of those ridiculously simple things that makes all the difference. It’s too hot for taping currently, but I’m shocked how much this has helped with my hypermobility

Can anyone recommend some good watercolour brushes? My current ones are all looking a bit tired!

Let me know what your hoping for this prime day!

If you’re thinking this post has nothing to do with chronic illness or crafting then you would probably be right. But, the fact these rolls are so much longer than normal ones has actually been extremely helpful. My adhd brain will do anything to put off a task, and having toilet roll lasting longer is one of those tiny things that makes a big difference.

It’s actually pretty good toilet roll too, so thank you cushelle for sending it to me in exchange for my review and post!

@influenster @cushelleuk #complimentary #cushellequilted #ad

This is *the* best way to get your individual letters stuck down straight on your project. All you need is some grid paper or a ruler and low tack tape-things you probably already have in your craft room!

This cute card was made a couple of months ago for one of my amazing colleagues who was leaving. Even though this suite is retired it’s still one of my favourites and there will always be room for it in my hive!

#thechroniccrafter #cardmaking #papercrafting #stampinup #cuteascanbe

Honestly I’ve not had much chance to use this set since I filmed this video 🙈 I still think it would be really fun for a party banner, and also work well for scrapbooking as well as cards!

Let me know if you’ve made anything with this bundle? I’d love to see your creations!

#thechroniccrafter #cardmaking #papercrafting #stampinup #handmadecards

Aren’t these new embossing folders just the cutest?! That candy cane one has a lot of work to do in the coming months…🎄

I will also make use of the autumn leaves, but personally am not sure about the Halloween one (sorry not sorry 🙊)Which is your favourite? Let me know in the comments!

I’ve been loving Hydrangea hue so much that I realised most of the cards I created over the weekend use that shade 🤣 enjoy this birthday card assembly 🪻

#thechroniccrafter #cardmaking #papercrafting #stampinup #handmadecards

I’ve been loving this ink pad over the last few weeks! The new design is so much easier to use than the current packaging! If you’ve been unsure what these are all about then hopefully this video will help to explain.

I’m also in love with the Hydrangea Hue colour, and now have cardstock, blends and the shimmer brush pen to match! Definitely one of my favourite in colours so far.

#StampinUp #TheChronicCrafter #inkpad #papercrafter #cardmaker

I love a delivery day, and this order was no exception! More amazing new goodies to get crafting with 😍

Which of these is your favourite?

I’m definitely blaming @stampinupwithemmie for my new addiction to Stampin’ Blends! 🤣

#TheChronicCrafter #PaperCrafting #StampinUp #papercrafter #unboxing

Honestly I wasn’t sure where on earth to start with this post! So think of this as a…general life update/chronic illness rant!

I’m still here, and I will be creating cards again which of course I will share with you!

If anyone has any recommendations for chronic illness support in the south east of England I would be so grateful. I’m not even sure what I need, I just know I’m bloomin exhausted!

#thechroniccrafter #chronicillnesslife #papercrafter #chronicfatigue #cardmaker

This hack has saved me so many times, particularly in my early days of crafting when I had very little spare cash to spend on my hobbies! It’s also a great one to know if you are in a pinch and want something to pop on your card.

This trick couldn’t be easier, you just need some scrap cardstock, a paper trimmer and glue!

If you want to learn more crafty hacks then consider giving me a follow. I share crafty tips and tricks, my creations and tutorials along with a side of chronic illness reality!

#thechroniccrafter #papercrafting #cardmaking #handmadecards #cardmaker

Honestly…when I got my first Classic Stampin’ Pad I was disappointed. Because it didn’t work as I expected it to, and the results felt different to the pigment inks I was used to working with. However, different doesn’t mean worse!

In my latest YouTube video I show you 3 of my favourite techniques for using the Classic Stampin’ pads and how to get the most from them. Here’s a sneak peak of one of my tips!

#thechroniccrafter #papercrafting #stampinup #handmadecards #cardmaker

I saw another creator do this and I’m sorry I just had to join in 🤣 it feels that AI is everywhere now, and honestly I’m finding it a bit intense. Do this, do that, ask chat gpt to write your captions, ask Gemini to tell you how to breathe!

To me it all feels a bit over complicated, and the volume of information an AI churns out is crazy. There’s something wonderful about being creative, having a chance to step back and do things slowly. Crafting can be very intentional, do what feels right to you, not what someone else or an AI agent has told you to do.

I won’t even start on the misinformation it churns out, if you want to learn a new craft, or have any creative questions then please consider asking a human creator on here. Myself and I’m sure others would be more than happy to share our passion for crafting with you, human to human ❤️

#cardmaker #CardMaking #TheChronicCrafter #PaperCrafting #hottake

This parcel arrived about half an hour ago, and personally I’m quite excited! Thank you @papermilldirect for such speedy delivery, I think I ordered this in the early hours of Sunday morning!

If you are disappointed with this delivery then I’m sorry, although not the most glamorous I was due a top up of envelopes. This is probably the 3rd or 4th time I have ordered from paper mill direct over the years, they have a great range of colours and sizes and very low minimums making them accessible to small creators!

I can’t wait to show you what I make to go inside these envelopes, here’s to the next 250 cards!

#TheChronicCrafter #CardMaking #papercrafter #cardmaker

Card making supplies can be expensive, but if you are a beginner there are so many things you can do to create amazing cards without spending a fortune on supplies!

With just a few simple tweaks you can end up with cards that look amazing without you having to invest heavily in a hobby you just want to try.

The ‘quick and easy’ ephemera packs from Stampin’ Up! Make all the difference here. There are currently both elements and sentiment packs available. Pair it with some card blanks, one pack of pattern paper, some glue and a paper trimmer and you have everything you need to create amazing cards.

#PaperCrafting #papercrafter #CardMaking #TheChronicCrafter #StampinUp

I Can’t believe it’s the 5th May already, I couldn’t be more excited!

Some of the things happening now in the world of Stampin’ Up!

✂️New May online exclusives have launched and are available to order
✂️The May product of the month is ‘Berry Botanical’ vellum-just £5 when you spend £70 in a single order
✂️Two new kits have launched, Serene Scenes and Pretty Party
✂️The new catalogue has launched! Check out the link in my bio to view a digital version or send me a direct message for a free printed copy

#TheChronicCrafter #StampinUp #CardMaking #PaperCrafting #papercrafter

Something a little different today, I am taking you through my favourite cross stitching items, particularly for beginners!

I’ve only been stitching for around 8-10 months, and in that time I’ve spent money on some absolutely useless items 🙈 so here are the things I’ve actually found helpful whilst stitching!

The video isn’t sponsored, I haven’t been asked to make it and all of the items included I have bought at full price. I made the video because it’s something I would have liked to watch myself a few months ago 💕

Card making will always be a hobby I love, but cross stitch is easy to do anywhere from the sofa to the hospital, so it also has its place for me.

Check out the full video now on my YouTube channel (link in bio)

#TheChronicCrafter #crossstitch #caterpillarcrossstitch #beginnercrossstitch #crossstitchersofinstagram

AD

I’ve spoken before about hair care with a chronic illness on my page, because it’s something I really struggle with. The opportunity to try the new Head & Shoulders Derma X pro scalp mask was offered to me, and I decided to take it. Because I am at the point where I will try anything!

This really appealed to me because of the included scalp massager, designed to help spread the mask throughout your hair I also found it worked for shampoo and saved my fingers, so for that alone it’s a winner for me.

I also found that after the wash with this my hair felt cleaner for longer. It was also super soft for days after. Not sure if it was due to better distribution of my products because of the massager, or due to the product itself but it’s worked really well for me!

As ever, I won’t talk about something on here unless I actually liked the product.

@headandshoulderseu

#DermaXProUK #MyScalpgasm #HeadandShouldersUKHair #SavvyCircle #ScalpCare

What in the world are ‘Stampin’ blends’?! Well let’s find out together!

Despite using Stampin’ Up! Products for a couple of years now I’m still experimenting with things and discovering new things for my craft room. I craft with supplies from a lot of brands, but one thing I’ve been fixed on for well over a decade is the ‘pro markers’ from Windsor & Newton. Since I first used those I haven’t bought any other alcohol markers, until now!

I’m not actually a massive fan of colouring, I find it hard work and it makes my hands ache even more than they do already. But alcohol markers tend to be a smoother and creamier feeling felt tip. That’s my explanation as someone who is definitely not an artist 🤣 because of this I find them easier to use and tend to stick with these rather than pencils.

The main attraction of the Stampin’ blends for me was the fact that SU! Have a set range of colours, and if there’s an ink there’s matching paper, and matching markers. There’s often also matching ribbon and gems too! So the thought of having something that matches is very appealing to me. But how do they compare to my beloved pro markers? Follow along for my honest review…

#TheChronicCrafter #papercrafter #CardMaking #alcoholmarkers #winsorandnewton

I’ve wanted to get some ‘Chronic Crafter’ merch made up for a while and now the proud owner of a T-shirt and mug! But why stop there…

I love the feeling of tear off pads, and of course this isn’t going to be as good as one that is professionally printed and glued. However, it was very easy to make and allowed me to reuse packaging that would otherwise go into the recycling bin.

I’ve made this with 25 sheets of 80gsm A5 paper, as that is what I had already. The design was done within Canva. I will be using this for my YouTube videos to hopefully be more organised and write down measurements in advance…

#TheChronicCrafter #cardmaker #papercrafter #stationerylover #notepad

Sooo…it turns out that the horrific pain in my elbow was the result of an infection 🙈

I’d already started to put together this video, and honestly this is my go to elbow flare up routine. It just happened that on this occasion it wasn’t enough, as it wasn’t a normal flare up!

#TheChronicCrafter #papercrafter #rheumatoidarthritis #cardmaker #ChronicIllness

There’s not long left to get this amazing Product of the Month!

I made this quick and easy card after work this evening to showcase another way this versatile die cut can be used. Of course I couldn’t resist a bit of heat embossing for that special sparkle ✨

I’ve seen other people play around with raising the petals so wanted to have a go at that for myself. Also the ‘weeding’ of the cut out has to be on my top list of craft room sounds. It’s also an incredibly satisfying thing to do!

#TheChronicCrafter #StampinUp #CardMaking #PaperCrafting #papercrafter

Thank you so much Julie @thepaperhavenandco for these amazing goodies!

I’m so excited about my little crafty pouch and I will be proudly using it to store some of my supplies ☺️

Thank you for the additional goodies, I can’t wait to make my own version of things using the supplies from On Stage…already my head is buzzing with ideas!

#TheChronicCrafter #papercrafter #CardMaking #ChronicIllness #StampinUp

Here’s my first card using the Eyelet Blooms Die. I think this is going to become a bit of a go to in my stash, which surprised me as I’m not normally into florals!

I think the pattern is pretty without being too floral. You can pick this up for just £5 when you spend £70 in a single order at Stampin’ Up! In April 2026.

I have a few more ideas on how to use this, which I will share over the next week!

#thechroniccrafter #cardmaking #papercrafting #stampinup #handmadecards

Here is the April product of the month from Stampin’ Up! The ‘Eyelet blooms die’ is the first die to be offered as product of the month and I’m in love!

You can get this for just £5 when spending £70 in a single order in April 2026.

I actually found the act of popping out all the pieces quite relaxing and peaceful. This die will go with most projects, and allows you to have a two coloured background. Stay tuned for more ideas from me on how to use this…

#TheChronicCrafter #PaperCrafting #StampinUp #CardMaking #papercrafter

This amazing parcel of goodies arrived on Wednesday! I have to say it’s been a wonderful distraction for me and I’ve already been having so much fun playing around!

For this order I went for a mix of new items and a couple of bargains. I also added some of the Stampin’ Blend alcohol markers which I have never tried before!

My head is full of amazing ideas on how to use these products and I can’t wait to spend this weekend creating!

#TheChronicCrafter #papercrafter #stampinupdemo #cardmaking #unboxingvideo

Wow…I honestly can’t believe how many people have seen, shared, liked and commented on my recent post!

I really didn’t expect it to spread so far, because I’m not actually a professional moaner doing it for content, I was just sharing a situation I found myself in.

I wanted to go to Battersea Power Station to see the elephant art trail the currently have going on. The whole day was an accessibility nightmare, despite the fact I spent hours in the days before making routes based on information online.

Let me be clear, the incident at Tunbridge Wells Station was the last one in a very long day. If anything, the experience on the Uber Boat was much much worse. But by the time I got back to Tunbridge Wells I was broken.

I spend most of my life at home, today I’ve had to turn down seeing my friends because I’m currently too unwell to drive and meet them. It’s not nice constantly having to turn down things you desperately want to do, so on Wednesday I went for it.

Was it an ambitious day out? Yes it was, and was always going to be
Did it go to plan? No, and it was never going to
Did I come across multiple situations where the information online or from staff contradicts reality? Yes I did, and THAT is the problem.

I’m just a normal person working, doing hobbies and sharing some of my life on social media. I also happen to have a chronic illness which leaves me disabled and has a significant impact on my day to day life. I’m not going to go away just because my content makes some of you angry 😂

I also want to reiterate that good accessibility benefits everyone! If you have ever travelled with a suitcase, a bicycle, a pushchair, a young child, an injury or simply found yourself knackered after a long day then the lifts help you too.

#thechroniccrafter #disabilityawareness #chronicillness #papercrafter #accessibility

This is raw and unedited. Im pleased to say I am now home, but only after my carer went all the way back to the other end of the platform to find a member of staff. There’s no way I could have managed that, after an awful day of travel including a dreadful experience on the Uber boats and being left stuck on the train at London Bridge-but that’s another story!

This experience is despite me asking on the train if the lift was indeed broken, and credit to the guard he phoned ahead to the station and was told that there was a ramp with a gate which would be open for me so not to worry. The gate in question is located at the far end of the platform, not the area where the train pulls in.

This shouldn’t be happening, guidance is written by able bodied people in offices who have no idea of the reality on the ground. When it works it’s all well and good, but when it doesn’t it’s a real problem. I am aware that there were problems on the line with signals, and that the member of staff who my mum found to assist had just come on to duty and had absolutely no idea of the plan to let me out the locked gate.

I’m absolutely exhausted now and glad to see my sofa again!

#thechroniccrafter #chronicillness #tunbridgewells #disability #disabilityawareness @se_railway

Crafting is my go to…so absolutely nothing beats it! If only I could spend all day everyday making cards and cross stitching…

#thechroniccrafter #papercrafting #crossstiching #cardmaking #crafting

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