If you’re a scrapbooker, junk journaler or cardmaker in the U.S., you might already feel it — the creeping price hikes, the slower shipping, the shops quietly closing international shipping… It’s not your imagination.
Recent changes to tariff regulations — including the end of the de minimis exemption — are hitting the crafting world hard. For American crafters, this means one thing: they are about to start paying much more for materials coming from outside the country. For the crafters from all over the world: we will have to increase our prices and even start looking for new markets.
The golden age of affordable international supplies is fading. But this doesn’t have to mean the end of creativity — in fact, it might be the beginning of something more original, more sustainable, and more you.
So What’s Actually Happening?
Previously, U.S. buyers could import small parcels (under $800) without paying customs or duties. That’s what “de minimis” meant — and it was the loophole that allowed American crafters to buy amazing supplies from European artists, Asian marketplaces and indie Etsy sellers from all over the world without worrying about extra fees.
That’s gone now.
Under new tariff structures every international package may be subject to customs processing, duties and import taxes — regardless of its value.
What used to cost you $20 might now cost $35 or even $100. What took 10 days might now take 30 or more.
Even worse? Many small international creators are now saying: “I won’t ship to the U.S. anymore. It’s too complicated, too expensive, and too risky.”
Tip: Use inexpensive hairstylist scissors or a small men’s comb as a tearing guide. The edge stays mostly straight but gains a lovely, aged irregularity. Then add coffee or ink for a vintage finish.
Why this hits American scrapbookers the hardest
American crafters used to have access to a global supply of beautiful paper ephemera — especially from Europe and Asia, where vintage and botanical aesthetics are incredibly popular. I remember reading that in 2004 the size of the junk journaling and scrapbooking industry was valued about over 2.5 billion dollars. But now, shop owners from all over the world are pulling out. Or increasing their prices. Or adding vague “customs fee” warnings to their listings.
If you are an American buyer, you’re now:
Facing unexpected customs fees
Paying inflated shipping costs
Waiting longer for deliveries
Seeing fewer shops willing to ship to you at all
And the worst part? The cost of crafting may push people out of the hobby entirely.
You can fight back – with Your Own Creativity
This moment feels like a wall. But it’s actually a door. This is the best thing I learned from my Grandmother: “When a door closes, a window opens”.
What if you stop relying on pre-printed embellishments from across the globe and start making your own?
You don’t need a warehouse of supplies. You don’t need to wait for an Etsy package to clear customs. You already have what you need: paper scraps, packaging, scissors, glue, a little imagination… and maybe a few digital kits from independent artists that you print yourself.
Making your own ephemera is not just a workaround — it’s an opportunity to reclaim your creativity and to create your unique style.
The Benefits of Going DIY with Your Embellishments
Saving Money — Skip the shipping, customs and handling fees, hidden in “free shipping” claims.
Supporting Small Artists Digitally — Buy once, print forever.
Making Something Unique — No one else will have your exact design.
Reducing Waste — Use what you already have — packaging, tea bags, junk mail.
Making money – You can sell your unique creations to your community and have good side income in times when prices are going higher.
Staying Inspired — Discover a new kind of crafting satisfaction
You don’t have to stop buying supplies altogether — but maybe shift your strategy. Focus on tools and downloads you can reuse. Invest in things that help you make ephemera, not just collect it.
What American crafters can do?
Explore Digital Ephemera Kits – Many are made by fellow crafters and cost less than a sandwich.
Learn New Techniques – Stamping, collage, tea staining, layering, papermaking
Reuse Everything – Old magazines, tissue paper, junk mail, product labels, brown bags, luxury shopping bags, tea bags…
Join (or create) Communities – Share what you make. Teach others. Inspire the shift.
Be Loud – Let creators know what you need. Many will adjust if they see the demand. You can actually create some great collaborations!
Final Thought
Tariffs may slow down the supply chain, but they can’t stop creativity. If the products you love are becoming harder to get, maybe it’s time to start loving what you create. Stop buying fake “vintage” and “junk” ephemera — and start crafting with real meaning. Think about what people will say about your craft 100 years from now. Will they keep it as something precious or will dispose it as “Offf, another one of these!”?
Let’s not let a change in trade policy take away the joy of creating.
Make it yourself. Make it yours. And let’s turn this challenge into a creative revolution.
Enjoy your craft time!
If you are looking for to learn some more creative techniques, check my tutorial on How to create Crepe paper Amaryllis home decoration:
