I originally started this blog with several objectives in mind - one being the need to get my craft supplies under control. I was looking for outside support and even partners in my endeavors to buy less and use up more of what I already had. Unfortunately, all my friends and readers were as supply-crazy as I was, so my mission to downsize was an epic fail.
As a matter of fact, as a result of making new online friends, submitting cards to challenges, and joining design teams, etc. my stash grew large enough to open a very large kiosk at the mall (with plenty of additional stock in storage).
I don't mind one bit that I failed in my mission because I've had a wonderful time here on the 'Net, made wonderful friends, and learned wonderful tips and techniques. It's all good!
My former craft space in the attic. That's not ALL the cardstock, I'm sorry to say. There's about twice that much on the other side of the room. it's really shameful....
However, since I moved my creative space downstairs to a much smaller area, I've been quietly learning what I need and don't need. I also travel to Cincinnati twice a year for a crafting retreat, and packing for this semi-annual event has really clarified my whole need-don't-need observations. A major seismic shift is in the making, and I'm going to share my findings over the coming weeks.
Since I've made some of the changes I'm going to share with y'all, my creative mojo is definitely on the upswing. I'm also faster, less torn between design choices, and generally a happier cardmaker. I also have a much easier time finding things and cleaning up my mess.
I know that all of this is attributable to downsizing/refining. It's all a matter of being smarter about what supplies I choose to have at hand. And, if you like to shop, never fear! I ended up replacing some supplies after wrestling with massive amounts of guilt, but the result is so fantastic I no longer feel guilty.
So I'm thinking I'll post my findings on Monday mornings, (look for "MPE" in the title) and let's hope that some of what I'm sharing will be useful to y'all.
Thanks for stopping and have a blessed day!
Deborah
This is a series of articles concerning some changes I've made to increase the quality of my papercrafting experience. I hope something here will speak to you!
Sounds great Deborah! Look forward to hearing your tips.
Posted by: Linda baker | May 25, 2015 at 05:32 AM
Oh, sooo relate to this! I'm really trying HARD this year to actually use up stuff. And mostly succeeding! This will be interesting to follow!!!
Posted by: Lizzy Hill | May 25, 2015 at 07:00 AM
once i had purged a lot of stuff and really organized what i had craft life is so much easier - but i still fall in the trap of buying new stuff - but at least it's organized! looking forward to your tips and observations.
Posted by: Betty | May 25, 2015 at 08:21 AM
This sounds good Deborah. Looking forward to reading. Hugz
Posted by: ionabunny | May 25, 2015 at 09:46 AM
Another great read! Jo x
Posted by: Dotty Jo | May 25, 2015 at 04:47 PM
Sounds great and I know how you feel. Having to move my crafts to another area made me realize how much I had and some of it is going unused. I've been slowly sorting through to find items I simply don't need or mostly likely won't use and donating them.
Can't wait to read about your process!!!
Posted by: Monica Maier | May 25, 2015 at 04:57 PM
Bravo! I look forward to your insights so that they may affect my crafting.
Posted by: Brenda | May 25, 2015 at 06:17 PM
I totally understand this, as a matter of fact I started reorganizing my craft room this morning. It's amazing all of the things I have that I no longer use. I boxed all items I no longer want or need and will bring them to my stamp club next month, we are all doing a swap. I enjoyed your post Debi, great minds thing alike :)
Posted by: Lucille K | May 26, 2015 at 12:10 AM
Well I hope this helps me also, I love stamping but seem to get overwhelmed with all the stuff and it takes so long to create one card. I have managed NOT to buy any scrapbook paper and gave a good amount away. Looking forward to reading about the process and using it myself....
Posted by: stephanie | May 26, 2015 at 06:13 AM
I am really interested in your ideas since we are working towards selling our house and RVing fulltime when I retire. That means the crafting stash will have to downsize significantly.
Posted by: JudyI | May 26, 2015 at 07:46 AM
Judy, believe it or not, I'm constantly thinking of papercrafting in an RV! Not because I'm planning on going mobile anytime in the near future but because it seems like the ultimate challenge. There's only so much real estate in an RV, so what do you absolutely HAVE to own in order to be a happy cardmaker? I'm playing this game called "How Small Can You Make Your Crafting Space?" I hope some of the stuff I'm trying will work for you in your RV!
Stephanie, you are a woman after my heart! What you say is so true!
Lucille, I'd love to hear you chime in on what works for you!
Posted by: Deborah | May 27, 2015 at 12:20 AM
I SOOOO need help in this area! I have so many stamps and punches and just --stuff--, that when I sit down to make a card, sometimes, I just don't even know where to start. I decided to weed through my things and keep only those things that I use most often. And once again, I don't know where to start! I can't wait to hear your plan.
Posted by: Nancy | May 31, 2015 at 02:47 PM
I have seriously been trying to downsize!! All ideas would be so appreciated!! Thanks!!
Posted by: martha Menningen | September 26, 2015 at 11:25 PM