Purge or Hoard? Things to Consider Before Decluttering Art Supplies
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ก.พ. 2022
- I've been on both sides of this debate and honestly, I like to have some backups on hand. How about you?
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I donate my left over supplies to our local nursing home and they are always thrilled to get them. They use them for craft classes, making bulleting boards, and having things on hand for the residents to use if they want to do a small individual project. Most of what I give them are sheets of 12 x 12 paper from paper pads that I bought cheap because I liked the bulk of paper in them. If you craft with friends on a regular basis, shoebox swaps are fun. You take a shoebox that you have on hand and put the odds and ends of stuff you don't use in it; partial sheets of paper, leftover stickers, things that came in a set that you didn't like a couple of, whatever. Then, when you get together you pass the shoeboxes around and your friends get the benefit of your leftovers. We did this once as a fundraiser for a local shelter with really packed shoeboxes. The first person to open the box donated $10 and took out what they wanted; then it passed to the next person who donated $7.50, and so on. We also put out some nicer items, like full 12 x 12 sheets of paper and sold them with the money going to the shelter. It was fun, we recycled supplies, and the money went to a good cause.
Thats a great idea!
I've decided to embrace the fact that my favorite hobby is collecting and organizing my art supplies, not necessarily using them LOL!
Too true!!
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Boy, can I relate! My favorite hobby is buying craft dies! Only problem is I have SO many, when I need a particular one I can't find it. (Forgot to mention, my other hobby is organizing dies!)
Ha ha ha..awesome self love concept..that cracked me up!!😀
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
For years I loved collecting so many things. My goal was to have things on hand when I retire & am on a fixed budget. My purchases I've definitely decrease over the past few years, but I feel I have what I need now. Recently I considered destashing, but I have returned to keeping what I have for now. I should mention that I also have an autistic, artist, creative son that dips into my supplies as needed. He is on very limited fixed income. It makes me happy that he has most of what he needs available when he decides to tackle a new project.
Hi, Lindsay! I have been on a less buy year and plan to keep on really assessing my purchases and separating needs from wants. I have been finding that there is a lot of joy in using those things that we already have. I find I am replacing the 'head rush' of purchasing something new with a bigger head rush - making something awesome out of things I already have. Funny how we change our mindsets sometimes. I feel a lot more happiness and joy in using my beautiful supplies and making something nice than the short-lived excitement of buying something new. Minus the guilt that sometimes accompanyies it. Plus - as a bonus - the artwork created with said items lasts much longer than the thrill of buying something new. So that is another one for the plus side of using what we have. Since the pandemic, I do make sure I have enough of the basics, though. Just like I do with food and usable household items. There are shortages in lots of areas and it is good to have a few extras on hand of what we use frequently. Like you, I live in a rural area (after living in Chicago for 42 years where everything was within minutes away!) That being said, I also try to remember that "Necessity breeds invention" and love to improvise and use what we have if we run short of other things. Not only does this save us money, but makes us feel smarter, too. Backups are great, but so is not wasting things. I loved this video as it brought about a lot of great points. :) Have a great day!
I am with you. I am doing a spending freeze for most of this year. I will replace things like cutting plates, scan n cut blades, mat etc.
I’m doing this as well. Stuff I bought, sometimes years ago, is finally seeing the light of day as I create new pieces of art. It is bliss, really. That is the only way I can describe the joy of using up all this stuff.
@@wanderingangelstudio1359 I know people see this as a challenge, but I find it really peaceful. I'm trying, and partially succeeding, in doing this without creating a wish list. I'm a cardmaker. A failure in the wish list is that the more I use my pan pastels, the more I want more colors. I bought 2 sets of 7 and the metallics 50% off at Spellbinders. I bought the mediums set on Amazon, but I have FOUR dark blues, and no light colors. I am discovering I'd like more variety.
For most other things, I am finding that I have enough. I'm good.
Well said!
@@jesseb5112 Psst … Ask Lindsay to give you some tips on color theory! And if you’ve got some white paint, you’ve got the beginnings of your lighter colors! Good luck with your projects!
I’ve just started re-organizing all of my supplies and been re-discovering supplies I forgot I had. My husband joked that I have more supplies than a well-stocked Michael’s, lol. I’ve been trying to use items as I’m re-discovering, especially if I only have a little left to use up.
I used to make paper sculptures and had a bad habit of hoarding “usable scraps” of metallic or watercolor paper but kept buying more instead of making use of those scraps because nothing is more satisfying that cutting into a brand new sheet. Now that my kiddos are getting old enough that they can work with a greater amount of supplies, I’m trying to have them help me make “recycling craft projects” (like cards) that we can give away. I especially find it satisfying when I’m left with an unusable “skeleton” of paper left because we’ve stamped and used metal dies on every possible inch of a piece of scrap.
My major investment for 2022 has been towards more efficient storage/organization tools/equipment like containers and shelving/racks. I have way too many mystery cardboard boxes that hide away untold amounts of supplies, never to be seen again. And if I can’t readily find what I need, I’m more inclined to buy more, when it just may be hiding in a box somewhere.
I’ve also been trying to re-purpose supplies and equipment in different ways. For example, I have sets of pastels but rarely use them anymore, but I’ve also been experimenting with resin lately. So I have been shaving powder from some of my old pastels, or even old broken makeup to use as pigments in my resin experiments. Or I’ve been smudging pastels and blending them with cotton pads onto the edges of my cards to give a hazy color effect. Anything to use them up so they don’t go to the garbage or sit there any longer than they need to.
Hello and thank you for another great video! As an emergency physician, I find myself with very little free time these days. I find that when I don’t have the time or desire to create, I spend more time shopping and organizing. Over the last 6 months or so, I have taken a different approach to crafty shopping. I put things in an online cart and leave them there over the course of a month or more. I try to focus my craft dollars on upcoming holidays rather than things I won’t use until next season. I set a goal (house cleaning project, financial goal, exercise goal, whatever)that is realistic and attainable and won’t hit “ buy” until I reach the goal. I often find that my “wants” change over the course of a month or six weeks and the delayed purchase is smaller and more thought out and the products much more likely to be used and add value to my stash. Pattern paper is my weakness, especially if it’s on sale. My stash of paper is ridiculous considering I’m more likely to grab some stamps and do some coloring than to actually sit down and try to use up a paper pad. I know better than to buy anything after an overnight shift but I still do it anyway. I basically have several related hobbies….buying craft supplies, organizing craft supplies and actual crafting. 🤣
Thank you for your service. I can't imagine the sacrifice to be in your line of work these days.
I can so relate to the 3-in-1 hobby 🤣
I hear a lot of myself in your comments and you give great advice. I had to go back to work (officially, I worked plenty before but didn't get a paycheck for it) and my work schedule averages 50 hrs a week, plus all my previous family obligations ( I have a disabled daughter)... and I don't have anywhere near the time to actually use stuff that I did previously. I have a project on my easel right now that has been sitting there in progress for six months that would have taken a month to finish previously. I have to be realistic about my actual free time and not collect projects in bulk, lean toward quick projects, and adjust the time the supplies I already have will last x10. I also play with my supplies a lot now vs trying to create an actual "something" out of them. Swatching, color mixing, experiments, art trading cards (little card sized paintings)....It's a whole lot of fun with no pressure and it still uses the stuff I've purchased and need to actually use. I also "comfort/stress shop". The first step is knowing it's an issue... I have two shopping lists... one for items I actually need and one for the ones I want. Now I avoid buying anything of the want list without a waiting period of a week minimum, preferably a month. 9/10 I don't need or even want it after then. I also avoid browsing online or in person, especially when I know I've been triggered and it's just me looking for that release... and shut down all my ad subscriptions so I'm not taunted continuously by the new and shiny.
I had just purged my 12x12 paper and put into a donate pile. Then an old scrapbooking site came up on YT doing simple backgrounds. Scrapbooking had been on the back burner on a neighbor’s stove down the road. It gave me incentive to pull out those papers and in one day put together 35 pages in a couple hours. You don’t have to create a masterpiece. Keep it simple. All I have to do now is add pictures and do a little journaling. I’m happy to save money and getting back into a hobby I used to enjoy.
That's an amazing number of pages, so shout out to you and celebrating with you!
Hi, Lindsay… another thought provoking video… my brain is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of my stash in part because I have or have had an interest in so many different hobbies over the years: Knitting, Crochet, Counted Cross-Stitch, Embroidery/ Needlepoint, Scrapbooking, Pocket Scrapbooking, Macrame, Coloring, Card Making, Quilling, Watercolor, Happy Planning, and finally, Mixed Media. I have a ‘craft room’ that’s about 12 x14 that’s overflowing and currently so much stuff on the floor that doesn’t fit on the shelves that I’m constantly stepping over it, the overflow has gone into the spare room and along one wall in the living room… let alone all the needle craft patterns & materials already moved to storage downstairs… it’s ridiculous… and… it feels like I can never find what I want. I have had shelf-life issues and tossed a number of Colorbox Chalk Inkpads because they dried up and recently 1/2 of the 2oz tubes of Dina Wakley paints I finally wanted to use again but they come out of the tubes like worms… eye, yi, yi… it’s awful.
I have decided however when time & energy are present at the same time, I need a major overhaul and PURGE the hobby items that I no longer enjoy and focus on ORGANIZING the remaining HOARD of Art / Mixed Media supplies that I am currently interested in thereby containing it into ONE ROOM.. that’s my goal… I’ve always said that I’m OK with being a PackRat, I just want to be an organized PackRat! LOL
Thanks for your thoughts and making me think! Have a great day! 🙂🤪🤓
I recommend listening to the life changing magic of tyding up by Marie kondo. It is the only thing that worked for me. The method was good for me and if an item sparks joy you keep it!
@@thefrugalcrafter Thanks, Lindsay... I'll do that 🤔🤗😘
I have been trying to pass on supplies I don't use before they are unusable. But I love my art supply collection- pencils, watercolors, pastels, etc. I have been making lots of Sizzix die cuts with all the tiny pieces. That is my new favorite craft. Now I need to figure out what to do with them! I most certainly have a grave yard and I have been working hard to pass on items others would enjoy. My 8 year old niece told her Mom "You know what one of best things about Aunt Judi is? She has every art supply I want to use!"
Awwww
I decided not to de-stash this year. There is going to be even more art supply shortages coming. And if I have to be stuck in the house, my art things are the best therapy. The last time I decluttered I had to re -buy it again. And I paid higher for it. I would rather buy more storage places than to get rid of my art supplies so I can say I decluttered.
“We’re artists, we see the potential in everything… that’s why we have so many art supplies.” Truer words have never been spoken! I think I need to stencil this on my craft room walls. Oh wait… the walls are all covered with 8’ shelves of supplies- there aren’t any walls to put it on!!! HaHaHa!
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You are so sweet, so worried about hurting our feelings. So encouraging about just enjoying the art journey. I always feel encouraged after watching you because I realize I am terrible artist, but I do like it. Have a lovely day
I’ve hoarded my Jane Davenport Colorsticks since they are my favorite and can’t be replaced. Today, I opened one to use and OH MY! it was a bit shriveled, definitely not fat and juicy like they were when I bought them. So it’s time to prioritize using them in projects asap. Lesson learned, use it or use it!!
I'm thankful for those people who donate to Rummage Sales. I recently got several beautiful (some brand new) background rubber stamps, & retired Stampin' Up sets for $3. Brads (unopened for .25) and a Tim Holtz 12'' paper pad for $1. I was doing my happy dance, and have already used some of this haul. Color me, happily frugal. I figure I got about $180 worth of products for--wait for it--$24.25.
There are some products I tried when I first bought them, didn't like them much and set them aside. Then months later, I tried it again, sometimes in the same way, sometimes in a different way, and ended up loving it to pieces. Of course, by the time I fell absolutely in love with it, the industry had moved on and the product was no longer available.
I decluttered recently and I feel great about it. A few years ago, I suddenly got into colouring books and markers (whereas my heart lies with drawing and graphite pencils). Consequently, I ended up with way too many books and markers. Enough is enough, I thought last month, so I gave lots of it away. I'm now back to drawing, using graphite pencils and another old fave of mine: hard and soft pastels. And realising I don't use all of those A4 sketchbooks, I chopped a lot of them up into A5 and A6 and made my own sketchbooks!
When I get the urge to buy anything or go thrifting, I make myself look through “my stuff”. The feeling passes lol. I have so much stuff that I haven’t used yet!
"Good is okay"
I needed to hear that!
I try to tell myself that, frequently, about my artistic abilities but I never thought to apply that same ideal to the art supplies themselves...or ANY products, really. I'm a perfectionist, and I find it to be a hindrance in many aspects of my life. So I will have to keep repeating that "Lindsay-ism" to myself. "Good is Okay." Yup, I like that.
[And now I have the "perfect" (hahaha) idea for a way to use that new pilot parallel pen I just HAD to have in the February Sketchbox. "Fancy Kimberley" is going to practice her calligraphy skills to make a "Good is Okay" sign as a daily reminder for "Reality Kym"! 😁]
Nice! Also it's funny how many of my self proclaimed mediocre art tutorials blew up while others I thought were great never took off. Your medium/good art is someone else's aspiration. It's all good and by good i mean great!
hi sweetheart nothing makes me more grateful than my art life and supplies ,i used to dream of having my own wharehouse of paints like jerrys ,well im never going to have a storehouse of art supplies but i have an abundance of paints and brushes and cardstock ,amazon helped me and goodwill ,ive been creating something all my life it is who i am ,the lord gave me abundance and im thank ful .you tube has made my art life so good thanks to creators like you
Aww, thanks Gina:)
I’m late watching this video, but this reminds me of my favorite quote from one of my professors in undergrad: “Perfect is pretty, but done is beautiful.” Thank you for the deep dive on supplies. ☺️
So true!
I've been binge watching A Slob Turned Clean, Clutterbug & the Minimal Mom on decluttering methods and this fits right in. Thanks Lindsay.
This is a real issue for me. I have way more stuff than I actually have room for. I don't have a studio or craft room, so my stuff is cluttering up my bedroom and taking up shelf space in the living room. I have a niece who has expressed interest in polymer clay and jewelry making, so I'm putting together a box of some of my excess stuff for her, and I think that's a good use of things I need to part with. Otherwise, it's really hard for me to part with things because, like you said, I see the potential in so many things. I look at something and remember what I had in mind when I bought that. And even though I haven't tackled that project yet, I still plan to. I literally have more stuff than I could possibly use if I made jewelry every day of my life for the rest of my life. So like some of the other people who commented here, I really want to make 2022 a "no buy" year, except for basic supplies (like resin) that I may run out of. No matter how many cool new things I see, I have to commit to using what I have first. Thank you for this video.
Watching your video while we're getting up to 15 inches of snow. I have a friend just getting into cardmaking, so I have downsized lots of paper, dies and stamps to her. I have a box I put stuff in for a family of homeschooling, and I also share my supplies with my daughter and oldest (13) granddaughter who is a budding arty! And I still have way too much. But I am settling on only doing cardmaking and developing my watercolor skills, so I'm keeping in mind what I use and don't use even more.
I have many hobbies. I used to make quilts a lot and then discovered paper crafts. I like to do hand work, crochet, stitch on card stock etc. I've gotten back into sewing lately. Fabric prices have almost doubled in price. Plus the quality is not as good. I've given some away but held on to a lot of it. I am thrilled because I can make scrap table runners etc. I also love wool felt. What I am trying to say is that as I change directions I'm always happy I held on to supplies. Luckily I have the space and I'm pretty organized.😊😊😊
I feel so bad for anyone who sews now.. most of the local stores shut down and the ones that are left the prices are insane... and the selection is miserable. So different than before. I sewed a lot in the past but gave it up a while ago.
@@waymire01 So true. Lucky for me I kept a lot of fabric and live near Lancaster Pennsylvania which has tons of stores for the Amish. Still expensive 😂😂
It's a no-buy year for me.I have plenty of art supplies,I must use what I already have.I don't want to get rid of anything though since the price is going up for everything these days.
It sure is!
Yes to the fun of exploration! My best things are created when I'm forced to create things with what I have. It's such a joy to see what is possible and making it happen. 😊
This. I think it's because there isn't an oversaturation of choices. A limited color palette helps you focus.
A local Hospice has a small chin of charity shops, a couple of which are dedicated to craft supplies. This has helped me to ‘let go’ of craft supplies more easily as I know they will be appreciated by someone else and raise money for a good cause at the same time.
Great advice, thank you x
I’ve already decided to do a “no-buy-2022” year unless it’s something absolutely necessary or I can’t make art without it. So far I’m doing OK. The rising prices and shipping fees also helped me from buying more.
I’m doing No Buy Winter, though I did backslide yesterday when I bought a small cutting mat at DT. ☹️ My DT hasn’t raised their prices yet. If I can hold on, I may try a longer No Buy stretch!
Well done so far and good luck for the rest of the year! You can do it!
@@nickimontie (( What’s a “D T”?? ))
@@kkrolf2782 Dollar Tree Store. 😁
@@kkrolf2782 Dollar Tree 😁
Thanks for this advice. I’ve been decluttering for years... literally. A couple of years ago I decluttered art supplies and sometimes feel like I went too far... I miss some of those things. But at the time it was necessary, it came down to a storage unit or donating it all.. storing it indefinitely seemed ridiculous so I chose a thrift store that supports a local hospice and someone else got a good deal.
I’m so sorry you’re left missing things that gave you pleasure. I sincerely hope you’ll have an opportunity again sometime soon to get at least a bit of that joy back again. I wish you well.
I have to realize that I have plenty of paint supplies,bad habits for me are hard to break,now when is my gouache coming!! Great video Lindsay.🎨❤️😊👍
I am decluttering my home. It has been a huge process. I’m not concerned about supply issues because I’m not getting rid of anything I want or need. I have decluttered a lot of art supplies recently. I gave all my Black Widow pencil sets, markers, highlighters, and a ton of gel pens to a girl who has taken an interest in art but can’t afford the variety of items to try out. I also went through my massive stack of patterned cardstock and gave a huge pile to our church’s preschool. I’m trying to narrow my supplies down to what I may use again in the future or enjoy now, and got rid of things I have or had no joy in using. It can really add up if we don’t lie to ourselves about our intentions! lol
This video was posted at the right time. I have been going through my card making supplies & I have my give away pile. I only get so far & then I have to make some cards. I had forgotten what cool stuff I have bought over the years. Love your videos 💜
I’ve been organizing and decluttering. I donate to goodwill a lot. I also give my old student grade supplies to my granddaughter. She has a bag at my house that she’s allowed to create whatever she wants. She knows those supplies are hers to use whenever she wants. I feel better about having those supplies, especially when I see the joy on her face while she is creating. As for difficulty finding supplies, I’m having a hard time finding Prussian blue. Even our local Jerry’s is out of all manufacturers . Stay warm!
Oh wow! Maybe another shortage.
You might want to do a little research on Goodwill. They are a privately own company pocketing sales. There are so many other places that genuinely use the money for good.
I hoarded all of my stash, even the things I didn't like because of "sunk cost fallacy". Once I understood this, it was much easier letting go of things I no longer wanted. An example is SU ink pads, I did a lot of research before deciding on what inks I wanted. I purchased the full set of SU inks and refills and it was wonderful, until they changed the clamshell case. I have arthritis and couldn't get them open, so I packed them away and held on to them forever because I "spent so much money" on them. I have since purchased another brand and will be giving the SU inks to a family member. Luckily, I have tons of cardstock, stamps, dies, cutting machines, etc. that I bought in the three years I've been making cards. I have a tiny budget since my husband passed away last year, so I have lots of wish lists and put a lot of thought into what I buy now. I have learned to declutter in other areas besides my craft room and it's very freeing (and a little terrifying, lol)
I'm trying to think of something that i used up and wanted more of when i didn't like it at all when i got it.... but nothing comes to mind...
Lol I love talking about organizing and decluttering tho, but I hate doing it! Lol. I'm definitely a hoarder of craft supplies. Can't help it, I love every bead, button, & lace, and every watercolor color pallet, no matter how expensive or cheap it was. I hold onto everything!
I am not a hoarder but I do collect nice watercolour paints and paper to a point of ...excess I guess. I only started painting a few months ago and I have already collected close to 100 tubes and several sets of artist grade paints (DS, W&N, Holbein, Schmincke, M.G and Roman Szmal) and nice papers.
I know realistically the paints won't make me a better artist. In my actual paintings I only use ultramarine, burnt umber/sienna, Alizarin crimson, viridian and maybe 1-2 other colours for a little extra), but I do love having the collection and they make me happy by just being there. There are a few sets I don't ever plan to use but having the colours there makes me feel incredibly content. I still plan to collect some unique colours from the brands I don't have yet and I feel no guilt whatsoever.
Paper is something I buy out of fear of running out or encountering a bad batch, but I managed to convince myself that I don't need a lot of them. I can work on cartridge paper to practice if I wish. I am realistic and novice'ish enough to know that if I do run out of my Arches or Fabriano, I can practice my sketching skills on cheap notebook paper and it would probably be more beneficial than trying to do something grand out of nowhere on a half sheet of Arches 600gsm. Masters can do art with a lot of constraints because of their innate skills and we can all get there with very little but basic supplies, discipline and patience.
So yeah, I hoard paint because I love them and I don't feel guilt or shame of not using them, and I don't ever plan to give them away (maybe I will give a small palette to someone who is really short on money or a cute kid who wants to paint, for free). When I feel the urge to buy paper (I don't necessarily love) I can stop myself and rationalise whether it is time to stock up again.
Some wise advice for sure. I look at my supplies which are plentiful, and I have to remind myself that I do not need anymore paper or paint for quite a while. Like everyone else I like shopping for art supply, so I am trying to show restraint, even though it is said life is short so buy the brush. However I found out that works for tropical plants as well, many great beauties in plants along with art supplies. Collecting helps us get through these crazy times, but using them is more useful for the soul.
I used to want every new item out there--especially after watching videos of people using them--but I have since created a wish list where things sit for at least 2 months (unless I have an immediate need, like a new blade or foam dimension). When there is a good sale or something is being discontinued, if I still want it after the wait, I will consider purchasing it. A lot of times, I end up deleting item from the list. Sometimes, I'll ask for it for Christmas. I even put myself on a paper diet--I have to use up 2 or more 6 x 6 pads before I buy a new one. This has saved me tons. I wish I had started sooner, though!
Since I'm spending lots more time at home during this pandemic, I feel comfort and joy surrounded by my supplies. They feel "safe" and it makes me happy knowing they are there, waiting for me. I can't bring myself to get rid of anything at this time. I love when you said it feels good to use up your supplies ~ so true! I feel good using up anything! Today, I finished a bottle of body wash and it made me feel so good when I finally threw that empty bottle into the recycling bin! OH, and yes, I got a freebie gift I didn't really want, but I tried it and ended up liking it and buying more. What was it? Not a craft supply ~ it was a carton of almond milk! 🙂
Nice! I call my art supplies (especially my watercolors) my comfort clutter because I feel good knowing they are there ready for another adventure. Its like, no matter what happens in life I. An still paint. It's a secure feeling in a crazy world. And I'm happy to use them because I have plenty!
Good advice! especially about things that go bad more quickly.I live in a small house so I clean and reorganize art supplies(and other things) about once a year. I am usually pretty good at getting rid of stuff I don't use but there is always at least one thing I am not sure of. I will keep it but if the next time comes around and it's still not used, out it goes.
And to answer your question. Yes, I didn't like intense pencils at first. I only had bought few but I kept playing with them and now I love them. I know it has happened with other things too.
I love shopping for craft stuff at Goodwill and I ended up with at least two scrapbooking cases of pattern paper in one awesome deal. However, there was SO MUCH and a lot of it wasn't actually my type or style. I did a starting sort of it and then it all sat for a long time. Recently I pushed myself to go through it and recognized that it was actually causing me stress and guilt. I was holding on to it because I kept thinking that I should do something with it, like I'm going to force myself to be creative with it. I wasn't excited or inspired. It was more like a chore. Recognizing that and freeing myself of that obligation has really been a relief.
I found an artist swap group on facebook and I can send it off to someone who will be excited about it! That's a much better feeling than having it weigh on me. I still have piles of markers and things that I'm not quite ready to give up, but thinking about how happy it could make someone else and how free that can make me feel has been fantastic. Then I can get the things that I do want to create with, that do excite me and I can try new stuff!
I totally agree with you, use what you have and make it work. It took me a long time to realize this! haha I have a small space to create in so I'm very careful what I bring into my space now...I have no more room! Thanks Lindsay.
Ive been in a funk since my dog passed away in Nov. I kept going to my art room and after a few hours of watching u tube or pintetest I'd leave and had done nothing. I realized if I didn't snap out of this my immune system was gonna allow me to get sick. I got up this morning with determination. Funny, I started in my art room going through every item today making the exact decisions you've been talking about. Found many supplies no longer useable(glues, paints ) and duplicates. I felt bad about that. NOW making some critical decisions for passing along to the thrift store and after school art program. I've spent the last two months narrowing my focus to what I love most, watercolors, card making and art Journaling. My stash will work across all 3. I realized having the excess was cramping my creative process because I couldn't decide what to do and then where it was, I kept getting distracted by the stuff and wasn't creating and then feeling bad about it. So the purge is freeing. I also realized that your message of being good enough to just do it has made a huge difference in how I'm looking at my own art. It's for me and brings me joy even when its not particularity pretty to look at, because I had fun doing it and learned something new in the process. The only tool I have im not sure I should have gotten is the scan and cut. The tool I didn't originally like but have had for years now and love is my electric die cutting machine. Thanks Lindsay, your talk validated me today and I needed that.
Im so sorry for your loss:(
Very good points you make, Lindsay, I can always use reminders about using my stuff. I cant think of anything I really regret buying, although there are a few things I haven’t used as much. I started off with a Cotman Sketcher palette, for a while I wished I had just gone straight in with better paints, because I bought those pretty quickly. But then I started using my Cotmans, used up nearly the entire box, and caught it again on sale. Since I like the little palette, I’ve used the second little box for a pro grade travel palette and still have my Cotmans. I find I have been hesitant to “use up” colored pencils, but last week I just decided that was the silliest thing ever and went about laying down plenty of color. It actually felt good to sharpen those pencils shorter. I have very little storage space, so using what I have makes me feel better.
Hoard!! You taught me!!!!!! I had to buy a cabinet, from floor to ceiling, for the inspired purchases. Thank you Lindsey!!!
Great points were made, thank you reminding us to find joy in the (many) things we have! 🤗
Thanks for this! I just love all your chats and ideas..you are a joy!
A joyful video for sure! I am constantly going through my supplies and then I donate what I do not use. 💕
I've got a stack of watercolor paper I bought up that I'm happily using and experimenting on. I bought rough, CP, handmade, black, soft press papers. I'm having a blast. I also dug out my pastels and pastel paper that I put away about 5 years ago diddling around with them. I had bought every set of Rembrandt pastels on the shelf at Michael's about a year ago when they were half price. They no longer stock them. I'm revisiting using up my charcoals that I've had since college and now doing mixed media. I think I would not be doing this if the pandemic hadn't hit and those supplies would still be nestled in my art drawers. I've noticed the price increases and less and less free shipping from the on line art stores.....so I'm using up what I have and not buying compulsively.
Your wise words have been ringing in my head for many years now. I've really learned to look to my stash and use what I already have. Since I've been a stamper/crafter for more than 30 years, I really don't need to buy much. You're a good influence! How about that? LOL
😆
I realize that this comment is a month late, but.... I was drawn to this channel all those years ago because you could show me how to do a variety of arts and crafts activities at a price I could work into my grocery budget. Yes, what I could save on groceries was my art supply budget. I have more leeway these days, yes, but things are still tight.
I have been wanting to explore using watercolor on my cards. I see paper pads with Beautiful watercolor backrounds. I wanted to try doing that. So I found a box of Sergeant watercolor tubes, 12 tubes for $9.00 my last trip to Ollies. I was and am excited to get to work.
I have never and never will be a person that has to have the "best". I might be unusual, but I don't think so. I would be thrilled to find used supplies at a garage sale or a thrift store. The joy of creating does not have to be tied to a high price.
Your video has lots of common sense suggestions! I have granddaughters that love art, so l wouldn’t have too many problems getting rid of, or sharing things! I enjoy watching your channel! Thank you for the work you put in it!
I decided that I HAVE to use the products I have, so I have been going through my supplies and pulling things out to try and I am pleased with the new creations. In fact, in one of your previous videos you mentioned the same thing, which confirmed what I was thinking and I'm reminded of it when I'm tempted to buy something new, so thank you. It is a joy to rediscover something I had forgotten about!
I love that!
Thank u so much Lindsay. I appreciate the ideas on this video. Thank u 4 saying use what u have b4 going out 4 more. I have been thinking about & want 2 organize my craft room. This video will help with that. Thank u. Have a great blessed day.
I sew and I craft, so my stash of materials, tools, and supplies is massive. I also keep all my remnants… and use them a lot.
I worked at a fabric store when the pandemic started and people who had never sewn in their lives were in a panic to buy stuff to make cloth masks.
But those of us who sew were sitting pretty. Our slogan was “Before the pandemic I was a hoarder, but now I’m prepared.”
Prices started going up before the pandemic with the tariffs on Chinese imports, sometimes double for sewing notions. And now the supply chain is broken and when things finally restock the price is frequently higher.
So I’m not eliminating anything anytime soon. I am, however, organizing my clutter. It’s easier to use what I have when I can see I have plenty. If I think it’s all I’ve got I’m reluctant to use it up.
Thanks for the food for thought. Jan
So true! I store like with like for that reason. Im not precious about stuff I have plenty of.
Lindsay, you always challenge my thinking! You are so awesome with the skills and advice. Love you lady
I did a major purge…found home for all my won’t ever use. Very liberating
Very helpful! Always love your videos Lindsay!
Yes ‘ all that! Joy in the space and the creating !
I have found that if I really want new paper, I go to Etsy and buy digital, then I can print it as much as I want. I have tons of stuff, and I am cutting way back on spending, but I do however try to take advantage of Hobby Lobby clearance sales, but even then, I only buy what I am going to use. I have purchased duplicates by accident because I can't remember if I already have it. I have been working on organizing my stuff more too, which does inspire me to use them. Thanks, yes, this video was very helpful.
Thanks for your wise perspective. I have too many crafting items and I struggle with what to keep and what to purge. I live in the middle of Phoenix so there are endless places to purchase more. Your practical advice on purging helps... just what I needed!
I've just begun the decluttering or at least re-organizing process. I've obtained so many more supplies over the past year & half that it's gotten to be a mess and stifled my creativity. I'll probably hang onto and use most everything, but it least I will find it all a home and have a cleaned off desk and table.
I feel that I am in great company with all you creatives. I didn’t realize that the cost of art supplies was escalating. I knew shipping costs were increasing (coupled with later delivery times). Like another post said, I put items I want in a cart then review to see if they increased or decreased in price. Some of my older supplies are those I bought before the internet which were student quality so those I donated to a private school. Others like my early Prismacolors I am keeping. After much research, I know the quality brands so restrict my purchases to them. I have been yearning for the Caran d’ache Luminance 100 set so when I was notified by Jerry’s that they were back in stock, I used a $50 gift card so the ouch factor wasn’t as severe. So, I am now content with what I have which is probably too much.
I’m just getting ready to declutter and get rid of more of my stash of craft items. I find that there’s a lot of things I no longer use. This was definitely helpful in making me think through do I really want to get rid of it, what I want to use it and not have it available because of supplies and or is it time to pass it on to someone else. Great video!
The things I bought to practice on and use up, but enjoyed and bought more? Cotman watercolor paints, Cotman brushes and Strathmore 400 watercolor paper on spiral pads. Getting coupons from the store helped. Now coupons aren’t happening and I’m enjoying using both professional and student grade art supplies.
Thank you for making this video. It came at the perfect time for me. I have been going through my art supplies and sorting and considering de-cluttering some of them. Like I realized recently that I have quite a few duplicate colors of Ohuhu markers, due to getting them in different sets. So I had considered getting rid of a few of them. However, after watching this it made me think more about it and I realized that it might be good to keep a few since they haven't released refills or singles yet. Also I didn't think about the fact that prices had gone up so much, and with shortages too, it might be good to keep some of the things I had considered getting rid of.
Great advice, as always, Lindsay ❤️
Always good to hear your opinions and ideas, thanks Lindsay! I have cleared my Artvareas a few times over the years and I seldom get rid of anything. I toss dried up paint or damaged supplies. But I have found that if I give something away or decide I would never use it again, up comes a project for which I need those supplies! So a new to me or re-discovered art supply? YES! Soft pastels, I used colored chalk which I thought was the same as pastels but they are quite different! I did some sidewalk art but was intrigued by Alain Picard his channel on TH-cam popped up on my daily feed and I became entranced! I purchased some very inexpensive sticks Mungyo is the brand and I created a couple of very nice drawings, which I have learned from Alain are truly paintings if approached with that attitude in mind. I have since discovered many different brands, Schminke being a real favorite, but not the most expensive, but still not cheap! I am now thinking about becoming a pastel painter! I have always enjoyed being a watercolor painter first and every other medium just a foray or sideline pursuit. I have hopes for a new chapter for me, who knows? I hope your doing well and enjoying the day! Be safe out there!
Pastels are so fun!
Great information,. What you said about the paper is so true, and what art is about is using what you have and not wasting product. Thank you 😊
Well said! I am so pleased with myself when I turn supplies which have been forgotten into something I can use . I have a box which I throw items into when I come across them and when I am feeling uninspired I set myself the task of using some of them up. Some of the results have been excellent and some get trashed but I always learn something from it. If It has been in the box a while and Still not used it goes off to the charity shop.
This is a Great video! Also hilarious, because I just spent the last week tearing my art supplies apart and cleaning out things I don't use or like. During covid I think a lot of artist watched videos on unboxing new things, hense the buying splurge. I just got to a place where I was hanging on to things I'll never use and it was hindering my art out put. Gifting them to a women's shelter and a veteran's center was a great feeling. Art therapy is great!
Thank you! I needed this today!!😊
I keep everything except those that get bad. During the lockdown in the first year of the pandemic it felt so good to just make do with what I had.
Yes! For (most) every project I do recently, I try to use what I already have. My work surface has no more space so every time I see some new supply that I think I "need" - I think of what I could use in my existing stash instead!
Thanks for another great thought provoking video Lindsay! So many things you said resonate with me! I buy things that I would love to have and use and if it’s a set and new then I find I’m afraid to use them. So silly I know, but if I buy something used I’m less precious about them and go for them! The one thing I overspent on was metal dies, which I totally used but still regret! I started scrapbooking and then went to card making and knitting! Slowly I’m going through my stash and giving my sister and her girls my stuff I no longer use. I don’t buy like I use to and I have an extremely small space to craft and store so I have to be careful anyways! Good luck to everyone on making sense of your stuff and enjoying a creative life!!!
Chere, you said exactly how I feel and what I am doing. Thank you.
@@ea8435 You’re welcome! 🥳
I love this topic and I love mixing my fancy stuff with cheapy stuff. Variety is the spice of life, and curiosity is a part of creativity! So try it and USE it all!! 🙏🙏🙏
The want monster 😂. I related to that way too much. Thanks for the reminder that I don't need anything, already have more than I need.
I truly enjoy your channel Lindsay , your energy and incredible talent has always giving me new ideas 💡. But I’ve never felt the urge to purge but I do tend to buy high quality art supplies so what I really need to use them more 🥴.
I’ve noticed that in general there aren’t as many supplies in the stores…as far as variety. I’ve been doing a supply swap with a friend. We’ll swap and then create a challenge to use up some of those supplies, making something that we most likely would never had made. It’s forcing those creative juices to flow, plus we get to use some “new to us” supplies. Generally, though, I’ve not been destashing either. With the world situation, I’ve been spending much more time at home and I’d rather have options visible to me to keep me busy. It’s been really great 😊
Our closest big town (Richmond) has a Scrap RVA store. They only take or resell craft and art supplies. Like a craft thrift store. They also are a non-profit so the money goes into the community.
I completely agree with getting rid of things that just aren't useful to you. As long as I can remember I held onto things because I felt guilty getting rid of them, and felt guilty about them collecting dust. The realization that you won't ever use them despite trying is almost relieving. So now and again I look through things I've amassed and consider whether I use them, like them, etc.
To answer your question: Watercolors for me was something I was unhappy with to start. I'm not the most consistent artist so I have still have aways to go, but I absolutely love using them. Even with my impatience.
One of my goals this year is to finally unpack. My plan was to grab a box and make decisions about what's inside every day. When I'm done, I hope to Konmari my stuff. This video helped me a lot with how to consider things.
I'm glad!
I have a lot of sketchbooks that I am tempted to get rid of. They are generally older and some were gifts (which makes me want to hold on to them), but the paper isn't as good as what I want to use. I did give a way a lot of acrylic paint last year, when I got some more as gifts, so I gave away the really cheap stuff I had to make room, to I think someone with kids.
On the paper front, a couple of months ago, I asked you what paper was best for pencils and you gave me some recommendations. One was Stonehenge, and I am finally using it and wow, has it made a difference and my drawings are so much better and I am really loving it (no frustration with paper now). I love it. I am still learning pencil art, so I have to go slow with it and not waste it, but I am really enjoying this paper and I would love to buy the larger size eventually too (when I see a sale, since its not cheap). Its part of the reason for wanting to get rid of some of my older sketchbooks, as some are just terrible. I have a giant one, that I got as a gift and the paper isn't good, but I will keep it for now, as the size is amazing and even with the frustration of that paper (too soft and thin), I can at least do big projects with it (doing birth of venus study with it at the moment) and I know that for some projects you just need a good size to really get the detail down.
Most paper is good for something
Bless you Lyndsey :) * Great to see you in video , I broke down all my drawing kits paint mixed media sets and included pads of sketch , watercolor an acrylic paint pads shipping them to Alaska ( Very fun having the family phone call hearing the laughs joy an surprises opening all the wrapped supplies :)
My supply problem isn't art supplies, although I do have a few. It's jewelry. I've tried to upgrade my jewelry, as in real semi-precious stones and no more cheap metals. And I've donated many. But still have lots more. Still working on my office/craft room. Thanks for your musings - it helps to know that we aren't alone in what we are going through and feeling about our supplies.
Love the message of the video!
I decluttered just before Christmas and gave away almost an entire box of prismacolors to a coworker who's younger brother wanted some good quality pencils to use. I am really bad about buying more than I need in certain things so it was nice to give something someone else.
Aww, he will love them!
I've done the declutter, rebuy so many times -- moved, got rid of a bunch of stuff. Decided I was done with traditional art, donated a bunch of stuff to school art programs, realized I wasn't, started again. I have a bunch of stuff I need to get rid of that I bought and just didn't enjoy and I've just been lazy about putting it up on Ebay. Also, $20 bucks will fill up my car, so chucking a backup just because I can buy it again is stupid to me. I find that I go through phases of buying where I want everything and then times when I don't even think about it. I'm in the "don't even think about it" phase right now, which is the perfect declutter time.
Just love to listen to you . Thank You .
HI LIndsay! I haven't been crafting and arting as long as I believe you have. I can't remember using up much of any of my supplies that I've then turned around and wanted to buy more! Oh wait.. maybe yarn (and I'm still trying to use up what I have now and have even given some away!). TFS!
I appreciate these talks you share. I'm really enjoying your podcast for this reason.
Product I didn't like initially? Gel press!
Too funny!
Since the pandemic the can opener is the most important thing in the house! You definitely need at least two
This was so timely - I had a flood (minor) that sadly hit my art area - and now that the water is resolved I know I must dive deep and do some deciding - the. I found your video on my feed a moment later
Oh man! Good luck, that stinks.
Great food for thought!
Great video Lindsey this is so good I'm horrible about wanting it all but lately I've decided to use what I have more tyfs your thoughts.
I guess I have never made myself use something up! But I'm interested to see where you are going with this.... Enjoyed this discussion - lots of food for thought.
It's funny, I used to craft on the thinnest budget ever, in younger days. Flour and salt dough because I couldn't afford sculpey kind of budget. Now, when I purge, I look in local buy nothing groups for people ISO craft supplies, especially for kids. I make them up an box of a little of everything, stamps, papers, inks, paints, brushes, gels, whatever. I think being dead broke for so long contributes to my hoarding/shopping, but now I have lots and seldom miss it when it's gone. I let someone else's need guide my destashing most times. Other than that, my sister and I do a public destash at a swap annually.
Priced have gone up in a crazy way. I feel like it's more important than ever to judiciously share because I remember using spackle because texture paste was way out of my price range.
I still shop the hardware store for supplies. Some habits are hard to break.
It would be good to see a video on what you could find there, btw. It's so much cheaper. ❤
Great topic! I’ve always felt stressed knowing there are supplies packed away that I’m not using. Tend to either pack up to give to crafty friends, school or newbie crafters. I’ve had good luck on craft de-stash websites for some items, but find that the price I may get doesn’t justify the whole transaction. Covid has made me shy away from meet ups.
Next big project is going through stamps and getting rid of those that are close in design to others. Would rather pass on than leave unused.
I did that too especially since id gravitate to certain themes (vintage typewriters, cupcakes, flowers and mason jars) so I pared down to favorites (well, i kept all the mason jars cuz c'mon im only human) and gave the others away.
Ive had the same sentiment the past few years. Buying less, using what I have. It helps that I don't have the room to store so much. I still have a ton of stuff tho.
I used to buy a ton of 12×12 pks of patterned paper, just because it was so pretty. And thinking some day I'd do something with it. I'm not a scrapbooker or cardmaker. I only occasionally fill an art journal but rarely use such pretty paper. So why buy the paper? So one day I decided I was only keeping whatever was to fit in a certain box, no more, and donate the rest. I made myself use a good chunk of the remaining this past Christmas for gifts and tags. Now I see it's usefulness. I won't buy more than what fits in the box but now I have a purpose for the pretty paper. ( and more ideas have come to mind since then).
Tfs.
So many times I've almost decluttered something and then some last minute project needed that exact thing. I'm hoping that now that I'm an empty nester, I'll have many fewer last minute diaramas and such, so I can actually purge. Of course, doing mixed media and assemblage, so many odds and ends that I've held onto for years end up being perfect for today's project that I can justify keeping almost anything.
My biggest area that requires attention is stamp sets. My mom demonstrates for SU and I have SO many sets that I bought, she gifted me, or she passed down to me when she purged. Many aren't remotely my style anymore. I'm trying to put them on the chopping block this year and use one set each week to decide if it stays, or if it goes.