This is just the cupboard I have "kid's supplies" stashed in. I really have more arts and crafts supplies than I need...
I am debating taking this year (or six months maybe…?) and not spending anything on crafts supplies so I can use what I’ve got. I’m thinking the limit may help me get creative with what I already have to work with, and also may help me be realistic about what craft supplies I’m hanging on to that I need to either use or evict.
Crazy? Or Clever?
I already tend to be a “low spend” type person- I have a small house and try to be careful of what I bring in to it, but this would be a more conscious effort (sort of similar to The Compact, if you’re familiar with that.)
What would be the “allowable” things to purchase still?
My thoughts for “Allowable” items during my Crafty-No-Spend-Commitment:
- Machine sewing needles
- Thread, if I really need it
- Glue and tape
- Paper?- I think I better use up quite a bit first though…
Does that seem reasonable? What about books or magazines? I don’t buy loads of those or anything, but they’re always tempting. Or what if I find a project and have nearly everything for it…?
(Seriously, I am NOT a shopper as it is, but it’s interesting to feel myself squirm when I think about really committing to ONLY buy crafting “essentials”.)
I need input on this idea- what should be allowed? Also, anyone want to join me?
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I was just thinking the same thing! But I am a little scared to make that commitment. I could try, I suppose. Maybe we could challenge each other
I guess the first step would be for me to organize a cupboard like the one you have – you’re so neat! Just bought a bunch of plastic bins, but they’re overflowing and not in a neat and tidy space. This would be a great idea! I think you should do it (even if I don’t join you!).
Sounds like a cool challenge!
Have been doing what you are talking about for a year now. figure I have at least another year of supplies on hand, maybe 2. I have only spent money on really new projects like water beads, and some sensory boxes and light table. They were new areas to me. But I also checked what I had on hand first and then sale shopped to complete.
Craft wise it hasn’t been hard to stop the spending, I have so much stuff in boxes and on shelves (art room, basement, garage). Have only needed new glue sticks and tempera paint.
I love recycling and adapting ideas.
If you are not on Pinterest – there’s so much sharing going on, so much inspiration – I’d check it out.
I love it! I’m in. I found a half-off sale on notions at Jo-Ann’s a couple of years ago and bought 2 packages of every kind of machine needle they make so I’m set there. I might have to buy thread if I need a specific color. Adhesive… I have at least 10 refills for my Xyron 5″ and about 2 or 3 for my Xyron 1″. I also have 10 or more refills for my Tombow Monoadhesive and several other assorted glue dots, pop dots, etc. Paper is my weakness and probably why I shouldn’t allow it. I once read a message board posting by a woman saying she had trouble storing all her paper because she had over 500 pieces. I was thinking what a loser she was then thougght maybe I should count my paper. Before I even got to the individual papers (I was counting only packages, “the stack”, etc.) I got to 5000. Yes, that is 3 zeroes!!! I wish I could say I hadn’t bought anymore since then, but that would be a lie. I’m in for this challenge and thank you for posting it.
I think its a terrific idea and may attempt to do it as well! Maybe not an entire year – but until my supplies dwindle down a little! I think you’ve sorted out what items you already go through on a regular basis – and those you will need to restock to complete almost any crafty-ness! I say go for it and I’m going to challenge myself too!
Chrissy- I’m not nearly so organized as that photo makes me look, it’s just that when I was looking for a photo to illustrate this post I found this one I’d taken after I reorganized that cupboard, never mind the rest of the room- I don’t usually take pictures of that mess
I hope to get that room more “photographable”
i think it’s a brilliant idea, and I agree with your allowable replacements. Perhaps rather than setting yourself a timeframe you could just do it until the point at which a) you can’t get around needing to make a purchase b) you get bored or c) your stock is so low you are in a position to restock. It’s what I do with my freezer when i decide to empty it…..
love this idea…i don’t know how well i would do but, would love to try…another goal i have for this year is to get back to making all of our cards instead of buying them. however, in order to do either, i need to be organized!!! love the look of your craft cupboard.. would you share how you created it? i’m in the process of clearing out/condensing my craft room to turn it back into a spare bedroom. my thought is to store all crafts supplies (again this takes some organization in and of itself – clearing out something i really don’t need/want/use) in an organized way in the closet in the spare bedroom so, it’s still accessible…thanks for all of your great ideas
Alissa! Please keep buying magazines! They are such a special treat. I know, I LOVE them! And I know you well enough to know that you will recycle them through Bookman’s or the library! I’m also on a no more buying stuff mode! I feel I could supply a craft store! Love your postings and love you!
I scrapbook, and although I haven’t designated 2012 as an official “Buy Nothing Year”, I think needs to become one, since I also have a ridiculous amount of crafty stuff, namely paper and sheets of Thickers with all the common letters missing, to get rid of! Oh man!
I have gotten quite a collection of materials. I need to work on using what I have and limiting my trips to Hobby Lobby!
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