Triumph Over the Boxes and Bins (for Now)

You may or may not remember my mentioning that last year I went through my entire house and identified things we no longer used or enjoyed, including my studio. I decided if I was going to be thorough, everything had to be subject to review. Afterwards, it felt really good to open drawers and boxes and easily be able to find what I was looking for.

Then while browsing in one of my favorite book stores, I casually opened a book about having too much stuff and thought it might be one worth reading. It took me a few days to realize I really wanted to read what the author had to say about clutter, so I returned (with a coupon) and purchased this book, Its All Too Much by Peter Walsh.

One point he made that hit home is that we don't need bigger places or more storage (an idea with which I've always agreed), but that we just have too much stuff. We hang on to things we no longer use and enjoy for many reasons. With that in mind, I revisited the decisions I had made about some of my stuff and realized there was still more I could dispense with and give myself even more room to create - either physically or mentally.

Then today as I was looking at the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of Studios by Cloth Paper Scissors, I re-read Lesley Riley's article entitled Clutter Out, Creativity In.

She pointed out that "over the years I have come to know myself as an artist - the fabrics I favor, the colors, patterns and textures I turn to over and over again." She put into words what had crossed my mind as I sorted through my stash. I have bought many things with ideas of how to use them way back when, but eventually my inclinations and ideas changed and those items became space fillers. It's still good stuff. Some is even great stuff. It's just stuff I won't be using. I’ve gotten to a place where I pretty much know my current creative leanings.

Yet, I know there are a lot of lovely, inspired, imaginative and resourceful people out there who might appreciate some my treasures. Thus, I have wandered back over to my Etsy shop and begun to post some of the items I have for sale at terrific bargain prices. It's mostly about finding good homes and creative individuals who would put them to greater use than I. We'll see how it goes. If you're curious about what was lurking in my boxes and bins, go on over and check it out.