Not doing a no buy, but more a thoughtful planned buy. One of the local art stores offered a deal where you buy a bag in 2023 and get a one time 25% off everything you put in the bag in 2024. So, spouse and I are putting things on a list and planning on doing one bigger buy this year of items that we have thought through and are excited about weeks or months after they caught our interest. Other aspect is to take the time to really work the supplies we have. If I really work my set of 14 oil pastels and love using them, then more oil pastels will make their way onto the list. Same idea with my little set of half a dozen water mixable oils.
That is really smart. I've done well at sniffing out quality supplies at good buys, and I've got plenty. I don't sell my art, so I stick to practicing and playing with things. Then I save, watch for sales, and invest in better quality supplies. At this point, it's got to be a pretty deep cut to tempt me into buying something new.
I am so glad you are back to giving us a podcast. I don’t drive far…just around town, but I love a good podcast, and I’ve missed you doing one. I am over saturated with art and craft stuff, and you hit the nail on the head in that it spoils the creativity. I really want to roll it back on buying except for consumables like art paper. A friend’s sister passed and she was an art hoarder, and knowing that I make cards and try to learn art, she gifted me her sister’s stuff. Now two years later I am overwhelmed with the fancy dies and TWO electric die cutting machines that I really don’t like. And SOOOO much pattern paper. My goal this year is to gift it to whoever wants it and will use it and clear out the clutter. I want to keep up with lessons to improve my techniques in art and card making will be whenever. Thank you for all the positivity you give the art community. I just love this podcast!
Times were hard in and off over the past 43 years for us financially. I have had stretches of creativity over the years, 3 to 4 years at a time. I bought supplies and sets of things. I put them away. Keeping them precious. In Summer 2021 I came back to my art. Things I could not get in high school or understand before, are suddenly clear. I can now do many things I couldn't get back in high school 74-77. Drawing people, urban sketching. This is a very rewarding time. I use what I have and love my supplies. I occasionally buy things after thinking it over for months before I buy.
In 2024 I am sharing my art supplies in hopes of spreading the joy. I’m just happy I found this blog here! I never knew this was happening, this just showed up on my RUclips. I like it, it’s like an extra satchat and I don’t have to see you play with your hair! Keep up the good work, I support on all venues and platforms.
Great discussion of this topic. I have thought about cost per use, particularly of clothing, the exact same way for years! I heard a clothing expert recommend that you spend a lot on your basics that you wear all the time and go cheaper on special occasion wear. So I started thinking in this way and realized that same thing... The "almost fits" or "good enough" thing you buy from the clearance rack for "only" 10 bucks but wear once -- because it doesn't really look good or feel comfortable -- is a bad deal compared to the 100 dollar pants that I wear 500 times before they wear out!
It is not easy, but yes, trying to find joy in creating things, nit buying art supplies that I hoard. Having closed my art studio and bring stuff in our tiny apartment together with a new baby on the way sure helps a lot with motivation.
I never understood why anyone feels the need to tell someone how to do things or what to like. Not my business and if it brings the person joy, more power to them! It's their money, can spend it how they want. Making yourself feel better or more important by making others feel less than is mean spirited and not helpful at all. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I always find wonderful insights in your videos. Thank you for accumulating all the supplies and letting us all know your thoughts. I appreciate your opinions and never feel like you've steered me wrong. I know why you are buying all you do because that is the nature of your channel to teach and inform, not aspire to buy as much as you can! I love podcasts so I can listen throughout my day, videos I feel I have to watch or I might miss something.
Talk about that feeling when someone (aka Lindsay) has a woo woo ability to peer inside my out of control art supply addiction. I am no artist, and just recently have had severe doubts that I can even say it’s my hobby! It has been weighing down on me, and despite my putting in place a no buy this year, a little over two weeks in, I have already bought two pretty substantial boxes of yet more ‘stuff’. I live alone, but find that I have so much shame, that when my daughter and daughter in law make the several hour drive to visit, I actually hide things! I even box things up to send to RUclipsrs and friends who wish to put a toe in the water. As the majority of my supplies remain sealed up, I gift them to friends for Christmas and birthday. However, the mountain is still growing. I heard from Lindsay the precise reason for my buying, the moment I heard this, I knew it was it - I have been tricking my brain into thinking that if I just have this product or that type of paper, THEN I could begin my art journey at last. I will have started, so obviously have fixed the issue of NOT practicing, or not even thinking about it any more. I watch a mountain of tutorials, and still receive a whole lot of pleasure, but then again, I don’t have to join in, in order to feel that pleasure. The upshot is, I realise I am basically lazy at seeing something through. My buying the same paint brand, or lovely new brush, is simply a VERY expensive way of kidding myself. I also realise that I am lonely and feel the overwhelming need to belong in the art world, which is by far the most welcoming, loving world on Social Media. I thought this may have depressed me, but no, it has given me the all important AHA! moment. Knowing and understanding just lifted a huge guilt from my shoulders. I bought an adult Watercolour paper colouring book, and I brought out my supplies, so I intend to nibble away at the things that have stopped me using the very lovely things in my spare room - aka my studio! Thanks Lindsay, and thank you to the welcoming art community as a whole. 🖌️👩🏻🎨🎨❤️
I'm on a low buy/ no buy 2024, extending it from the last half of 2023. I'm using my supplies. I've collected vintage watercolor tins that are so cool and many I've filled with my collection of different brands of paint. And then they sit on my shelf. So my brain said to use those tins in the sketchbooks I've collected. It's so freeing to sit and sketch at night and I'll select a different palette. I also collected name brand watercolor tins of 12 half pans and then they sit on the shelf. What I've found is 2 sets of paint brands I didn't enjoy using and have since given them away. That was freeing. I'm not missing out. Thanks for the blog chat. I'm using my other mediums too...oil and soft pastels, charcoal, graphite, color pencils and have enjoyed your channel for learning techniques. One stop shop at Lindsay's channel...love it!
Echoing what many people have said- just trying to be more intentional about what I buy. I’m a hobbyist and while I enjoy quality supplies, I don’t feel like I have to have the best or latest. Also, yes, I use them all and avoid the “precious ” syndrome of supplies. That’s no fun!
I enjoyed your Blog-cast. Thank you! Your point of letting people use what they want in whatever manner they want is spot on. My daughter can use cheap watercolors and will have a much prettier picture than I can with an expensive paint! But we use what we have and have fun!!
Great podcast to kickoff the new year! I had determined that I have wasted too much money buying, too much time shopping for stuff to buy, too much time watching other people use supplies. I've spent more time doing that than actually making use of my supplies and practicing. There is not a thing in this world that I need. Nothing. But I am working through all your teachable classes that I have stockpiled and that is my focus for 2024!!! I am not going to worry about 'wasting' paint or paper/ Should I EVER run out I'll get more. But I will never run out of paint in my lifetime, lol. Although I do seem to need a filbert brush..... Thanks Lindsay!
I would like to add the benefit to environment, which I don't hear being mention with these no-buys When we reduce the consume of something, specially when this consume is unnecessary and out of impulse, and a lot of people do it at the same time, as with these no-buys, then the demand and the production of these items reduces, and with that the pollution, the use of resources, and the harm to the environment related to mass consumerism and production. A benefit in the same vain of minimalism. I love that people are doing these kind of things, even when this may not have been their original intention uvu
I am also going on a no buy this year. The past couple of years have been an emotional roller coaster, my mother passed away, my father got sick, and I have been under a lot of emotional strain. I would often buy art supplies when I felt overwhelmed and stressed. I don’t have a lot of expenses and I only really spend on art supplies, but I have realized that I don’t need so much, and I’m definitely not running out of supplies any time soon, I want to create more for stress relief rather than buying more as stress relief. I’m working on shifting my focus. Thanks for this podcast, very insightful!
I was feeling overwhelmed by products and projects. So I packed up all the products I do not really know how to use, or have lost the impetus to use. Then I put them in labeled containers and stacked them in a storage area. Next I chose the crafts I wanted to focus on. i chose two. Learning to color/paint on grayscale graphics and making diamond painting keychains that I could donate to a couple local service clubs for their craft fairs. So many of the crafts I have done over the years haave lost their appeal. As I approach my 81's birthday, I want to focus more on what brings me joy and keeps my brain active.
Yes! I am doing a complete no-buy 2024. And you're right on money with a lot of what you already pointed out today. Whatever i say from here on out is not a brag, please don't take it as such. I work in a highly competitive and stressful environment which pays well. During pandemic, additional stress on top of job was too much and I started adult coloring, that was the best decompressing mechanism for me. For 2 years I had a single set of budget pencils and 3 books and I was having the best time of life. Fast forward 2 more years and I started watercoloring as well, and I started with Pretty excellent. They were already excellent paints, did I need every student grade paint under the sun NO! But yet I collected them! Same with colored pencils, do I need like10-15 sets, NO! To be HAPPY, all I needed was that 1 set of colored pencils, 3 books and 1 set of Pretty excellent! I have slowly came to terms with the fact that I have limited time outside of my job and family, and I dont need 10,000 products to spend that time doing art. 1 or 2 is enough. That being said, I dont HATE my collection, but I have a clear plan of how I am going to use them up, or atleast try and just stop buying. Wish me luck!
I'm so happy for a fresh podcast! I love to listen to you on my commute home. It starts my evening earlier; usually it feels like the work day ends when I finally get home. But hearing you talk about arts and crafts topics changes my headspace earlier! Many more podcasts please!
Thanks so much for this insightful podcast... a great, thoughtful topic for this year! I benefit so much from all that you do and share and really appreciated this episode!
I don't impulse buy anymore. I research everything at home and write down what need/want. When I go to the shop I only buy off the list. If I see something I want I photograph it and go home and think about it. Don't rush in.
Wow Lindsay, this podcast was amazing. Everything you said was so spot on and accurate as to my colouring pencil spending habits. I have purchased just about every colouring book, pencil set, soft pastels, oil pastels, distress inks, posca's, tombows, gel pens etc known to man! I have spent the year shopping and spending, swatching and organising, making colour charts, watching RUclipss, re-swatching, re-organising, more shopping, more spending, oooo look another flip through, must buy that book too! How many actual pages have I coloured?? About three!! I won't lie, there is a joy in collecting pretty things, sparkly things, colourful things but 2024 is the year I now put all of these beautiful supplies to work. I must overcome the fear of "ruining" a colouring book, organise my time and GO FORTH AND COLOUR!! Thank you for the insightful comments on using expensive pencils in colouring books. At 57 I am finally in a position where I can buy the pencils I want. Who wouldn't want to use beautiful pencils that blend and lay down beautifully and are a joy to use. I won't feel guilty now, you have reminded me I am supporting these wonderful companies that take the time to produce quality art supplies. Thank you for sharing your art journey and for your wonderful channel.
Sending big hugs to you. It can be so hard to createcwhen we are stressed. We either fight, flight or freeze. Scrolling online is a freeze stress response. It feels relaxing at the time. The next time you have the urge to buy pick up a supply and swatch it or doodle. Or watch a review for something you already have to get excited about it again. You can conquer this ❤️
Thank you so much for that. My goal this year is to do a no-buy and I am struggling with keeping it. My no-buy rules do not include books nor replacement supplies if I don't have an equivalent - if not having it impedes me, then it is not on the no-buy. But yikes! I've already bought some things that I have different brands of and can live without quite easily. That being said, I have more no-buy days than buy days (yay me!), and I find listing out the things I've purchased as well as the things I wanted to purchase but put on my wishlist instead to be very helpful. I have so many supplies already. Buying them is a real addiction. But I also create every day, so they are getting used. Yes, it's slowly, but it's happening none-the-less. So this is the year that I find out what I really truly can't live without. I don't know what that is yet. I do have some suspicions on some of it but it will be an interesting year for sure!
ha ha - I have wood and paint for shelving. It's all painted and still not installed. It's been 5 years. I think you are spot-on with all the reasons we buy items and how we get overwhelmed with all our "stuff." That last question "Did I need this before I saw this?" is key for me.Thank you!
I have decided to keep notes about why I bought things, so if I'm feeling overwhelmed I can remind myself. Yes, I journal my art supplies and I look through my journal when I'm critical of myself for not using things! When I find a sale and get 2-3 of a thing, I make sure and keep a note to remind myself of the sale. The extras are for stash. I even put the extras in a stash box. And I keep notes about grab bag things, because I have many great things I bought in grab bags (e.g. Ranger Inks), or at huge clearance sales, but I have to remind myself that I paid hardly anything and those things are a joy. And I also think of my things as "experiences". My spouse is sick and can't always go out, so a purchased item costs about the same as a day trip. A purchase is fine if I used it one day and enjoyed it (assuming I can afford it). After that, it's bank for some other day. I have found that my greatest regrets are from things I passed up....although I have a bad case of imposter syndrome, because my supplies are way above my skill grade. But their awesomeness makes them fun to use.....and I'm not really a binge buyer, so I honestly feel like I should treat myself more often, ha. Okay, finished rambling. Oh, I tend to reject trendy items, so if something is trendy, I try and find something I already have that works as well before going out and buying. The granulating watercolors are a great example of that. I have plenty of granulating single-pigment watercolors and it's fun to combine them into "supergranulators". The trends tend to be an invitation to get creative.
I did a "stash swap" with a neighbor and got as excited by new to me papers and stamps (some were even vintage) than I did by my latest haul. And I am only replacing things like ink, tape, glue, cardstock etc. this year. No pattern paper or new stamps this year. I have plenty and am going to use my stash this year.
Interesting topic. I've resisted buying new pricey granulating watercolours by buying two pigments and mixing my own this year. I've also scaled up in a few areas and gifted the older stuff to a couple of young mentees. So I intend to go low buy without beating myself up if I succumb to the occasional small treat. One thing I'm bearing in mind though is that getting the right - costly - bit of kit sometimes works out best -as with your jeans exaample. Mine was some highquality big flat brushes and a John Pike big well palette which were both game changers and vastly satisfying purchases. What I do now when tempted is check out what I do have before buying. It's amazing what I've already got ! Best of luck to you and more podcasts please.
I'm in pretty much the same place you are. I've picked up a handful of Daniel Smith watercolors by pigment for mixing. I look for pigments that are unusual and not in another set, and on sale. I'm not really tempted to splurge on new things unless the price is a cut very deeply,
@@windywednesday4166 I went for Renesans- who have some interesting single pigments- and had a great time mixing different combinations and trying out new lifting techniques which work well on skies. I am glad I did, learned a lot and feel I now have a grip on where I can use these in my paintings. You are definitely right to wait for sales as they always come around eventually even on costly buys. Happy painting!
You may have already done this, but I would like a podcast/video about "how to decide" what art/craft supplies to get rid of, when you just have too much. How to let go of it mentally, when you have spent so much. And to just get rid of it. Because I don't want to even worry about where, because that adds even more problems. How to just say goodbye, no matter where it goes, even if you just give it away. I don't want to have to worry about selling it.. because that adds another layer of problems. I need help.. lol
Terrific subject and well done Lindsey! I've got a lot of supplies that sit gathering dust. I relate all the issues you outlined thank you. Loved the broadcast. Had lunch while I listened to you. While listening, a commercial came on that said "if you're a reader then you are a writer" (commercial to buy a writing class) I thought "that is just the type of hype we get thrown at us all the time". Know yourself, don't beat yourself up if you buy something you're not using, just do better next time. No angst.
So much wisdom here. I relate to much of this. I'm downsizing again this year after moving two yrs ago. Looking to find out what's keeping me from creating after looking at what I have and why I bought it. This has been one of my favorites you've produced honestly, so thank you.
Yay, a podcast! I’m glad you want to do more of them. As I said before on one of the Sat Chats probably, I’m aiming for a low buy this year. I want to find out what my favourites are, and I want to let go what I don’t use. Like my acrylics, I’ve barely touched them in 2023 so I need to find a better home for them before they dry up. There I said it out loud, now I need to follow through 😂
I needed to hear this! I am trying to understand why I buy what I buy, sometimes, impulsively. You explained so much. Now I can ask myself these questions before taking the plunge. I am overwhelmed by too many supplies so I will give the Kon-Marie method a try. Thanks, Lindsey! I am committing to shop what I've got. ~Terri 😊
My new year's resolution is to sell whatever I don't use (or have never used) and focus on remaking some money to invest in what I am interested in. For example, I thought I would love cold porcelain and bought a lot of molds and things to use to find out I never used them and I probably never will. I found out I have ADHD recently and I was encouraged to start art therapy, specially coloring, to increase focus and reduce levels of stress and mental exhaustion, but came to found out I have little to no materials (I have pens galore cause I'm a stationary buff since I was a child 😆) and my daughter started to show a lot of interest in coloring as she is close to 5yrs old now. So, I decided to scrape every corner of my craft room and start sectioning whatever hobbies I thought I would like and bought a stash for and try to sell things to start the one that would benefit me. I didn't get to separate things yet (my craft room is a hoarder's dream fest) but I started the mental process of choosing wich things I have that I could part with, took the steps to learn a little bit about coloring (we ADHDers get more excited learning than actually "doing" sometimes) and was encouraged by a special lady from UK that gave me the first push to start.. my brain just have to get around in going into that room and get the flow going. I set my dream item (the prismacolor premier 150 - it costs more than gold to buy and get shipped here to Portugal 😆) and a try item (alcohol markers, ohuhu maybe), from there is learning and just be glad if I can actually sit down and "DO IT" 🤣 One thing I will not part with is the jelly plate I've learned from you how to do it at home many many years ago 😍 Now, back to listening and washing dishes! Thank you for inspiring so many of us, Lindsay 💜
This is the perfect blog today. I have been a crafter for over 40+ years. I am now doing a serious purge of stamps, paper, tools, etc, passing them forward to others. I want to remove the supplies that I don't use or keep moving around. The inner peace you feel when you see empty space is wonderful.
Thanks Lindsay, this is a really loving video for those of us who have a shopping/buying problem. I'm on a 5 month sabbatical, away from home, and I am determined not to buy any more art supplies while here. My car was full of art supplies as I drove to the sabbatical destination, and if I buy anything else it won't fit (either the small space I'm living in or the car trip home). I thought the siren song of sales, new, limited time offers would go away when I had nothing to distract from making art. I appreciate this blog and may need to listen to it on a weekly basis. 💖💖
I agree knowing what the real you is likely to do/use is essential to limit excessive buying. I'm doing low buy, focused on using up a watercolor set till it empties & then doing the same to the next set. I'm looking to condense my watercolors to one main palette of 16 colors or less.
Loved this lindsay!! I love these conversations we get to have in the art community. I feel like *speaking of gate keeping*😂 I really hate when people say that someone crafting/being a crafter is not being an artist ! Why do we need to crap on someone’s Joy??!
Oh Lindsay you have just given me so many reasons to why I hit a craft slump when I have a lot of new supplies usually at this time of year ! I was laughing because my Cat got a new soft bed for Christmas and today was the first day she slept in it (for hours) 😹 I have all the usual card making supplies so I wonder if my cat gets overwhelmed with her many beds just like I do with craft supplies 🤔Thankyou Lindsay for your wise words and being you !
Lindsay even if you're rusty you're still totally ON POINT. 100% I agree with everything I've heard thus far. For a while now my art goal has been "create, or be consumed." And my art supply goal has been "Mission Critical Replenishments Only." (Just don't leave me unsupervised in the mom and pop art supply shop nearby LOL) 😂
Hullo Lindsay, You touched a real hot topic, from so many of the comments, and I have done a real look at some of the supplies I have and supplies I think I may need. I will not be doing a "No Buy" but I will be considering my purchases much more closely this year! I remembering buying a huge stack of watercolor paper at a yard sale and was so disappointed when I discovered that sizing can and did go bad in this stack of paper! I did find a use for most of it, printmaking with lithography even some screen printing it worked just fine. I love your reference to "Fantasy Lindsay" I purchased a lot of supplies for soft pastels and boy Oh Boy soft pastels are the most expensive medium per artwork! My desire to be the best painter is true for whatever medium I work in! Now I have been taught as a watercolorist and I am still learning this wonderfully adaptive medium. The cost of some pastel sticks is quite high. I simply cannot justify spending money on a stick from Terry Ludwig when I could buy a Schmincke stick of half or even a third of the cost! I know Schmincke sticks are not the cheapest but the best I can afford (Justify) to myself to create an artwork that will last! Thanks for an interesting Vlog/Blog and I hope you continue these as I am reminded of your SatChat videos! I do hang on to so many things, as I work in more than a few mediums. Please keep going and sharing from your life experience, Thank You.
I lost my mojo for a long time last year and bought nothing. I watched you make the cards recently and got fired up. Today my new glue came as the old had dried up. Wink of Stella on its way and that’s it . Nothing else needed. Thankyou Lindsay! 🇬🇧🥰
I'm planning on using my supplies. I'm always behind everyone 😂. I bought a mini cinch in December and plan on making an art journal. I've joined a few year-long collabs. I also wrote down in a planner all the 'practices' I want to do for the year. So far it's working. Ps- I did buy a walking pad this year. It's a foldable treadmill. Tonight I was wondering what I could listen to without not necessarily having to always watch the screen or be a tutorial. This blog was perfect 🥰.
I agree with everything you said, you are spot on. Great advice, I am going to really think about my buying choices and try to cut back a lot and use what I have.
this is new to me i didnt even know you did a podcast ,i dont like the idea of no buy ,i do love getting my art supplies ,yes i know i dont need them but oh how joyful it is to try new paints and papers;i can never get bored with creating im very grateful for what i have ,thank you for this,
Lindsay, listening to you, while I was drawing. It is the first time that i found your podcast. I m thinking this is like a breath of fresh air….just want say You are dead on, about my shopping for materials ….just to have it when i will want to make that certain something. It s been about a year that i havent bought anything…but at that time in my life…I had to have it because it was a new product that i had to have in my “stash”just in case i needed it. Btw, I enjoyed myself, thanks to you. Ps. I m 82 and want to laint till i m 100 hahha
I started my 1 year no-buy in November. I have a 3 year old and a 5 months old and i regretted my decision😂 i do understand now the concept of buying to reduce stress. But i will keep going because own too much makes me uncomfortable...and i dont have storage space. Beautiful podcast 👏
I definitely want to be more intentional about the supplies I buy for my hobbies, of which I have MANY. And I’m sure I have more supplies than I can possibly use in my lifetime. Some things were good buys, some I’ve regretted. Some of which I bought thinking I had more time on my hands to use them and didn’t. I try to go through my stash every year or so and clean out products I don’t use or use very little and either donate them or encourage my kids to help me use them up.
Hi Lindsay...so happy you have a new episode of your podcast! Yes yes yes I decided in November 2023 to have a NO Buy year in 2024...but keep a list of things I run out of or "think" I need to have. Thanks for this! It's confirmation for me that I made the right decision for 2024!!😊
OMG so called out about the Pastelmat and the expensive pastels (although it's Terry Ludwig who is my nemesis) hahahah. Also, you so called it about Winsor & Newton. Their watercolor paper used to be so good!
I probably hit this point midyear last year. I dont do no-buys, but I have seriously slowed my roll. AND have used more of the stuff I have. It feels good. Also decided to apply it to my weaving, I just pulled a run of towels off my loom! Use up that old yarn I moved down here with! Hurray!
I definitely want to use more of what I already have and buy a few things along the way. I really don't want or need anything new at the moment...I have lots I can create with. Thanks Lindsay, this was a great topic!
I’m definitely looking at being much more intentional with my purchases across the board this year. Basically using what I have & replacing used up favorites
I had no idea you had a blogcast! I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed this and plan on listening to the other episodes! Now, you hit the nail on the head with your suggestions and ideas about impulse buying so many times, and the reasons for it, that you could have been in my brain. I’ve been following you for years, you were the first artist I discovered on RUclips years ago. You are also an excellent salesperson lol. It’s not negative, I have a lot of supplies I love because of your influence and other artists influence on here. I was trying for a no buy, but several purchases later, I have some other ideas about how to control my spending. What works against me is I am retired and working part time (I’m a nurse) and so have disposable income to spend. But what is stopping me now is that I want to use what I have, and spend this year on building my skills instead of my art supply collections. I am trying to avoid reviews unless it is a technique I want to learn, and definitely avoiding “art hauls”. I appreciate all your suggestions and ideas, and will probably be listening to this episode again. It was refreshing to be able to LISTEN to what you were saying, instead of focusing on the next great art supply on sale (I’m a sucker for sales). Thanks for the time you spend sharing your talent, suggestions and ideas. I appreciate you. ❤
I've missed your podcasts! Great topic- it's easier for me to not impulse-buy since I've moved because I'm too far away from the stores and my shopping buddies. ❤ I really appreciate your ending comments about "gatekeeping". It isn't just in the art world, but also in just about every topic out there. I don't watch much any more because of it. Good for you for keeping up with the positive, encouraging content! ❤
yes, of course! Does it count that I just bought pencil sketch books, new pencils and some thrifted watercolor supples? Oh, and $2.00 clearance Zen brushes for my gouache class? Then I had $10 free bonus money.... I'll shoot for February.
Does it count that the pencils and sketchbooks are a donation for my school's auction. And the store had a John Lynch (I think that was the name) palette for $3.00
I really liked this. This really spoke to me. One of my big problem was subscriptions I didn't use but kept because I might on day use them. It adds up very quickly. And buying extra classes on-line because buying a bundle was a good deal. Or buying classes for fantasy me that I ended up never doing.
Great podcast. Thankyou. For me in 2024 I will use what I have with a lot more mixed media and having a lot more fun with it. No more impulse buying I will only buy what I need to replace if I run out of something I love using. However my birthday is next month is my 60th bday and I ordered a set of Paul Rueben's neon bright watercolors because bright colors are the light bringing me out of the darkness. Seriously bright colors make me happy. I'm also going to stop using so much whites and use bright colors in place of it for highlights etc. Fun conversation Thankyou
Really needed to hear this! I think in 2024 I will buy replacements for things I use up completely first. That will encourage more practice and may focus my watercolor palette of 24+ colors down to the colors I consider essential. "it's only a bargain if you actually USE it." Words to live by!
I'm winding down on art supply purchases and agreeing with you that more time should be spent creating than purchasing. How people spend their money is wildly divergent based on differing interests and priorities. Some people love to travel and that's an expensive pastime. If you were to add up the cost of every art supply you've purchased in your life, it might be less than the cost of your upcoming French art retreat. That retreat is going to be an amazing event. For that price, a person could buy the top of the line supplies in every art category. They'll have those supplies for much of their life versus a one week trip. The people going on the trip already have art supplies. They're going for the experience with you providing live lessons and critiques in an exotic location.
Thank you! This was great, definitely going into 2024 with the mindset of intentional buying. Hope to hear more pod casts in the future. They are perfect inspiration while making ❤️🎨❤️
Loved the podcast. During the last week of 2023 I made a deep cleaning that included my studio. I really felt overwhelmed. So, this is a not buying year for me. That’s I think achievable for me. But the part that really tore me down was the amount of photos and souvenirs that I have. I didn’t have the guts to throw them away. I’d really appreciate if some of your tutorials had some ideas for using this kind of thing.
Loved this podcast Lindsay. I struggle with not buying the new cool thing. I cannot commit to a no-buy. I know me. 😆 However, I have decided on a low-buy for supplies on an as-needed basis. I have to admit though, I did buy the Artisto watercolor pencils. I can't believe how good they are. Very pigmented, and they don't leave pencil marks on the paper! Im very pleasantly surprised with them and will be reaching for them on a regular basis for my sketchbooks. Much better than the Arteza ones in my opinion. Sometimes I'll go through my stash and donate supplies I don't use to someone who I know will use and appreciate them. It feels really good to help someone who loves art but may not be able to afford supplies. 😊
@@thefrugalcrafter I don't know. I got mine about two years ago. Mine aren't very pigmented and when I add water to them, the only word I can think of to describe them is slimy. Maybe it's the binder. 🤔
Ohmygosh, yes! Everything you said! This year, I'm going work hard to say no to impulsive buys and focus on using what I have. It's already been fun rediscovering lost art supplies and creating with them 😊. Thank you for the inspiration! 💗
I'm going to be wiser for sure. I loved the, "let them!" use what each one wants to use, yes!!! When my children were little tykes, I needed something to help me relax while breastfeeding the youngest child and seems like she was attached 24/7 so I took embroidery, I could do this while she nursed and slept in my arms. Yes, she was safe, I just had a way of holding her with my arms and my hands could work used my legs to help support her while I raised them up. BUT, my first project was on a tshirt and my neighhbor told me what a waste of my time and so on with a tshirt!!! I embroidered a sunflower and it was gorgeous! I told her, it was a gift for my niece who was in middle school and that it was a sleeping shirt so that is fine. I thought she was weird. My niece loved it and wore it until she outgrew it. I guess she thought I needed to be making heirlooms.....Thank you, always love hearing what you have to share.
You are such a wise woman and I can relate to everything you said. I am guilty of these things and maybe listening to you will help me with wasteful spending this year. You would have made a great therapist, so smart and wise. I thank you Lindsay.
I feel more secure when I know that I have a supply of things to create with, like money in the bank or food in the freezer/pantry. I also tend to buy when I have stressful things going on in my life. It’s my reward for getting through the stuff I “have to do”. The thing is, I spent more time “creating” and having fun when I had children at home and much more to do than I have to do now! I think it is partly due to having less energy and focus now, but I still love having projects just waiting for me to do! I’m not on a no-buy. I’m more realistic about myself than that, but I now have a stockpile of art supplies that I wanted, so I don’t think I’ll be tempted to buy as much.
Great episode, Lindsay! Fellow Mainer here... I am on a no spend 2024 and appreciated your comments about more thoughtful approaches to buying or adding to my stash. I'm currently in the midst of a craft room re-organization and purge and it's forced me to be looking at what I have and give away what I know I'm not going to use. I've gone through many emotions in the process but am re-committing to using what I have before making any more purchases. Thanks so much for your inspiration and ideas to keep me focused on my goal!
My goal is a low-buy (I can use gift cards to purchase things if I run out… like a favourite fine liner or white gouache). I have spent too much money on art supplies in the last two years (considering the amount of time I have available) and am overwhelmed by choice when I sit down to create. I have collected too much stuff because I love it all and it’s so pretty! I need to actually USE it and not collect it. So my goal is to create and not collect this year. I will feel better knowing that I am using what I already own.
I've already failed. I spent $15 on a Walmart clearance for a Royal & Langnickel Sketch & Draw 157 piece set. I'd been passing on it for weeks always forgetting to check reviews. By the time I read some reviews, it was sold out. No biggie because I knew these would be at best decent budget supplies. I saw it again yesterday and decided to get it. It comes with a 12"x18" clipboard, a small pencil case, and a pencil wrap that holds about 40 pencils. It cheats on the number count by counting individual pages in drawing pads, but it's still got an awful lot of media. I still have to swatch everything and do some art with it. Reviews were mostly good. It's still online at Walmart for $20.
Good talk Lindsay, thanks! I know all this (I'm sure most of us do) but it needs to be refreshed in my brain every now and then. Being an accountant I tend to look at something to purchase and think about how long do I have to work to buy something and how many hours will I enjoy/wear/use...it. I am just now climbing out of a very deep depression. I was hording...mostly craft supplies. Now that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, I can't find some of my supplies. But, I have promised myself that I will not buy new just because I can't find it. So yes it will be a no buy year. Hopefully when I find what ever it is that I need it's not dried up or no longer working. A long with that promise I am going to master my scan&cut, and work through my Lindsay classes. I still have a few weeks before we get my craft space back to a working craft space, but, I am now highly motivated. Let's see how I do.
Not overthinking why I buy those brushes….it is all those reasons! I’ve been avoiding buying ANYTHING since I got too carried away a few years ago and spent, and spent, on anything and everything. I actually had almost a complete arts and craft store. It’s paid off now, and I’m terrified to even buy underwear, afraid to trigger another spree. So my undies have holes. 😂
Thank you for this very thoughtful post! I really don’t like clutter or stuff hanging around, but I have fallen into buying more watercolors than I need. I fall into the mindset that a new paint will make me a better painter😅. I’ve been decluttering my house, partly as I know myself better, that I’m not sentimental and don’t want to hang onto stuff for that reason. Also having dealt with estate issues, I don’t want to leave all this clutter for my son when I finally shuffle off this mortal coil. Scandinavians call this “death cleaning”😂.
I am almost sure that I will outlive my supplies in all of my art/craft genres and I’m also fairly sure none of my family is delirious about inheriting them. However, this summer I had a small purge of some things from my retirement “leftovers”. On a flash of inspiration, I called an elementary school in a lower income area near me and they were thrilled about anything I could give them. They made me feel as if I were totally contributing to the growth of the next creative geniuses. I couldn’t have gained as much pleasure from creating my own masterpiece as I have from sharing my basic and student-grade “real” art supplies. Holding on to everything was becoming a burden and throwing it away was nauseating, but donating/contributing it truly sparked joy. I’d already started a “no buy” program - with similar exceptions to your list - and I think it’s breaking through my recent stagnation. Thanks for the reminder and boost.
Low buy, I am getting the 2 new prismacolor premiere colors and a few of the new inktense colors. Playing with the resin kit you demonstrated a year ago.
I have different art mediums and this year I’m doing a watercolor no buy. Off the top of my head I have five different watercolor palettes which I would rotate and four new unused palettes. My watercolor no buy started in November 2023 and it will end in November 2024. I’m not sure what happened but I haven’t used my watercolors in about two months, but I still enjoy watching watercolor videos and hope the videos will give me the spark to start painting again. Anyway, I’m doing a low buy for my other supplies (coloring pencils, Derwent inktense pencils, watercolor pencils etc) and I can buy if I need it, replacing what I’ve used, or I have the credit card cash back, or gifted money. I’m over buying coloring books and stamping/card making supplies as I became more interested in creating my own art (around 2022). I’m happy with and love everything I’ve already accumulated and I’m not going to sell anything. Right now I’m enjoying my coloring pencils and getting back into using my inktense pencils. I colored a line drawing from a coloring book I purchased approximately three years ago, and I was pleased with how it turned out. Interesting podcast, thanks!
I’ve always heard doing arts and crafts and buying art and craft supplies are two completely different hobbies. 😊
😂they sure are for me!
So true!
You forgot organzing 😉 Collecting, organizing and crafting - it is a 3-in1 hobby 🙃
Yes. Organizing is another hobby. And of course, we have to buy the perfect containers.
@@arleneagno9318 true!
I am going for a 2024 of Thrift according to the old axiom: Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without!
Nice! That works for me with clothes because I hate to shop 😆
What a neat axiom. Thanks
Not doing a no buy, but more a thoughtful planned buy. One of the local art stores offered a deal where you buy a bag in 2023 and get a one time 25% off everything you put in the bag in 2024. So, spouse and I are putting things on a list and planning on doing one bigger buy this year of items that we have thought through and are excited about weeks or months after they caught our interest. Other aspect is to take the time to really work the supplies we have. If I really work my set of 14 oil pastels and love using them, then more oil pastels will make their way onto the list. Same idea with my little set of half a dozen water mixable oils.
That is really smart. I've done well at sniffing out quality supplies at good buys, and I've got plenty. I don't sell my art, so I stick to practicing and playing with things. Then I save, watch for sales, and invest in better quality supplies. At this point, it's got to be a pretty deep cut to tempt me into buying something new.
I am so glad you are back to giving us a podcast. I don’t drive far…just around town, but I love a good podcast, and I’ve missed you doing one. I am over saturated with art and craft stuff, and you hit the nail on the head in that it spoils the creativity. I really want to roll it back on buying except for consumables like art paper. A friend’s sister passed and she was an art hoarder, and knowing that I make cards and try to learn art, she gifted me her sister’s stuff. Now two years later I am overwhelmed with the fancy dies and TWO electric die cutting machines that I really don’t like. And SOOOO much pattern paper. My goal this year is to gift it to whoever wants it and will use it and clear out the clutter. I want to keep up with lessons to improve my techniques in art and card making will be whenever. Thank you for all the positivity you give the art community. I just love this podcast!
Thank you!
Times were hard in and off over the past 43 years for us financially. I have had stretches of creativity over the years, 3 to 4 years at a time. I bought supplies and sets of things. I put them away. Keeping them precious. In Summer 2021 I came back to my art. Things I could not get in high school or understand before, are suddenly clear. I can now do many things I couldn't get back in high school 74-77. Drawing people, urban sketching. This is a very rewarding time. I use what I have and love my supplies. I occasionally buy things after thinking it over for months before I buy.
Sounds like you have your head on straight, well done!
In 2024 I am sharing my art supplies in hopes of spreading the joy. I’m just happy I found this blog here! I never knew this was happening, this just showed up on my RUclips. I like it, it’s like an extra satchat and I don’t have to see you play with your hair! Keep up the good work, I support on all venues and platforms.
Thank you! I know, it's a distracting habit!
Great discussion of this topic. I have thought about cost per use, particularly of clothing, the exact same way for years! I heard a clothing expert recommend that you spend a lot on your basics that you wear all the time and go cheaper on special occasion wear. So I started thinking in this way and realized that same thing... The "almost fits" or "good enough" thing you buy from the clearance rack for "only" 10 bucks but wear once -- because it doesn't really look good or feel comfortable -- is a bad deal compared to the 100 dollar pants that I wear 500 times before they wear out!
It is not easy, but yes, trying to find joy in creating things, nit buying art supplies that I hoard. Having closed my art studio and bring stuff in our tiny apartment together with a new baby on the way sure helps a lot with motivation.
Big hugs, good luck and congratulations!
I never understood why anyone feels the need to tell someone how to do things or what to like. Not my business and if it brings the person joy, more power to them! It's their money, can spend it how they want. Making yourself feel better or more important by making others feel less than is mean spirited and not helpful at all. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I always find wonderful insights in your videos. Thank you for accumulating all the supplies and letting us all know your thoughts. I appreciate your opinions and never feel like you've steered me wrong. I know why you are buying all you do because that is the nature of your channel to teach and inform, not aspire to buy as much as you can! I love podcasts so I can listen throughout my day, videos I feel I have to watch or I might miss something.
Thank you so much!
Talk about that feeling when someone (aka Lindsay) has a woo woo ability to peer inside my out of control art supply addiction. I am no artist, and just recently have had severe doubts that I can even say it’s my hobby! It has been weighing down on me, and despite my putting in place a no buy this year, a little over two weeks in, I have already bought two pretty substantial boxes of yet more ‘stuff’. I live alone, but find that I have so much shame, that when my daughter and daughter in law make the several hour drive to visit, I actually hide things! I even box things up to send to RUclipsrs and friends who wish to put a toe in the water. As the majority of my supplies remain sealed up, I gift them to friends for Christmas and birthday. However, the mountain is still growing. I heard from Lindsay the precise reason for my buying, the moment I heard this, I knew it was it - I have been tricking my brain into thinking that if I just have this product or that type of paper, THEN I could begin my art journey at last. I will have started, so obviously have fixed the issue of NOT practicing, or not even thinking about it any more. I watch a mountain of tutorials, and still receive a whole lot of pleasure, but then again, I don’t have to join in, in order to feel that pleasure. The upshot is, I realise I am basically lazy at seeing something through. My buying the same paint brand, or lovely new brush, is simply a VERY expensive way of kidding myself. I also realise that I am lonely and feel the overwhelming need to belong in the art world, which is by far the most welcoming, loving world on Social Media. I thought this may have depressed me, but no, it has given me the all important AHA! moment. Knowing and understanding just lifted a huge guilt from my shoulders. I bought an adult Watercolour paper colouring book, and I brought out my supplies, so I intend to nibble away at the things that have stopped me using the very lovely things in my spare room - aka my studio! Thanks Lindsay, and thank you to the welcoming art community as a whole. 🖌️👩🏻🎨🎨❤️
Aww, sending you big colorful hugs. 💗 enjoy those supplies without shame:)
Good luck with the watercolour book, enjoy every moment 🩵
I understand! Just try to enjoy and let go of results. It's only for you :)
@@jennw6809 So true, thank you ❤️
@@flis625 thank you! I have been enjoying it very much. No stress or cares 😊
This photo of you is beautiful, Lindsay! I love your hairstyle!!
That was my first thought, too!
Thank you so much!!
I'm on a low buy/ no buy 2024, extending it from the last half of 2023. I'm using my supplies. I've collected vintage watercolor tins that are so cool and many I've filled with my collection of different brands of paint. And then they sit on my shelf. So my brain said to use those tins in the sketchbooks I've collected. It's so freeing to sit and sketch at night and I'll select a different palette. I also collected name brand watercolor tins of 12 half pans and then they sit on the shelf. What I've found is 2 sets of paint brands I didn't enjoy using and have since given them away. That was freeing. I'm not missing out. Thanks for the blog chat. I'm using my other mediums too...oil and soft pastels, charcoal, graphite, color pencils and have enjoyed your channel for learning techniques. One stop shop at Lindsay's channel...love it!
Nice!
Echoing what many people have said- just trying to be more intentional about what I buy. I’m a hobbyist and while I enjoy quality supplies, I don’t feel like I have to have the best or latest. Also, yes, I use them all and avoid the “precious ” syndrome of supplies. That’s no fun!
I enjoyed your Blog-cast. Thank you! Your point of letting people use what they want in whatever manner they want is spot on. My daughter can use cheap watercolors and will have a much prettier picture than I can with an expensive paint! But we use what we have and have fun!!
You are so welcome!
Great podcast to kickoff the new year! I had determined that I have wasted too much money buying, too much time shopping for stuff to buy, too much time watching other people use supplies. I've spent more time doing that than actually making use of my supplies and practicing. There is not a thing in this world that I need. Nothing. But I am working through all your teachable classes that I have stockpiled and that is my focus for 2024!!! I am not going to worry about 'wasting' paint or paper/ Should I EVER run out I'll get more. But I will never run out of paint in my lifetime, lol. Although I do seem to need a filbert brush..... Thanks Lindsay!
You're welcome!
I would like to add the benefit to environment, which I don't hear being mention with these no-buys
When we reduce the consume of something, specially when this consume is unnecessary and out of impulse, and a lot of people do it at the same time, as with these no-buys, then the demand and the production of these items reduces, and with that the pollution, the use of resources, and the harm to the environment related to mass consumerism and production. A benefit in the same vain of minimalism.
I love that people are doing these kind of things, even when this may not have been their original intention uvu
Yes!
I am also going on a no buy this year. The past couple of years have been an emotional roller coaster, my mother passed away, my father got sick, and I have been under a lot of emotional strain. I would often buy art supplies when I felt overwhelmed and stressed. I don’t have a lot of expenses and I only really spend on art supplies, but I have realized that I don’t need so much, and I’m definitely not running out of supplies any time soon, I want to create more for stress relief rather than buying more as stress relief. I’m working on shifting my focus. Thanks for this podcast, very insightful!
I am so sorry for your loss. Have a wonderful creative year!
I was feeling overwhelmed by products and projects. So I packed up all the products I do not really know how to use, or have lost the impetus to use. Then I put them in labeled containers and stacked them in a storage area. Next I chose the crafts I wanted to focus on. i chose two. Learning to color/paint on grayscale graphics and making diamond painting keychains that I could donate to a couple local service clubs for their craft fairs. So many of the crafts I have done over the years haave lost their appeal. As I approach my 81's birthday, I want to focus more on what brings me joy and keeps my brain active.
Nice!
Yes! I am doing a complete no-buy 2024. And you're right on money with a lot of what you already pointed out today. Whatever i say from here on out is not a brag, please don't take it as such.
I work in a highly competitive and stressful environment which pays well. During pandemic, additional stress on top of job was too much and I started adult coloring, that was the best decompressing mechanism for me. For 2 years I had a single set of budget pencils and 3 books and I was having the best time of life. Fast forward 2 more years and I started watercoloring as well, and I started with Pretty excellent. They were already excellent paints, did I need every student grade paint under the sun NO! But yet I collected them! Same with colored pencils, do I need like10-15 sets, NO! To be HAPPY, all I needed was that 1 set of colored pencils, 3 books and 1 set of Pretty excellent!
I have slowly came to terms with the fact that I have limited time outside of my job and family, and I dont need 10,000 products to spend that time doing art. 1 or 2 is enough. That being said, I dont HATE my collection, but I have a clear plan of how I am going to use them up, or atleast try and just stop buying. Wish me luck!
Good luck!
I'm loving these podcasts! Thank you and please do keep them coming!
Thank you! Will do!
I'm so happy for a fresh podcast! I love to listen to you on my commute home. It starts my evening earlier; usually it feels like the work day ends when I finally get home. But hearing you talk about arts and crafts topics changes my headspace earlier! Many more podcasts please!
More to come!
Thanks so much for this insightful podcast... a great, thoughtful topic for this year! I benefit so much from all that you do and share and really appreciated this episode!
I don't impulse buy anymore. I research everything at home and write down what need/want. When I go to the shop I only buy off the list. If I see something I want I photograph it and go home and think about it. Don't rush in.
Good advice!
Wow Lindsay, this podcast was amazing. Everything you said was so spot on and accurate as to my colouring pencil spending habits. I have purchased just about every colouring book, pencil set, soft pastels, oil pastels, distress inks, posca's, tombows, gel pens etc known to man! I have spent the year shopping and spending, swatching and organising, making colour charts, watching RUclipss, re-swatching, re-organising, more shopping, more spending, oooo look another flip through, must buy that book too! How many actual pages have I coloured?? About three!! I won't lie, there is a joy in collecting pretty things, sparkly things, colourful things but 2024 is the year I now put all of these beautiful supplies to work. I must overcome the fear of "ruining" a colouring book, organise my time and GO FORTH AND COLOUR!! Thank you for the insightful comments on using expensive pencils in colouring books. At 57 I am finally in a position where I can buy the pencils I want. Who wouldn't want to use beautiful pencils that blend and lay down beautifully and are a joy to use. I won't feel guilty now, you have reminded me I am supporting these wonderful companies that take the time to produce quality art supplies. Thank you for sharing your art journey and for your wonderful channel.
You are very welcome!
timely as usual, ty.
I buy when I’m stressed or depressed. Lots of stress last year and it’s carrying over to 2024. 😢
Sending big hugs to you. It can be so hard to createcwhen we are stressed. We either fight, flight or freeze. Scrolling online is a freeze stress response. It feels relaxing at the time. The next time you have the urge to buy pick up a supply and swatch it or doodle. Or watch a review for something you already have to get excited about it again. You can conquer this ❤️
@@thefrugalcrafter Thankyou! Usually I ask myself, Did you paint today? No? Then you don’t need anymore supplies. 🤣
Thank you so much for that. My goal this year is to do a no-buy and I am struggling with keeping it. My no-buy rules do not include books nor replacement supplies if I don't have an equivalent - if not having it impedes me, then it is not on the no-buy. But yikes! I've already bought some things that I have different brands of and can live without quite easily. That being said, I have more no-buy days than buy days (yay me!), and I find listing out the things I've purchased as well as the things I wanted to purchase but put on my wishlist instead to be very helpful. I have so many supplies already. Buying them is a real addiction. But I also create every day, so they are getting used. Yes, it's slowly, but it's happening none-the-less. So this is the year that I find out what I really truly can't live without. I don't know what that is yet. I do have some suspicions on some of it but it will be an interesting year for sure!
ha ha - I have wood and paint for shelving. It's all painted and still not installed. It's been 5 years. I think you are spot-on with all the reasons we buy items and how we get overwhelmed with all our "stuff." That last question "Did I need this before I saw this?" is key for me.Thank you!
😆
I have decided to keep notes about why I bought things, so if I'm feeling overwhelmed I can remind myself. Yes, I journal my art supplies and I look through my journal when I'm critical of myself for not using things! When I find a sale and get 2-3 of a thing, I make sure and keep a note to remind myself of the sale. The extras are for stash. I even put the extras in a stash box. And I keep notes about grab bag things, because I have many great things I bought in grab bags (e.g. Ranger Inks), or at huge clearance sales, but I have to remind myself that I paid hardly anything and those things are a joy. And I also think of my things as "experiences". My spouse is sick and can't always go out, so a purchased item costs about the same as a day trip. A purchase is fine if I used it one day and enjoyed it (assuming I can afford it). After that, it's bank for some other day. I have found that my greatest regrets are from things I passed up....although I have a bad case of imposter syndrome, because my supplies are way above my skill grade. But their awesomeness makes them fun to use.....and I'm not really a binge buyer, so I honestly feel like I should treat myself more often, ha. Okay, finished rambling.
Oh, I tend to reject trendy items, so if something is trendy, I try and find something I already have that works as well before going out and buying. The granulating watercolors are a great example of that. I have plenty of granulating single-pigment watercolors and it's fun to combine them into "supergranulators". The trends tend to be an invitation to get creative.
Great outlook!
I love going to local art stores, I always find them so wonderful ☺☺☺
The best!
I did a "stash swap" with a neighbor and got as excited by new to me papers and stamps (some were even vintage) than I did by my latest haul. And I am only replacing things like ink, tape, glue, cardstock etc. this year. No pattern paper or new stamps this year. I have plenty and am going to use my stash this year.
Interesting topic. I've resisted buying new pricey granulating watercolours by buying two pigments and mixing my own this year. I've also scaled up in a few areas and gifted the older stuff to a couple of young mentees. So I intend to go low buy without beating myself up if I succumb to the occasional small treat. One thing I'm bearing in mind though is that getting the right - costly - bit of kit sometimes works out best -as with your jeans exaample. Mine was some highquality big flat brushes and a John Pike big well palette which were both game changers and vastly satisfying purchases. What I do now when tempted is check out what I do have before buying. It's amazing what I've already got ! Best of luck to you and more podcasts please.
I'm in pretty much the same place you are. I've picked up a handful of Daniel Smith watercolors by pigment for mixing. I look for pigments that are unusual and not in another set, and on sale. I'm not really tempted to splurge on new things unless the price is a cut very deeply,
@@windywednesday4166 I went for Renesans- who have some interesting single pigments- and had a great time mixing different combinations and trying out new lifting techniques which work well on skies. I am glad I did, learned a lot and feel I now have a grip on where I can use these in my paintings. You are definitely right to wait for sales as they always come around eventually even on costly buys. Happy painting!
Great advice!
You may have already done this, but I would like a podcast/video about "how to decide" what art/craft supplies to get rid of, when you just have too much. How to let go of it mentally, when you have spent so much. And to just get rid of it. Because I don't want to even worry about where, because that adds even more problems. How to just say goodbye, no matter where it goes, even if you just give it away. I don't want to have to worry about selling it.. because that adds another layer of problems. I need help.. lol
Great topic! I'll see what I can do!
Terrific subject and well done Lindsey! I've got a lot of supplies that sit gathering dust. I relate all the issues you outlined thank you. Loved the broadcast. Had lunch while I listened to you. While listening, a commercial came on that said "if you're a reader then you are a writer" (commercial to buy a writing class) I thought "that is just the type of hype we get thrown at us all the time". Know yourself, don't beat yourself up if you buy something you're not using, just do better next time. No angst.
So much wisdom here. I relate to much of this. I'm downsizing again this year after moving two yrs ago. Looking to find out what's keeping me from creating after looking at what I have and why I bought it. This has been one of my favorites you've produced honestly, so thank you.
Wow, thanks ai much!
I'm glad you are doing podcasts again!
More to come!
Yay, a podcast! I’m glad you want to do more of them.
As I said before on one of the Sat Chats probably, I’m aiming for a low buy this year. I want to find out what my favourites are, and I want to let go what I don’t use. Like my acrylics, I’ve barely touched them in 2023 so I need to find a better home for them before they dry up. There I said it out loud, now I need to follow through 😂
I gave a bunch to my local library for their art program.
I needed to hear this! I am trying to understand why I buy what I buy, sometimes, impulsively. You explained so much. Now I can ask myself these questions before taking the plunge. I am overwhelmed by too many supplies so I will give the Kon-Marie method a try.
Thanks, Lindsey! I am committing to shop what I've got. ~Terri 😊
Glad it was helpful!
As much as I had all these words in my brain to make a comment; all I could manage was this blog was “GREAT”!!!!!. I hope you do more. 🥰
Wow, thank you!
What a surprise to find a podcast here! I think it's a great idea to put them here so more people will here them.
Really enjoyed it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
My new year's resolution is to sell whatever I don't use (or have never used) and focus on remaking some money to invest in what I am interested in.
For example, I thought I would love cold porcelain and bought a lot of molds and things to use to find out I never used them and I probably never will.
I found out I have ADHD recently and I was encouraged to start art therapy, specially coloring, to increase focus and reduce levels of stress and mental exhaustion, but came to found out I have little to no materials (I have pens galore cause I'm a stationary buff since I was a child 😆) and my daughter started to show a lot of interest in coloring as she is close to 5yrs old now.
So, I decided to scrape every corner of my craft room and start sectioning whatever hobbies I thought I would like and bought a stash for and try to sell things to start the one that would benefit me.
I didn't get to separate things yet (my craft room is a hoarder's dream fest) but I started the mental process of choosing wich things I have that I could part with, took the steps to learn a little bit about coloring (we ADHDers get more excited learning than actually "doing" sometimes) and was encouraged by a special lady from UK that gave me the first push to start.. my brain just have to get around in going into that room and get the flow going.
I set my dream item (the prismacolor premier 150 - it costs more than gold to buy and get shipped here to Portugal 😆) and a try item (alcohol markers, ohuhu maybe), from there is learning and just be glad if I can actually sit down and "DO IT" 🤣
One thing I will not part with is the jelly plate I've learned from you how to do it at home many many years ago 😍
Now, back to listening and washing dishes!
Thank you for inspiring so many of us, Lindsay 💜
Use what you love!
This is the perfect blog today. I have been a crafter for over 40+ years. I am now doing a serious purge of stamps, paper, tools, etc, passing them forward to others. I want to remove the supplies that I don't use or keep moving around. The inner peace you feel when you see empty space is wonderful.
It is!
Thanks Lindsay, this is a really loving video for those of us who have a shopping/buying problem. I'm on a 5 month sabbatical, away from home, and I am determined not to buy any more art supplies while here. My car was full of art supplies as I drove to the sabbatical destination, and if I buy anything else it won't fit (either the small space I'm living in or the car trip home). I thought the siren song of sales, new, limited time offers would go away when I had nothing to distract from making art. I appreciate this blog and may need to listen to it on a weekly basis. 💖💖
I've already recorded next week's episode.
I agree knowing what the real you is likely to do/use is essential to limit excessive buying. I'm doing low buy, focused on using up a watercolor set till it empties & then doing the same to the next set. I'm looking to condense my watercolors to one main palette of 16 colors or less.
Thanks for sharing!!
Loved this lindsay!! I love these conversations we get to have in the art community. I feel like *speaking of gate keeping*😂 I really hate when people say that someone crafting/being a crafter is not being an artist ! Why do we need to crap on someone’s Joy??!
Unhappy people like to exclude and spread misery I guess.
Oh Lindsay you have just given me so many reasons to why I hit a craft slump when I have a lot of new supplies usually at this time of year ! I was laughing because my Cat got a new soft bed for Christmas and today was the first day she slept in it (for hours) 😹 I have all the usual card making supplies so I wonder if my cat gets overwhelmed with her many beds just like I do with craft supplies 🤔Thankyou Lindsay for your wise words and being you !
The law of diminishing returns.
Yes! I am on day 16 of my No Buy Art Supply 2024. I have more than enough supplies to sustain me!
Ha! Love that you are keeping count!🎉❤
Nice!
Lindsay even if you're rusty you're still totally ON POINT. 100%
I agree with everything I've heard thus far. For a while now my art goal has been "create, or be consumed." And my art supply goal has been "Mission Critical Replenishments Only."
(Just don't leave me unsupervised in the mom and pop art supply shop nearby LOL) 😂
😆 I hear you! But at least you are supporting a business in your community!
@@thefrugalcrafter and this argument will take us deep, deeep into the store 🤣🤣
I stood in line for hours at the KIA knife warehouse sale. 2nd time for the knives and scissors. Great value and great products.
Hullo Lindsay, You touched a real hot topic, from so many of the comments, and I have done a real look at some of the supplies I have and supplies I think I may need. I will not be doing a "No Buy" but I will be considering my purchases much more closely this year! I remembering buying a huge stack of watercolor paper at a yard sale and was so disappointed when I discovered that sizing can and did go bad in this stack of paper! I did find a use for most of it, printmaking with lithography even some screen printing it worked just fine. I love your reference to "Fantasy Lindsay" I purchased a lot of supplies for soft pastels and boy Oh Boy soft pastels are the most expensive medium per artwork! My desire to be the best painter is true for whatever medium I work in! Now I have been taught as a watercolorist and I am still learning this wonderfully adaptive medium. The cost of some pastel sticks is quite high. I simply cannot justify spending money on a stick from Terry Ludwig when I could buy a Schmincke stick of half or even a third of the cost! I know Schmincke sticks are not the cheapest but the best I can afford (Justify) to myself to create an artwork that will last!
Thanks for an interesting Vlog/Blog and I hope you continue these as I am reminded of your SatChat videos! I do hang on to so many things, as I work in more than a few mediums. Please keep going and sharing from your life experience, Thank You.
Thank you!
I lost my mojo for a long time last year and bought nothing. I watched you make the cards recently and got fired up. Today my new glue came as the old had dried up. Wink of Stella on its way and that’s it . Nothing else needed. Thankyou Lindsay! 🇬🇧🥰
You are very welcome!
I'm planning on using my supplies. I'm always behind everyone 😂. I bought a mini cinch in December and plan on making an art journal. I've joined a few year-long collabs. I also wrote down in a planner all the 'practices' I want to do for the year. So far it's working. Ps- I did buy a walking pad this year. It's a foldable treadmill. Tonight I was wondering what I could listen to without not necessarily having to always watch the screen or be a tutorial. This blog was perfect 🥰.
Thank you!
That’s my resolution for this year…use up what I have stockpiled not just with art but with life in general.
I agree with everything you said, you are spot on. Great advice, I am going to really think about my buying choices and try to cut back a lot and use what I have.
You can do it!
This was a great podcast! Timely and appropriate. Thank you so much, Lindsay! ❤
You are so welcome!
this is new to me i didnt even know you did a podcast ,i dont like the idea of no buy ,i do love getting my art supplies ,yes i know i dont need them but oh how joyful it is to try new paints and papers;i can never get bored with creating im very grateful for what i have ,thank you for this,
Thanks for watching!
Lindsay, listening to you, while I was drawing. It is the first time that i found your podcast. I m thinking this is like a breath of fresh air….just want say You are dead on, about my shopping for materials ….just to have it when i will want to make that certain something. It s been about a year that i havent bought anything…but at that time in my life…I had to have it because it was a new product that i had to have in my “stash”just in case i needed it.
Btw, I enjoyed myself, thanks to you.
Ps. I m 82 and want to laint till i m 100 hahha
Nice! I'm sure you will!
No gatekeeping FTW!!! I will replace this year, but no plans on adding to my stash. Great listen, Lindsay!
Yay! Thank you!
Yes, supplies can relly make or break your love for art
I started my 1 year no-buy in November. I have a 3 year old and a 5 months old and i regretted my decision😂 i do understand now the concept of buying to reduce stress. But i will keep going because own too much makes me uncomfortable...and i dont have storage space.
Beautiful podcast 👏
Thanks for sharing!!
I definitely want to be more intentional about the supplies I buy for my hobbies, of which I have MANY. And I’m sure I have more supplies than I can possibly use in my lifetime. Some things were good buys, some I’ve regretted. Some of which I bought thinking I had more time on my hands to use them and didn’t. I try to go through my stash every year or so and clean out products I don’t use or use very little and either donate them or encourage my kids to help me use them up.
Love that!
Hi Lindsay...so happy you have a new episode of your podcast! Yes yes yes I decided in November 2023 to have a NO Buy year in 2024...but keep a list of things I run out of or "think" I need to have. Thanks for this! It's confirmation for me that I made the right decision for 2024!!😊
Thanks for sharing!!
OMG so called out about the Pastelmat and the expensive pastels (although it's Terry Ludwig who is my nemesis) hahahah. Also, you so called it about Winsor & Newton. Their watercolor paper used to be so good!
Right?!
Loved this Lindsay! More podcasts please 🙂
Will do!!
I probably hit this point midyear last year. I dont do no-buys, but I have seriously slowed my roll. AND have used more of the stuff I have. It feels good. Also decided to apply it to my weaving, I just pulled a run of towels off my loom! Use up that old yarn I moved down here with! Hurray!
Nice!
I definitely want to use more of what I already have and buy a few things along the way. I really don't want or need anything new at the moment...I have lots I can create with. Thanks Lindsay, this was a great topic!
Thanks for sharing!!
I’m definitely looking at being much more intentional with my purchases across the board this year. Basically using what I have & replacing used up favorites
Sounds good!
I had no idea you had a blogcast! I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed this and plan on listening to the other episodes! Now, you hit the nail on the head with your suggestions and ideas about impulse buying so many times, and the reasons for it, that you could have been in my brain. I’ve been following you for years, you were the first artist I discovered on RUclips years ago. You are also an excellent salesperson lol. It’s not negative, I have a lot of supplies I love because of your influence and other artists influence on here. I was trying for a no buy, but several purchases later, I have some other ideas about how to control my spending. What works against me is I am retired and working part time (I’m a nurse) and so have disposable income to spend. But what is stopping me now is that I want to use what I have, and spend this year on building my skills instead of my art supply collections. I am trying to avoid reviews unless it is a technique I want to learn, and definitely avoiding “art hauls”. I appreciate all your suggestions and ideas, and will probably be listening to this episode again. It was refreshing to be able to LISTEN to what you were saying, instead of focusing on the next great art supply on sale (I’m a sucker for sales). Thanks for the time you spend sharing your talent, suggestions and ideas. I appreciate you. ❤
My pleasure!
I've missed your podcasts! Great topic- it's easier for me to not impulse-buy since I've moved because I'm too far away from the stores and my shopping buddies. ❤ I really appreciate your ending comments about "gatekeeping". It isn't just in the art world, but also in just about every topic out there. I don't watch much any more because of it. Good for you for keeping up with the positive, encouraging content! ❤
Thank you!
yes, of course! Does it count that I just bought pencil sketch books, new pencils and some thrifted watercolor supples? Oh, and $2.00 clearance Zen brushes for my gouache class? Then I had $10 free bonus money....
I'll shoot for February.
Whatever works for you!
Does it count that the pencils and sketchbooks are a donation for my school's auction. And the store had a John Lynch (I think that was the name) palette for $3.00
Hi, Lindsay. Thank you for your video and blog.🎉.❤. Happy weekend.
Thank you! You too!
I really liked this. This really spoke to me. One of my big problem was subscriptions I didn't use but kept because I might on day use them. It adds up very quickly. And buying extra classes on-line because buying a bundle was a good deal. Or buying classes for fantasy me that I ended up never doing.
Fantasy me like classes too!
Great podcast. Thankyou. For me in 2024 I will use what I have with a lot more mixed media and having a lot more fun with it. No more impulse buying I will only buy what I need to replace if I run out of something I love using. However my birthday is next month is my 60th bday and I ordered a set of Paul Rueben's neon bright watercolors because bright colors are the light bringing me out of the darkness. Seriously bright colors make me happy. I'm also going to stop using so much whites and use bright colors in place of it for highlights etc. Fun conversation Thankyou
Nice!
Really needed to hear this! I think in 2024 I will buy replacements for things I use up completely first. That will encourage more practice and may focus my watercolor palette of 24+ colors down to the colors I consider essential. "it's only a bargain if you actually USE it." Words to live by!
I'm winding down on art supply purchases and agreeing with you that more time should be spent creating than purchasing. How people spend their money is wildly divergent based on differing interests and priorities. Some people love to travel and that's an expensive pastime. If you were to add up the cost of every art supply you've purchased in your life, it might be less than the cost of your upcoming French art retreat. That retreat is going to be an amazing event. For that price, a person could buy the top of the line supplies in every art category. They'll have those supplies for much of their life versus a one week trip. The people going on the trip already have art supplies. They're going for the experience with you providing live lessons and critiques in an exotic location.
So true!
Thank you! This was great, definitely going into 2024 with the mindset of intentional buying. Hope to hear more pod casts in the future. They are perfect inspiration while making ❤️🎨❤️
More to come!
Loved the podcast. During the last week of 2023 I made a deep cleaning that included my studio. I really felt overwhelmed. So, this is a not buying year for me. That’s I think achievable for me. But the part that really tore me down was the amount of photos and souvenirs that I have. I didn’t have the guts to throw them away. I’d really appreciate if some of your tutorials had some ideas for using this kind of thing.
You might try a scrapbooking channel
Loved this podcast Lindsay. I struggle with not buying the new cool thing. I cannot commit to a no-buy. I know me. 😆 However, I have decided on a low-buy for supplies on an as-needed basis.
I have to admit though, I did buy the Artisto watercolor pencils. I can't believe how good they are. Very pigmented, and they don't leave pencil marks on the paper! Im very pleasantly surprised with them and will be reaching for them on a regular basis for my sketchbooks. Much better than the Arteza ones in my opinion.
Sometimes I'll go through my stash and donate supplies I don't use to someone who I know will use and appreciate them. It feels really good to help someone who loves art but may not be able to afford supplies. 😊
I wonder if arteza changed its formula. The ones I have are lovely.
@@thefrugalcrafter I don't know. I got mine about two years ago. Mine aren't very pigmented and when I add water to them, the only word I can think of to describe them is slimy. Maybe it's the binder. 🤔
Ohmygosh, yes! Everything you said! This year, I'm going work hard to say no to impulsive buys and focus on using what I have. It's already been fun rediscovering lost art supplies and creating with them 😊. Thank you for the inspiration! 💗
Wonderful!
Oh how I love this podcast and the fact that you’re going to do more! ❤🎉😊
Yay!
Very interesting. Great podcast. Might be doing low-no buy.
Go for it!
I'm going to be wiser for sure. I loved the, "let them!" use what each one wants to use, yes!!! When my children were little tykes, I needed something to help me relax while breastfeeding the youngest child and seems like she was attached 24/7 so I took embroidery, I could do this while she nursed and slept in my arms. Yes, she was safe, I just had a way of holding her with my arms and my hands could work used my legs to help support her while I raised them up. BUT, my first project was on a tshirt and my neighhbor told me what a waste of my time and so on with a tshirt!!! I embroidered a sunflower and it was gorgeous! I told her, it was a gift for my niece who was in middle school and that it was a sleeping shirt so that is fine. I thought she was weird. My niece loved it and wore it until she outgrew it. I guess she thought I needed to be making heirlooms.....Thank you, always love hearing what you have to share.
I bet that person wasted time watching TV. People love to judge.
You are such a wise woman and I can relate to everything you said. I am guilty of these things and maybe listening to you will help me with wasteful spending this year. You would have made a great therapist, so smart and wise. I thank you Lindsay.
Thank you so much!
I feel more secure when I know that I have a supply of things to create with, like money in the bank or food in the freezer/pantry. I also tend to buy when I have stressful things going on in my life. It’s my reward for getting through the stuff I “have to do”. The thing is, I spent more time “creating” and having fun when I had children at home and much more to do than I have to do now! I think it is partly due to having less energy and focus now, but I still love having projects just waiting for me to do! I’m not on a no-buy. I’m more realistic about myself than that, but I now have a stockpile of art supplies that I wanted, so I don’t think I’ll be tempted to buy as much.
I get that.
Yessssss....definitely be more intentional. 😊
Absolutely!!
Hi Lindsay, Your comments are so full of good common sense! I enjoyed the Podcast very much! You look terrific in the picture, and so happy!
Oh thank you!
Great episode, Lindsay! Fellow Mainer here... I am on a no spend 2024 and appreciated your comments about more thoughtful approaches to buying or adding to my stash. I'm currently in the midst of a craft room re-organization and purge and it's forced me to be looking at what I have and give away what I know I'm not going to use. I've gone through many emotions in the process but am re-committing to using what I have before making any more purchases. Thanks so much for your inspiration and ideas to keep me focused on my goal!
Good luck!
My goal is a low-buy (I can use gift cards to purchase things if I run out… like a favourite fine liner or white gouache).
I have spent too much money on art supplies in the last two years (considering the amount of time I have available) and am overwhelmed by choice when I sit down to create. I have collected too much stuff because I love it all and it’s so pretty! I need to actually USE it and not collect it. So my goal is to create and not collect this year. I will feel better knowing that I am using what I already own.
I received the gift cards already from family members for Christmas/birthday, so I am not the person purchasing the gift cards 😂.
Perfect!
I've already failed. I spent $15 on a Walmart clearance for a Royal & Langnickel Sketch & Draw 157 piece set. I'd been passing on it for weeks always forgetting to check reviews. By the time I read some reviews, it was sold out. No biggie because I knew these would be at best decent budget supplies. I saw it again yesterday and decided to get it. It comes with a 12"x18" clipboard, a small pencil case, and a pencil wrap that holds about 40 pencils. It cheats on the number count by counting individual pages in drawing pads, but it's still got an awful lot of media. I still have to swatch everything and do some art with it. Reviews were mostly good. It's still online at Walmart for $20.
Enjoy!
Very informative, thanks Lindsay 🌸🌿
You are so welcome!
Good talk Lindsay, thanks! I know all this (I'm sure most of us do) but it needs to be refreshed in my brain every now and then. Being an accountant I tend to look at something to purchase and think about how long do I have to work to buy something and how many hours will I enjoy/wear/use...it. I am just now climbing out of a very deep depression. I was hording...mostly craft supplies. Now that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, I can't find some of my supplies. But, I have promised myself that I will not buy new just because I can't find it. So yes it will be a no buy year. Hopefully when I find what ever it is that I need it's not dried up or no longer working. A long with that promise I am going to master my scan&cut, and work through my Lindsay classes. I still have a few weeks before we get my craft space back to a working craft space, but, I am now highly motivated. Let's see how I do.
You can do it!
Not overthinking why I buy those brushes….it is all those reasons! I’ve been avoiding buying ANYTHING since I got too carried away a few years ago and spent, and spent, on anything and everything. I actually had almost a complete arts and craft store. It’s paid off now, and I’m terrified to even buy underwear, afraid to trigger another spree. So my undies have holes. 😂
😆
Im trying to use up all my supplies and will buy only necessities!
You got this!
I needed to hear this! Going through my stash as you speak. I DONT NEED ANYTHING. ❤ thank you. Happy new year!!
Happy new year!!
Thank you for this very thoughtful post! I really don’t like clutter or stuff hanging around, but I have fallen into buying more watercolors than I need. I fall into the mindset that a new paint will make me a better painter😅. I’ve been decluttering my house, partly as I know myself better, that I’m not sentimental and don’t want to hang onto stuff for that reason. Also having dealt with estate issues, I don’t want to leave all this clutter for my son when I finally shuffle off this mortal coil. Scandinavians call this “death cleaning”😂.
Sorry "Mortal Coil" to me is a funny descriptor 😂 I'm also aware of my belongings, I'm into lots of hobbies & try to keep it restrained 😅
Love that!
Im trying a no buy this year. I have so many supplies that I need to use. We'll see how this goes. 😆
I am almost sure that I will outlive my supplies in all of my art/craft genres and I’m also fairly sure none of my family is delirious about inheriting them. However, this summer I had a small purge of some things from my retirement “leftovers”. On a flash of inspiration, I called an elementary school in a lower income area near me and they were thrilled about anything I could give them. They made me feel as if I were totally contributing to the growth of the next creative geniuses. I couldn’t have gained as much pleasure from creating my own masterpiece as I have from sharing my basic and student-grade “real” art supplies. Holding on to everything was becoming a burden and throwing it away was nauseating, but donating/contributing it truly sparked joy. I’d already started a “no buy” program - with similar exceptions to your list - and I think it’s breaking through my recent stagnation. Thanks for the reminder and boost.
Nice!
Low buy, I am getting the 2 new prismacolor premiere colors and a few of the new inktense colors. Playing with the resin kit you demonstrated a year ago.
Have fun!
You have spoken about a truth happening in my life right now.
❤️ you got this!
Love this style podcast❤
Thanks!
I have different art mediums and this year I’m doing a watercolor no buy. Off the top of my head I have five different watercolor palettes which I would rotate and four new unused palettes. My watercolor no buy started in November 2023 and it will end in November 2024. I’m not sure what happened but I haven’t used my watercolors in about two months, but I still enjoy watching watercolor videos and hope the videos will give me the spark to start painting again. Anyway, I’m doing a low buy for my other supplies (coloring pencils, Derwent inktense pencils, watercolor pencils etc) and I can buy if I need it, replacing what I’ve used, or I have the credit card cash back, or gifted money. I’m over buying coloring books and stamping/card making supplies as I became more interested in creating my own art (around 2022). I’m happy with and love everything I’ve already accumulated and I’m not going to sell anything. Right now I’m enjoying my coloring pencils and getting back into using my inktense pencils. I colored a line drawing from a coloring book I purchased approximately three years ago, and I was pleased with how it turned out. Interesting podcast, thanks!
You're welcome!