Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that my new book, Things That Matter, is finally here. I put my heart into it, and I can’t wait to share it with you. You can pick up a copy at www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676394/things-that-matter-by-joshua-becker/
Great topic! I went through all my craft supplies and finally admitted that right now I am not: an embroiderer, not a candle maker, not a soap maker, not a .... a lot of different crafters that I have been in the past and/or that I envision myself being in future. And this allowed me to let go of a LOT of supplies that were taking up space and not being used. For now, I sew and crochet and that is enough along with all my other responsibilities. Cheers
Yessss! I used to be creative, but for now, with young kids, I am not, and that's fine, so I had to get rid of many things I thought I'd use. I think mentally admitting to that is the hard part.
The words, "...and this is enough along with my other responsibilities." REALLY stood out for me for two reasons. First, yes that's true - as with many of us, we DO have a lot of responsibilities. For me personally, I'm a former city dweller who now has a hobby farm/farm house my husband and I are renovating, a home business and 3 children still living at home along with my Mom moving in with us etc. etc. but the Second part was that I realized that I'm going through the motions of taking care of my responsibilities, not being more conscious of my life/passions which truthfully are in my at home studio. I'm going to live more intentionally.As with you, I love to sew and design, and I'm going to put more love into that :) After watching this much needed video and with reading your comment, I am truly inspired 🙏 Thank you!
I fell into this trap years ago, but thankfully I climbed out pretty quickly - - "Buying craft supplies and Using craft supplies are actually two separate hobbies". I've often shared the tip to 'shop' your own stash if you need a shopping fix - you'll find things you forgot you had, and the browsing can spark your creativity - without spending any money.
LOL, I just posted the two hobby joke before I saw your comment. Shopping my art book collection is also beneficial, before I subscribe to yet another magazine or buy a how-to book
I don’t believe this….. I just stepped out of my craft room from decluttering. I now have to go back and start over. You are very right, I have way too much stuff. And I mean a LOT. 50 years of crafting and all it takes is working on something at midnight and not having that one thing …. It started a hoard. This is going to be tough. You mentioned in a previous video, if it takes joy out of your life, get rid of it no matter how much you paid for it. I’m doing it…starting again tomorrow! Thank you!
I used to buy fabric on sale for future sewing projects, thinking I was saving money. But then, most of the time, I never made the item that I purchased it for - so, 'saving money' actually ended up causing me to waste money in the end...
Thank you for walking me through minimalism. It has helped me so much, especially right now as my husband Christopher has just been diagnosed with cancer. I would really appreciate prayer for healing for him. -Grace
I do think having the right supplies is important. Artist quality pencils blend in a way cheap ones don’t. I have a limited budget so not buying a lot of things and just having a few really beautiful supplies has bought me more joy than when I bought a bunch of new cheaper things chasing new inspiration. I get so much more from mastering my favourite supplies!
Just like Star said. buy the best quality that you can afford. In the long run it will save you money by not buying all of the cheaper junk. A lesson I've learned the HARD way.
I remember a friend got this art set that had *a lot* of different types of media; Chalk, wax, colored marker, paint, colored pencil crayon. I was jealous of her until I realized how cheap the supplies were and how much space the plastic container took up. Besides, I already had my own supplies of stuff that I didn't use much
I'm a professional artist and teach botanical illustration and painting to people of all ages. I had the temptation to buy the BIG colored pencil sets in the two brands I like (Faber Castell Polychromos and Prismacolor) but then I realized that with the sets I had I kept returning to the same few primary and secondary colors. So in my last class I challenged my students to work with a minimal palette of about a dozen colored pencils, and do a color chart showing the many different combinations they can make. You can get almost 200 different colors from a set of 14 pencils, not including variations of value and chroma! Right now I'm trying to decide whether to pass on the pastels and pastel pencils. I do work in several media but not pastel so much anymore.
I just had a yard sale and sold off a bunch of my unfinished furniture that I refurbish& sell. It was just too much stuff... I kept a few excellent pieces to refurbish& I'm excited because I don't have to weave through mounds of furniture to get to them. Enjoying this Minimalist journey. Thanks for all the tips!
Good insights. I paint landscapes full time . One of the first teachers I studied with said “don’t get caught up in gear”. “Find what works for you and stick with it”. For about ten years I stayed with a very limited palette of colors- and mixed everything from those three colors plus white. This might not work for everyone but it was good for me because I had to think about why I was mixing things the way I was. Was I going to make things more saturated darker or lighter, or warmer or cooler, those are the basic three elements of color. Anyhow I like the idea of limitation actually building creativity. The architect Le Corbusier said “necessity is the mother of invention”. It’s not exactly the same thought but it’s kind of related.
I especially like the tip to find someone who will really appreciate your art supplies because they can be hard to part with. Having them go to a place where you know they'll be appreciated helps make it easier.
College visual art departments are always an amazing place to check if they take donated supplies, usually they'll want them student grade or above but will take more crafter items most of the time.
This video came up on my home page - Perfect timing for me as I am in the middle of a huge de clutter and destash in my craft room(s)! I have found a school who want to organise a craft club for pupils but don’t have the spare funds to do it. Suddenly I have a reason to share all my excess purchases and know I could be helping to create another generation of makers. This is making me much more ruthless in being honest with myself about supplies than I have been before - so thank you for helping to give me clarity and focus my mind Joshua.
Speaking of having less yarn is sacrilege to some people. It's almost like a right of passage to stash yarn, to get as much as you can find places to tuck it away. Under the bed, in the closet, in the kids' rooms, even in the bathroom. I have way too much than I will ever use. I think it's time to find new homes for all those pretty little skeins of yarns.
One way to limit yarn is to plan out how long it will take to finish each project. Divide out the the supplies for each project. Limit how many projects you can have supplies for based on that time limit. Then, admit the hard truth that it will take twice as long to actually do each project. And agree that you don't get to purchase more yarn until you finish the projects you keep. How long do you want to stay out the yarn store? [For acrylic yarns, try Red Heart's "No Dye Lot" yarns. That way you only need a single skein of the color at a time and can purchase as you progress.]
@@bcase5328 But even the no-dye-lot yarns actually do have dye lots. If you try to buy a skein and then buy the same color and brand a couple of years later, it can look noticeably different and ruin your project plans. Ask me how I know. ☺️
How did I miss this excellent video for so long? My incredibly talented cousin is overwhelmed with mainly yarn and fabric. I’m going to send her this. Thank you, Joshua.
I go by the ‘finish what’s on your plate’ philosophy. It’s based on the fact that if you haven’t finished what’s on your plate, you shouldn’t start loading it back up with seconds that you probably won’t eat. Therefore I don’t need to buy a new set of pencils if I’m not using what I have. Or why don’t I do a drawing with graphite pencils instead of colour pencils. Then once I know they’d definitely get used I can go ahead and buy something new.
@My Art Junk haha happy to listen to your rant. That’s a good point and pencil drawings; you can stop and pick it up again at any point. Sorry about your arm. Just do what you can enjoy the times you can spend being creative.
My boys are grown now, but while raising them I always used the phase, "let's donate these toys or clothes and bless someone else". Being a christian family it always was the right thing to say, which made donating a lot easier. And now my husband and I still use that phase since we are decluttering and down sizing since we are recently retired. You have been a wonderful mentor for my husband who is learning so much from you!! Thank you and God bless you for your wonderful ministry. Love, GAIL
Just what I needed to hear and at the right time as I am dealing with this very issue. I am slowly sorting out and donating but it is a very emotional process that I know I must face. Alone and with determination. This is by far the most challenging aspect of decluttering for me. I am also aware that, from a psychological point of view, it stops me from doing my work. If I spend every day having to deal with and getting frustrated by the amount of supplies that I have, then I am too exhausted to be creative. So, without realising what I am doing, (up until now) I am creating the perfect excuse not to do the work. Thank you 🙏❤️
I got into adult coloring. I bought a few gel pens and an adult coloring book at the dollar store. I was really enjoying it. Then I bought more books, more pens, pencils eyc. Then I decided I just wanted to use gel pens. I bought two packs of around 200 pens each. I really haven't colored since. I think that having too much just halts us from even doing the activity.
I learned how to knit during 2020 lockdowns. Looking through my craft supplies, I realized I don't cross stitch that much any more but I have a huge supply. Working on my last project before I gift the supplies to a friend. Don't allow myself to knit until the cross stitch is out the door. I think I moved away from cross stitch because it was purely decorative where as knitted items have a purpose as well as being calming. To keep the stash of yarn small, I find a project first then buy the yarn, set boundaries with a small dresser for storage and buy higher quality yarns to avoid the temptation of sales.
I love the perspective thinking you shared. The one that stuck out for me was “when we have a limited amount of things in front of us, it forces creativity upon us”. I completely agree. And I also like your tennis analogy. Thanks so much for sharing this. I had been helpful and I agree with you.
Perfect timing! I’ve just turned my she shed into an art studio. I work in several different mediums. I have turned an armoire into my organized supply storage. If it doesn’t fit, I donate it. Thanks for all you contribute ✨🕊
For years I kept telling myself “I need a planner” or “I need these special pens” to do my job even though I can organize my thoughts just as easily on a notebook, scratch paper or a computer. It’s clear to me after watching this video that I purchase those types of products just to help make work feel more exciting than it does 😂
Thank you! I needed to hear this. I recently started a crafting time at church and focusing on making blankets (quilt, knit, or tie) for a pregnancy center. I am using up a lot of my fabric, learning new techniques from others more skilled than me and having fun! Donating things I don't use to a Christian thrift shop that does awesome work in the community. I am on the right track after hearing this.
It applies to both art/craft and collections. When we start, we buy anything and everything that has a remote connection to our new hobby. As we progress, we become choosy, go for a certain brand, quality, etc. However, we still keep the old stuff. It makes sense to pass it to a “newbie” and allow that other person to discover the wonders of … whatever it is on a cheap.
That quote by Orson Welles is very accurate. When I have too many options, I get overwhelmed and wind up doing nothing. When I have just a few things because either I'm out of my studio or on the road, I can come up with all sorts of things I wouldn't have otherwise.
My husband jokes (or not) that we need a bigger house for all my sewing machines, fabrics & notions that I have been acquiring for over 40 years. I love it all but it’s way too much. Thank you for your insights to help pare down & still enjoy the craft.
THIS! Yes! ALL THIS!! Thank you! Its how i feel and what i know and i need to destash harder!! I needed to hear it from someone else in what feels like my own thoughts put into words if that makes sense! 😅 Tysm for the video! I am going to share it with my sister too bc we are having such a difficult time making room to actually DO and ENJOY our crafts!! Much love fm a grateful grrl in deep south Texas! 💕
What a great topic. I really appreciate your videos. I teach art and don’t get as much time as I would like to do my own art at home. I am going to donate my excess supplies to the art department when I return from the summer break next week. I have done this in the past but I feel I can release even more.
wow perfect timing i just started crafting again after a year and im thinking keep it simple dont go crazy with so many things and when i keep it simple im getting it done thank you for this video
All of your videos are very helpful. However; this one really spoke to me as a graduate with an art degree. I have supplies I have kept for years and don't work in the art field.
Thank you for your honest, calm and gentle videos. I related to this one- I have a hard time letting craft materials go, but when I have a simpler clearer craft set up I always create more.
This video was really timely and meaningful for me - we will be moving to a new apartment at the end of August, and my "card room" is so overloaded with papercrafting stuff that I've been donating boxes and boxes of supplies. It really resonated with me that too much stuff can be the enemy of creativity. This move is forcing me to reevaluate how I do my art, what my current style is, etc. Thanks for the help with changing my mindset.
My female ancestors took whatever they could find, and they made amazing items. Rag rugs, woven during the Great Depression, to sell. Quilts from old clothes that are on my bed today. Stunning handiwork. They didn't need a lot of money, and they didn't have it. They had skills, creativity, and a deep need to create.
You have been wonderful inspiration for me over the last year of decluttering on my journey to minimalism. My craft room has been the most difficult but I continue to declutter along with resolving to only purchase a few consumable items this year as needed. I am amazed and delighted to see how much money I've saved as I become more minimalist and it feels wonderful to give more to missions in my church as well as nonprofit like the Hope Effect.
Perfect timing. I’ve been decluttering my arts and crafts supplies. For some reason, I can’t quite let go of my blank journals. I’m more a writer than a painter, and blank journals both inspire me (“Ooh, all the stories and poetry I could write!”) and cause me to self-recriminate (“Oh, no. Why haven’t I written all those stories and poems yet?”)... *sigh* Baby steps...
I am liking this because I am donating supplies. One thing I did was googled around and found a craft supplies resale! I called and asked them if I could mail them stuff.
I quilt and knit. Quilting in particular seems to be about large scale consumption - stacks of acrylic rulers, tools and more tools, expensive machines, long arm machines, and endless yards of fabric. I could buy all that if I wanted it.... Sort of alienated from the quilting social media, as I hand sew everything. A single bed quilt takes me years. Am on my third one. No hurry, how many quilts does a person need?
I donated two bags of fabric I wasn’t going to use to my local community group that helps young people with disabilities undertake creative activities. It felt good to know my surplus fabrics were going to a good home and also that I was creating a calmer creative space for myself to use the fabrics I chose to keep.
We have a lot of arts and crafts items all around the house. Many unfinished projects and many that don’t seem like enjoyable anymore. It’s always on our mind to either work with it or to donate but we never seem to be able to part ways with the items. It’s on our to-do over the summer break list🤞
Thank you so much for this video. My "hobby" is cooking, and I have been more successful in minimizing my cooking supplies and cookbooks by reassuring myself that much enjoyment will be had by efficient and creative use of what I already have. It was the fear of the loss of a good meal that was keeping me from parting with excessive stuff. After minimizing, I am still enjoying cooking and baking and am enjoying it even more now that I am not stressed by too many items which only complicated the process. Many thanks for another great video!
This is great advice. I am currently thinning out items stored with my paints and brushes. If it doesn’t belong in this dedicated area, I’m moving it out to the area where it belongs. My method of managing totes is to get rid of the totes and store items in containers with like items. If it’s excess, get rid of it. My excess will be a blessing to others. Thank goodness for this channel. 🙏🏻
It's a real relief to get rid of unfinished projects. With me I'm usually stuck on how to proceed or I just don't like the project anymore. It's supposed to be a hobby. If it doesn't bring joy, give it away.
I'm an artist too. This video would really help me to declutter. Please have videos often like earlier. Not only on decluttering but also in other areas such as Positive Thinking and Handling Others in the family and society. It will also help us. Keep up the good work Joshua. Thank you!
Honestly, I did not expect such a useful video simply because I can't imagine you dealing with the amount of craft specific clutter I have. And I watched it because of your reputation (first video of yours I have watched.) I wondered if what you had to say about this would be meaningful to me. It is and I appreciate how well you share what you have learned. Thank you.
Unfinished projects. I sadly had to admit that I wasn't going to finish any of the cross stitching I started, as great as they were. OTOH - unfinished finished is kind of a look for my paintings and drawings - someone pointed that out to me. When I started to evaluate the pieces, I realized that though they might not have looked as I intended them to, they were complete. A huge game changer! Now what I need is a way to display my multitude of images.
So true! Back in my youth, I had very little money. I managed to get a cheap little camera. I started taking pictures and soon my photos became more composed and dramatic. I must have taken hundreds of pictures. After a few years, I met a rich friend who was so impressed with my work, he bought me my first professional "expensive" camera. I got really good with what I had.
A few years ago, I read Miss Minimalist. I have one box for each craft, she suggested modules. Colors of paper, yarn, and fabric change. I donated some yarn to the local museum for a kids' project. Then I gave some paper to the public library. I keep two balls of yarn to try crochet patterns. I have a box of good colored pencils and gave all the rest to my grandson. I really don't need much. I make things out of junk mail to try out the instructions. Tina
I volunteer with a group of residents in my retirement community to organize estate sales for other residents who have had to move from their retirement home over to to the nursing home (or have died). Their sewing/crafts/unfinished projects room and the linen closet are always, always the worst areas to sort through. It's really sad to imagine all the money that is wasted on SO much stuff that is bought but never used and enjoyed.
@Debbie Ricker ~ I wonder if there’s a great opportunity to connect the retired residents with young crafters who don’t have the economic means to buy the supplies they need. Pair them up with the more experienced retirees who could teach them their skills and share their crafting stash. A win-win all around! :-)
This is so accurate. I don't have motivation for years now and I always plan on buying this and that but it never happen that's why I'm just waiting here until I get everything I think I need. Thankfully, I found your channel. Will watch more of your videos for now.
Really appreciated this info, and I agree that the plethora of supplies gets in the way of inspiration as I have found that to be true. Thank you for the encouragement to let go of some of the supplies and get started on the creating.
Thank you for helping me keep on track. Craft items are on my list of downsizing. Im selling mine on RUclips and ship it out. This helps me to keep motivated. I watch some of your older videos to remind myself where I want to be.
Dana K. White teaches the Container Concept. Your container - drawer, basket, box, room - forces you to set limits. So instead saying only six paintbrushes, the container you choose, which must easily fit into the space you've set aside, sets the limit. I've found arts & crafts to be a hot button for me as I've over purchased.
I love the comment - do better work then better tools. I’m mid craft cupboard declutter and organisation. I’ve limited the storage totes and also decided to use up what I have before buying anything more. Ps I’ve also decided on crafts that take up less space. I just need to use up what I already have. Fabric and wool take up so much space, so unless it’s for a specific project I won’t be buying anymore. I used to just get fabric I liked without a project in mind.
This is a very helpful video that's come at a good time. I have many materials and projects I'm not working on so it's definitely time to let go and donate them.
I used to follow Miss Minimalist. I have one plastic shoebox for each craft. People give me their extras, and I pass on mine to a local seniors group. I got ribbons and buttons from a garage sale, and many skeins of yarn from a friend. I enjoy working with limits. Tina, Al's wife
LOL The tennis racket story was a good one. I new a guy who had tons of lures. When he went fishing, he spent more time changing lures than actual fishing, and often came home empty handed. I have the same problem with too many supplies. Often I just stare at the pile of stuff, and nothing gets done.. it is too overwhelming.
I have a variety of hobbies ranging from quilting to knitting to mosaic etc. The best tactic for me is to only buy what I need for a specific project, and that must be my next project. When the project is over, I keep the tools for next use. Left-over materials get used for smaller projects or donated. If I have more than one project on the go (I usually do because I have to alternate hand use due to repetitive strain) each has it's own box with the tools and materials for that project, labelled. Future projects have the materials grouped in a box, again labelled. Easy to keep track of what materials are for what project, and easy to pack away when not in use.
Hi Joshua found you yesterday. Today I loaded my car up with stuff to take to the recycling centre.and also the charity shop .watching you was like a light going on.i started my journey today thanks to you. I love your hair, people who critise are just jealous. Can we please have a house tour.
How perfectly timed! I began doing this project yesterday and now this video has given me even more perspective. LOL. I am going to do a 2nd de-clutter right now!
I recently fixed up an old cabinet to keep all my craft totes. And it helps to get organised. Now I just need to stop committing to new stuff, so I can finish my projects that are half done ....
I found this really useful as I feel that crafts (and memory box things) are pretty personal and don't fit well into the criteria I use for clothing for example. I really think this will help me. Thank you!
Like anything else, too much ART stuff is overwhelming. This is obvious to me now, but I've been learning from you since way before you had a RUclips channel.
Thank you for another thought provoking video, it is so tempting to buy gadgets, I do need to remember that practice is more important. However having nearly finished a large patchwork quilt from a kit purchased and started in 2005 (I think), I will continue to store the patterns and fabric I bought before I retired….I enjoy having a few projects in the planning and I have space for what I own.
Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that my new book, Things That Matter, is finally here. I put my heart into it, and I can’t wait to share it with you. You can pick up a copy at www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676394/things-that-matter-by-joshua-becker/
Great topic! I went through all my craft supplies and finally admitted that right now I am not: an embroiderer, not a candle maker, not a soap maker, not a .... a lot of different crafters that I have been in the past and/or that I envision myself being in future. And this allowed me to let go of a LOT of supplies that were taking up space and not being used. For now, I sew and crochet and that is enough along with all my other responsibilities. Cheers
Nourishing minimalism always says "live for your current self, not the future self or past self"
Yessss! I used to be creative, but for now, with young kids, I am not, and that's fine, so I had to get rid of many things I thought I'd use. I think mentally admitting to that is the hard part.
The words, "...and this is enough along with my other responsibilities." REALLY stood out for me for two reasons. First, yes that's true - as with many of us, we DO have a lot of responsibilities. For me personally, I'm a former city dweller who now has a hobby farm/farm house my husband and I are renovating, a home business and 3 children still living at home along with my Mom moving in with us etc. etc. but the Second part was that I realized that I'm going through the motions of taking care of my responsibilities, not being more conscious of my life/passions which truthfully are in my at home studio. I'm going to live more intentionally.As with you, I love to sew and design, and I'm going to put more love into that :) After watching this much needed video and with reading your comment, I am truly inspired 🙏 Thank you!
I fell into this trap years ago, but thankfully I climbed out pretty quickly - - "Buying craft supplies and Using craft supplies are actually two separate hobbies". I've often shared the tip to 'shop' your own stash if you need a shopping fix - you'll find things you forgot you had, and the browsing can spark your creativity - without spending any money.
Oh so true I quilt and I have enough scraps to make a large quilt without the need to by anymore fabric.
LOL, I just posted the two hobby joke before I saw your comment. Shopping my art book collection is also beneficial, before I subscribe to yet another magazine or buy a how-to book
Excellent advice!
I don’t believe this…..
I just stepped out of my craft room from decluttering. I now have to go back and start over. You are very right, I have way too much stuff. And I mean a LOT. 50 years of crafting and all it takes is working on something at midnight and not having that one thing …. It started a hoard. This is going to be tough. You mentioned in a previous video, if it takes joy out of your life, get rid of it no matter how much you paid for it. I’m doing it…starting again tomorrow! Thank you!
I used to buy fabric on sale for future sewing projects, thinking I was saving money. But then, most of the time, I never made the item that I purchased it for - so, 'saving money' actually ended up causing me to waste money in the end...
Thank you for walking me through minimalism. It has helped me so much, especially right now as my husband Christopher has just been diagnosed with cancer. I would really appreciate prayer for healing for him. -Grace
Prayers gping up
I just prayed for Christopher. I prayed for healing, courage, peace and a closer walk with God through this.
@@deborahpellerito6117 thank you!
@@JNtwinner thank you so much!
Praying for healing for Christopher from NW Arkansas, strength and courage for you and wisdom for all who provide treatment for him. God bless you.
I do think having the right supplies is important. Artist quality pencils blend in a way cheap ones don’t. I have a limited budget so not buying a lot of things and just having a few really beautiful supplies has bought me more joy than when I bought a bunch of new cheaper things chasing new inspiration. I get so much more from mastering my favourite supplies!
Quality over quantity
Just like Star said. buy the best quality that you can afford. In the long run it will save you money by not buying all of the cheaper junk. A lesson I've learned the HARD way.
I remember a friend got this art set that had *a lot* of different types of media; Chalk, wax, colored marker, paint, colored pencil crayon. I was jealous of her until I realized how cheap the supplies were and how much space the plastic container took up.
Besides, I already had my own supplies of stuff that I didn't use much
I'm a professional artist and teach botanical illustration and painting to people of all ages. I had the temptation to buy the BIG colored pencil sets in the two brands I like (Faber Castell Polychromos and Prismacolor) but then I realized that with the sets I had I kept returning to the same few primary and secondary colors. So in my last class I challenged my students to work with a minimal palette of about a dozen colored pencils, and do a color chart showing the many different combinations they can make. You can get almost 200 different colors from a set of 14 pencils, not including variations of value and chroma! Right now I'm trying to decide whether to pass on the pastels and pastel pencils. I do work in several media but not pastel so much anymore.
Brilliant! I love the idea of seeing what you actually use and removing the rest (one of the principles of minimalism, actually).
I have a set of prismcolour pencils and they are good.
I love that you are creating good artists habits for the future!! We all needed an art teacher that would have thought this 😅
One of my best watercolor paintings I've ever done was with one color! It forced me to create contrast. I learned so much with limiting my options.
I just had a yard sale and sold off a bunch of my unfinished furniture that I refurbish& sell. It was just too much stuff... I kept a few excellent pieces to refurbish& I'm excited because I don't have to weave through mounds of furniture to get to them. Enjoying this Minimalist journey. Thanks for all the tips!
When I declutter my art supplies, I take them to the Boys & Girls Club. They seem to love getting them & that makes me happy. ❤️ ty!
Good insights. I paint landscapes full time . One of the first teachers I studied with said “don’t get caught up in gear”. “Find what works for you and stick with it”. For about ten years I stayed with a very limited palette of colors- and mixed everything from those three colors plus white. This might not work for everyone but it was good for me because I had to think about why I was mixing things the way I was. Was I going to make things more saturated darker or lighter, or warmer or cooler, those are the basic three elements of color. Anyhow I like the idea of limitation actually building creativity.
The architect Le Corbusier said “necessity is the mother of invention”. It’s not exactly the same thought but it’s kind of related.
I especially like the tip to find someone who will really appreciate your art supplies because they can be hard to part with. Having them go to a place where you know they'll be appreciated helps make it easier.
College visual art departments are always an amazing place to check if they take donated supplies, usually they'll want them student grade or above but will take more crafter items most of the time.
This video came up on my home page - Perfect timing for me as I am in the middle of a huge de clutter and destash in my craft room(s)! I have found a school who want to organise a craft club for pupils but don’t have the spare funds to do it. Suddenly I have a reason to share all my excess purchases and know I could be helping to create another generation of makers. This is making me much more ruthless in being honest with myself about supplies than I have been before - so thank you for helping to give me clarity and focus my mind Joshua.
Speaking of having less yarn is sacrilege to some people. It's almost like a right of passage to stash yarn, to get as much as you can find places to tuck it away. Under the bed, in the closet, in the kids' rooms, even in the bathroom. I have way too much than I will ever use. I think it's time to find new homes for all those pretty little skeins of yarns.
One way to limit yarn is to plan out how long it will take to finish each project. Divide out the the supplies for each project. Limit how many projects you can have supplies for based on that time limit. Then, admit the hard truth that it will take twice as long to actually do each project. And agree that you don't get to purchase more yarn until you finish the projects you keep. How long do you want to stay out the yarn store? [For acrylic yarns, try Red Heart's "No Dye Lot" yarns. That way you only need a single skein of the color at a time and can purchase as you progress.]
@@bcase5328 But even the no-dye-lot yarns actually do have dye lots. If you try to buy a skein and then buy the same color and brand a couple of years later, it can look noticeably different and ruin your project plans. Ask me how I know. ☺️
How did I miss this excellent video for so long? My incredibly talented cousin is overwhelmed with mainly yarn and fabric. I’m going to send her this. Thank you, Joshua.
I go by the ‘finish what’s on your plate’ philosophy. It’s based on the fact that if you haven’t finished what’s on your plate, you shouldn’t start loading it back up with seconds that you probably won’t eat.
Therefore I don’t need to buy a new set of pencils if I’m not using what I have. Or why don’t I do a drawing with graphite pencils instead of colour pencils. Then once I know they’d definitely get used I can go ahead and buy something new.
@My Art Junk haha happy to listen to your rant. That’s a good point and pencil drawings; you can stop and pick it up again at any point. Sorry about your arm. Just do what you can enjoy the times you can spend being creative.
My boys are grown now, but while raising them I always used the phase, "let's donate these toys or clothes and bless someone else". Being a christian family it always was the right thing to say, which made donating a lot easier. And now my husband and I still use that phase since we are decluttering and down sizing since we are recently retired. You have been a wonderful mentor for my husband who is learning so much from you!! Thank you and God bless you for your wonderful ministry. Love, GAIL
Just what I needed to hear and at the right time as I am dealing with this very issue. I am slowly sorting out and donating but it is a very emotional process that I know I must face. Alone and with determination. This is by far the most challenging aspect of decluttering for me.
I am also aware that, from a psychological point of view, it stops me from doing my work. If I spend every day having to deal with and getting frustrated by the amount of supplies that I have, then I am too exhausted to be creative. So, without realising what I am doing, (up until now) I am creating the perfect excuse not to do the work. Thank you 🙏❤️
Never thought of this but this is me to a t!
This resonates with me. I'm the same way.
I got into adult coloring. I bought a few gel pens and an adult coloring book at the dollar store. I was really enjoying it. Then I bought more books, more pens, pencils eyc. Then I decided I just wanted to use gel pens. I bought two packs of around 200 pens each. I really haven't colored since. I think that having too much just halts us from even doing the activity.
I learned how to knit during 2020 lockdowns. Looking through my craft supplies, I realized I don't cross stitch that much any more but I have a huge supply. Working on my last project before I gift the supplies to a friend. Don't allow myself to knit until the cross stitch is out the door.
I think I moved away from cross stitch because it was purely decorative where as knitted items have a purpose as well as being calming. To keep the stash of yarn small, I find a project first then buy the yarn, set boundaries with a small dresser for storage and buy higher quality yarns to avoid the temptation of sales.
I agree; buy less yarn and be picky about what you do buy. Just the fancy stuff! 🧐🧶
I love the perspective thinking you shared. The one that stuck out for me was “when we have a limited amount of things in front of us, it forces creativity upon us”. I completely agree. And I also like your tennis analogy. Thanks so much for sharing this. I had been helpful and I agree with you.
Willy Nelson has had one guitar only. Wonderful music.
I had 4! Now I have one and it's my absolute favorite!
Wow, that says it all right there! Thanks for posting that.
Perfect timing! I’ve just turned my she shed into an art studio. I work in several different mediums. I have turned an armoire into my organized supply storage. If it doesn’t fit, I donate it. Thanks for all you contribute ✨🕊
Thanks for watching.
For years I kept telling myself “I need a planner” or “I need these special pens” to do my job even though I can organize my thoughts just as easily on a notebook, scratch paper or a computer. It’s clear to me after watching this video that I purchase those types of products just to help make work feel more exciting than it does 😂
I know the feeling, I think many of us have fallen into this trap. I often say these days that "a new planner won't change your life."
I can relate. I bought this not so affordable 2020 planner and only ended up writing on around 5 pages. Yep, I'm in the trap for years now.
Thank you! I liked "Get good with the tools you have." Sharing with creative, crafty family and friends.
Thank you! I needed to hear this. I recently started a crafting time at church and focusing on making blankets (quilt, knit, or tie) for a pregnancy center. I am using up a lot of my fabric, learning new techniques from others more skilled than me and having fun! Donating things I don't use to a Christian thrift shop that does awesome work in the community. I am on the right track after hearing this.
It applies to both art/craft and collections. When we start, we buy anything and everything that has a remote connection to our new hobby. As we progress, we become choosy, go for a certain brand, quality, etc. However, we still keep the old stuff. It makes sense to pass it to a “newbie” and allow that other person to discover the wonders of … whatever it is on a cheap.
Art/craft supplies are the final frontier for decluttering in our home. This video is exactly what I needed, thank you!! 💖
That quote by Orson Welles is very accurate. When I have too many options, I get overwhelmed and wind up doing nothing. When I have just a few things because either I'm out of my studio or on the road, I can come up with all sorts of things I wouldn't have otherwise.
My husband jokes (or not) that we need a bigger house for all my sewing machines, fabrics & notions that I have been acquiring for over 40 years. I love it all but it’s way too much. Thank you for your insights to help pare down & still enjoy the craft.
THIS! Yes! ALL THIS!! Thank you! Its how i feel and what i know and i need to destash harder!! I needed to hear it from someone else in what feels like my own thoughts put into words if that makes sense! 😅 Tysm for the video! I am going to share it with my sister too bc we are having such a difficult time making room to actually DO and ENJOY our crafts!! Much love fm a grateful grrl in deep south Texas! 💕
What a great topic. I really appreciate your videos. I teach art and don’t get as much time as I would like to do my own art at home. I am going to donate my excess supplies to the art department when I return from the summer break next week. I have done this in the past but I feel I can release even more.
wow perfect timing i just started crafting again after a year and im thinking keep it simple dont go crazy with so many things and when i keep it simple im getting it done thank you for this video
All of your videos are very helpful. However; this one really spoke to me as a graduate with an art degree. I have supplies I have kept for years and don't work in the art field.
I struggle with unfinished projects .... time to let stuff go to someone that will enjoy the supplies. Thanks for the encouragement and kindness!
Thank you for your honest, calm and gentle videos. I related to this one- I have a hard time letting craft materials go, but when I have a simpler clearer craft set up I always create more.
AMEN SISTER 🙏🏽 ✔️ 🦅 ❤️
So very true!!!!
This video was really timely and meaningful for me - we will be moving to a new apartment at the end of August, and my "card room" is so overloaded with papercrafting stuff that I've been donating boxes and boxes of supplies. It really resonated with me that too much stuff can be the enemy of creativity. This move is forcing me to reevaluate how I do my art, what my current style is, etc. Thanks for the help with changing my mindset.
Once again you never fail to have those little golden nuggets that I need to push me through the next stage of where I am stuck. Thank you!
My female ancestors took whatever they could find, and they made amazing items. Rag rugs, woven during the Great Depression, to sell. Quilts from old clothes that are on my bed today. Stunning handiwork. They didn't need a lot of money, and they didn't have it. They had skills, creativity, and a deep need to create.
You have been wonderful inspiration for me over the last year of decluttering on my journey to minimalism. My craft room has been the most difficult but I continue to declutter along with resolving to only purchase a few consumable items this year as needed. I am amazed and delighted to see how much money I've saved as I become more minimalist and it feels wonderful to give more to missions in my church as well as nonprofit like the Hope Effect.
Yes, I love my arts area! Creating is a wonderful stress relif and being closer to God and His creation.
This post is my favorite out of all I have watched on this channel.
Thank you very much.
Perfect timing. I’ve been decluttering my arts and crafts supplies. For some reason, I can’t quite let go of my blank journals. I’m more a writer than a painter, and blank journals both inspire me (“Ooh, all the stories and poetry I could write!”) and cause me to self-recriminate (“Oh, no. Why haven’t I written all those stories and poems yet?”)... *sigh*
Baby steps...
keep the blank journals, just resolve to do one page a day
Zentangles and doodles for a change ?
I am liking this because I am donating supplies. One thing I did was googled around and found a craft supplies resale! I called and asked them if I could mail them stuff.
In my circle we call it the “ she who dies with the most yarn/fabric etc wins” syndrome
This came at the exact moment 😅 thank you from Quebec Canada 🇨🇦
I quilt and knit. Quilting in particular seems to be about large scale consumption - stacks of acrylic rulers, tools and more tools, expensive machines, long arm machines, and endless yards of fabric. I could buy all that if I wanted it.... Sort of alienated from the quilting social media, as I hand sew everything. A single bed quilt takes me years. Am on my third one. No hurry, how many quilts does a person need?
I donated two bags of fabric I wasn’t going to use to my local community group that helps young people with disabilities undertake creative activities. It felt good to know my surplus fabrics were going to a good home and also that I was creating a calmer creative space for myself to use the fabrics I chose to keep.
Excellent tips! Thank you! 👍
We have a lot of arts and crafts items all around the house. Many unfinished projects and many that don’t seem like enjoyable anymore. It’s always on our mind to either work with it or to donate but we never seem to be able to part ways with the items.
It’s on our to-do over the summer break list🤞
You can do it. Your new creative work will have more room to breathe. Good luck!
*It is better to light a candle than to complain about the darkness.*
I believe in you, have a great day! 🖤🙏
Great tips! The idea of space boundaries and time are very helpful.
Thank you so much for this video. My "hobby" is cooking, and I have been more successful in minimizing my cooking supplies and cookbooks by reassuring myself that much enjoyment will be had by efficient and creative use of what I already have. It was the fear of the loss of a good meal that was keeping me from parting with excessive stuff. After minimizing, I am still enjoying cooking and baking and am enjoying it even more now that I am not stressed by too many items which only complicated the process. Many thanks for another great video!
This is great advice. I am currently thinning out items stored with my paints and brushes. If it doesn’t belong in this dedicated area, I’m moving it out to the area where it belongs. My method of managing totes is to get rid of the totes and store items in containers with like items. If it’s excess, get rid of it. My excess will be a blessing to others. Thank goodness for this channel. 🙏🏻
That is just what I needed to hear! Feeling overwhelmed by all my beautiful craft things but they need to go.
It's a real relief to get rid of unfinished projects. With me I'm usually stuck on how to proceed or I just don't like the project anymore. It's supposed to be a hobby. If it doesn't bring joy, give it away.
These are great points. I know from experience!
I'm an artist too. This video would really help me to declutter. Please have videos often like earlier. Not only on decluttering but also in other areas such as Positive Thinking and Handling Others in the family and society. It will also help us. Keep up the good work Joshua. Thank you!
This is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for. Thank you for being so inspiring and clear!
Honestly, I did not expect such a useful video simply because I can't imagine you dealing with the amount of craft specific clutter I have. And I watched it because of your reputation (first video of yours I have watched.) I wondered if what you had to say about this would be meaningful to me. It is and I appreciate how well you share what you have learned. Thank you.
Yay!
Unfinished projects. I sadly had to admit that I wasn't going to finish any of the cross stitching I started, as great as they were. OTOH - unfinished finished is kind of a look for my paintings and drawings - someone pointed that out to me. When I started to evaluate the pieces, I realized that though they might not have looked as I intended them to, they were complete. A huge game changer! Now what I need is a way to display my multitude of images.
So true! Back in my youth, I had very little money. I managed to get a cheap little camera. I started taking pictures and soon my photos became more composed and dramatic. I must have taken hundreds of pictures. After a few years, I met a rich friend who was so impressed with my work, he bought me my first professional "expensive" camera. I got really good with what I had.
A few years ago, I read Miss Minimalist. I have one box for each craft, she suggested modules. Colors of paper, yarn, and fabric change. I donated some yarn to
the local museum for a kids' project. Then I gave some paper to the public library. I keep two balls of yarn to try crochet patterns. I have a box of good colored
pencils and gave all the rest to my grandson. I really don't need much. I make things out of junk mail to try out the instructions. Tina
I volunteer with a group of residents in my retirement community to organize estate sales for other residents who have had to move from their retirement home over to to the nursing home (or have died). Their sewing/crafts/unfinished projects room and the linen closet are always, always the worst areas to sort through. It's really sad to imagine all the money that is wasted on SO much stuff that is bought but never used and enjoyed.
@Debbie Ricker ~ I wonder if there’s a great opportunity to connect the retired residents with young crafters who don’t have the economic means to buy the supplies they need. Pair them up with the more experienced retirees who could teach them their skills and share their crafting stash. A win-win all around! :-)
@@carpediem8522 Yes, there are ladies here who do something similar with young and old.
This is so accurate. I don't have motivation for years now and I always plan on buying this and that but it never happen that's why I'm just waiting here until I get everything I think I need. Thankfully, I found your channel. Will watch more of your videos for now.
This is so true! Thanks for this message Joshua.
Hello from Manitoba, Canada 🇨🇦
This strikes a chord with me. Things that I always knew within me. But I needed somebody to state it out clearly. Thank you for the video.
Clearly there are TWO hobbies - crafting, and buying craft supplies
Thanks, Joshua, this was helpful.
Really appreciated this info, and I agree that the plethora of supplies gets in the way of inspiration as I have found that to be true. Thank you for the encouragement to let go of some of the supplies and get started on the creating.
Thank you for helping me keep on track. Craft items are on my list of downsizing. Im selling mine on RUclips and ship it out. This helps me to keep motivated. I watch some of your older videos to remind myself where I want to be.
Dana K. White teaches the Container Concept. Your container - drawer, basket, box, room - forces you to set limits. So instead saying only six paintbrushes, the container you choose, which must easily fit into the space you've set aside, sets the limit.
I've found arts & crafts to be a hot button for me as I've over purchased.
I love the comment - do better work then better tools. I’m mid craft cupboard declutter and organisation. I’ve limited the storage totes and also decided to use up what I have before buying anything more. Ps I’ve also decided on crafts that take up less space. I just need to use up what I already have. Fabric and wool take up so much space, so unless it’s for a specific project I won’t be buying anymore. I used to just get fabric I liked without a project in mind.
This is a very helpful video that's come at a good time. I have many materials and projects I'm not working on so it's definitely time to let go and donate them.
I used to follow Miss Minimalist. I have one plastic shoebox for each craft. People give me their extras, and I pass on mine to a local seniors group. I got
ribbons and buttons from a garage sale, and many skeins of yarn from a friend. I enjoy working with limits. Tina, Al's wife
I got through uni using a 5 paintbrush set I got for free at a garage sale…you really can make so much with just with a little
LOL The tennis racket story was a good one. I new a guy who had tons of lures. When he went fishing, he spent more time changing lures than actual fishing, and often came home empty handed. I have the same problem with too many supplies. Often I just stare at the pile of stuff, and nothing gets done.. it is too overwhelming.
This was very helpful for me! Thanks 😊
I REALLY needed this video!! Thank you!
I have a variety of hobbies ranging from quilting to knitting to mosaic etc. The best tactic for me is to only buy what I need for a specific project, and that must be my next project. When the project is over, I keep the tools for next use. Left-over materials get used for smaller projects or donated. If I have more than one project on the go (I usually do because I have to alternate hand use due to repetitive strain) each has it's own box with the tools and materials for that project, labelled. Future projects have the materials grouped in a box, again labelled. Easy to keep track of what materials are for what project, and easy to pack away when not in use.
You are so correct.....There is a rabbit hole that people fall into.
So grateful for your advice!! Many THANKS!!
Hi Joshua found you yesterday.
Today I loaded my car up with stuff to take to the recycling centre.and also the charity shop .watching you was like a light going on.i started my journey today thanks to you. I love your hair, people who critise are just jealous.
Can we please have a house tour.
You are awesome love your ideas easy to.listen to are men or women more cluttered will listen to you on RUclips forever you make so much sense
How perfectly timed! I began doing this project yesterday and now this video has given me even more perspective. LOL. I am going to do a 2nd de-clutter right now!
Thank you 🙏🏻 I really needed this. 😊
OMGosh I LOVE that quote!
Awesome suggestions! Thank you for sharing. Please keep the amazing content coming our way!
I recently fixed up an old cabinet to keep all my craft totes. And it helps to get organised.
Now I just need to stop committing to new stuff, so I can finish my projects that are half done ....
Thanks I needed that.
I found this really useful as I feel that crafts (and memory box things) are pretty personal and don't fit well into the criteria I use for clothing for example. I really think this will help me. Thank you!
*Amateurs sit around and wait for inspiration, champions just get up and get to work.* 💯
I may not know you personally, but I believe in you! 🙏
Like anything else, too much ART stuff is overwhelming. This is obvious to me now, but I've been learning from you since way before you had a RUclips channel.
So true!
"The enemy of art is the absence of limitations," Orson Welles once said.
Thank you for another thought provoking video, it is so tempting to buy gadgets, I do need to remember that practice is more important. However having nearly finished a large patchwork quilt from a kit purchased and started in 2005 (I think), I will continue to store the patterns and fabric I bought before I retired….I enjoy having a few projects in the planning and I have space for what I own.
THANK YOU FOR this eye-opener...it is so true...🍀🦋
That’s funny. I just decluttered some of my kids arts and crafts, today! 😂 and now your video :))) Great minds think alike 😊👍👍👍
Yes. I have a ton that I’m donating soon.
wow! This is an amazing video 👍👍👍👍👍👍
I really would love to know where to get that art piece behind you with those beautiful reminders to follow.