I have some really cool stuff that is just sitting in bins and on shelves. It feels so wasteful that I’ve spent so much money on this collection of stuff and I never use it. Sometimes I struggle because there are SO MANY ideas that I can’t decide whether or not to use the stuff I have, I guess for fear that I will find something better to make with it. As if there will never be anything that can replace it. Seriously, how F’d up is that? Well, not anymore. I’m resolving right now, as kind of early New Year’s resolution, to use up what I have before I buy ANYMORE. That’s right, I’m going on a ‘Stash Diet’. I intend not to buy anything else until I use up a lot of what I have. Although saving money is one desired outcome, my real reason for starting this project is to renew my love of crafting and try to be less wasteful and more resourceful.
In yoga, they tell you to start your practice off by focusing on the intent of your practice. With that in mind, I decided to come up with a mission for this project, in order to periodically remind myself of my resolution. The philosophy is something along the lines of the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ adage:
1. Reduce: Curb the Consumption
2. Reuse: Or really, just use what I have, rather than buy more
3. Recycle: Purge the items that I know that I will never use so that they find a home where they will be used
Throughout the year, I plan to revisit this philosophy to remind myself of my intent and track my progress.
And because they say goals should be S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, I can’t remember ‘R’, and Timely), I have developed a self imposed list of rules and exceptions rather than ‘just don’t buy stuff’ (since that hasn’t been working very well). Also, I’m kind of a rule follower, so having a set of guidelines appeals to me (even if I don’t always follow them).
Rules/Objectives:
1. No new acquisitions for the next 13 months
a. No Yarn, Paper, Stamps, etc
2. Spend the next 13 months working down my stash of supplies
3. Learn new techniques using the many books, magazines and online tutorials I’ve been collecting
Exemptions:
1. Purchases of supplies may be made to support the stash-down of other items (ex. stringing materials for beads, scrapbooks, buttons for sweater, etc)
2. Small value materials may be purchased to support learning a new technique or using a new tool that has been collecting dust (ex. Items for YUDU, fabric for sewing lessons, etc)
3. Items for gifts that CANNOT be substituted for stash items (note: every effort must be made to use stash)
4. Monthly Kit subscriptions are excluded (I belong to Studio Calico and Simon Says Stamp kit clubs, however if 3 months elapse without using kit, subscription must be cancelled).
5. Birthday purchases for me or Gift Card Purchases
6. Magazines, Books, etc that provide patterns for items already in stash
7. Tools and Consumable supplies are allowed (adhesives, knitting needles, thread)
8. Retreat, Convention and/or Fiber Festival purchases are exempt – however if attended, must use restraint and discretion.
I’ve developed an arbitrary point system that will help me reward and track my progress (maybe the ‘R’ in S.M.A.R.T stands for reward).
1. Completing Projects = 2 points
2. Using up ‘Deep Stash’ (items that have moved houses) or Completing a Languishing WIPs = 7 points
3. Following thru with a Goal = 5 points (ex. Using up all of a kit club kit, completing card club cards, 13 in 13 project, etc)
4. Getting rid of clutter = 1 point (ex. Giving stuff away)
5. Saving or Generating Money = 5 points (ex. Giving handmade gifts, selling handmade items)
6. Learning a new technique or using a tool that I’ve had on hand = 3 points
Once a month I’ll tally the points and after 100 points have been earned maybe I’ll give myself a reward.
I know it probably seems silly for an adult to have to impose rules on her, such as this, but I think it’s the only way this project will be successful.
Looking forward to what the next year brings.
xoxo ~rae
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