2013 Stashdown Rules

2013 Stashdown Challenge
Inspired by THIS post, here are the rules for the 2013 Stashdown

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

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.