Creative maximalist
Do I have a problem with over-shopping? I don’t think so. I’ve always been low on cash, so I rarely splurge, and when I do it’s on paint, pens or stickers that I actually use. I have to replace materials all the time (and my pens run out of ink as well, so they need to be replaced). But on the other hand, I’ve always felt I have “too much” stuff. My wardrobe is full and overflowing, as are my craft shelves and boxes. I have “too much stuff” for the space allotted and I always feel that this is a problem I’m constantly battling. The problem, I think, is that I have a problem with clearing out, getting rid of, decluttering, saying goodbye, finishing projects, ideas, ideals, and people. I don’t like moving on. I want to stay! I want to stay still. I don’t like change.
For example, as I went over and updated an older blog post called March stuff marching in (that ironically first was called Shopaholic) I noticed the photos in that post and I understand my problem better. That blog post is from 2005, which is 19 years ago amazingly enough. And zooming in on the (then smaller) photos I feel a bit embarrassed about myself and my behavior. I still have a little bit of paper left on one of those wrapping paper rolls from IKEA. Not that I’m mad that I bought it and kept it all this time, but of course I have since bought many more paper rolls in different colors and textures. That roll I’ve mostly used in bookbinding, since it was more of a handmade paper than a wrapping paper anyway. I really like the quality and the color. I will miss it when it’s gone, which will be very soon. But still, 19 years later, I think that says something about how, slowly, my art and craft stash has expanded to feel a wee bit overwhelming today, right?
Go on, take a look again. The book Tao te ching is on my bookshelf, still. The IKEA rug was on the balcony over winter and got destroyed by mold, but the green silk fabric might still be in my stash (I know I saw it last year but I need to check if it’s still there). All the wool that I wanted to felt and recycle have been used since then, but the embroidered rose towels might also be in a box of “materials” – still, and that truly makes me sad because I really wanted to use them somewhere (in art or a textile wall hanging of some sort).
The rotary cutter have been replaced with better ones but I might still have that old cutter here somewhere. The quilting ruler was a great purchase since I still use it, and so was the self-healing quilt mat, so no complaints that I bought tools that doesn’t break and that you can keep using.
I know I am not a minimalist, that is one thing certain. So, I might be a maximalist then. I would love to know how other artists handle their material clutter? I simply know (now) that maybe materials should not be stored for almost 20 years. I feel like that’s just sad Hanna. Think differently, do better!
It’s a work in progress. Me as well as my life and my habits.
❤ You might also enjoy reading How to (try) to Buy Less this Year
This post is part of NaBloPoMo where I write 30 blog posts in November. Thanks for reading and leaving me a comment, it encourages me to keep going. To follow along subscribe to blog posts via email or RSS. I also have a sweet Substack Newsletter about art, craft and creativity that you might want to sign up for so that we can keep in touch in the future. I’d love that. On instagram I’m @ihannas and on YouTube Studio iHanna. Take care and stay creative friends.
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I have to be so careful about going into either an art supplies place or buying stationery, I can go crazy, whether I have the money or not. I know I need to only go when I really need something. Otherwise …
It is hard to resist. I’ve also been given some materials from friends and it is so hard to resist free to me, and I really want to use it ALL … one day… someday.
HAHA. HA. I feel you.
I had to move twice within 13 months and I was so appalled, exhausted and surprised by the many boxes of craft material I had to pack. It was exhausting… mentally and physically. Seeing all the unfinished projects. The materials I bought with projects in mind… never been used. I have started to sell some of the materials and getting better in using up things. But it is still a lot.
I still have craft supplies from high school which is 20/30 years ago… Sigh I am glad I am not alone though…
Wow, those moves doesn’t sound like fun at all. Maybe we should start putting expiration dates on our own materials and projects? :)
I don’t have craft material but I do have more books than I know what to do with. I’m good at getting rid of books when I bring new ones in, but I also just keep buying more bookshelves when I run out of space, so that’s an issue. But it’s a good problem to have, I think!
Yeah, that’s a problem for me as well – too many books! I try to give away/donate but I also love a full book shelf. Decitions, decisions!
This reminds me of when my kids were little- I saved EVERYTHING in case we ever needed it for a project. It’s hard to resist- I mean what if you need it someday??? I would say you’re doing just fine unless it truly bothers you, in which case a mini-purge might be in order.
I love the term creative maximalist… what’s wrong with that?? :)
For art materials for many years I’ve done well @ balancing what I buy with what I use. Still there’s a lot of stuff I got in the early years when it was going even more directions 😂 (but I’m too lazy to sort through). I did finally give away the kid art and craft materials.
I have been given a lot of craft hand me downs from friends and family (because I’m also chronically broke), and I find myself more interested in sharing it than in using it myself. I add extra bits of it to happy mail I send out, like card making kits and such.
For the new year in 2024 I set a mantra, vs making a resolution, to USE THE GOOD STUFF! I’ll be keeping that mantra in 2025. Using instead of storing is feeling mighty good.