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Post by cannmom on Aug 15, 2019 19:17:37 GMT
How often do you let go of things? I’m going to a crop next weekend and I have filled a box to put on the give away table. I really need to do this more often. Many of the things I’m giving away are collections or paper pads that realistically I have used everything I’m going to use. Some things were bad purchases that I haven’t used at all. I tried to be ruthless. If I haven’t used it by now I’m probably not going to.
Do do you make it habit to purge supplies regularly? If you do, is there a system you use? Any purchasing habits that help you to keep your stash a reasonable size? When I like a collection I know I over buy. I hate the thought of knowing there was a perfect paper and I didn’t buy it. Lol! I need to get over that mentality.
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Post by papersilly on Aug 15, 2019 19:20:22 GMT
Do do you make it habit to purge supplies regularly? i don't do it very often. i donate my supplies to a school overseas so i wait until i know i can pack a very large moving box full of stuff. i'm in the middle of filling a box right now.
If you do, is there a system you use? i just go through everything and if i'm "over" that type of crafting, i get rid of it. if i haven't touched it since the last purge, i will really think of purging it this time.
Any purchasing habits that help you to keep your stash a reasonable size? back in the day, i bought everything. anything new and fun, i bought it. and i bought more than just one of it. now, i mostly buy paper and adhesive. i have an entire room full of the other stash that will keep me supplied for years and years.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Mar 29, 2024 11:21:36 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2019 19:39:55 GMT
Do do you make it habit to purge supplies regularly? No, I would say that once a year I really try do a big reorg, overhaul of stuff, and I have not done that for a few years, so within the last week I have gotten rid of a TON of stuff. If you do, is there a system you use? I do try to envision what I am going to do with it. Most of the stuff I got rid of was stamps. I thought wood block stamps were so great, and that I would love to color all those tiny images with colored pencils. Guess what, I hate coloring with colored pencils and alcohol markers don't play well with tiny images lol. Any purchasing habits that help you to keep your stash a reasonable size? Really knowing what you have and keeping an inventory. I also feel like I can craft better when I know what I have, so I don't go, what the heck, I already have 2, 3, 4 whatever of those things. I also ask myself, do I really love this? I mean really love it, not just want it because everyone else is using it? When I like a collection I know I over buy. I hate the thought of knowing there was a perfect paper and I didn’t buy it. Lol! I need to get over that mentality. I kind of disagree with this. If you really love a collection, buy it. I bought all the Wolf Pack I can reasonably store. I love that collection and will use it forever. I deeply regret not buying more WR memory keepers boardwalk, and October Afternoon. The best advice I am using right now is to really view my scrapbook supplies like a library/librarian. Know your collection, curate it, sort it, touch it.
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 15, 2019 19:42:27 GMT
No set time for purging. I try to have a set amount of space for my things. When things get tight or I feel like I'm constantly searching through things I know I won't use, I declutter.
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christinec68
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,091
Location: New York, NY
Jun 26, 2014 18:02:19 GMT
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Post by christinec68 on Aug 15, 2019 20:15:18 GMT
I am at the point where I purge supplies as I go along. If I come across something I am pretty sure I won't use, I'll set it aside, recycle or toss depending what it is...I do this on an ongoing basis.
Several years ago, I did some major purging. It was so insane how much I gave away, sold or disposed that I swore I would never be like that again. Now I limit purchasing to things I am fairly certain I will use in a reasonable time. I work with a finite amount of space and won't go beyond that. I shop for my stash much less frequently, maybe twice per year? I know there will always be something available that I love so I never get that FOMO feeling I used to get years ago.
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amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,318
Jun 27, 2014 12:39:18 GMT
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Post by amom23 on Aug 15, 2019 20:22:43 GMT
In the old days I'd do a purge when my space started to feel kinda crowded. I don't really purge items too often anymore. I also don't shop like a crazy woman anymore so a lot less product comes into my scrapbooking space. I have more than enough supplies to last me probably forever and it all fits nicely in my space. These days it is so much easier to pass on something new.
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Post by joblackford on Aug 15, 2019 20:52:27 GMT
I try to keep on top of things continuously because having too much bothers me continuously (I feel a lot of psychological pressure to use things up, I hate forgetting that I own something, I want to turn what I buy into useful things - cards - so I can buy more, or just have time and space to use the rest of the stuff I already have). I think you have to work with your own psychology and space. Going through things often helps remind me of just how much I have, more than I need, so I am not so tempted to buy more just because I like it. I like A LOT of things! Liking something doesn't mean I have to buy it/own it/do it. But everyone's process and tolerance for regret (and clutter) is different. I like to think of supplies as wanting to be used and loved. If I have them buried at the bottom of a drawer and I've forgotten about them they're not happy. They're not living up to their potential in my drawer, not giving me or anyone else any pleasure. They'd much rather go home with someone who'll put them on a page that will be looked at and loved. If that sounds kooky (I don't really think paper has feelings) turn it around and think of all the crafters at the crop who will be thrilled to take home stuff that doesn't make you happy. Sharing the joy of pretty paper is always a good thing
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Post by cmpeter on Aug 15, 2019 22:37:40 GMT
I keep a bin and add to it as I go along. About twice a 2-3 times a year I take it to a crop and pass it on.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Aug 15, 2019 22:48:22 GMT
I don't purge.
I also don't buy a lot. And what I do but are consumables. Paper, enamel dots, stickers. I haven't added dies or stamps to my stash in years.
I tend to use up most of what I have before I get a chance to buy more.
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Post by scrappyem on Aug 15, 2019 23:12:00 GMT
I think of my supplies as having a "use by date". Typically that's about a year. If I still love it, I keep it. But if I'm feeling meh about it and I haven't used it in a year, I will pass it along. I try and do a good clean of my space in the fall. Going through everything helps me remember what treasures I have and what project I want to do. I don't buy a ton anymore and that has really helped. I have do a monthly kit and then will supplement if I fall in love with a collection. I keep a list on my phone of things I need. I love the idea of curating my stash @kendramage like a librarian. That's a great way to think of it.
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Post by freeatlast on Aug 15, 2019 23:39:22 GMT
I always have 2 donation boxes going. One is things I think my crafty friends may like (stamps and dies primarily) and another for everything else. I take the box for my crafty friends to one of our weekend retreats and when I have 4 or 5 boxes filled with the other stuff, I take it to the Humane Society resale shop. Every time I find something that causes me to think "why did I buy that?" it goes into a donation box.
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Post by QueSeraSera on Aug 16, 2019 0:04:50 GMT
Did a large purge a few years back and have been a much more critical consumer since then. I purchase way less now and know my style. Not into trends.
I purge as I bring in new supplies. I don’t have the desire to use every die-cut or sticker. I go through new items and sort into my collection or put in the new items area depending. Any Nope items immediately go into the donation pile. It is great that some people challenge themselves to use every bit of supplies. I’ve tried but it’s just not for me. I find it kills my mojo to have items that I do not like haunting me. Loitering. Waiting to be used.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Mar 29, 2024 11:21:36 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2019 1:17:49 GMT
When I like a collection I know I over buy. I hate the thought of knowing there was a perfect paper and I didn’t buy it. Lol! I need to get over that mentality. I kind of disagree with this. If you really love a collection, buy it. I bought all the Wolf Pack I can reasonably store. I love that collection and will use it forever. I deeply regret not buying more WR memory keepers boardwalk, and October Afternoon. The best advice I am using right now is to really view my scrapbook supplies like a library/librarian. Know your collection, curate it, sort it, touch it. Just wanted to add that when I said, "I kind of disagree with this" I meant that in a supportive, shop your heart out girl kind of way! If you love it, don't hold back!
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msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Aug 16, 2019 2:34:12 GMT
I purge little by little, but fairly often over the past year.
I think I've come to know myself better as a scrapbooker over the past two years. Even though I like to try new things (and old things) I've noticed there are certain materials on my pages (colors, patterns, embellishments) that I'm more likely to use. And I'm okay saying goodbye to what (I now know) I'm not likely to use.
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Chinagirl828
Drama Llama
Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 6,432
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
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Post by Chinagirl828 on Aug 16, 2019 5:56:29 GMT
I am at the point where I purge supplies as I go along. If I come across something I am pretty sure I won't use, I'll set it aside, recycle or toss depending what it is...I do this on an ongoing basis. This is me too. If I'm going through supplies and see something that just won't get used I pull it out straight away. The only purchasing habit I have is to keep a running cart at my favourite online stores (one local, one in the US) which I'm constantly adding to. I also review it fairly regularly and remove the things that no longer excite me. I only buy a few times a year so I get plenty of chances to make sure the things I'm bringing in will actually get used.
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Post by nitad on Aug 16, 2019 6:24:56 GMT
Pretty much never!! LOL.
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Post by Linda on Aug 16, 2019 12:41:42 GMT
I've been scrapping for 17 years and I have a decent feel for what I'll use or not use at this point so I usually only BUY stuff I'll use. I also have a limited amount of space so when it's full, I need to scrap not shop. Combined - that means there isn't a ton TO purge.
At this point, I usually don't do a big purge, more of a 'if I come across something I won't use' while scrapping, I set it aside to pass along. When I buy paper pads, I always break them apart and take out the papers that I know I won't use and pass those along.
I don't save smaller scraps anymore- just big ones. And when the scraps folders get too full, I go through and toss fairly ruthlessly.
I do need to make a decision about my EP kit subscription soon - I've used exactly 3 enamel dots so far out of my first kit and the second is completely untouched. I have space for one more kit. If I haven't made a decent dent in the first three kits by the cancel date for kit 4, then I need to cancel.
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Post by mikklynn on Aug 16, 2019 14:20:41 GMT
I am at the point where I purge supplies as I go along. If I come across something I am pretty sure I won't use, I'll set it aside, recycle or toss depending what it is...I do this on an ongoing basis. This is me too. If I'm going through supplies and see something that just won't get used I pull it out straight away. The only purchasing habit I have is to keep a running cart at my favourite online stores (one local, one in the US) which I'm constantly adding to. I also review it fairly regularly and remove the things that no longer excite me. I only buy a few times a year so I get plenty of chances to make sure the things I'm bringing in will actually get used. I do both of these things.
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Post by infochick on Aug 16, 2019 14:31:14 GMT
I don't purge. I just don't. That said, my supplies are a bit chaotic right now and I am trying to do a deep organization of what I have, so that I can store it in a way that some of my less loved stash gets used more frequently. I think that if the reorganization and stash rotation does not help me to use up older supplies, I will be doing a major purge.
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Post by cannmom on Aug 16, 2019 16:24:17 GMT
When I like a collection I know I over buy. I hate the thought of knowing there was a perfect paper and I didn’t buy it. Lol! I need to get over that mentality. I kind of disagree with this. If you really love a collection, buy it. I bought all the Wolf Pack I can reasonably store. I love that collection and will use it forever. I deeply regret not buying more WR memory keepers boardwalk, and October Afternoon. The best advice I am using right now is to really view my scrapbook supplies like a library/librarian. Know your collection, curate it, sort it, touch it. Just wanted to add that when I said, "I kind of disagree with this" I meant that in a supportive, shop your heart out girl kind of way! If you love it, don't hold back! Oh, I totally took it that way! Thanks!
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Post by cannmom on Aug 16, 2019 16:30:55 GMT
Thanks for all the comments. I know part of the reason my stash is getting bigger is that I haven’t been scrapping much for the past few years. I have been working full-time and in school finishing a degree. Starting my last semester this fall so the end is in sight! Come mid December I will have more time to devote to my hobby.
I’m going on a scrap retreat next weekend and seriously looking forward to it. I also know that there will be some shopping also. I don’t have a LSS and when I have the opportunity to shop in real life instead of online I take advantage of it.
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Post by pas2 on Aug 16, 2019 16:35:11 GMT
I purge as I go, everything goes into a bag under my desk. I give it to my nieces, co-workers and my sister.
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Aug 16, 2019 18:40:30 GMT
I keep a bin and add to it as I go along. About twice a 2-3 times a year I take it to a crop and pass it on. I don't have a set time or schedule for cleaning / purging my supplies, so this is pretty much what I do, too. I have a 12x12 Iris case for stuff to give away; whenever I come across a piece of paper or a sheet of stickers in the course of my scrapping / crafting, and if my first thought is "WTF was I thinking when I bought THAT?" then it goes into the give-away box. If I'm doing a major overhaul / reorganization of my room or my supplies for another reason (I just got a new table and a couple bookcases) then purging may be a by-product of that process, but not always. ETA: one thing that has actually HELPED me 'purge' is the idea that when I buy a new package of something, I must take it OUT OF ITS PACKAGING ASAP. So many packages of things sat there for years because they were 'new' and I didn't want to 'ruin' them somehow, lol. Or didn't want to take the time to open it while I was making a page- therefore it never got used. Taking things out of the packaging forces me to look at every die cut, every sticker, etc. and get rid of the ones I don't want, AND helps me to actually use things. I will also sometimes <gasp!> THROW A STICKER AWAY, etc. if I don't like it instead of 'saving' it to give away for someone else to deal with. If the pkg of 15 stickers was $3, each sticker cost 20 cents. Or if a pkg of letter stickers was $3 (for 40-50 letters, say) then each left-over X or Z is worth 8 cents. Having them in my stash of stuff costs me a LOT more than 8 cents each worth or even 20 cents each worth of anxiety... so I toss them. I also toss more scraps than I used to; I also pull apart stacks of paper pretty soon after I buy them and remove the papers I KNOW I won't use for scrapping; I'll either use those sheets for the back/white side, or as scratch paper, etc. I go thru different cyclical stages with my hobbies, depending on what's going on in my life...
- acquiring/buying supplies for my inventory: my main thought is "does it fit my style?" Even if I don't have a concrete plan for it, if it fits my style, I will buy it when I see it. (as long as the price isn't crazy high) Because the pace of this hobby is such that if I don't buy it when I see it, it will be gone by the time I want to use it. My style is NOT trendy, so keeping things for a long period of time doesn't bother me- some of my supplies are probably 15+ years old by now.
Currently I buy more multiple-use, durable items like tools, but I still love paper, too- I just try to be a little more selective about the patterns and colors now than I used to be. (meaning, I love florals, but I never use them- so as much as I love flowers, I don't buy every floral-patterned paper I see that I like.)
- using / creating: Using my supplies to create layouts / cards... although right now, most of my creating is done at crops, either 1-day ones or a long weekend hotel retreat, so the 'using' phases are few and far between at the moment.
- Not creating / not buying: in a creative rut and more seeking inspiration than doing anything creative myself... watching videos, instagram, etc. and letting my creativity sort of just lay dormant for a while.
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Post by Embri on Aug 16, 2019 21:58:36 GMT
If I can't reasonably store it in my crafting space, out it goes. Sometimes that means I pass on buying things, other times it means I'll donate something in exchange.
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Post by artisticscrapper on Aug 17, 2019 3:17:39 GMT
I will do a total scrap purge about every year. I look at everything and if I no longer use it or love it it goes. Most of it is usually paper. I just purged a bunch of it several months ago. This is why I’ve pretty much stopped buying paper pads or collections. I do buy ephemera, chipboard, and stickers though and usually there are a few things that end up in the purge box.
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Post by jen on Aug 17, 2019 17:21:50 GMT
I don't purge, I love my stuff!
When I use to design for companies, sales rep or teach, I accumulated a lot of supplies that I wouldn't normally buy for myself. Over the years I did give away or purge that out of my studio, but otherwise I can use my supplies for other projects, junk journals or my daughter uses it.
I don't have that feeling of having too much stuff, I love my stuff, that's why i buy it!
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Post by wordfish on Aug 18, 2019 20:04:25 GMT
Thanks for all the comments. I know part of the reason my stash is getting bigger is that I haven’t been scrapping much for the past few years. I have been working full-time and in school finishing a degree. Starting my last semester this fall so the end is in sight! Come mid December I will have more time to devote to my hobby. I’m going on a scrap retreat next weekend and seriously looking forward to it. I also know that there will be some shopping also. I don’t have a LSS and when I have the opportunity to shop in real life instead of online I take advantage of it. This happened to me as well. I spent several years in school and finally finished my MBA in early June. It took me about a month to realize I don't have to be doing school--sometimes I still think I should be getting on with it. Now that I am a few months out, it is starting to sink in and it is GLORIOUS. The end is in sight for you--good luck in your last semester!!
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Post by curiouscrafter on Aug 19, 2019 1:40:09 GMT
Purging is hard! I don't have a set timeframe to purge. I have a box in my room that when I come across something that i know I don't want, it goes in the box. When the box is full (think brown box that fits two shoe boxes in it), I move it to a different room to "rest". I then get a new box to go in my room for random items. When that box is full - I take it to the other box and leave it there. I then take the first box and donate it. I do look thru it before hand and allow myself to keep ONE item. But typically, the items have been in the box for ~year (between my room and the other room). So many times, I don't take anything out. This has been my system for everything except paper. Paper is a hard thing to purge. I've only done it once in the 20 years of scrapping. I tend to think I will use it for cards, or something - but reality is, I don't. I have enough patterned paper to stack about 3 ft high. Cardstock about 5 ft. high. It's insane. I will NEVER use all that paper, but can't part with it, AND continue to purchase paper. I need help clearly.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,090
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
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Post by scrapnnana on Aug 19, 2019 13:34:35 GMT
Not often. I don’t live near any LSS, so I have to shop from my stash. I have started to purge recently, but mainly because I am running out of storage space. It’s fairly well organized, but I need to go through, organize again, and do some purging.
When I have bought papers at the LSS, I tend to want to keep those. What usually needs purging are the paper pads/packs that I find at Tuesday Morning. I like the 25 sheet packs because I can use the papers extravagantly for a variety of projects. However, they add up, and a 25 sheet pack is more than I need.
The paper pads always have some papers I love, and some I don’t. If I don’t think I’ll use certain papers in the pad, they need to go.
I have a card making group of friends, so I can always take my items to purge to give away to them.
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cycworker
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,374
Jun 26, 2014 0:42:38 GMT
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Post by cycworker on Aug 19, 2019 14:26:38 GMT
Well, I'm currently leery of purging too much, because I'm afraid the industry will go under. Look how many companies we've lost.
That said, I go through my stash yearly. I put it in a bin and sell it at our two local garage sales. One is a store that's primarily stamping stuff, the other is primarily scrapbooking. You get a credit for the amount of what you sold.
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