Stuff
Stuff takes over. 2022 is the year I am releasing attachment. For someone who holds sentimental value in objects where memories were made (tickets, packaging), destashing will prove challenging. I decided to attempt to combine my memories with the mindless paper purchases of which are many. I am not positive I will be successful.
The task seems daunting. I have collected numerous themes. Some are girly, some flowery, some vintage, some solid and colorful. When I say themed I am referring to the overall aesthetic of different companies. Like shabby chic or farmhouse chic. I do have some of each in my collection, however, neither is true to my style. I purchased a variety of styles in search of my own. Also to sell item bundles. I have shelved the idea of online selling until I can commit fully. But until then I am using the materials to further explore my creativity.
One would assume my preference for more modern design void use of vintage women’s magazine journal ads yet up against a modern picture of Norma Jean aka Marilyn Monroe, it pops. I am work’n it out by dedicating handmade journals to different styles of exploration. I’ve stepped away from having a stagnant idea of how art should appear. This doesn’t make things less daunting yet unlocks compartments of creativity. And that scares me. Lol.

Backstory
January of 2021 I moved in with my sister. I left the peaceful country with my boyfriend to a convenient city. The details aren’t important but it was about feeling secure while allowing myself to be vulnerable. Once again, my transformation. In September I accepted my boyfriend’s open invitation to move back in. This came following my hospital stay. The belongings I had with me or acquired while at my sisters filled my car for a one-trip move. The remainder of my belongings were in storage. This round of stuff required a Uhaul truck and extra muscle for the heavy items. Two months passed before we could manage to get the storage contents to the house, nonetheless, it arrived (on Black Friday).
The last time Mister graciously opened his doors to me I had significantly more stuff. Through a series of unfortunate events, my belongings were donated, set on fire, … Did I say donated 🤔. Done away with. It was necessary. Who is to say it would’ve ever happened had it not been how it had. I could dwell on the annoying but I choose not to.
Anywaysssss
The point that I am trying to get to is I have done away with many materials items that have weighed me down and now all that is left is my studio. Oh, wow. I just realized something. All of my studio supplies are fairly new. They also encourage growth, inspiration, and positive challenge. Does this mean I get to keep all of my studios supplies???!!!!
Yes and no
I went ahead and answered that myself. I will be keeping the majority of my studio supplies and all of my tools. Those items I am unsure of what to do with will be incorporated in my journaling or creative challenges. I foresee the others as gifts. Where’s the releasing attachments in that? Well, for one, using the items versus staring at them is a release. And to further elaborate, I will be throwing away the residual scrap papers that I found myself hoarding. Good enough? It’s a step in the right direction. Oh yeah!! My purchasing of paper days was put on hold in April of 2021, after the purchase of a $30 notebook 😳 I needed an intervention 😂 (I’d buy the notebook again. Worth every penny). I am proud to say, I haven’t made a paper purchase since!! How’s that for winning!?!? Does it count if someone else purchases paper as a gift?? Surely not!
Xoxo

oy. I have trouble letting go of “cute” boxes…. a long time ago The Fly Lady started me on my journey of ridding myself of unnecessary stuff… Then I had to learn to hold onto what I loved – that gives me joy. It is a balancing act. I admire your process.
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Thank you!!
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I like glass jars. Eek
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I hope to see some of the work coming from your studio soon 🙂
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Ahhhh. Okay 🤓
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