Like many of you (even those who won't admit it) I am a terrible pack rat. I suspect that the "creative gene" is somehow linked with the "hoarding gene". And with jewelry crafters it can reach disastrous proportions. I always have the best intentions, but if I tag along with a friend on a trip to a vintage store all hope is gone! It seems there is always a forgotten chain, or vintage clasp that is calling out to be claimed and upcycled. Unfortunately, I always end up needed 'just one more thing' to complete whatever project they inspire. This is almost epidemic for me. I have tried to buy everything I need all at one time and somehow it never works out. So I have piles of beads, chain, glass, wire and so on scattered all over what is euphemistically called my 'studio'.
Money has been tight lately, so I decided to go on a "supplies diet". For one month I am vowing to not buy anything else in the way of jewelry supplies. That means no new beads, clay, enamel, paint-nothing! Even if I just need a certain clasp to finish I product I am not giving in to the urge. So far I am a week into this new austerity program and somehow this has sparked my creativity. I find that I am making a lot more of my own chain and clasps, re-visiting beads that I had ignored in favor of "prettier" beads and overall looking at things in my workspace with a new eye.
One thing I have found is I do a lot more wire work, perhaps because I have so much of it stashed away. Or perhaps because pounding on wire is a good way to relieve the frustration of my diet. I don't think this will last past the allotted month (eventually I will have to buy supplies again) but for now it has forced me to re-examine my stash and be more creative than when I have everything at my fingertips. Below are a few samples of projects I have finished without buying "just one more thing".
Money has been tight lately, so I decided to go on a "supplies diet". For one month I am vowing to not buy anything else in the way of jewelry supplies. That means no new beads, clay, enamel, paint-nothing! Even if I just need a certain clasp to finish I product I am not giving in to the urge. So far I am a week into this new austerity program and somehow this has sparked my creativity. I find that I am making a lot more of my own chain and clasps, re-visiting beads that I had ignored in favor of "prettier" beads and overall looking at things in my workspace with a new eye.
One thing I have found is I do a lot more wire work, perhaps because I have so much of it stashed away. Or perhaps because pounding on wire is a good way to relieve the frustration of my diet. I don't think this will last past the allotted month (eventually I will have to buy supplies again) but for now it has forced me to re-examine my stash and be more creative than when I have everything at my fingertips. Below are a few samples of projects I have finished without buying "just one more thing".
RSS Feed
