A client recently told me that she was overwhelmed by her art supplies and feeling paralyzed whenever she entered her creative space. I'll share the advice I gave her with you:
And in case you're one of those people who never watches the video, here are the basics:
- Purge (in stages if necessary)
- Create "Supply Cards"
- Explore & Learn
Remember, you are the boss of your art supplies and creating should be fun. Get rid of the things that make you feel bad or overwhelmed.
Thanks for stopping by!
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P.S. THIS is the book I shared in the video.
Great advice. My problem is I love to learn and watch tons of videos and take classes, I then see products other artists are using and buy them. By the time they arrive I’ve forgotten where I saw them being used and for what project, etc. LOL. Or I get sucked in by a great sell and buy things that look like fun and when I get them I’m not sure what to do with them or use them for. Anyway I just need to spend more time experimenting and playing and less time watching videos and taking classes.
Great advice. My problem is I love to learn and watch tons of videos and take classes, I then see products other artists are using and buy them. By the time they arrive I’ve forgotten where I saw them being used and for what project, etc. LOL. Or I get sucked in by a great sell and buy things that look like fun and when I get them I’m not sure what to do with them or use them for. Anyway I just need to spend more time experimenting and playing and less time watching videos and taking classes.
Great advice. My problem is I love to learn and watch tons of videos and take classes, I then see products other artists are using and buy them. By the time they arrive I’ve forgotten where I saw them being used and for what project, etc. LOL. Or I get sucked in by a great sell and buy things that look like fun and when I get them I’m not sure what to do with them or use them for. Anyway I just need to spend more time experimenting and playing and less time watching videos and taking classes.
Great advice. My problem is I love to learn and watch tons of videos and take classes, I then see products other artists are using and buy them. By the time they arrive I’ve forgotten where I saw them being used and for what project, etc. LOL. Or I get sucked in by a great sell and buy things that look like fun and when I get them I’m not sure what to do with them or use them for. Anyway I just need to spend more time experimenting and playing and less time watching videos and taking classes.
Great advice. My problem is I love to learn and watch tons of videos and take classes, I then see products other artists are using and buy them. By the time they arrive I’ve forgotten where I saw them being used and for what project, etc. LOL. Or I get sucked in by a great sell and buy things that look like fun and when I get them I’m not sure what to do with them or use them for. Anyway I just need to spend more time experimenting and playing and less time watching videos and taking classes.
Great advice. My problem is I love to learn and watch tons of videos and take classes, I then see products other artists are using and buy them. By the time they arrive I’ve forgotten where I saw them being used and for what project, etc. LOL. Or I get sucked in by a great sell and buy things that look like fun and when I get them I’m not sure what to do with them or use them for. Anyway I just need to spend more time experimenting and playing and less time watching videos and taking classes.
Great advice. My problem is I love to learn and watch tons of videos and take classes, I then see products other artists are using and buy them. By the time they arrive I’ve forgotten where I saw them being used and for what project, etc. LOL. Or I get sucked in by a great sell and buy things that look like fun and when I get them I’m not sure what to do with them or use them for. Anyway I just need to spend more time experimenting and playing and less time watching videos and taking classes.
You offer great advice here, but one thing I have discovered (since I have had grandchildren who are also into crafts, art, and sewing) that when they are here and we discover that we need an item–I HAVE IT! And we do not need to waste precious time to go to the store to get a specific supply.
The pandemic has also taught me that often we need things we never imagined. For example, I had a stash of plastic gloves to use for crafts and a stash of thin elastic. Had just about decided to get rid of these items when–low and behold–we needed plastic gloves and thin elastic (for masks) and they were impossible to find in the store. My small plastic crafts containers kept for a dyeing project were suddenly needed for family members to carry hand sanitizer. Just saying, at times this wealth of supplies is not always a bad thing (as long as I can keep it organized), which I generally do.
You offer great advice here, but one thing I have discovered (since I have had grandchildren who are also into crafts, art, and sewing) that when they are here and we discover that we need an item–I HAVE IT! And we do not need to waste precious time to go to the store to get a specific supply.
The pandemic has also taught me that often we need things we never imagined. For example, I had a stash of plastic gloves to use for crafts and a stash of thin elastic. Had just about decided to get rid of these items when–low and behold–we needed plastic gloves and thin elastic (for masks) and they were impossible to find in the store. My small plastic crafts containers kept for a dyeing project were suddenly needed for family members to carry hand sanitizer. Just saying, at times this wealth of supplies is not always a bad thing (as long as I can keep it organized), which I generally do.
You offer great advice here, but one thing I have discovered (since I have had grandchildren who are also into crafts, art, and sewing) that when they are here and we discover that we need an item–I HAVE IT! And we do not need to waste precious time to go to the store to get a specific supply.
The pandemic has also taught me that often we need things we never imagined. For example, I had a stash of plastic gloves to use for crafts and a stash of thin elastic. Had just about decided to get rid of these items when–low and behold–we needed plastic gloves and thin elastic (for masks) and they were impossible to find in the store. My small plastic crafts containers kept for a dyeing project were suddenly needed for family members to carry hand sanitizer. Just saying, at times this wealth of supplies is not always a bad thing (as long as I can keep it organized), which I generally do.
You offer great advice here, but one thing I have discovered (since I have had grandchildren who are also into crafts, art, and sewing) that when they are here and we discover that we need an item–I HAVE IT! And we do not need to waste precious time to go to the store to get a specific supply.
The pandemic has also taught me that often we need things we never imagined. For example, I had a stash of plastic gloves to use for crafts and a stash of thin elastic. Had just about decided to get rid of these items when–low and behold–we needed plastic gloves and thin elastic (for masks) and they were impossible to find in the store. My small plastic crafts containers kept for a dyeing project were suddenly needed for family members to carry hand sanitizer. Just saying, at times this wealth of supplies is not always a bad thing (as long as I can keep it organized), which I generally do.
You offer great advice here, but one thing I have discovered (since I have had grandchildren who are also into crafts, art, and sewing) that when they are here and we discover that we need an item–I HAVE IT! And we do not need to waste precious time to go to the store to get a specific supply.
The pandemic has also taught me that often we need things we never imagined. For example, I had a stash of plastic gloves to use for crafts and a stash of thin elastic. Had just about decided to get rid of these items when–low and behold–we needed plastic gloves and thin elastic (for masks) and they were impossible to find in the store. My small plastic crafts containers kept for a dyeing project were suddenly needed for family members to carry hand sanitizer. Just saying, at times this wealth of supplies is not always a bad thing (as long as I can keep it organized), which I generally do.
You offer great advice here, but one thing I have discovered (since I have had grandchildren who are also into crafts, art, and sewing) that when they are here and we discover that we need an item–I HAVE IT! And we do not need to waste precious time to go to the store to get a specific supply.
The pandemic has also taught me that often we need things we never imagined. For example, I had a stash of plastic gloves to use for crafts and a stash of thin elastic. Had just about decided to get rid of these items when–low and behold–we needed plastic gloves and thin elastic (for masks) and they were impossible to find in the store. My small plastic crafts containers kept for a dyeing project were suddenly needed for family members to carry hand sanitizer. Just saying, at times this wealth of supplies is not always a bad thing (as long as I can keep it organized), which I generally do.
You offer great advice here, but one thing I have discovered (since I have had grandchildren who are also into crafts, art, and sewing) that when they are here and we discover that we need an item–I HAVE IT! And we do not need to waste precious time to go to the store to get a specific supply.
The pandemic has also taught me that often we need things we never imagined. For example, I had a stash of plastic gloves to use for crafts and a stash of thin elastic. Had just about decided to get rid of these items when–low and behold–we needed plastic gloves and thin elastic (for masks) and they were impossible to find in the store. My small plastic crafts containers kept for a dyeing project were suddenly needed for family members to carry hand sanitizer. Just saying, at times this wealth of supplies is not always a bad thing (as long as I can keep it organized), which I generally do.
Have you considered keeping a notebook with notes from classes and YouTube videos? I find it very helpful.
Have you considered keeping a notebook with notes from classes and YouTube videos? I find it very helpful.
Have you considered keeping a notebook with notes from classes and YouTube videos? I find it very helpful.
Have you considered keeping a notebook with notes from classes and YouTube videos? I find it very helpful.
Have you considered keeping a notebook with notes from classes and YouTube videos? I find it very helpful.
Have you considered keeping a notebook with notes from classes and YouTube videos? I find it very helpful.
Have you considered keeping a notebook with notes from classes and YouTube videos? I find it very helpful.
Awesome! If youre not overwhelmed by your supplies then you are not a person who needs to purge. But the fear and anxiety around someday needing something can be crippling for many. As always, the best advice is to know yourself and do what is best for you.
Awesome! If youre not overwhelmed by your supplies then you are not a person who needs to purge. But the fear and anxiety around someday needing something can be crippling for many. As always, the best advice is to know yourself and do what is best for you.
Awesome! If youre not overwhelmed by your supplies then you are not a person who needs to purge. But the fear and anxiety around someday needing something can be crippling for many. As always, the best advice is to know yourself and do what is best for you.
Awesome! If youre not overwhelmed by your supplies then you are not a person who needs to purge. But the fear and anxiety around someday needing something can be crippling for many. As always, the best advice is to know yourself and do what is best for you.
Awesome! If youre not overwhelmed by your supplies then you are not a person who needs to purge. But the fear and anxiety around someday needing something can be crippling for many. As always, the best advice is to know yourself and do what is best for you.
Awesome! If youre not overwhelmed by your supplies then you are not a person who needs to purge. But the fear and anxiety around someday needing something can be crippling for many. As always, the best advice is to know yourself and do what is best for you.
Awesome! If youre not overwhelmed by your supplies then you are not a person who needs to purge. But the fear and anxiety around someday needing something can be crippling for many. As always, the best advice is to know yourself and do what is best for you.
Julie, This was fantastic!!! Love the “storing outside of my art studio with date, and “cards” ideas! There are tons of teachers out there, but your secret weapons as far as I’m concerned are: 1. You’re an exceptional communicator and 2. You are so AUTHENTIC and transparent! Thank you!❤️
Julie, This was fantastic!!! Love the “storing outside of my art studio with date, and “cards” ideas! There are tons of teachers out there, but your secret weapons as far as I’m concerned are: 1. You’re an exceptional communicator and 2. You are so AUTHENTIC and transparent! Thank you!❤️
Julie, This was fantastic!!! Love the “storing outside of my art studio with date, and “cards” ideas! There are tons of teachers out there, but your secret weapons as far as I’m concerned are: 1. You’re an exceptional communicator and 2. You are so AUTHENTIC and transparent! Thank you!❤️
Julie, This was fantastic!!! Love the “storing outside of my art studio with date, and “cards” ideas! There are tons of teachers out there, but your secret weapons as far as I’m concerned are: 1. You’re an exceptional communicator and 2. You are so AUTHENTIC and transparent! Thank you!❤️
Julie, This was fantastic!!! Love the “storing outside of my art studio with date, and “cards” ideas! There are tons of teachers out there, but your secret weapons as far as I’m concerned are: 1. You’re an exceptional communicator and 2. You are so AUTHENTIC and transparent! Thank you!❤️
Julie, This was fantastic!!! Love the “storing outside of my art studio with date, and “cards” ideas! There are tons of teachers out there, but your secret weapons as far as I’m concerned are: 1. You’re an exceptional communicator and 2. You are so AUTHENTIC and transparent! Thank you!❤️
Julie, This was fantastic!!! Love the “storing outside of my art studio with date, and “cards” ideas! There are tons of teachers out there, but your secret weapons as far as I’m concerned are: 1. You’re an exceptional communicator and 2. You are so AUTHENTIC and transparent! Thank you!❤️
Thats so nice to hear. Thank you!
Thats so nice to hear. Thank you!
Thats so nice to hear. Thank you!
Thats so nice to hear. Thank you!
Thats so nice to hear. Thank you!
Thats so nice to hear. Thank you!
Thats so nice to hear. Thank you!
I think I could tweak #2 and make an inventory book of sorts, listing what I have in different categories and where they live. This could be very useful to me as I have LOTS in a small space. That way, I wouldn’t have to wonder IF I have it or WHERE it lives!
P.S. If anyone is thinking of downsizing, don’t do it. Just don’t. do. it…
I think I could tweak #2 and make an inventory book of sorts, listing what I have in different categories and where they live. This could be very useful to me as I have LOTS in a small space. That way, I wouldn’t have to wonder IF I have it or WHERE it lives!
P.S. If anyone is thinking of downsizing, don’t do it. Just don’t. do. it…
I think I could tweak #2 and make an inventory book of sorts, listing what I have in different categories and where they live. This could be very useful to me as I have LOTS in a small space. That way, I wouldn’t have to wonder IF I have it or WHERE it lives!
P.S. If anyone is thinking of downsizing, don’t do it. Just don’t. do. it…
I think I could tweak #2 and make an inventory book of sorts, listing what I have in different categories and where they live. This could be very useful to me as I have LOTS in a small space. That way, I wouldn’t have to wonder IF I have it or WHERE it lives!
P.S. If anyone is thinking of downsizing, don’t do it. Just don’t. do. it…
I think I could tweak #2 and make an inventory book of sorts, listing what I have in different categories and where they live. This could be very useful to me as I have LOTS in a small space. That way, I wouldn’t have to wonder IF I have it or WHERE it lives!
P.S. If anyone is thinking of downsizing, don’t do it. Just don’t. do. it…
I think I could tweak #2 and make an inventory book of sorts, listing what I have in different categories and where they live. This could be very useful to me as I have LOTS in a small space. That way, I wouldn’t have to wonder IF I have it or WHERE it lives!
P.S. If anyone is thinking of downsizing, don’t do it. Just don’t. do. it…
I think I could tweak #2 and make an inventory book of sorts, listing what I have in different categories and where they live. This could be very useful to me as I have LOTS in a small space. That way, I wouldn’t have to wonder IF I have it or WHERE it lives!
P.S. If anyone is thinking of downsizing, don’t do it. Just don’t. do. it…
Great ideas, great advice. I need to start with #1, Purge. I’ve got so much stuff that I don’t use and will not use that is just taking up space (old acrylic paints, fabric scraps and threads from sewing projects, just junk in general {a pink children’s feather boa}). Of course, you never know when you will need 2 yards of dark green cotton or that one Delta Tomato Red paint! No one else in my family likes to do art so it is all up to me. #2 Supply Cards is a great idea for the things I will keep. And finally #3: The reason I don’t want to do #1 is because I actually do pull out old stuff and try my hand at something old, or even something new! Be creative, have fun, don’t stress about about the stuff you have. Enjoy it!
Great ideas, great advice. I need to start with #1, Purge. I’ve got so much stuff that I don’t use and will not use that is just taking up space (old acrylic paints, fabric scraps and threads from sewing projects, just junk in general {a pink children’s feather boa}). Of course, you never know when you will need 2 yards of dark green cotton or that one Delta Tomato Red paint! No one else in my family likes to do art so it is all up to me. #2 Supply Cards is a great idea for the things I will keep. And finally #3: The reason I don’t want to do #1 is because I actually do pull out old stuff and try my hand at something old, or even something new! Be creative, have fun, don’t stress about about the stuff you have. Enjoy it!
Great ideas, great advice. I need to start with #1, Purge. I’ve got so much stuff that I don’t use and will not use that is just taking up space (old acrylic paints, fabric scraps and threads from sewing projects, just junk in general {a pink children’s feather boa}). Of course, you never know when you will need 2 yards of dark green cotton or that one Delta Tomato Red paint! No one else in my family likes to do art so it is all up to me. #2 Supply Cards is a great idea for the things I will keep. And finally #3: The reason I don’t want to do #1 is because I actually do pull out old stuff and try my hand at something old, or even something new! Be creative, have fun, don’t stress about about the stuff you have. Enjoy it!
Great ideas, great advice. I need to start with #1, Purge. I’ve got so much stuff that I don’t use and will not use that is just taking up space (old acrylic paints, fabric scraps and threads from sewing projects, just junk in general {a pink children’s feather boa}). Of course, you never know when you will need 2 yards of dark green cotton or that one Delta Tomato Red paint! No one else in my family likes to do art so it is all up to me. #2 Supply Cards is a great idea for the things I will keep. And finally #3: The reason I don’t want to do #1 is because I actually do pull out old stuff and try my hand at something old, or even something new! Be creative, have fun, don’t stress about about the stuff you have. Enjoy it!
Great ideas, great advice. I need to start with #1, Purge. I’ve got so much stuff that I don’t use and will not use that is just taking up space (old acrylic paints, fabric scraps and threads from sewing projects, just junk in general {a pink children’s feather boa}). Of course, you never know when you will need 2 yards of dark green cotton or that one Delta Tomato Red paint! No one else in my family likes to do art so it is all up to me. #2 Supply Cards is a great idea for the things I will keep. And finally #3: The reason I don’t want to do #1 is because I actually do pull out old stuff and try my hand at something old, or even something new! Be creative, have fun, don’t stress about about the stuff you have. Enjoy it!
Great ideas, great advice. I need to start with #1, Purge. I’ve got so much stuff that I don’t use and will not use that is just taking up space (old acrylic paints, fabric scraps and threads from sewing projects, just junk in general {a pink children’s feather boa}). Of course, you never know when you will need 2 yards of dark green cotton or that one Delta Tomato Red paint! No one else in my family likes to do art so it is all up to me. #2 Supply Cards is a great idea for the things I will keep. And finally #3: The reason I don’t want to do #1 is because I actually do pull out old stuff and try my hand at something old, or even something new! Be creative, have fun, don’t stress about about the stuff you have. Enjoy it!
Great ideas, great advice. I need to start with #1, Purge. I’ve got so much stuff that I don’t use and will not use that is just taking up space (old acrylic paints, fabric scraps and threads from sewing projects, just junk in general {a pink children’s feather boa}). Of course, you never know when you will need 2 yards of dark green cotton or that one Delta Tomato Red paint! No one else in my family likes to do art so it is all up to me. #2 Supply Cards is a great idea for the things I will keep. And finally #3: The reason I don’t want to do #1 is because I actually do pull out old stuff and try my hand at something old, or even something new! Be creative, have fun, don’t stress about about the stuff you have. Enjoy it!
What super terrific ideas! I really love the 3 types of cards suggestion to jump start the art part of the brain that may be snoozing. Another thing that works (it will need to be post-covid) is to invite an art pal to play. They’ll use things in ways you don’t, will know about things you haven’t yet learned, and be more than willing to play and use your supplies and make discoveries!
What super terrific ideas! I really love the 3 types of cards suggestion to jump start the art part of the brain that may be snoozing. Another thing that works (it will need to be post-covid) is to invite an art pal to play. They’ll use things in ways you don’t, will know about things you haven’t yet learned, and be more than willing to play and use your supplies and make discoveries!
What super terrific ideas! I really love the 3 types of cards suggestion to jump start the art part of the brain that may be snoozing. Another thing that works (it will need to be post-covid) is to invite an art pal to play. They’ll use things in ways you don’t, will know about things you haven’t yet learned, and be more than willing to play and use your supplies and make discoveries!
What super terrific ideas! I really love the 3 types of cards suggestion to jump start the art part of the brain that may be snoozing. Another thing that works (it will need to be post-covid) is to invite an art pal to play. They’ll use things in ways you don’t, will know about things you haven’t yet learned, and be more than willing to play and use your supplies and make discoveries!
What super terrific ideas! I really love the 3 types of cards suggestion to jump start the art part of the brain that may be snoozing. Another thing that works (it will need to be post-covid) is to invite an art pal to play. They’ll use things in ways you don’t, will know about things you haven’t yet learned, and be more than willing to play and use your supplies and make discoveries!
What super terrific ideas! I really love the 3 types of cards suggestion to jump start the art part of the brain that may be snoozing. Another thing that works (it will need to be post-covid) is to invite an art pal to play. They’ll use things in ways you don’t, will know about things you haven’t yet learned, and be more than willing to play and use your supplies and make discoveries!
What super terrific ideas! I really love the 3 types of cards suggestion to jump start the art part of the brain that may be snoozing. Another thing that works (it will need to be post-covid) is to invite an art pal to play. They’ll use things in ways you don’t, will know about things you haven’t yet learned, and be more than willing to play and use your supplies and make discoveries!
Great advice. I could never get rid of any supplies. My problem is organizing my supplies. Your tip for creating supply cards is also a great way to organize all my goodies. A friend of mine recently told me that when she sees what I have created this week, all she can think is, “Cindy has Art ADD”. I can’t help it, I’ve tried sticking to one medium, but so many mediums interest me. It is so refreshing to hear you say, “learn”. I also love that you yourself have not limited yourself to one medium. Thank you for this great blog.
Cindy Souza
Great advice. I could never get rid of any supplies. My problem is organizing my supplies. Your tip for creating supply cards is also a great way to organize all my goodies. A friend of mine recently told me that when she sees what I have created this week, all she can think is, “Cindy has Art ADD”. I can’t help it, I’ve tried sticking to one medium, but so many mediums interest me. It is so refreshing to hear you say, “learn”. I also love that you yourself have not limited yourself to one medium. Thank you for this great blog.
Cindy Souza
Great advice. I could never get rid of any supplies. My problem is organizing my supplies. Your tip for creating supply cards is also a great way to organize all my goodies. A friend of mine recently told me that when she sees what I have created this week, all she can think is, “Cindy has Art ADD”. I can’t help it, I’ve tried sticking to one medium, but so many mediums interest me. It is so refreshing to hear you say, “learn”. I also love that you yourself have not limited yourself to one medium. Thank you for this great blog.
Cindy Souza
Great advice. I could never get rid of any supplies. My problem is organizing my supplies. Your tip for creating supply cards is also a great way to organize all my goodies. A friend of mine recently told me that when she sees what I have created this week, all she can think is, “Cindy has Art ADD”. I can’t help it, I’ve tried sticking to one medium, but so many mediums interest me. It is so refreshing to hear you say, “learn”. I also love that you yourself have not limited yourself to one medium. Thank you for this great blog.
Cindy Souza
Great advice. I could never get rid of any supplies. My problem is organizing my supplies. Your tip for creating supply cards is also a great way to organize all my goodies. A friend of mine recently told me that when she sees what I have created this week, all she can think is, “Cindy has Art ADD”. I can’t help it, I’ve tried sticking to one medium, but so many mediums interest me. It is so refreshing to hear you say, “learn”. I also love that you yourself have not limited yourself to one medium. Thank you for this great blog.
Cindy Souza
Great advice. I could never get rid of any supplies. My problem is organizing my supplies. Your tip for creating supply cards is also a great way to organize all my goodies. A friend of mine recently told me that when she sees what I have created this week, all she can think is, “Cindy has Art ADD”. I can’t help it, I’ve tried sticking to one medium, but so many mediums interest me. It is so refreshing to hear you say, “learn”. I also love that you yourself have not limited yourself to one medium. Thank you for this great blog.
Cindy Souza
Great advice. I could never get rid of any supplies. My problem is organizing my supplies. Your tip for creating supply cards is also a great way to organize all my goodies. A friend of mine recently told me that when she sees what I have created this week, all she can think is, “Cindy has Art ADD”. I can’t help it, I’ve tried sticking to one medium, but so many mediums interest me. It is so refreshing to hear you say, “learn”. I also love that you yourself have not limited yourself to one medium. Thank you for this great blog.
Cindy Souza
Great advice! I couldn’t agree more. I purge often…I give my stuff to school and my family and friends!
Great advice! I couldn’t agree more. I purge often…I give my stuff to school and my family and friends!
Great advice! I couldn’t agree more. I purge often…I give my stuff to school and my family and friends!
Great advice! I couldn’t agree more. I purge often…I give my stuff to school and my family and friends!
Great advice! I couldn’t agree more. I purge often…I give my stuff to school and my family and friends!
Great advice! I couldn’t agree more. I purge often…I give my stuff to school and my family and friends!
Great advice! I couldn’t agree more. I purge often…I give my stuff to school and my family and friends!