When I watch television, I get into such a reflective mood. Some shows inspire more than others and since my television time is limited to when I work at the theater, I don't watch a lot of the popular shows that others gossip or talk about.
Recently, I have been hooked on a show called Art Race; it appears on the Ovation channel. Two artists must cross the US by only selling their art. The artists start in NYC and LA respectively and must travel to the opposite cost by selling or bartering art that they make while they are out. While the premise of the situations seemed staged, the creativity of the artists is inspiring.
Another show that I have been watching via the computer and television is Hoarders. I am afraid to say that I am addicted to the show. While the psychological trauma associated with hoarding is heartbreaking, the realization that many people can easily become hoarders is rather frightening. Every time that I watch, there is a little voice inside my head that keeps on shouting--Russ, are you really a hoarder?
I do collect stuff. Not the tschotkes that other people do. But I do collect crafts and craft materials. When I see a craft technique displayed or explained, I buy all of the materials needed to replicate it. Not only do I buy all of the materials, I buy them in all colors and sizes available. For example, I have 32 vials of ultrafine glitter in 26 different colors because I saw a glitter demonstration on the Carol Duvall show. I have every color inkpad (in two different sizes) that Stampin Up! makes. I could go on but I don't want to depress myself any further. Don't even get me started on paper and bookbinding supplies.
So, one of my New Year's resolutions is this: When starting a new project--even when dealing with a commissioned work--go through all of my supplies before purchasing any new materials. I seem to have the habit of going to the stores to get motivation and inspiration when starting a new project. Unfortunately, I also seem to be drawn to the same materials and patterns. On my last shopping trip before the new year, I went to one of my favorite paper stores and returned home with five sheets of beautiful decorative paper. When I got home to put the papers in their respective flat file drawers, I realized that I already had three of the five patterns that I had just bought. After doing an inventory of the books in my craft library, I realized that I had 7 books that were duplicates. I now carry an Excel spreadsheet on my smart phone that has all of my books listed.
I am very happy to say that I have so far kept up with this resolution. I was asked to make coordinating journals for a bride and groom. I went to my stash of papers and took samples of the papers that I wanted to use when I had the consultation with the purchaser. I am happy to report that he accepted my recommendations (from my already purchased papers).
Recently, I have been hooked on a show called Art Race; it appears on the Ovation channel. Two artists must cross the US by only selling their art. The artists start in NYC and LA respectively and must travel to the opposite cost by selling or bartering art that they make while they are out. While the premise of the situations seemed staged, the creativity of the artists is inspiring.
Another show that I have been watching via the computer and television is Hoarders. I am afraid to say that I am addicted to the show. While the psychological trauma associated with hoarding is heartbreaking, the realization that many people can easily become hoarders is rather frightening. Every time that I watch, there is a little voice inside my head that keeps on shouting--Russ, are you really a hoarder?
I do collect stuff. Not the tschotkes that other people do. But I do collect crafts and craft materials. When I see a craft technique displayed or explained, I buy all of the materials needed to replicate it. Not only do I buy all of the materials, I buy them in all colors and sizes available. For example, I have 32 vials of ultrafine glitter in 26 different colors because I saw a glitter demonstration on the Carol Duvall show. I have every color inkpad (in two different sizes) that Stampin Up! makes. I could go on but I don't want to depress myself any further. Don't even get me started on paper and bookbinding supplies.
So, one of my New Year's resolutions is this: When starting a new project--even when dealing with a commissioned work--go through all of my supplies before purchasing any new materials. I seem to have the habit of going to the stores to get motivation and inspiration when starting a new project. Unfortunately, I also seem to be drawn to the same materials and patterns. On my last shopping trip before the new year, I went to one of my favorite paper stores and returned home with five sheets of beautiful decorative paper. When I got home to put the papers in their respective flat file drawers, I realized that I already had three of the five patterns that I had just bought. After doing an inventory of the books in my craft library, I realized that I had 7 books that were duplicates. I now carry an Excel spreadsheet on my smart phone that has all of my books listed.
I am very happy to say that I have so far kept up with this resolution. I was asked to make coordinating journals for a bride and groom. I went to my stash of papers and took samples of the papers that I wanted to use when I had the consultation with the purchaser. I am happy to report that he accepted my recommendations (from my already purchased papers).
1 comment:
That Art Race sounds interesting! I'll have to check it out.
And I think all us crafters have similar problems er, situations regarding supplies! I keep a journal of supplies (all my paints, inks, yarn, needles, diecuts, stencils, etc) but then I don't have it with me when I go shopping! HA!
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