Dehoarding Project #1

A few months ago, I found out about a TV show about people who have hoarding problems. I didn't know what to think about the people they feature and the stuff they accumulate, but the show moved me to clean my bathroom at 12 midnight!

As a paper crafter, I can relate to the "hoarding" mentality. It is especially hard for me because I can't easily get supplies here if and when I run out. Thankfully, I have a very limited crafting space in our bedroom that FORCES me not to keep things. I still find myself acquiring things that are neglected after awhile. So, a few weeks ago, I decided to start what I call my "Dehoarding Project." I know it's a made up word, but I can't think of an antonym of hoarding. :-)

I gather my coordinating supplies and limit myself to a block of time. Then, I just start creating with them. This is a project I did for a friend's charity auction. The supplies I used:

• Basic Grey Curio Papers
• Basic Grey Curio Chipboard Stickers
• SRM Stickers Wishing You Well Sticker Sentiments
• ribbons, buttons, flowers, lace and bling

Time limit: 1.5 hours

Here are some tips I shared in a previous post about mass producing cards that I'll share here again:

• Use a paper collection to mix and match since they are already color coordinated for you. To get started, I cut 4" x 5.25" sheets of patterned papers. I then mix them with the others in the collection. And as much as you'd like to, resist keeping every little piece of leftover patterned paper. I usually don't keep anything that is smaller than a 4" x 4."
  
• Use the collection's colors as a guide and limit the colors you use for your card base.
• Follow a simple sketch to keep the creative juices flowing.
• Utilize available tools like punches, stamps and stickers to get the job done.

Here are two of the cards I made. You can see the other 4 in the SRM Blog post today. These papers make my cards look layered. And having the SRM Stickers make them super fast to create.

I packaged my cards in a box and sent them off for the charity auction. I love making card kits and to give them away. They make such a beautiful gift. How about you? Do you have any tips and tricks on how to use up the products you already have? Please do share :-).

On another note, I have something new and exciting coming up. Here's a little snippet:

Any guesses on what it could be? Hmmmm. :-)