July 10th, 2008 Using my stuff.
Through the generosity of others, I’ve found myself lucky enough to have a lot of scrapbook and art supplies to play with. Coupled with the supplies and tools I purchase for myself, I’ve accumulated a lot of stuff. Quite honestly, I have more than I need. This isn’t necessarily a good thing.
I have a personal rule that I started two years ago which is that I must use my stuff within six months of getting it. If I haven’t, then that item gets donated out. It doesn’t matter if it’s still in its package. If I haven’t bothered using it within six months, it gets tossed into my donation box.
Good rule, right? I’m very strict with myself and really do follow it. And it’s painful when I go through my stash and donate out an item just because I was too lazy to use it. Sucks that I spent money on something I never bothered using. Double sucks when it’s an item someone generously sent my way.
So to get out of that rut I started making my own kits. I grab different combos of patterned paper and cardstock and a variety of embellishments, put them all in 12″x13″ Itoya PolyZip Envelopes (my absolute favorite carriers), and stack them in a large wicker basket. When I feel like creating, I grab a collection and just go at it. Works like a dream. And I force myself to use the items that are only in that specific kit.
This works for me because my style of scrapbooking is such that I frequently combine odd embellishments/papers together. I create these kits immediately when I purchase or am gifted new items. I combine new supplies with older items, frequently pulling things together without thinking how they’ll work together. I don’t remember half the time what I’ve put together. And it may be months (but less than six!) before I actually pull out a kit to work with. Opening up one is always fun, though, because I find items to play with that I forgot I even had and am re-energized to use that item again.
Two thumbs up.
So that’s a little method to my madness. What’s yours?
That’s a really good idea! I do this with actual kits that I receive. I keep the kit together until I have made a few projects with it. Maybe I should start doing this with my other supplies as well. I have a nice stack of paper I HAD to have and they aren’t getting used! I also like to combine things in a random way so this could be fun! Love your work!
This is such a great idea. I can see how this would stretch one’s creativity. BTW - love your blog!
That idea is just FANTASTIC!!!!
I feel your pain…I have not worked out a solution. I have been in a slump for the past 6 months…isn’t that awful. Maybe I will scrap all day tomorrow?
I love your idea though. May have to do something like that for myself to get out of this rut! Thanks for the inspiration.
i just love this idea so much!
i bet this really energizes your creativity.
thanks for sharing this.
unfortunately, i have no methods to my madness…just happy when i finally sit down and scrap…LOL!
I do the same thing. I definitely stick to that 6 month rule. But, after my last clean out, I was bummed to be tossing some goodies into the away bin. I am glad you posted this. I am inspired to make my own kits now.
Just 3 questions…
Do you limit the number of papers and does that include cardstock?
Where do you find those bags to store them in?
What do you plan on doing with any left overs… like unused letters, embellishments, papers?
awesome arrangement! i should try this out sometime!
would you ever be interested in selling your “expired” kits.
i’ve been in such a slump…it’s so sad.
maybe your creative genius would help with my slump!
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What a fun idea!
6months though??? yikes! Not here.. lol But good for you! 
Your kits look fun!
Love this idea! My method usually involves rummaging for odd pieces and just making do with what I can dig up. Makes for great creative pages, I never would’ve thought of. Now off to find a store to carry these polyzip envelopes! Thanks for the idea. I love that is is contained too!!
So cool, Santa G! I need to do this! Normally I wait until I have photos and then try to page plan. But, I like this idea!
I always have the best intentions of doing the page kits ahead of time, but my laziness always wins. Maybe if I do one or two a day then I won’t feel like such a slacker. Thanks for the tip!
I do something similar but do I pick them up and scrap with them? Sigh….
wow…that is a brilliant idea..must try!
I love your idea, I may have to try it.
this is a totally genius idea! i have a friend who gets tons of kits and i love browsing through hers…if i make my own and force myself to use my stash, maybe i’ll be just as excited. thanks for the tip!
that’s a cool idea! i love the pouch kits. i haven’t sbed in forever so i don’t currently have a method, but maybe i’ll sort through my stuff and do something like this.
That is SUCH a good idea!!! My supplies just sit here since I never scrapbook anymore. I need to jump back into it… I miss it.