Friday, January 1, 2016

Use What You Have

This is the first week of Journal 52.  The first prompt is for the "word of the year". I really had to think about this one. I'm not one for resolutions, I'm not unhappy, I don't think I need to change anything about myself or my relations. Suddenly though I had this thought. Maybe it's time to USE the things that I have instead of acquiring more and more. The point hit home when I got a surprise package from my niece. She sent me a small box with some wooden stamps and punches that she no longer uses. I was thrilled until I tried to squeeze them into my craft room. That's when I realized that "I have a problem."

I'm sure many of you gave all you had to your family. You worked hard to make sure they had everything that they needed and much that they didn't need. You sacrificed, no, it wasn't a sacrifice because it was of love and you never felt anything by the joy at seeing them happy. But, now, suddenly, some of us are finding ourselves in a position where it is our turn. Now, we can think of our own needs and wishes. I have become the kid in the candy store. I mean, really, how many different types of glue does one really need? Each book I read, each video I watched, made me feel that if I had this paper or that tool, I certainly would be able to do the quality of work I was watching or reading about. Now, many different glues, colored pencil types, stamps, paints, brushes, dies, cutting machines, papers, etc., etc., etc., cram every nook and table top in the room. I can barely breathe! So, now is the time to USE. Use the things I have and stop buying more and more stuff. Anybody with me?

I used some of the new stamps I got from my niece on top of  gesso and acrylic paint covered recipe book pages. I added some masking tape and used the punched our stencil letters that have been sitting in my stash for years. I played with different kinds of pens in the hearts and used leftover gears that had been sitting on my desk for weeks. A little dribbled black paint and white embellishments remind me to USE the things I have.

I love reading comments, so if you have a lot of things you should start to use, let me know. I'm interested to hear your stories!

12 comments:

  1. Hello and Happy New Year. I love your page and realize I too have so much and should just begin to USE what I have. Thank you so much for sharing. I love your first word prompt for 2016 Journal 52. Take care.

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    1. Happy New Year to you, Maria, and thank you so much for stopping by to leave a comment.

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  2. I so love your word. I have been struggling to "find " my word . I don't usually choose a word for each year instead just go with the flow. However, like you, I have way too much STUFF. and I NEED to use it or lose it. So if you don't mind I am going to abscond with your word and make it mine. It (using up supplies ) is one of the reasons I signed up for two art journal groups this year. time to USE my accumulated stuff. thanks for the inspiration.

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    1. We are here to share, Deb. I think USE is a good word. Good luck on your journey to do so LOL!

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  3. Oh yes, I agree! I started doing that last year by making quilts from all my scraps. I have barely dented the scrap pile, but I've increased my pile of quilts. Now, what do I do with all those quilts?

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    1. HaHa! Good one, Mary. Maybe you could line all your walls and enjoy looking at them. Besides, it would be wonderful additional insulation for your home :)

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  4. how many types of glue . . . oh my! I can relate. And I use them all. I really do.

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    1. I was almost thinking of pulling out all of my different glues and taking a photo, Kim, but I don't know if I can get them all into one photo! Thank you for stopping by :)

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  5. I like this one, great word of the year

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    1. Thanks, Freebird. Now, if only I could stick to it. LOL!

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  6. Lol! Well... my word this year is INSPIRE and you have inspired me to clean out and donate my stash! I never use most of my punches. Or stamps. Or... but I did make my next journal out of scraps and you have now inspired me to keep that going! Happy New Year!

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    1. Yay, Debra. Glad I inspired someone to take a good look at their stash. I find it very difficult to get rid of things that I "might" need in the future though :)

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