Studio Friday : Tools

AMEN to simplifying!!!!!!!

OH!! How nice that would be. If hindsight was only 20/20 I think I would be doing the same thing. I have way too much stuff and need to purge....cause I have some of the same "go-to" tools as you. Some of my stamps are untouched. I'm moving to a new place in my home so I'm hoping to purge before then. This gives me the nudge I needed...THANKS!!!

I'm in a simplifying mode myself these days...always seems to happen in the fall. Wonder why? Anyway. In honor of turning 40 this month, I decided to do an "Every Day" scrapbook project, just for me...a page a day for the month of Sept. At the last minute, I decided to do all digi layouts, mainly because I was short on time and thought it would be quicker. The jury's still out on that, but what I've noticed is that, since I'm still new to digi scrapping, I have neither a plethora of skills nor digi "supplies" to work with, thus this little project is really stretching me creatively. I'm having to find new ways to get the pages done and still be happy with them. (I'm posting them on my blog if you're interested in seeing any of them.) It dawned on me last night that this project might just encourage me to hone down what all I think I "need" when it comes to my paper pages, too.

It's too bad we have to go through the gotta have one-of-everything phase before we find our individual styles. Of course, the manufacturers don't help by constantly coming out with beautiful new product. We've gotta remember need vs want.

Amen! For me it's white, kraft, black, and green, though.

Ali,
How big all of our homes would get if we were to just get rid of the clutter and stuff that just complicate our lives!!!!
I got to know though - what is that contraption sticking out of the glass jar in your last photo - the one with the pink handle by Memory Keepers?
Simply, Cathy

Amen sister! As much as I love all the pretty stuff... and also crave all the pretty stuff I find that I dont really use a lot of it.
I go back and look through my layouts and I seem to have a bit of a theme going. My layouts are relatively simple, basic.. however you want to put it but I have a few things that I love on my pages. Cardstock, PP, staples, chipboard lettering, inking, sanding, a bit of stamping and that is about it. In my house less is more... must start purging those supplies. Thanks for the heads up girl.
xoxo

I have a friend that has to have the latest, greatest, coolest and can't wait for all the trade shows for the new stuff to pop up. On the other hand, I've come to learn that I have TOO MUCH STUFF. I too have leftover sheets of something I had to have that I just can't seem to let go of. I always turn to the same types of supplies and colors. Although I wonder sometimes if it shows a "sameness" I don't think it does, because it really is an expression of who I am. And isn't what this is about?

Simplicity is always what I strive for in life. I find that having too much leads to chaos which clutters my brain and leads me right to scrappers block!
Your photos are always great. I'd love to know what type of camera you use!
~ Gabi

Wish I had more time lately to even think about my scrapbook supplies. Work has temporarily taken over and I feel like my scrap space is a stranger - can't wait till my next lot of holidays in 3 weeks to re-find my scrappin' stuff.
You remain my link to my hobby in the time being...

I'm going to re-think my supplies tomorrow. Unclutter and simplify!!
#1 Lee from NZ

Amen to that. Simplicity is what I believe we all strive for. I know I've been doing the same thing; going through my supplies and cutting a lot of stuff out that I no longer use or have never used. I just want the basics on hand, and like you, I believe the photos are what should stand out on a scrapbook page.
Have a great weekend.

good for you!!
I'm liking simplicity more and more...
when I shop for SB supplies, I'm trying to be VERY discerning, not jumping on the latest trend, but asking "is this me?", "will I use it more than once?" and "will I WANT to use it more than once?"...
really helps me keep the shopping costs down. :)

I know what you mean, but you never can have to much tools, they might come in handy sometime with new techniques!

Simplify. Yes, that has been my motto the past few weeks as I rearrange my studio and purge it of all the excess supplies. For me, it was realizing that just because I like something doesn't mean I have to try it myself. I have to be true to who I am and what I like. I am most inspired that way, more creative and productive.

fabulous pictures of your tools...love the stamps & punches...
Ouissi x

Doesn't being a crafter always mean lots of supplies? LOL! Simpifying is a great idea.

As I have been cleaning out my studio, I can't believe the stuff I've kept for years and never used! I am trying to find uses for these things...

Too funny! I just posted a question similar on Scrap Etc. website's MB. It is really funny that I decided to go back to the basics. That is after acquiring so much cardstock, paper, stamps, tools and inks to fill a store. But doing so, I was able to find my creative spark again. I had only half scrapped one layout in 6mos. Since the spark started a fire, I've done over 15 los. Of course, now building the courage to submit is another story.