January 22, 2013

It's a Sickness, Really....


Hi.  My name is Joanne....and I'm addicted to craft supplies.

They say the first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem.  Well, I have an unquenchable thirst for craft supplies of all kinds, I freely admit that.  Sometimes I buy stuff and decide to figure out how to use it later.  I had some birthday and Christmas money burning a hole in my pocket and decided to hit Michael's one day.  I didn't spend as much as I thought I would, but they also didn't have a few things on my list.  

But.....the problem is....that I have boxes and boxes and baggies full of supplies.  Full of them.  I could open my own supply store.  Back when I used to get a generous Christmas bonus, I'd spend most of it at Ben Franklin, Shipwreck Beads, Michael's, tons of online places & other catalogs.  I figured I should get the stuff while I saw it, just in case I didn't get the opportunity to do so in the future.  Ribbon. Fabric fat quarters. Lampshade frames.  Stickers. Rhinestones.  Altered art items.

Boxes full of crayons, punches, different kinds of scissors with patterned blades, paint, rubber stamps, seed beads.  Polymer clay canes that were purchased when I still lived in California and which have probably dried out by now.  I have projects that are waiting to be completed.  There's a Mt. Rainier cross stitch that I started when my dad was still alive, and he'll be gone 10 years this June.  There's a Converse sneaker I started to bead, to enter in an 'embellished footwear' contest from forever ago...I'm not even sure if I was in CA or WA at the time!  I beaded one paisley on it and gave up.  I still have 5 Christmas Ball kits from The Cracker Box that haven't been done yet.  I started an elaborate hunting-themed cross stitch years ago but because I had a hard time figuring out how to sort the colours (because I'm sorry, 'Peach' and 'Pale Light Orange' sure look the same to me), I stalled out almost right away.  I also have a Winter Season cross stitch kit, unstarted.  My bff Michelle sent me 2 patterns last year, one of which she's asked me to stitch for her.  Nope, not started either.  

That blue Absolut Vodka box contains a sticker maker that I bought a few years ago and have never used.  But I had to have it 'just in case'.  Now that I have it, I have no idea what to make stickers out of, or what to use them for once they're made.  I don't really use stickers that much and I have gobs of them as it is.

Thing is though, I needed these additional items to try out the various and sundry ideas I see on Pinterest.  Those chopsticks are going to be made into wands.  

And how am I gonna make this project....

Without these?

So yeah, I admit I have a problem, but I'm really OK with my problem. Some women are addicted to shoes, others to purses.  I'm addicted to craft supplies. I accept it.  I don't shop near as much as I used to, but I do enjoy the occasional splurge a couple of times a year.  

It is my hope that this year, I'll get cracking on those projects that have been dormant for going on 15 years. In addition to the new projects, of course!

14 comments:

  1. You simply must make the beaded curtain it is gorgeous.I can't stop buying books and stationary and bags. If it makes you happy then that's ok. I do love all the craft things and have started buying stuff to make things with the toddler I look after. Someone put a link on Facebook to a craft plave that does a monthly craft box always with a theme, the stuff in the box looks great and I very nearly signed up for it but stopped myself in time as I don't have enought time in the day.

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  2. I'm jealous of all the delicious things you have! I've done all kinds of crafts in my life and am decent at cross-stitch, Greek stitch, embroidery, knitting, ok at crocheting but someone has to explain the how to read the pattern directions...and I love making jewelry. I usually have a knitting project going, usually a baby blanket. I have a lot of church friends who are either having babies or having grand babies. I'm stuck in the sandwich...haha.

    Enjoy your treasures, and don't feel like you have to finish every cross-stitch you start. I figure it's the same as you don't have to finish a book you don't like either.


    Tina @ Life is Good
    http://kmdlifeisgood.blogspot.com/
    Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge
    @TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge

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  3. Ha! I can totally relate. I purged a bunch of stuff I knew I'd never use and donated them to the Daycare up the street... I know the kids loved all the paper, stickers, ribbons and such that I got rid of. Now I just have what I need; and I only shop for specific items I need right away - since Michaels is only a minute away by car, I can do that...

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  4. I think we all like to have choices when we do crafts. That means you need supplies. I used to be that way with fabric, so I have calmed that urge. I sew, but not as much as I did before.

    Suggestion, JoJo, if you really want to reduce your stock, have a contest and reward those who win with a sample box or a craft kit that you won't use. It can be as simple as asking what crafts your readers do and pick a comment. I remember you liked winning supplies yourself a while back (you posted what you had won).

    I love that beaded window curtain, very nice, let us know if you ever do that one.

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  5. Anonymous12:05 PM

    I think we all have a 'weakness'. Books are mine; 'proper' books that is, made of paper. Thank god I'm not attracted to shoes or clothes 'cause I have no room for 'em!

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  6. Give it up and take to that vodka you've got a box of...

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  7. At least it's a pretty habit!

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  8. Wow. That is amazing!! Look on the bright side you could be addicted to something far worse in life like alcohol or drugs. At least with your addiction you can create some gorgeous things and get quite a bit of pleasure out of it. ♥

    Kathy
    http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com

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  9. I think it is part of our genes and comes with being a crafter.
    I have drawers and closets filled with craftor-abilia (I don't even want to think of all the money it represents). Wonder if they have a 12 step program for craftaholics ?
    Oh, did you say The Cracker Box ornaments ? Love em, but boy have they gotten expensive since I bought my first ornament kit back in 1975 !

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  10. Do what makes you happy !
    Lovely stuffz you have... :)

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  11. Good to know. Now when I ever get back to my big declutter project I'll know who to send all of my old craft supplies to since I haven't had a chance to do any myself since my kids were little when I was a stay at home mom. I think I already donated most last year but will definitely keep your addiction in mind :)

    If you ever decided you want to get rid of the sticker maker let me know. It would be very useful at my school, or any other school with all the special events, sporting events, ect.

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  12. Hahah! I love your "illness"! I feel the same way sometimes and lately I"ve been jones-ing for my craft supplies that are in the PODS unit! LOL! Here's my dirty little secret: I'm trying to figure out a way to substantiate buying a Cricut machine!!!!!! LOLOLOL!
    I want one soooooooooo bad!

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  13. You DO have lots of craft stuff! Nothing wrong with a craft "addiction", though. ;) If it makes you happy, go for it!
    Have a wonderful week!
    sandy ;)

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  14. my name is Wendy and I'm also a craft supply addict. Your stash wins for age, mine wins for size!

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