Sunday, August 22, 2010

STUFF...

I've noticed that quite a few people are cleaning their studios lately. Marcia DeCoster deep cleaned her's. Jean Campbell moved and used it as an opportunity to organize her stash. John Dearden of Willo Wire made strides to overcome being organizationally challenged. Lorelei reorganized and rearranged her studio. Cindy Gimbrone had a "Manic Monday" and did some serious cleaning. Lynn Davis up and moved and started unpacking her studio.

I hopscotched over piles of papers, beads, boxes and tools, cleared a small spot in the middle of my studio and asked myself, "Why the heck can't I get my act together and clean my studio? I've been here a year for crying out loud!"

Really, it's a nightmare in there. I'd take a picture of monstrous mess, but I'm embarrassed. I tried to be in denial about it and say that it was still in progress, but to be frank and honest – the only progress is the growth and accumulation of MORE stuff.

Now, don't get me wrong... that "stuff" isn't "bad stuff". In fact, there's a lot of "good stuff". Just with a quick shuffling around, I found a bag of rubies and tourmalines. I had been looking for those for MONTHS! I've got a lot of great things, waiting for me. I was chatting with Lorelei last week about how I have so many beads that I could make something every day for the next ten years and still have plenty to spare. I have so much stuff that I'm beginning to forget where I got what and who made it.

So here's what I'm going to do. For the next two weeks I'm going to have a sale. I'm going to be ruthless. I'm going just grab handfuls, take a picture, put a lot number and assign a ridiculously low price. It's going to be quick and dirty. I need to make room. I need to make space. I need to clear stuff. And not just physically. I need to purge mentally and emotionally. I'll have to let go of a lot of things that I still like, but know I'll never use. It's going to hurt, but it's necessary. I'm a hoarder at heart... it's going to REALLY hurt.

And guess what? I don't have enough room in my Shop, so I'm setting up a new shop... just for this purpose. I'm going to start posting things tonight. If you see something you want, grab it while you can. I'll refund multiple shipping charges AND each customer will receive a generous goodie bag to say THANK YOU for helping me with my illness organizational efforts.

CLICK HERE to visit the NEW EVERYTHING MUST GO SALE SHOP!

9 comments:

Mosaic Magpie said...

I love the title of the shop,"andrewthorntonsale".
Direct and to the point, I don't need anything, but I will be there to look. Andrew tell me what kind of camera do you use? I do need a camera, any advice?
Debbie

Pretty Things said...

I've got the same issue. It's insane how much I've accumulated.

A huge lot of it, though, is going to be given away next week -- Karen Willcox just lost her entire studio and I'm trying to get interest about helping her out, and the prize is an enormous bag of beads. So far I've filled a gallon bag. And that's not even made a DENT in my inventory of beads. Where did these beads COME from?

Carol B said...

I know what you mean. I've been purging Czech glass beads for two years now and finally I'm almost done!

Carol B said...

BTW, I highly recommend taking a "before" just for yourself. I wish I had done that. You don't have to show us, I promise.

Andrew Thornton said...

Hey Lori! After my sale is done, I'd be happy to contribute some things to Karen. I just need to get through this and ride the wave of momentum while it still lasts! Then I can start thinking about what nice things would best go to her.

Andrew Thornton said...

Carol, I took your advice and took some photos... and POSTED them! Horrifying!

Silverlight said...

Andrew, I had a big clear-out at the beginning of the year, and decided to do the same at the beginning of every year from now on. It felt so, so good to get rid of all the extra *stuff* that has been hanging around in my space and in my head. It was wonderful, and I felt so ready for it.
All the best with your clear-out. I am sure that you will be amazed at how good you feel once the surplus is all gone.

Kiki said...

I was just shopping for rubies! I would love to buy stones and beads from you!

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