I'm still trying to do a major purge in my studio - I walk in there and look around at all the stuff most people would consider junk and can't bring myself to throw it away. Nor do I feel safe donating it - I worry it will just be binned by someone with no creative inclinations.

I need help! There MUST be someone near enough to me who might want to come over and help...who would want all this stuff I can't bear to see thrown out...paper, ephemera, fabric, ribbons, books and magazines, you name it - I can't even list it all! I just know that I want to give away at least half of what I currently have, to someone who will USE it. I'm in a very unproductive period right now, so keeping a small part of what's there is PLENTY for when I do start creating again. We all know how quickly things pile up, I'm not worried about having nothing left!

I'm in Laval - north of Montreal...Is there anyone close by who would like to go on a treasure hunt in my studio?

Tracey.

Hi Tracey!

Happy New Year!I'm sorry to hear that you are experiencing a creative block. I know I couldn't bear to part with any of my art stuff in spite of the clutter. When I read your post, though, a couple of ideas did come to mind. But first, when I started to write this post I had an idea. Instead of attempting a big art project, how about just trying some small things, like a card - you could join the card swap or the weekly challenges, I've done a few - never win or place, but it's fun just to participate - not to mention the freebies and points for participating. If you've got some photos, you could do a little scrapbooking. Or maybe just using some of those supplies to make entries in an Art Journal just to explore some of those feelings that you're having that are creating the artistic block or the feelings that you are having because of the creative block. On the other hand, you could ask if there is someone in the Artella Community that might be willing to pay for shipping if you were willing to pack them up and mail them out. I was also thinking that there might be some groups in your community that could use the supplies like schools, art schools, hospitals that have departments that use art as therapy (mental health wards in hospitals and facilities specializing in mental health therapy, special needs schools, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living facilities, or maybe a "Seniors" facility. I hope this helps just a smidgeon. And I wish you happiness and lots of creative ideas along with an inspiring Muse for the New Year!

Hugs,

Julie

Hi Again Tracy!

After I posted, I had another idea. I'm in New Jersey in the US and there are Social Workers that are government workers that provide certain assistance to those in need. I don't know if there is a comparable position in Quebec, but you might want to check it out. The other thing is that if you want someone to come in and do the "shopping" in your studio, I'm sure those who manage any of the facilities in my last post would be happy to come over to your studio. Good luck in your quest and overcoming the "bock". May many sparks of inspiration rain upon you.

Hugs,

Julie

Hi Tracey!

I'm in a slow-moving Yahoo! group that needs a jump-start, so I offered bags of my own studio goodies. While I am paying the s/h myself, many have offered (and I am taking them up on it) to pay for shipping. Out-of-country barters include sweets that I can't get here in the U.S.

Also, I wanted to mention that I've had the same worry that what I donate will not be put to good use, or that I'm donating to people who can afford buying these items themselves many times over, or have an overgrown stash of their own. Then I remembered that what I do is just that - my intentions and my doings - and I cannot control what others do. Even put in the proper hands does not guarantee good use. However, you will have done what you can do and that IS what matters, not what others do.

Gentle hugs,

copper cat ^-^~

 Hi Tracey,

Let me know some of what you got in books and paper , and stickers... I will gladly pay shipping and pay it faster this time. Also, if you have some clay or paints that can be used on clay that would be very much appreciated.  I will be starting in art class in a few weeks which will require making a game board. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Sharon Meixsell aka romantikpoetry 

Hi Tracey!

I can feel with you. I have way too much stuff. Mostly magazines, paper ephemera that could be gold to someone, but trash to most others. I think about how unproductive I am when I consider all the possibilities for my collection of stuff.

That said, I would love to have any fabric you are willing to part with. I will pay shipping. Is there any way you could estimate how much shipping would be? Then I can mail it to you ahead of time. I have many plans for my fabric collection one day. I'm going to start my fabric journey by making quilted collaged pages for a fabric book. That way I can learn and explore techniques. I'm interested in fabric painting, collaging, quilt/wall hangings. I also plan to start making more art dolls. With them I'm going to play around with designing doll figures, starting by making several from patterns. I've made two dolls from patterns but its been at least a year since I finished my last one.

So, if you're willing to mail fabric to me I will be thrilled to create! I'm also willing to trade if there's something you're looking for. Send me an email with a list of things you're interested in. I've got ephemera I collected while I lived in Wisconsin and lots of beads that I'm willing to share. Try me for anything else you're looking for.

Heather

 Hi Tracey,

I just joined the Cafe tonight and saw your post. If you still have things you'd like to share, you might try posting to one of the Freecycle groups in your area...people post what they're willing to give for free and others email you with their interest. It looks like you have a lot of groups in your area, you can see at:

http://www.freecycle.org/group/Canada/Quebec/

For others who may read this, if you go to

http://www.freecycle.org

you can search for a group in your own area.

My local group is fairly active and I enjoy just reading all the goods that get offered and taken. Does a lot for my feeling of abundance!

Have fun with your art goods abundance, 

Sandie