Every creative space tells a story. Mine speaks of quilts dreamed up but not yet started, recipes carefully clipped and saved for “someday,” and materials collected with such hope and possibility. Each item represents a moment of inspiration – a spark that made us think “yes, I could make something wonderful with this.”
Being naturally curious means we’re drawn to trying new things. I know I’m not the only one who’s invested in supplies for punch needle, or herbalism, or that one craft workshop that looked so amazing. Sometimes these new adventures stick (hello, vegetable gardening!), and sometimes we realize – after buying all the supplies – that maybe we’re not as interested as we thought we’d be. Those abandoned materials can end up weighing on us, making us feel guilty every time we see them sitting unused in our creative space.
So, what’s a multi-passionate creative to do?
Mindfully Declutter Your Creative Space
The journey from stuck to inspired isn’t always easy. It requires us to be honest about what’s really serving our creative practice and what’s holding us back. Sometimes that means letting go – of projects that no longer excite us, of materials we’ve outgrown, of expectations we put on ourselves. But through this process of clearing and letting go, we create space for what truly inspires us now.
You might be thinking, “But don’t artists need lots of supplies?” That’s what I thought too! But here’s what I discovered when I finally tackled the chaos in my studio.
Finding Focus (And My Favorite Scissors!)
Remember that feeling when you’re trying to work on a project, but the mess around you keeps catching your eye? That was me, constantly distracted by piles of fabric, unfinished projects, and supplies I’d forgotten I owned. Turns out, there’s actually science behind why clutter makes it harder to focus – our brains are constantly processing all that visual information, even when we’re trying to concentrate on something else.
The Money-Saving Surprise
Here’s something I didn’t expect: decluttering saved me money! Once I could actually see what I had, I stopped buying duplicates of things I already owned. (Seriously, how did I end up with five different seam rippers?) Now I know exactly what supplies I have and what I actually need.
Creating Space to Create
Physical Space
The most obvious benefit? I can actually use my work surface now! No more shoving things aside to find a spot to work or stepping over piles on the floor. My thing have a permanent home, and I have space to spread out when working on bigger projects.
Mental Space
But the real transformation wasn’t just physical. Without the constant visual reminder of unfinished projects and unused supplies, my creative energy has somewhere to go besides feeling guilty about all the things I “should” be doing.
How to Start
Start small. Pick one drawer, one shelf, or one category of supplies. Ask yourself:
- When was the last time I used this?
- Does it bring me joy or just guilt?
- Does it match my current aesthetic?
- Would someone else get more use out of it?
- Do I have duplicates?
Moving Forward
The goal isn’t to get rid of everything – it’s to create a space that supports your creativity rather than stifling it. For me, that meant keeping the supplies I actually use and love, and letting go of the “someday” projects and supplies that were just weighing me down.
Interested in going deeper? Sign up for my 15-days of Mindfulness in Your Studio Series. You’ll receive one short prompt each morning in your inbox to encourage a mindful approach to your creative practice!