Fwd: (Toss Tip) February Challenge from Jamie Novak 2-2-16

February Challenge: Make It or Make It Go Away Back when I feeling crafty I decided to make a bracelet. So, I bought a bracelet making kit. The kit included enough supplies to make 50 bracelets. I made one. That was 3 years ago. And now I have enough leftover beads to make 49 more! Then there are all the empty tins from mints. I saw on Pinterest how you can make tiny play sets – like a mini dog with a bed and bowl. I keep thinking I might be the kind of person to make one of these sets for my niece. So far I have not been that kind of person – but I keep hoping. And let's not forget the random felt pieces, excessive quantities of pom-poms and enough pipe-cleaners to twist together a floor length dress. Of course I have containers of itty, bitty beads. No self-respecting craft cabinet would be complete without them. And who doesn't have Mod Podge? I do!! Lots of them! And I also have stacks of empty boxes. I keep them after all you never know when I might bead a bracelet, using 3 year old beads, then gift it to someone in one of these cute boxes. My closets and drawers are filled with craft supplies for crafts I'm not making! Which brings me to our February Challenge – make it or make it go away! February, a month when we are mostly stuck inside because it is too cold/rainy/snowy to go out, seems like the perfect month to craft something. Here's How to Challenge Works: 1. Make something new or finish something you started (yes, a handmade Valentine's Day card or construction paper cut-out hearts or a wreath counts) 2. Find some craft kits or craft supplies to share (and then share them – it DOESN'T count unless they leave your house) 3. Toss anything that is too icky to save – broken beads, dried glue, paint brushes that shed bristles (you get the idea) Note: need a place to share crafts? Think about assisted living facilities, retirement homes, school art teachers, children's librarians, and scout troop leaders. Here's my overall organizing plan: I designated a single drawer as the craft drawer. I am going to fill it until I can't shut it without using my hand to push the stuff down. Once I outgrow the drawer I am going to have to make choices about what to make and what to make go away. The 49 bracelet kits – make it go away! I had three years, the beads are going to start disintegrating. The empty mint tins- make it go away! I will eat more mints, I will get more tins. The random felt pieces, pom-poms and pipe-cleaners. Keep! A reasonable quantity. How many pom-poms do I use on any given day? The containers of glass beads – make it go away! Someone is beading right now and that person can use them. Plus if the lids pop off one more time and I have to chase tiny beads around the hardwood floor I might lose it. The Mod Podge – keep! Hey, you never know. It is good for so many things. The empty boxes – keep! One of each size. That's it. That's the challenge. Are you ready to give it a try? If so I sure hope you'll let me know what you make AND what you make go away! Wishing you a clutter-free week, Jamie PS New programs were just added! 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