Thursday, April 11, 2013

Using Up Supplies


One of my projects during spring break was to fix up a creative space for me.


In November I fixed up a corner of Steve's studio as a work space for me.

Boxes storing tools and supplies left little room for actually working.

When I left things out, they got in Steve's way.

 Only a few of my supplies were actually at hand in the little corner.


The white cupboard in the living room is filled with my supplies.

During spring break I moved everything out of Steve's studio and piled the garage workbench with everything I use to create.

It is a work in progress that I hope to show off in two weeks, but in the meantime, I am organizing, tossing and finding long forgotten items.


I came across instructions for making fun things out of wire.

I looked at the date and couldn't believe I had torn the pages out of Better Homes and Gardens in 2001 - more than a decade!

One of my goals for the garage space is to have LESS.

I am forcing myself to use up what I have before I go out and buy more.

After work this afternoon, I gathered the supplies to make the wreath.


It is pretty basic.

Wrap the wire around and around, make some loops as you go and voila, a wreath.


I added a little bow and decided that it needed something more.

I found a rusty heart in my supplies and made a hole with the trusty little Tim Holtz hole maker (not the technical term) and tied it on with a snip of wire.


The entire time I was making it, my plan was to hang it on a rusty stick in the garden.

But, it seemed to disappear into the flowers.

Instead, it is hanging from my little red ladder on the front porch.


A primitive little wreath . . . created from some old wire . . . adorned with some ribbon and a rusty little heart. 

It took all of 20 minutes - I spent more time taking photos than I did making the wreath.


My retirement date is official - the paperwork was submitted on Tuesday.

People are asking me what I will do and ask me if I'm worried about being bored.

Are you kidding?

I have so many supplies and so many ideas, I will be busy for the rest of my life.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

You can find me partying at

Crafting in the Rain - Weekend Creative Link Up

Jennifer Rizzo - Fabulously Creative Linky Party

Homespun Happenings - Rustic Restoration Weekend Linky Party

Made in a Day - Made U Look Linky Party

My Romantic Home - Show and Tell Friday

Shabby Art Boutique - Shabbilicious Friday

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson - Share Your Cup Thursday

33 comments:

  1. Now isn't that just the cutest thing ever?!
    Let me just say...when I read the date 2001 on the photo page...it didn't seem that distant.
    but then you pointed out 'OVER A DECADE AGO' ...wHaT!!!????!!!!

    So anyway..
    I like your wreath, I really like those little candle stands. ;)
    Pat

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  2. I have no doubt that you will be busy for the rest of your life! Cheers to the creative mind! That wreath rocks! So simple and rustic for the garden! Congrats on filing your paperwork!

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  3. One way to be able to use up supplies is to be able to find them :) LOL I sometimes have a problem with that. Love your garden wreath :)

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  4. Carol,
    Your wreath is so cute. Congrats on being official with the paperwork. You will find so many creative outlets now.
    Kris

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  5. Oh my that little wire wreath is darling!I agree with you. I am getting rid of stuff or using it up. I just simply don't want any clutter in my life!
    xo rachel

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  6. Love the wreath, and I love using a bunch of stuff from home, things can be made so easil into a beautiful art piece...so cool and such a simple concept...I am a new follower of yours and look forward to returning and visiting again...

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  7. Congratulations on your impending retirement! You'll be amazed at what wonderful opportunities present themselves to fill your days. The wreath is the perfect symbol for an uncluttered life - steady and strong as wire with a little ornamentation to bring a smile to you face. Great job! -- Jan

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  8. I love how you are creating a space for you to create! Also, using what you already have. I love the wreath and the looping with the little heart hanging on it. You will have such a great time - you two creative people - I can't imagine anything better!

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  9. Love your wreath - it's perfect for your little red ladder too! Best of luck with creating your Creative Space...I need to do what you're doing and not buy any more stuff until what I have is gone! Congratulations to on your upcoming retirement! Let the creating begin! :)

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  10. That is the cutest thing, love it! Also glad to see your little ladder (red). My husband was going to get rid of our tall wooden ladder but I nabbed it, had him cut him down to a shorter size, plan to paint it and use as a planter this summer. I'm so excited about your retirement, partly for selfish reasons - I know we'll see more and more of your awesome creations! Mary

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  11. The wreath is perfect on the little red ladder! Hooray for retirement! I recommend it.

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  12. How very fun! I saw that clipping and immediately thought I needed to make a wire wreath to hang on my garage window. So I will be copying you soon!

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  13. I have made a few things out of wire, but you definitely found some very cute ideas! congrats on retiring

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  14. Wow - you home is buzzing with creativity all of the time! I cannot imagine how much fun it must be with two artistic people living together! Love that darling wreath and that heart was just the perfect addition!!

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  15. It's so nice to have all of your supplies together so that you can create with ease! I need to purge some of mine but the weather's been so nice, that I haven't been inside much. Enjoy your weekend! I like your blog!

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  16. Congratulations on your retirement! I adore your little wire wreath. Maybe you could open an Etsy shop when you have all that extra time!!! Those wreaths would sell like hot cakes. :o)

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  17. The wreath is so cute next to the door. It's funny how people always worry that we'll get bored (I get that question every summer, since I don't "go anywhere" for the holidays!
    I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy every minute of retirement!

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  18. That is one cute wreath, so simple but packs a huge punch. I wish I had a place to work, it would make life easier. Good luck getting your very own space together and congrats on retirement. I know you'll enjoy every minute of it.

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  19. Your wire wreath is perfect on your ladder. Congrats on your retirement, I know you will enjoy every moment.

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  20. Congratulations on being soon retired! This must be such an exciting time for you. I think your little wire wreath is darling. I like it hanging off the red step ladder. Good thing you saved that article too!

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  21. WOW! Your garden is amazing and hour house is so cheerful! I might finally be motivated this morning!

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  22. Your garden is so amazing.. I also loved your inspiration to me on my blog just now. I love it . I try and comment. I have connections with some on blogs and yours is soooooooooo one of them. I do the happy dance when you blog. I get you and your blog and love your spirit so much. I would sooooooooo hang with you if I lived there.... Thanks for always making my day .. I agree with that pamphlet ...you read that day .. Smile and make a difference example kindness.. Toni Morrison the writer said you can make a difference in a child by how they act when they enter a room...ONCE I heard that I made a huge deal on each chid that ever entered my life .. .Thanks for being YOU sister.. HUGS ...

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  23. The realm of less. Very nice.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

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  24. schöne alte möbel und farben, besonders das grün!!!!! viele grüße von angie aus deutschland

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  25. Your creative corner is adorable, but not enough room for a girl about to have fun full time! I just recently redid my craft room, oh what a chore! But, so worth it!!! Good luck, and fun in the process!

    Carol

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  26. That's a sweet little wreath! We sure have enough old rusty barbwire around the place. I wonder if I could fashion one out of that? Hmmm.

    Congratulations on your upcoming retirement!

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  27. So cute! Love that idea! Life to the full! Melissa

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  28. Happy to find you via "A Nantucket State of Mind" blog! Love all the bright colors in your post! As I'm now Following I'll be visiting more often!

    Have a great day, please stop by when you have a moment, I love company and new friends are always welcome!

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  29. Love the wire wreath on that cute little red ladder. Thanks for stopping to see my new craft cabinet. I see we are both trying to organize our work spaces it is nice when you can gather your things in one place. I found 7 sets of pencils once I got them all out of the bags I'd stashed them in! Can't wait to see your space once it is finished. Congrats on your upcoming retirement! Laura

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  30. Your wreath is adorable! I agree, photography is an extra task. Congrats on your retirement!

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  31. What a charming wreath. I look forward to seeing your work space. Congrats on making your retirement date official!

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  32. The wreath is simple and sweet Carol. Perfect on the little red ladder. I may need to make one for my little aqua ladder. Congrats on retiring. Never a dull moment I say. What in the heck is boredom? Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  33. Happy retirement! Cute little wreath! I love craft wire. Thank you for sharing at Rustic Restorations Weekend!

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