Heart to Art Part 4 - Sustainability

If you've just found my blog, I'd encourage you to go back and read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 before reading this post.

In the opening paragraph of this series, I mentioned making my art more sustainable. That may have you wondering what I mean by sustainability. It's quite simple. Sustainability to me means that I would depend less on other artists, think stamps, and dies. While I intend to continue to use what I have in my stash I've already begun to make more sustainable choices. I've started focusing more on the consumables of making, the paper, ink, glue, etc.

The industry is propelled by buyers' consumption. New products are designed and the influences are sharing what you can make with the latest release. No one talks about what they do with the older stamps and dies. Which really got me thinking about what I would do with everything if I kept following the pattern of buy, buy, buy. We only have so much space in our studios, craft rooms, closets, cubbyholes, or nooks. Yes, we can sell, donate and give away older products, but that just perpetuates the cycle. I've reached a point where I'm ready to break the cycle.

Why now? Honestly, this should be its own post, but I'm going to sum it up in a paragraph. First and foremost, I feel called to do this. My heart is telling me to create differently, more authentically. Second, I'm focused on spending less. I have a studio full of products, both the consumable and non-consumable kind. It's time to use what I have. Last but definitely not least, I have a bit of a deadline. In four years, when Hubby retires, we have plans to move into a fifth wheel. I just won't have the same kind of space for all the things. I may have just opened Pandora's box of questions, but we'll cover that another time.

Why is all of this important? The short answer, I will become a more authentic artist and creator. The long answer goes a bit more like this. I want to create affordable art rather than just limiting myself to cards made with other artists' designs. It's about opening doors and trusting my own creativity, removing limitations and barriers, and taking that leap of faith. I have a desire to grow my skills and see where my own unique art can take me. I want to see what doors may open as I take this journey.