Hi there! Today I’d like to talk about buying art supplies.
Have you been denying yourself something?
I think we all have a tendency to put off big ticket purchases. Budgets are tight all over, so many of us put those bigger ticket art tools and supplies on a “wishlist” for the future – but don’t allow ourselves to think about purchasing it now. We deny ourselves those tools that we really want. Even if we are drooling over them.
Making only small purchases
To make ourselves feel better though, we often do allow ourselves to spend just a little on art stuff. A few dollars here. A few dollars there. Nothing that will impact the budget too much. Just something small.
Don’t fall for it! It’s a trap!
Have you ever added it up?
Have you been doing this? I know I’ve been guilty of it in the past. And then I added up all those receipts. $15 a week, becomes $60 in a month. What could you get with $60? $60 a month becomes $180 in just three months – or $360 in just 6 months. What could you do with $360? Would you be able to buy that big ticket item you’ve been denying yourself?
Save it up and plan your purchases instead
This is why I’ve decided to save my pennies up instead, and then use them to buy some bigger ticket items I’ve been wanting. When I get that urge to buy “something small” I’m going to put the money in a jar. I’m also going to put wishlist items in the jar, too. Those tools or art supplies that have caught my eye and really make me drool.
Then, in a few months, I can sit down with the jar and all my wishlist items and see which ones would make the most sense for me. Which ones will help me make more of the art that I want to make? Which ones will be good investments that I can use and enjoy over and over? Which items on my list make the cut and which ones don’t? Which ones no longer interest me and were more of a passing fad than something I’m genuinely going to enjoy?
Shop less, make more art!
As a result, I will be making my purchases with intention. I will have projects and goals in mind when I purchase the supplies. And, because I won’t be buying a new little thing all the time – I will have more time to enjoy and fully explore and experiment and play with the items I do have. I will be shopping less, and freeing up time to make more art and play in my crafty space!
What do you think?
Are you denying yourself a big ticket item? What art supplies make you drool? Do you fall into the trap of buying “just one small thing” like I did? I’d love to hear about your experiences! Leave me a comment! ♥
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{ 4 appreciated comments }
I’m still buying basics but this is such a great plan. My hubby pointed out I did this very thing with decorating. If I quit with buying small accessories all the time then I could buy something big and make a big change. It did work for home decorating and I am going to try now with my art supplies. Thanks for reminding me!
Oh yeah. Love this. Chances are, once you stop that immediate urge, a month (or even a week) later you may no longer even want that item!
You are SO RIGHT! I have plenty of supplies, now to USE THEM and not go buy something else.
Hi, Arlene! I love the idea of USING more of what I have and shopping less! ♥