MAGPIE'S MUMBLINGS

A blog about my interests, which include fabric landscapes and various and assorted other artsy pursuits and sometimes known to contain mumblings of a random nature.

Tuesday, January 07, 2020

And on we go!

Here are the results of January 6 and 7th of the Grande Downsize Caper of 2020!....

Denim pieces - harvested from old jeans and in my stash for too many years to count!

pens, pencils, dead markers and a set of really fine metal files (why???)

some atc's and postcards - made too many!
I have made a slight adjustment to the original idea of downsizing 5 things each day because once we started into the process I got on a roll and, like a whirling dervish, I went through the entire place in a matter of days.  So....as I went I put things we're getting rid of into groupings, took photos, and will be sharing those here throughout the month.  The items (most of them)  were delivered to the thrift store yesterday and, wonder of wonders, I didn't even set foot inside the store, which has to be a first!

Today's quote is from Hans Hofmann..."The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak"

18 comments:

  1. I had planned on this downsizing before I knew anything about the movement, so it's funny to find I'm in the middle of it! My stuff is largely raw materials for artmaking, not very scenic, but it's great to give them to other artists on a low budget.

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    1. It does seem to be a movement right now - so many bloggers are working on downsizing and not just the ones that are taking part in my little challenge. I think it's a reaction to what's going on in the world right now. We're so overwhelmed by all the bad and one of the ways to cope is to make our own lives simpler.

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  2. Wow! You are brave.
    Downsizing including anything metal is astounding. Fabric I understand.
    I donated a bag of remnants last fall. I will try to put together another.

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    1. Brave? No, more apt to be overwhelmed by 'stuff'!!!

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  3. I know I should, and I will some day, but at the moment I will just have to read of your fun with this downsizing caper. Though in saying that when I have a tidy up (which these days seems to be every other day) I do cull. Does that count. =)

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    1. Of course it counts! That's what I'm hoping to do from now on and at least that will help me keep on top of it. That, and subscribe to the theory of one thing in, one thing (or more!) out.

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  4. MA You are doing such a great job on your eliminating clutter and excess...Congratulations Dear. I am doing pretty well and filled my trash can with lots from my freezer, refrigerator and pantry. I never used to pay attention to expiration dates..until I cooked something that was inedible due to how very old it was. I even threaded some needles to begin working on my stitchery panels once again. JOYful January.

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    1. Thanks Sherry. It's actually been fun (I know - that really says something about me doesn't it!!).

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  5. I love this idea of downsizing together! Well done for being on such a roll you couldn't stop! A massive hug to you for your kind comments regarding our situation here in Australia :)
    Wren x

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    1. Most things are more fun when you have a cheering section, for sure. Prayers ongoing for your country.

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  6. 'So the necessary may speak', I like that quote.
    Good progress Mary Ann.

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    1. There definitely is a lot of truth in that quote because as I went through my sewing room I found lots of things that were speaking and now have ideas of things to create.

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  7. Sounds like you're making great progress Mary Anne! Well done! Have a lovely weekend! Christine x

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    1. Lovely weekend to you too Christine! I feel a whole lot 'lighter' after getting rid of so much stuff.

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  8. I bet having it all done is quite a relief as well as rewarding! Good for you.

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    1. Living in an apartment means it's a quicker process than it would be in a house with more rooms. The best part was hauling all the donations to the thrift store.

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  9. It's fun to read that your downsizing is so successful, Mary Anne. I'm not at all surprised. When I did this, I collected a bunch of stuff in a corner to use on a day when I needed something. But that day never came. I emptied our house of so much more than I set out to do. Going to check out the other gals who are downsizing. Thanks for the links!

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    1. I know what you mean when you say that you emptied your house of so much more than you set out to do. Originally I thought I'd be doing well if I managed to get rid of enough to equal 5 things each day of the month and I astounded myself when it became FAR more than that. Great feeling!

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Thank you so much for leaving comments! I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy life to talk to me. It's wonderful to know that someone is actually reading my mumblings and even more fun if I can connect with you and visit your blog.