I will confess, I am a supply hoarder.

Sometimes, I feel like shopping is a scrapbooking activity all unto itself. Organizing certainly is. And here I am, surrounded by all this gorgeous stuff and I don’t want to use it! I have paper that is “too pretty” to cut into and ribbon that I’m hoarding for a “special occasion” and adorable embellishments that I just like to look at!

Now, beyond the fact that it’s ridiculous to have this much stuff, I have recently come across several things that I was “saving” and now no longer like. How silly! So, I’ve now adopted a “use it or lose it” philosophy. Here’s what that looks like:

1. I like to play along with the challenges from How Much Is Too Much. This blog challenges you to use up a ton of stuff on each layout.

2. I organize and purge at least once every three months. I usually donate my excess supplies to local scrapbooking friends. But, hospitals and schools are also always appreciative of donations. And going through my supplies reminds me of what I already own, which helps me (1) use it and (2) not buy a duplicate.

3. If I love it, I use it right away. Instead of waiting for the perfect project, I use that “must have” item immediately! That way, it goes into my scrapbooks and becomes a part of my memories rather than a dust collector.

4. I keep my supplies out in the open. I’ll admit that this is not an easy task in my apartment, but I know myself. If I see it, I’ll use it. If I don’t, I won’t. Hidden storage looks really nice, but those boxes never get opened around here.

All of these changes mean that I’m scrapping more often, more quickly, and having more fun with it! Here’s a recent page I created…

I really love the way it turned out. Those swirls and roses are the border to a beautiful piece of Prima paper. But, I never would have cut up that paper without my “use it or lose it” philosophy.

Try it for yourself!