going into battle

 this is what one's studio looks like when

1. one is coming and going, mostly going, for most of one year
2. one travels to teach, comes home and unpacks only long enough to pack again and take off all over again to teach, to doctor, to soothe, to help, to travel across the country, across the world, to mourn, to celebrate, to patch, to mend
3. one has an ongoing case of ADD
4. one has never been an organized person
5. one has simply not had the time to tell which side was up or down
6. one's studio is teeny tiny, with next to no storage space

i write this and i heave one heavy sigh after another.  it disgusts me to walk into that room, to see what lies before me, what has to be done.  right now, as my creative coach and treasured friend lesley riley instructs me, i need to do two things:  1.  straighten and clear my working space, and 2.  make money.  i've spent week after week with her over the phone during our coaching sessions lamenting my lack of direction, my confusion over what needs to happen first, while she patiently instructs and listens.  so, finally, today, i've begun.  and this is what i'm doing right up front:  i've begun filling medium (and a couple of large) flat rate priority boxes with all sorts of goodies from things i've been gathering for years.  remember, i'm a mixed media artist as well as a jewelry designer, so this means hoarding all manner of papers, books, photographs, sticks, shells, ribbon, yarn, old and new trinkets, rubber stamps, fabrics, jewelry findings, metal bits, beads, eyelets, tools, porcelain dolls, little boxes and treasures.  into boxes i'm stuffing whatever i've not had the time to use (or have been unable to dig out until now) in the 6.5 years that i've been living here.  too, there are things that were carted here from the old house that are only now just turning up; into boxes they go.  i. do. not. have. room. for. these. things.  this is one method of making way, of clearing space, and of making a bit of money to add to my $10,000 dental fund (i assure you, i DO take very good care of my teeth, even though it sounds as if i didn't).  i'll be doing this a good bit in the next week or so, the clearing and the boxing and selling and shipping, as i've reached a point where i cannot with any sense of reward walk into that room, i cannot get any work done with pleasure in there without knocking over bottles of glue, without tearing out my hair trying to find the right tool.  here's how it goes:  i'm charging $30.00 plus $11.00 shipping for each medium flat rate box, ten of which are filled with surprises and already taped and ready to be addressed and picked up by the postman; i also have two large flat rate priority boxes, which have a bit more in them and will cost $40.00 plus $15.00 shipping.  all of these will go to the first who write and tell me they want to purchase the "surprise grab boxes"; simply leave a comment here, with your email address, stating which size you wish to purchase.  i'll send an invoice/request for money to you through paypal, and once you've paid, i'll ship.  remember, for now i have eight of the medium boxes, and two of the large.  it is my plan to stick to the task and have that studio emptied out by the beginning or middle of next week.  and at that point, i plan to breathe a little easier - yes?

editor's note, thursday morning:  WOW.  thanks, all who are interested, all who've already paid for boxes.  i'm amazed that you are willing to work with me on this, and i'm doing my best to get things placed in boxes and taped up to ship.  i have made a couple of trips to the post office, where my beloved postal employee debbie has generously given me entire stacks of medium flat rate boxes.  so, for those of you who are still interested, please leave a comment and i'll add you to the list, and will send you a paypal invoice for the box and shipping charges.  bear with me while i sort through the clerical side of this task, as well as the mess of my studio.  and, if you've not received an invoice from me, this means i inadvertently missed you in the flurry of activity.  thanks so, so much, again.  i also want to say that this brainstorm was not my idea, but that of my friend and creative coach lesley riley - i have called her my "buddha" friend for many many years for her ability to remain calm and sage throughout any sort of weather.  xo

Comments

[Michele Unger]

Hi Nina,

I'll take a $40 box! Sounds like Christmas in October.

XO

[Christina]

I would love to have a $30 box. What a fun way to earn a little extra cash for the dental fund, plus the fun I am going to have coming up with projects for these treasures.

Can't wait!

[Christina]

Well shoot, I gave you the wrong e-mail address for my paypal account. That's me right above this comment.

Would love to have a $30 Suprise Grab Box. Can't wait to see what treasures they hold.

[Barbara Lewis]

A $30 box would suit me just fine ... but before I go I have to say that I totally relate! When I looked at your room, I thought to myself, "I'd feel comfortable in that space, it looks just like mine!" But, really, we don't feel comfortable in the space. I also realize that when I get in the studio, I get a big case of ADHD. I start on something, but spy something interesting across the room and immediately drop what I'm doing and go play with that. 20 minutes later, I spot something else and drop what I'm doing and go there ... it continues until my studio is a mess!

My daughter is a big list maker and when I was getting ready for the Tucson Bead Show she said, "Mom, make a list." In the days leading to the show when I'd lament getting ready, she'd say, "What's on your list." The list system worked like a charm, but without her I make a list and then forget where I've left it! I'm hoping this is a common malady of creative types. If not, call the men in the white jackets!

[lorelei]

I know these will be snatched right up. I'll take a $40 box. I love surprises. :)

[katrina]

I would love a box - good luck to you!

[Mary Ann]

Don't be embarrassed by the dental fund, most people our age had their teeth ruined by dentists in the 50s. Now we are funding the dental industry.
Totally relate to the chaos I just moved from 5 beds, 3 baths to 3 beds, 1.5 baths. My painting studio is chaos but I have a dumpster to feed things that have not made me happy in the past 5 years. You are feeding someone else's passion plus recycling! Bless you.

[Ann]

(1) I was startled by the title of this one - seemed unusually martial
(2) I want to show my husband the "before" picture of your studio so that I seem like Martha Stewart in comparison
(3) I'd like a $30 box
(4) I also have very bad teeth - I was born that way. Sigh....... And I wonder about all the procedures dentists do to preserve them.....

[Kathy VK]

Absolutely brilliant and so very cool that you're working with Lesley! No better person on the planet to work with you. Onward!
xxx

[Laurel]

I am so sorry about your dental woes! That's awful.

I, too, would like a $40 box if possible. If not, I would like a $30 box. Thank you!

[Cathy Wegner]

I would like a $30.00 box. I love to organize. Too bad I'm not closer.

stampczy#zoominternet.net

[Mary G.]

Two birds with one stone! I love it! I'd order a box for myself, but I am suffering from the same overload myself. Just cleaned off my worktable this weekend, but my little house is stuffed with stuff. I recommend Flylady (just down the road from you in Brevard) for cleaning tips -- one of her best = setting a timer and decluttering 15 minutes at a time.

[cori]

well, if i don't get a $30 box i'll be kicking myself all day. finally a reward for getting up way before the sun! ;)

[Amy]

Any left ... We'd love a large box, my daughter and I, but we are willing to take any available! Don't tell my husband .... he would say that we need to be doing what you are doing, not accumulating more! XOXOX

[tracey]

It's funny, when I first saw the photo of your space, I thought, wow what a cool space! When I had a tiny tiny space to work in, my studio looked quite similar, then I sucked it up and saved and saved and had a 12X12 studio built from a kit. Now, I make it a habit of cleaning my studio every day before I leave and I am so happy to go in there in the mornings and work. I agree with one of the others that commented on the dentists of the 50s/in my case the 60's, ruining our teeth. I have all of these silver fillings that are now crumbling and I have to have them replaced, ick! Good luck, I am enjoying your blog so much!

[Tina in McLeansville]

what a great idea...and going like hotcakes, i see...no surprise there! my room used to look like yours until i had to box it up...now i can't find anything...i'd suggest labels. :) keep plowing! hugs...xo

[lindy mcclellan]

What a great idea! I would like a $30.00 box! Take a little time to breathe every now and then while you are plowing thru!

[Gabriela]

Hello Nina,

I know the feeling...but also know that our studios have a very special feeling, messy or not...they are our sacred spaces.

Gabriela

[june graham]

I want a grab box please. the Large size, if available, or the medium as second choice.

Good luck with your studio!

[Lori Burek]

I am in the same place as you with a messy studio but it also includes my whole house. My travels in 2010 left me no time to clear & clean. And this year my knee replacement left me out of commission. Now I am having another knee operation on the other knee! Life isn't good this year. I catch a box when more are available. Good luck! Hugs to you! Lori B.

[Jyl Brentana]

I would love a $30 box if you have any left! Please include some Nina magic in mine!

[Delila]

Nina, i know how you feel about keeping studio organized. i have no other excuses for the mess, except school and the fact that i was working in arboretum. it seems that sometimes creating has become in front of organizing, which is not a good thing at all. i do remember your blog post about organizing your studio few years ago, was it in winter time. i loved that post, your studio with art and fairy lights. i am sending you good "cleaning up" energy Nina... i wish i could have purchased one of your boxes, but i guess all are gone? i have not done any mixed media for two years, since i hardly have interest of purchasing new antique papers and such.

[Erin Perry]

You'll think this is nuts - but I love to organize! So I look at the picture of your studio and think - oh boy, how much fun to get in there and organize. Most people tell me I'm one of the few left-brained artists they know, heh heh. If any are left, I'd love a $30.00 box, and then I'll have the fun, not only of having the wonderful stuff in the box, but of getting to organize it into the appropriate cigar boxes.
Erin in Morro Bay

[Mosaic Magpie]

I would love a 30$ box. Just to think these were things you found worthy of collecting will be an inspiration to me. If there are any boxes left please email me.
Thank you,
Deb

[Ann]

I'm so excited!

[Karen Wick]

I would love a 40 dollar box! If available or a 30.00 box...You go girl!!!

[Sarah]

first choice a $40 box, second choice a $30 box.

SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sarah]

Heck, if go nuts and create a $50 box, I'll take that! :)

[Sarah]

Also, I think it's a genius idea. Good luck!

[Frankie Kins]

Nina: I'll take a $40.00 box if you have it; $30.00 if not; $50.00 if you make one. hehe

Frankie
frankie.kins@yahoo.com

[Denise S.]

Oh I just found this post and would love to purchase any size box you could put together.

[carole]

I wish you well with all of the sorting, discarding, earning. A brilliant idea for earning extra cash for a much needed fund.

I understand all too well the dental expenses. I am being faced with a rather large bill myself (and painful work), through no fault of my own. I have taken good care of my teeth and gums, but procedures that were done when I was a child has come back to haunt. Stuff happens I guess. And that stuff, no matter how small, seems to cost astronomical prices. There's no real reason for it, except that those charging can get away with it. If only I were in their shoes. :-/

[Hope Amen]

Hello Nina, I would love a box of either size. I am sure either will be filled with treasures. What a wonderful way to destash and tackle bills. Best of luck to you!

[carole]

I meant to add that my space looks similar in areas, but I swear there's a method to my madness. lol

[Saskia]

I would love a box of any size if there is one left. But I have no paypal and i´m in Germany and I don´t want that it takes to much work for you?

[Kris Binsfeld]

Nina,

I would love a $30 box if you still have any remaining! :-) What a fabulous idea! Thanks so much! Kris

[sue in melbourne]

Hi Nina, I'd like a small box if you have any left, or even a large one! (have to laugh, as my studio looks just like yours!!!)

Sue in Melbourne

[Martine]

Hello Nina, ha, you make me smile.
you dont know what you want to do? Ofcourse you know it......you want to make art and money, so do it. You are such a wonderful artist. You could put everything you dont need outside in the rain and sell the foto's of it.
Cause i have more stuff then i already need i dont buy yours and dont think it makes sense sending such stuf to europe but your room will be workable soon and then you're walking around....................oh where's this and where's that? I need it!
I dont LOL but only smile but it so reckognizable.
Have fun dear Nina and enjoy your soon to be empty and new studio!
XXXm

[cynthia]

Ha, that's what I get for catching up on blogs late in the day!! Oh, well. What a wonderful treat for the lucky ones!

[sandra]

I admire you for being truly transparent about your goals. You are an inspiration. I can't wait to see how your new studio turns out.

[suzanne]

Hi Nina! My first choice is a $40 box ($30 if that is all you hvae left). My email is suzanne390 at hotmail.com

Personally, I love the way your studio looks but I understand how limiting it is as I have the exact same problem right now. Can't wait to see the new and improved studio. :)

Suzanne

[Judy H.]

Oh, my, I can SO relate to this post! My studio is crammed full of bits of ribbon, magazine pages, scraps of pretty paper, beads, trinkets, etc., etc....
My clean-up project is never-ending! I wish you well with yours! :D

[Jamie V]

Oh, gosh...i've lost count in the comments... is there still a $30 box for me? I'm in dire need of inspiration and some new treasures to 'play' with! Let me know and I'll send the $! I am contemplating doing the coaching with Lesley. Sounds like the boost I need! Thanks, Nina! Jamie V in MT
http://rem-nants.blogspot.com
amzanioli@yahoo.com

[Katherine Langford]

Nina, just let me send you 20.00 for your dental fund. . . please let me know how to do it. I don't need a box. I just want to fund your happy smile. I know it isn't much, but it is a start.

[Mary Eva]

Nina anything you have left or available I will take.....as anything from you would be amazing and fun.......either size

[Laurel]

Ahh Nina, my first thought at viewing your studio photo was, ahhhh it's not just me! Then I realized that I too am unable to get in there and do much of anything. Yep, time for some organizing and releasing. I keep thinking I'm magically going to turn into a painter and have these canvases which take up a ridiculous amount of space....you know, someone else would LOVE them and do beautiful things with them. I do believe I shall follow your lead and move them along to someone else to create with. Thank you!
I'll bet you find some treasures and inspiration in the midst of your organizing!!
Laurel

[Sharron]

Looks like I'm late for the surprise box party, but if they keep filling OF COURSE I want one! Any size-What a fun idea, don't know if the spirit of organization will rub of on me, but would love to add your nina clutter to mine. xoxo

[emanda]

Oh how I would love to have surprise grab box, but my studio looks just like yours and I have been trying to learn to say "no" to those hoarding impulses. Good luck and best wishes on your de-stashing and re-organizing.

Emanda

[Belinda Stec]

Oh, it's so late, so many before me. Let me know if there is a box available, 30 $ size would be great, If not, peace to you in this cleansing!

[Andi]

Hi Nina!! I would love a $40.00 box or a $30.00 one if all the $40.00 boxes have been spoken for! I think anythingt that you have saved would be of interest to me...Keeping my fingers crossed that I'm not too late!
Andi Hinkle
andihinkle@gmail.com

[Diana]

WOW.. that was amazing... the amount of people who would love a box is specatular.
i too would of loved to get one.. just to see if a little bit of your inspiration rubs off on me!! but alas i am prolly too late and i unfortunatley live in Canada.. well not unfortunate to be living here but shipping from you to me is tres expensive!

[Joey]

I love this idea and after seeing your post yesterday, I am still thinking about it so I would love a 30 dollar box if you still have anything available. My email is jlienert@hotmail.com. Thanks so much for sharing your process!

[susan]

I can't believe the response to your de-stashing offer, Nina! I, too, have much more "stuff" than I can possibly use in this lifetime. So I truly understand your problem.
But, my - what a wonderful solution! I'm sure everyone is going to have so much fun getting those surprise boxes from you!
Can't wait to see your new studio space!

xo dusan

[cheryl]

i'm sorry i read this so late in the day; if you have any left i'll take a medium and a large, or two of whatever size you have. btw my sister takes good care of her teeth too, unfortunately she takes after our dad, so it's a loosing battle.
xoxox,
cheryl

[Patti]

If you still have any available, Nina, put me down for a 40.

[Patricia Giraud]

Hi Nina,

I am very interested in a $30 box if you have any available. This is a brilliant idea: not only do you end up with a more tidy studio, your joys are spread far and wide. I hope I am not too late; just let me know. Good luck with the dental procedures....

Patricia

[Marion]

Hi,
I'd like a $40 surprise grab box if one is available.
Thanks.
Best wishes...

[minnie]

nina..........i cannot believe i didnot see this post.....please put me on facebook so i can see when you have a new post....i 2 am busy with my 2 jobs....fedex and jewelry....hardly a minute to come up....if anything left....yes, i would like a box too......omg, a box from you.....xxoo minnie

[cathy]

oh I feel for you right now....I am in the process of moving from Brussels to Singapore and I need to drop a {few} pounds for the move. My art room looks JUST LIKE YOURS! If I can put one small item (were talking a button) in the trash or for giveaway I say out loud - GOOD GIRL! It is sooooo hard for me to purge. How on earth are you parting with your wonderful collection. Any tips on how you are able to do this would be great appreciated : ) Good luck with the dental work!

[Lauren Sng]

Nina, if you have a medium box for $30, i'd like one. And no hurry. Thank you, and thank you for sharing yourself in so many ways.

[Karen]

Nina (aka birthday twin) - I would love a box of either size. I am starting a new project and would love to have some mystery additions for my piece. So glad that you are focused and using such a great way to address two needs. My teeth are fine, so I'll need to find another incentive to get control of all my out of control spaces. Today a friend posted a quote that somehow relates to this issue... " Things that matter most should never be at the mercy of things that matter least. " -Goethe

[lorelei]

I just want to say that your package arrived today and I am pretty tickled at the goods you sent my way! I do plan on photographing some of what you sent for a blog post, hope you don't mind. I hope that you were able to clean out your studio succcessfully! I know we are all very happy to have a little piece of you in our studios. I love love love it. Thanks again Nina. You are always an inspiration.

[Fonda Haight]

Hi Nina,
I'll take a $40.00 box if they are still available!

Thanks! Fonda

[Tana]

Hi! I just found your blog after seeing one of your creations on Pinterest ... which I've just joined.

I was born with problem teeth and every dentist I've been to tells me I have a very small mouth (despite what my friends think!), which may explain why dental work has been very uncomfortable for me, more than usual I would assume, and why I tend to put it off. Having said that, I've put about $15,000 of my own money into my teeth in the last 5 years and within the last year or so, I've finally reached the maintenance phase. YAY!

At any rate ... if you have any $30 boxes left, I'd love to help you out by purchasing one! You may invoice me at PrairiePrimitivesFolkArt@gmail.com when you have a box ready for me.

Thanks and good luck with the dental work!

[rachelle]

Dear Nina, I truly inspirational idea. Thank God for Lesley and friends like her who use their gifts to help encourage ours. All the best. All I can think of is the breathing and mental space you will have after all the hard work. Love you from afar. x

[sara]

do you have more, or did they all get snatched up?! just came across your blog and am DROOLING! :)

[peggy gatto]

Late....again!
if you have a Box left, I would love any!!!