I’m a crafting hoarder. I have the supplies in my basement to create almost everything your mind can imagine. Just ask my nieces. The basement was their favourite spot when they visited. Did they want to go to the waterpark or hiking? Nope…,”Let’s just stay home and make something Auntie!”
When I was a kid I had a “craft drawer”. Now I have a craft basement.
I found some polymer clay in my craft basement the other day and decided on a whim to make some necklaces. That’s how it works with me, I get distracted easily. I probably went downstairs in the morning to turn on the printer and then ended up coming back up in the evening with two new necklaces. Such is the artistic mind. Having the freedom to let it roam wherever it wants to is a divine pleasure of mine.
If you like this necklace I just listed it in my Etsy shop.
Do you hoard anything?
What’s in your basement?
It impresses me that you can stumble across something and BAM! five minutes later there’s a necklace! Oh, to be artistic… I hoard everything. And I don’t have a basement, so there’s just stuff everywhere. But then, you never know when you’re going to need those shoes you’ve not worn for ten years…
I have a basement full of supplies for almost anything I could get the urge to make. Having to go buy supplies really kills the creative process, I think.
Love this post. I can just imagine your day filled with creativity, posting, getting dressed, making more stuff, adding to Etsy, etc…You are so lucky to be able to do what you love. In my basement I have most of my craft stuff and screen print equipment. The dark room is my son’s closet since he never hangs up his clothes anyway. All my sewing things are in the top floor attic space. It’s odd having things so spread out but it works for now.
Love your creations!
That must be some fabulous cellar and a great creative playground. Fabulous necklace Suzanne! I don’t currently have the space the hoard anything really but my weakness is definitely clothes and accessories….
I’m so intrigued….so you shape the clay and then paint it? Do you have to fire it (is there a kiln in your basement too?). It’s a beautiful necklace…such artistic talent you have (along with a funny sense of humor—the getting distracted thing cracked me up!!). jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
You actually bake the clay in the oven. I buy it in the colours I want to use, but you can actually dye the clay or paint it as you suggested.
Love the outfit and the necklace you’ve made! And oh yes, can I ever relate with supply hording?! Although I have gotten somewhat better it is something I have to make myself reign in, Happily, I’m using more and more digital stamps and papers that don’t take up valuable space.
That is the brilliant thing about digital…no mess!
I TOTALLY get what you’re saying about distraction! I’m exactly the same way. Your necklace turned out fabulous and now I want to go buy shrinky dink and polymer clay and play, play, play. I haven’t tried either of these two mediums yet.
You MUST get some! Show me what you create when you do!
I love your necklace! It’s so smooth. How did you do that? I would freak out trying to get those bits smooth and would stomp them in the end and be a failure! You are a goddess of crafting for sure. A basement of crafting materials sounds like heaven. It’s pretty cool that your nieces love to craft with you. Hey, I have those pants too! Anthro right?
I had to rub that clay on some baby’s butt to get it that smooth! {wink}
Ha! Too funny we have the same pants : )
What a fabulous necklace! I love that you just made it on a whim. I wish I was more crafty and artistic like that. I fancy myself artistic, but I think that’s more because I wish I was. Ha! And I love making things, but I tend to get more distracted from doing it that by it, if that makes sense. Anyway, you look great and I love the necklace. And your hair looks amazing!
I also get distracted when I’d like to be creating something. There is always something else to be doing it seems.
I have never had a basement or attic (just not common in Hawaii or California) which I think is a good thing because I hoard everything. One thing that I’ve been collecting for years are magazine clip outs. I rip our exercise and recipes and basically never use it again.
I love this fun necklace and have no idea how this is made since I have no crafting bone in me.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Okay…that is one bad strike against California. No basements. That and the fact that they are on a fault line.
I also rip out recipes. I do have some binders that they sometimes make it into.
I hoard almost everything! Craft stuff, yes, clothes, yes!!! School resource books, yes…x
A gal after my own heart : )
Great necklace! Your basement sounds great! Lucky nieces!
We don’t have a basement. Wish we did… But then again, I probably would fill it with way too many things… 🙂
That is the problem with storage places. They can get out of hand.
That necklace is all kinds of wonderful and looks absolutely fantastic modelled by your gorgeous self.
I hoard sewing stuff – curtains, tablecloths, scraps of fabric, bits of lace, trims, zips, buttons, braid. I never know when the creative bug will grip me. So far this week I’ve made two dresses, three tops and I’m on my second capelet. I’m like a woman possessed! xxx
I think you must be so disciplined when you are a vintage seller. I’d be hoarding everything and never want to sell all the amazing pieces you find.
BTW…I broke down and am going back for that damn bold print vintage dress. I’d been thinking about it and then your comment made me think I need to just go and get it. You of all people would know if it is an extraordinary piece.
Oh- what a great necklace- who knew polymer clay could be so chic?! I hoard everything and anything that might be useful- art wise. Wallpaper, fabric, trims, thread, small vintage figurines, vintage comic books or ad images, just general supplies.
I agree that you never know when something might come in handy. It isn’t a way to a streamlined life though.
Gorgeous necklace! I wear my S. Carillo necklace at least once a week – you’re a talented woman.
I have OCD about collecting *anything* – I am a compulsive thrower and we live comfortably in a small condo with no attic, basement or storage bin. The cats give me the side-eye, hoping I’m not going to donate them (I won’t!).
Oh I do have too many vitamin waters in the fridge, and maybe one more bottle of wine than I actually need. xoxo
Ha ha! I bet Sandy worries a bit about being donated too.
One can never have too many bottles of wine. My husband, the Frenchman assures me this is a fact.
I hoard scrapbook supplies – and I swear, someday I will use them :)! Luckily I don’t really have a basement. You are a very talented lady!
Scrapbook supplies? Man! You need to come over Lana! You’d be in scrapbook nirvana at my place.
No basement here. Not even a wee cellar. Probably a good thing. It’d be filled with shoes.
Wow, what a great necklace. I’m so envious that you can descend to your basement and then arise with something unique like this. I’m glad Jodie asked you that question as I was curious too!
Oooooh…my dream basement would be filled with shoes!
I know so many women who’d be jealous of your basement. Better keep a lock on it!
Mine is full of old helmets, old leather jackets, old motorcycle gear. Including stuff from my ill-fated exploration of motorcycle-camping. I learned that hotels with hot showers are the way to travel in comfort.
Ha! No locks necessary. I’m willing to share : )
You realized that camping and pampering aren’t the same thing right? ; )
I am proud to say that I am the owner of a gorgeous Suzanne Carillo original. ?I am so impressed that you have a crafting basement. And when you come up for air you have an amazing necklace! You look so pretty in that peacock color and I love your flippy top. For some reason I hoard glitterglue. I rarely use it but every time I’m at the craft store I buy some more. So if you need some glitter just let me know and I’ll hook you up!
Ha! I love glitter glue! It’s a wonder my pug isn’t covered in it since I like to add it to everything.
Every day when I have to get dressed, pack my lunch and go off to work, I think about how much fun I would have if I could stay home and make things instead – sigh. You are so lucky to have that freedom. I’ll get there one day soon. And working with polymer clay is something I’m going to explore. Your necklace looks so cool!
I don’t hoard – I actually find it irritating to have too much stuff!
I think you’d adore the polymer clay. I’m surprised you don’t already use it to create your tiny pieces for your tins.
I’m not too crafty, but it is fun to see what you made!
If I hoard anything it is probably books…
I’m more of a declutterer than hoarder, every now and then I declutter the flat and get rid of half of my stuff because the sheer amount of it gets on my nerves. That being said, there are quite a few boxes if books in my basement…
BTW, you can’t really say you’re hoarding craft supplies; they’re material for your work after all, and like any artisan you need to have something in stock…
That is what I’ve always told my husband : ) I need it all for work! Now of course I’m using the same excuse for clothes.
That would be pretty sweet to have clay stashed around for whenever you get the urge to create. How handy! Hoarding has not been possible for the last few years for me, but my mom majorly hoards books and children’s educational materials–a stash that I make excellent use of in my current teaching pursuits. I don’t buy anything, I just use her stuff, which works excellently for me.
Awesome that someone else keeps the mess at their place! It’s like a hoarding library where you can borrow and take back.
I have no basement. But for the rest…I’m exactly like you, as you have seen with your own eyes.
I have enough crafting supplies to stock a modest craft shop. But I also hoard hats, shawls, shoes, you name it, I have it. In tenfold.
And my creative sprees go like yours. One moment I making a sandwich, the next I have started a craft project that goes on for days.
Yes you and I are two peas from the same pod lady. Probably why I like so you so much : )
Your basement sounds like a very interesting place!!
Beautiful and modern necklace…a great job!!
I think you’d like working with clay for your necklaces Dan. Have you ever tried it out? It’s very easy to use.
Love your outfit and adore the necklace. I love your creative mind, and enjoy watching it go from place to place. it is evident in your writing and your style! I am loving colored skinnies this season.
I hoard….hm.. alphabetical or chronological ??
Lets just say this, I own a lot of necklaces and rings, a lot of jacket and coats, and many pairs of shoes. Dresses, yes, those too..
xx, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Yes…I’m just wondering if you have extra storage space in that lovely apartment of yours where you store all of your items. You must do a post on that!
You never cease to amaze me with your mad skills…I am probably the least crafty person ever. I tend to hoard clothes…I always have it’s not something new since I’ve been blogging. I just have the hardest time getting rid of things. I’m always thinking, “Maybe I’ll wear that again someday….”
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
I also feel that way about clothes. Especially now when I see that items I loved and got rid of are now back in style.
Suzanne I love the new look of your blog! It is really engaging and pulls together so many of your themes. Beautiful and inspiring. Such a pleasure to meet you in N.Y.
Accidental Icon
It was wonderful meeting you too Lyn. Next time I’m there I’m going to look you up so we can connect a bit better.
Somehow you styled the necklace perfectly as well. Love the oufit with that cute sleeveless top. Makes you look so nice. Is your oven hot enough to bake the clay? I always thought you needed extra heat for that. Or do you have a special clay oven?
Do I hoard? Hahahaha…. yes I do… I hoard clothes, shoes, boots, bags, coats but especially…. necklaces.
I have more necklaces than there are days in a year (I think, I lost count). So even though I am tempted to order your necklace I am going to be strong for once (bad luck for you. sorry)
Greetje
The clay bakes at a low temp…only 300 F.
You have necklaces, tis true! But I have many many more than you. (Like my rhyme?)
Yes I like your rhyme. It is like buying a boat.. there will always be someone with a bigger boat.
Hello, dear Suzanne! I loved your necklace and I do love polymer clay! I also would love to know your basement, I love places that have “all”! This necklace is really sweet and with the colors that I love so much! You top is also very nice, and you always look chic! You know, there are people that are effortless chic and I think you are! Hope you have a nice week!
DenisesPlanet.com
8 years ago I lived in a large apartment that had a huge closed upstairs – I called it My Closet Of Good Intentions. It had a lot of my craft and art ideas, supplies, etc. I moved 8 years ago and have lived in 2 homes since. They are still together in my basement, never opened since I moved. Next to the large, spreading population of cardboard boxes. “Hey, that’s a nice box, I might use that.” Gets tossed down the stairs.
Oh man…I have a corner like that in my basement where I keep boxes, wrapping paper etc. I don’t feel too bad about it though because I do use them throughout the year.
I love the idea of a Closet of Good Intentions.
GREAT necklace!! I hoard boots and scarves.. I just pulled out all my fall boots this weekend and I have soooo many pairs.. I really never need to buy any ever again.. but I will!! and I have boxes and boxes of scarves….
I love boots too, and like you, most certainly didn’t need to buy more and yet I managed to buy two pairs last week!
Count me in with the hoarders.
What DON’T I hoard, is more the question.
One rule with art/craft supplies — if you toss something, you will need it within the month, and it will be twice as expensive (or unavailable).
No basement or attic in my current abode, though there IS a capacious garage full of, um, stuff.
Very cool necklace.
Keep on hoarding!
I also justify keeping stuff because I’m never sure if I will need it again.
No basement, But my collection of yarn, jewelry makings, fabric and “artistic” stuff could choke a horse.
Hoard is such an ugly word! You are a collector of beautiful things dear Suzanne! Doesn’t that sound better? Or is that just a euphemism for hoarding?
I collect teddy bears and have a post coming up sometime before Christmas. I also collect photos: 30,000 but they are on my computer so thankfully that doesn’t take up space in my place. However, my computer keeps warning me that my startup disk is almost full and i need to delete files.
♥ carmen
True…a collector is a much more appealing way of saying that. I often say I am a collector of clothes.
Yikes, you’d better back-up that computer!
I have a little teddy bear collection as well. : ) For the kid in us that never wants to grow up.
Those jeans! <3 Perfect pop of color. Fantastic shoes, too!
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
When I designed jewellery, it was gems and findings but that was several years ago but typically, the things I hoard on a regular basis are books, lipsticks, rings and shoes. Recently, I’ve added skincare to the mix 🙂