would you rather shop or make something?

Maybe it's the rain, but I had a hankering to go to Ocean State Job Lot to pick up more plastic containers to organize my studio. Or, head over to New Paltz to buy a pair of tie die yoga pants that I've been yearing for. Instead, I stopped at a yard sale on my way home, picked up a vintage wicker settee for just $30 bucks to replace the 20 year old shredded sofa on the porch. And they even drove it to the house for me.
In a somewhat constant state of transition, I was having trouble settling into just being home. Larry had already left for the airport, and it had been a busy week with my nephew visting on his way from Isreal to sell Dead Sea Products in a DC mall.
And, it was raining. As good a reason as any to go shopping... but the itch was stronger to hole up in my studio, despite the chaos, and work on a project I've been thinking about for months.
I drink almond milk, and tossing the cartons out always gives me pause. I put them in the recycle bin, but not really sure if these cartons with waxed paper outside, and foil inside actually can be recycled. In theory of course they can. But are they?
Reuse is actually better than recycling. And I've had a pile of these hanging around for a while with the intent to make a large tote from them. I hit a snag when I realized that the sewing machine couldn't manuever some of the necessary seams. And after a bit of agonizing, realized that duct tape was the perfect tool!
So for my next attempt I am going to skip the sewing altogether, and go straight for the duct tape. There were some great online tutorials for making change purses from juice cartons. All very kid friendly.
I of course opted to intuit the construction realizing that I don't actually follow directions well at all. And I have to say, I was sooooo satisfied with the result. And so glad I'd opted for studio time instead of shopping.
At the end of the day, shopping always leaves me rather fuzzy headed and psychically exhausted. Making things leaves me feeling pleasantly spent, like a good work out.
So I'm thinking I can use this as a way to save a bit more money these days. If I give myself the option of making something, anything, instead of shopping each time I get the urge. We'll see what happens.
May your day be filled with the Magic Medicine of making something out of your garbage instead of shopping for things that create more waste...
Get the book: Magic Medicine: Rx for Creativity now, at Lulu.com, order directly from me, or keep an eye out on Amazon.