Can I Be a Minimalist Miniaturist?

This past year, I have committed to minimalism in many areas of my life. The general idea is that our lives are better–spiritually, energetically, financially–when we “use things. love people.” (Tip of the hat to The Minimalists for this aphorism.) When we own just the things we need or use, it frees us up to live our lives, rather than running on the endless hamster wheel of consumerism. As part of my minimalism efforts, I have pared down my wardrobe and kitchen supplies. I have decreased my purchases of new clothing and buy the vast majority secondhand. I have helped my kids declutter their toys (always with their buy in!). I cleaned a lot out of the garage…really a shocking amount since we have only lived here for three years, and had no garage before that.

But miniatures throw a wrench in the progress I am making on the minimal front. Our workshop has two 3D printers, a laser cutter, a table saw, a Cricut maker, and five dollhouses. It’s….a lot.

One minimalism book I read lists things that everyone should be able to discard “without a second thought.” Broken electronics, clothes that don’t fit, shoes that are too worn to wear, that kind of thing. But right there, in the middle of the list, are two categories that shook me:

• unused craft supplies
• unfinished projects

Ahem?? What now? Okay, I can edit these a little:

• leftover craft supplies from finished projects
• unfinished projects that haven’t been worked on in six months

But even then, these narrower categories don’t feel right for a hobbyist. One of the coolest things about miniatures is that a tiny amount of extra material can be an entire project. Wood scraps from my Cricut become trim for a fireplace. Leftover embroidery floss becomes a ball of yarn for a mini craft basket.

And that doesn’t even scratch the surface of other materials in my makers’ supply. Packing material that could be reused in shipments from our shop. A stained blouse with a ditsy floral print whose fabric can be repurposed for a doll dress, and curtains, and pillowcases. Bottle caps and jewelry boxes and tiny jars and buttons galore…

But the most important thing I learned this year about minimalism is that it is not one-size-fits-all. Something that would be excess in my house–like tall heels or records or dog toys–are just the right amount for someone else.

And the key to me is that crafting is, in fact, supportive of my minimalist goals. My cross stitch projects, for example, are inexpensive ways to spend my time productively, rather than scrolling on my phone and being influenced to buy something. The small, repetitive movements are meditative for me.

So I am trying to develop my own minimalist miniaturist philosophy that accommodates my love for crafting.

Working Tenets for the Minimalist Miniaturist

• Good organization–always knowing what we have–helps us to avoid making unnecessary purchases.
• Buy things with a project in mind. Use lists to guide purchases.
• Used > new. Better for the wallet and the planet.
• Don’t buy in bulk without knowing that the material is the right one to complete the project. Samples are my friend.
• Keep a running list of projects that are in progress and those that I would like to work on in the future.

Do you identify as a minimalist? How do you keep your crafting supplies from taking over your home?