I remember the day I took this picture in Savannah years ago. The city was draped in pink and rose azaleas. And azaleas are beautiful when in bloom, the bushes when not in bloom, not so much.
I was playing around with fabric and yarn yesterday creating a picture on fabric using only yarn. This is what I came up with in stages...
I have lots of decorative yarns as you can tell. I am going to cover the 'tree' by pinning tulle on it and today I will 'quilt' the yarn using a clear thread. You could use a soluble clear cover and then rinse it out when through but I decided to try tulle first.
Okay, now about simplifying your home and what to do with those items that you are reluctant to get rid of but still are not inclined to keep.
Consider a sentimental item given to you by a family member. Is it an heirloom? Could you pass it onto another family member? If not, you could take a picture of it and keep it in a digital format to remind you of the item and then donate it or dispose of it.
Maybe it's a gift that you feel obliged to keep. Why? It was a gift to do with as you will. Perhaps regifting it to someone who would appreciate it more than you do is the answer.
Of course, getting rid of those types of items can bring about a bit of guilt. Guess what? That's the first thing you should get rid of when simplifying your home. Easier said than done, yes, but why burden yourself with guilt when what you are doing is creating a better home for yourself and your family.
Do you have collections which are taking up more room then you want to give them? Select the one that you like the most to keep as a reminder and donate the rest.
Could you repurpose a sentimental item? That would be one way to keep the item and still make it work in your home.
And what about those precious items that you are anxious about? Maybe compromise is the answer. Keep the most important items while letting the others go (after taking digital pictures of them.)
Again, there is not one right answer to fit all. It is your home and your life. You need to decide which avenue is best to pursue on sentimental items. The main idea is to keep your initial goal in mind of simplifying to create a better home for you and your family.
Talk with you tomorrow...