spark*west

- Image from Two Straight Lines-

I just have to share this post- it is pretty freaking smart-

http://twostraightlines.typepad.com/two_straight_lines/2007/09/minimalist-bird.html#comments



Excess? Indeed. Everywhere. And I am guilty of daydreaming about it- thankfully, our one-income budget keeps me from over-indulging.

I am guilty of encouraging it, too, as a designer/artist who sells stuff. Buy this! Buy mine! Put it in your home! Buy more!



One thing I have been conscious of for a long time, though, is the notion of buying for keeps. Like, lifetime keeps. Buy the best thing that you really love and plan on keeping it for a long, long time. Use it and enjoy it. Love it. Let it find roots in your home, in your visual identity.



Shoot- daydreaming again- minutes have gone by and I've been mentally writing a "contract" that customers have to sign when they make a purchase at a shop called "For Keeps". How great would this be- "I, the undersigned, here do solemnly swear that I am making this purchase for keeps. I promise that I have thought a lot about it, and I seriously love my purchase, and I plan on keeping it in my possession for a very long time. I am not making this purchase for the cheap thrill of impulsive consumerism. I am making it because I truly love it, find a connection with it, and/or plan on putting it to use for many years ahead. I promise I will not get rid of it just because it doesn't "go" with a decorating trend I am following. If I do become tired of it or need to get rid of it, I promise to donate it to a charity, give it to someone who needs it more than I do, or loves it at least as much as I do. Signed, ______________ "



For Keeps... this would be a great shop. I wonder if Courtney from Two Straight Lines would consign her minimalist gourd birdhouses with me? :)

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