Ok we all know that when we create we tend to become focused on our project and not the mess we are making. The more we make the more we clutter up our studio or work space. Once the clutter takes over, we find ourselves without any available workspace for finishing projects not to mention starting new ones, and our favorite crafting tools seem to have disappeared underneath intimidating piles of mess never to be seen again. Let's try to eliminate the clutter and keep only what we need to complete all those half-finished projects.
I think the best time to organize your craft room is on the night before your trash is picked up. That way when you throw away everything in your trash pile it will be taken away forever the next morning, and you won’t be tempted to bring any of it back in the house.
I also think you should make a trip to the store to buy everything that you will need to organize your supplies. Trash bags, bins, see-thru plastic boxes with lids, compartment boxes, labels, markers and cleaning supplies. Take a day and just look at your area and decide how you want it to look. What would be the easiest way to get the job done so everything can be accessible and easy to put away when you are finished. Make a list of all the items you will need and don't forget cleaning supplies. I like to shop for these items only (no groceries, clothes, diapers, etc.) and then come straight home and get to work.
Ok let's get started:
Line up your new (or already have) bins and containers on the floor. Label them temporarily with what you will be dividing them into. You will also need a trash can for trash and a bag for donations. Each crafter will be different and have different needs. So if you paint you will need labels for paint, brushes, brush cleaners, patterns, and anything else that you use where someone who sews would need different labels. Or you could be like me and do all kinds of crafts.
1. Gather up all of the items around your craft room and sort every item into containers based on type of craft, such as sewing, scrap booking or knitting or types of items.
2. Make sure you are honest with yourself. If it is trash, throw it away. If you haven't used it in 6 months or more, donate it. If you have duplicates you don't need, donate it. If you aren't as excited about it as the day you bought it, donate it.
3. Now that you have everything in a bin, trash bag or donation bag take care of it. Take the trash straight out to the road. Load your donation bags straight into your vehicle. On your way home from work drop it off at the Good Will or Salvation Army.
4. Clean your craft area by dusting off flat surfaces and vacuuming the inside of drawers. Dusting walls, washing curtains or blinds, wiping intake vents and anything else there is to clean. Once your area is fresh and clean smelling you will feel alot better.
5. Look at your bins. Are they organized the way they need to be? All like items together? If not organize them now.
6. Place frequently used tools in drawer organizers, organizing each drawer by type of use or type of craft.
7. Place unfinished projects into clear bins. Place the bins on low level shelves near your work area for easy access and so you can see them every time you enter the room.
8. Type up and print labels in large print that you can read from across the room and then stick them on the outside of the bins.
9. Organize your bins with the heaviest closest to the floor. The most frequently used closest to your work area. Or on shelves that are chest high for easier access.
10. Remove any unneeded furniture from the room that is taking up creating space. I find empty space helps my creativity.
11. Now that everything is put away, sit down and look around. Is everything in it's place? Should something be moved closer to your work space? Make the final adjustments and enjoy your newly organized space.
12. I suggest that you start on those unfinished projects. I find once I get them finished and moved to where they go I feel better (less guilty, because someone somewhere is waiting to receive that finished project) and more creative.
Now it will be easier to put items away because it will go in the bin with it's name on it. If by some force of nature or act of God your room starts to get messy again try this idea to clean it up. Every time you walk into the room put 10 items away. Try to walk into the room at least twice a day even if you aren't creating that day. You will be surprised how easy it becomes organized again.
For me the most important part of staying organized is keep the trash can near by and empty it often. That usually takes care of 50% of my clutter.
Don't forget to check me out on Etsy. I now have free shipping. Don't forget I am re-organizing my shop and adding new items weekly so come back often. If you have any suggestions or ideas don't hesitate to contact me. www.glasslady.etsy.com
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Well today is Wenesday July 15th, the year is half over and I sit here wondering where it went. I just wanted everyone to know that Etsy is having a Christmas in July sale so check it out. And I now have free shipping in the United States in my shop!
Now is the time to get some of that holiday shopping out of the way!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
I'm slowly coming back!
I'm trying to make a come back slowly. I don't want to jump back in and fall down right away. I'm still working 10 hour days Monday thru Thursday and 8 hours a day on Friday and Saturday. That really doesn't leave much time for me to blog and re-set up my Etsy shop:
www.glasslady.etsy.com . I'm getting it back together a little at a time. So check back on Monday mornings to see what's new. I plan on creating during the week and listing on the weekends. It seems like the best time to list besides lunchtime. I seem to get more hits on the weekends and during lunch than any other time that I list items.
I haven't done any craft or art shows in a few months but have signed up for Christmas Under The Palms in Edgewater Florida on the second Saturday in December. I have sold most of my items on Ebay and have to get creating so I have enough to sell for the show.
I have lots of new ideas rolling around in my head and have decided to branch out to other crafts and arts. I want to have a good mixture of items to sell. I don't want to limit myself to just painting on glass anymore. I'm sure it will remain my main stay and top money maker but I feel a change coming on. I am still selling my wine glasses in a nearby shop. With the economy the way it is those sales have dropped off a bit. That's another reason why I need to get my stock up....the economy will be bouncing back soon. I want to be ready.
Wow!! The instant I pressed the send button the post showed up on my blog. Wonderful! Now I can blog at any moment from anywhere! Love it!
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