Craft Space Makeover: Organization

Happy Friday lovelies. The craft space makeover is in full swing and this week’s focus is on organization. I admit it, creative spaces have A LOT of stuff; tiny stuff, fragile stuff, bulky stuff, messy stuff….just a lot of stuff. It’s all necessary though – right?! There’s a fine line between having the supplies you need to support your craft and losing creative time in the clutter. I often say, I spend more time looking for supplies than creating with them. The answer to this crafting quandary is two-fold: purge and place.

 

PURGE

I’m not a hoarder but my creative wheels are constantly turning and I often THINK everything has a crafting application. A bit of pvc pipe makes fabulous paint rings on a multi-media project. Cardboard…you ALWAYS need cardboard and plastic…bubble wrap and styrofoam too. Clothing tags have so much potential (like this one). Right! It’s true that crafting provides a wonderful opportunity to recycle and repurpose; however, it’s important to take inventory on those items every so often. If the words, “I might need that someday” have not come to fruition in the past year, it’s time to let go. Here are some areas that were prime for purging in my craft room.

 

Magazines and Other Publications

 

 

I keep one year’s worth. For all the rest, cut out pictures/pages that are inspirational to you and put them in a 2″ binder. One binder is much easier to store and browse than 30 back issues of sewing/scrapbooking/art magazines. Tip: make a quick note on each entry reminding you what creative ideas it prompted. Once a year, go through your binder and toss anything that no longer inspires you.

 

 

Paper and Fabric Scraps

 

Only keep project worthy sizes!

For paper, I keep anything 6″x 6″ or larger and store the pieces in color/theme labeled file folders. Everything goes into this bin for easy access. If the bin gets too full, it’s time to purge.

My size rule on fabric scraps is 12″x 12″ or larger. I keep my fabric scraps with my fat quarters and sort them by color.I found these cool industrial wine racks at Living Spaces. There hexagon-shaped deep openings are perfect for fabric storage.

 Not only are the small fabric pieces organized and accessible… they are so cheerful and pretty! Sitting on my bookshelf, they are as good as any piece of decor.

 

 

Paint and Markers

Spend an hour doodling with your pens and markers. Not only is it therapeutic but it purges those that have dried up or are no longer working.

Open your acrylic paints. I was shocked how many of them had dried up!

 

Repurposed/Recycled Supplies

Yes, cardboard, plastic sheeting, garment tags, toilet paper roles and bubble wrap are all creatively useful. BUT! do you need dozens of them? No. Give yourself one or two containers to fill and purge until it all fits. I like these containers from Home Depot. They are roughly 15″ x 12″ x 9″ so they fit on most shelves and hold a good amount of supplies.

 

 

Golden Rule of Purging

If you no longer love it, purge it. It’s okay to fall out of love with things. Maybe paisley doesn’t float your creative boat anymore… that’s okay. Say your good-byes and move on.

 

Remember, there are plenty of places you can donate craft supplies; Boys & Girls Club and school art programs are usually thrilled to have quality items like paper, brushes, decorative scissors  and stamps.  Also, think about your crafty friends – they might swoon over that paisley print.

 

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STORAGE CONTAINERS

 

When it comes to organization in your crafting space, it only makes sense for you to think outside the box (punny). For example. These linen covered Hearth and Hand magazine file holders from Target and these metal ones from Ikea hold so much more than just magazines. I use them to store rolls of die cutting vinyl and also mixed media stencils and templates.

My special buttons are stored in tins meant for watch parts but you could also use empty Altoids mint tins

This crafter repurposed a wine crate to hold their acrylic paints. Another example of supply storage being it’s own art/decor. Beautiful!

 

I use half of a tiered tray to hold my spools of embroidery yarn. The other half is on my desk holding jars of pens, pencils and scissors.

 

 

Don’t worry about the original color of any storage solution. If the size and style is right, a little sandpaper, stain or spray paint can make it fit your decor.

Creative people use things creatively. I love that!

 

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LABELING

I may have put labeling last but it is certainly not least. Labeling cuts your search time in half and I would far rather be crafting than searching. Labeling also allows you to fit more of one kind of thing in a space while ensuring you will be able to find exactly what you are looking for.

 

 

 

Get yourself a good label maker. I like the DYMO LetraTag LT-100H  because it fits nicely in my hand, is easy to use and is affordable.

I also like using my computer or typewriter to make cool looking tags for containers that are more out in the open. They have a more authentic look and you can use whatever color paper you like rather than the semi-gloss label tape that label makers use.

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Organizing your craft space not only makes your space look lovely and inspirational, it frees you up to create. What is your favorite craft supply storage solution? What supplies do you struggle with the most? I’d love to hear from you.

Stay tuned next week for another reveal of my Craft Space Makeover

 

 

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