Monthly Q & A--Craft Supplies!

How’s your week going? Last week, BOTH grandbabies came for a day--we were focused on reading the same story for all of 3 minutes--success for the one year olds!

Just like a baby learning to walk (or sit for a story) if you’re considering a clear-out of your STUFF...give yourself permission to start VERY small, take one step at a time. Small consistent efforts will definitely get you moving forward!

February Q & A:
Becky emailed me this question:

“How/Where is the best place to store craft supplies?
I do some collage projects, some yarn work, some paper crafts. These projects are often created out of random stuff I am either given from friends/family or I find on clearance. I have a lot of stuff I’ve cut out of magazines that haven’t become part of my crafting yet. I also have a cat who likes to “help”. Any ideas you have would be great.”

Hi Becky!
I know this question is going to help A LOT of people in our e-community. The principles apply to any artistic space: art or craft spaces, workshops, music studios--any space you use to create, play, de-stress and get your gifts out to the world!

Your space may be the corner of a porch (Laurie!), one side of your living room, the garage, or a whole room dedicated to producing your fabulous creations.

#1 Go through everything and discard or donate that which DOES NOT feel relevant any longer. If you’re a creative person, you probably also grow and change at a very rapid pace, so that which sang a joyful song to you two years ago, may be just taking up space today. IT’S OK!!!!!! Let it go, so that you can continue to grow. Someone will love it.

When your space starts to feel stuffed and stuck--You Will, Too!!!!!

Make a date with yourself every month, or every quarter, at least every year (!) to clear out so that your breathtaking creations can come forward.

(Becky, it’s not clear to me, if you have a room, or dedicated space for your craft supplies...but, if not, and supplies are all over the house, start this process by claiming a space, a shelf, a room, or a corner. It will feel better than having to search for your things every time you get the spark to create!)

#2 Put “like” things together. Pull out one category at a time: yarn, magazine pictures, brushes, paints. After you EDIT and let go of those items that are no longer useful, decide what type of containers would work most efficiently. There are SO MANY to choose from and they can be found at all price points. I think it’s more beautiful if containers are the same, however, sometimes we just use what we have and go with function over beauty!

(Becky, if the cats can’t keep their paws off of your materials, you may need containers with tops! Typically, with creative spaces, we suggest NO TOPS on containers--unless they need to be stacked--so that the materials are more accessible, thus eliminating the on/off step of the tops.

Also, “random stuff” usually has categories, set it all out and see what you see...you may sort your odds and ends by color, size, or general categories like beads, ribbons, stickers, stamps. Labeling containers will help IMMENSELY when you go searching for the perfect addition to your collages!)

#3 Everyone and every situation is unique...Here are a few of the containers we have used with clients to organize art/creative spaces…

For yarn, consider an organizer that hangs in a closet...easy to see the colors and different types of yarn you have--no more digging OR forgetting what’s on the bottom. And close the door so the cat can’t get in :)

A compartment box is AWESOME for little items that tend to get forgotten--it’s also easy to customize this type of box by moving the dividers to suit your needs. I could see using a set of these for different colored collage materials, beads, buttons, stickers, stampers, small ribbons or hardware items.

Container choices are endless and VERY MUCH depend on your particular needs.

How about this one?

Even if you wouldn’t purchase this gorgeous, functional storage piece, you can study it and use the ideas to create your own fancy creative space.

#4 Beautify your space by painting the walls a high energy color, like orange! Hang mirrors to double the windows and bounce the light around. Choose lighting that makes it easy for you to see your masterpiece.

#5 Have Fun!

Thanks, Becky, for sending in your question--I hope this gives you some new ideas.
Please let me know how it goes for you!

Lots of Love,
XO

PS: If you want assistance, we are here for you and would love to help. Just reply to this email and we’ll get right back to you!
PSS: Send in YOUR burning questions--Organization, Decluttering, Feng Shui, or Design, I’d love to consider them for the coming months.

SHOUT-OUTS: I saw Leda and Luke at the grocery store, Janet and Tom got the curtains up (cozy!), Cindy and I discussed porch railings, K bravely took in a whole houseful of Feng Shui ideas--WOW! MC’s fuschia velvet chair arrived, Barry got everything together for his tax appointment, and Kelly and I picked out RED for the couch--WHEW! A very exciting week for all of us!