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Post by nana2callie on Jun 7, 2022 18:17:28 GMT
I have a fairly well organized craft room (combined scrapbook, painting, art journaling, etc) and while it is pretty well organized I still struggle finding things or remembering where I put them. We are having our floors redone therefore I have to take everything completely out of the room. It seems like a good time to reconsider my arrangement, my storage and everything else. So what are your best tips and advise.
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Post by 950nancy on Jun 7, 2022 18:45:15 GMT
I put my room on grid paper with each square equalling 4 or 6 inches. Then I make paper furniture to match the same size as the grid paper measurements. I see the best way to put the furniture in the room or if there is something out there that will store things better for the way I work. While your stuff is out of the room, go through each box and keep like things together. See what storage systems will work better for you. Keep like things together and the things you use the most closest to your working space. Put three boxes in front of you. One is for keep this, one is for donate, and the other is for move to another room. Keep a trash bag next to you to toss once it gets full. If you are on the fence about keeping something, put it in a labeled box with the day's date on it. Put it in the garage and and tell yourself that if you don't go looking for it in 6 months (or a year), it goes to Goodwill.
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Post by grammadee on Jun 7, 2022 19:11:49 GMT
My brain works differently when organizing than it does when creating.
When considering reorganizing the room, first make a list or a mind map of how you look for things. Then plan your storage in ways that facilitate your process.
For example, your left brain may roll along grouping all dies together, maybe by shape or by manufacturer. But when your creative right brain wants to FIND a die, it may be searching by theme. Force your left brain to group like your right brain searches. Maybe those butterfly dies need to be with the flower diecuts and the spring papers. Always use butterflies on birthday cards? Then that’s where those dies need to be.
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Post by wallyagain on Jun 7, 2022 19:21:15 GMT
I am very visual so even though I do use graph paper as 950nancy described, I also need to see what that will look like on the floor of the room. So measuring tape and masking tape, marking the dimensions of the furniture on the floor so I can get a better sense of what that will actually “look” like. Good luck, my room has changed so many times over the years. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Jun 7, 2022 20:10:43 GMT
I use the big storage cubes that Michael's sells. I have 14 under a bar-height table (one column is a set of 9 plastic drawers where I organize my CS by color). Most of the smaller items go in there. When a drawer is full, I need to purge something to make room for anything new. It also makes it easy to move from house to house. And, when in the room, it visually keeps the room tidy as most things are in a drawer.
I also have an Expedit and two bookshelves. That is 99% of my storage. I have paper on a bookshelf--when it's full, it's time to clean house. The other shelf stores crafting books, memorabilia to be scrapped, some mini albums, 2 sets of plastic drawers with scissors/pliers/wire cutters, a drawer for my Cameo supplies, a drawer with rub ons... I also have a basket with basic stamping supplies (blank ink pad, stamping blocks, cleaning pad, cleaning spray, etc) for when I just need to stamp a quick sentiment. Die storage is in the Expedit with baskets for embroidery, felt, fabric, etc. I also have some special projects and keepsake items stored on the top of the Expedit.
I've moved my room over a dozen times. I've found the best system is to group like objects together and when the shelf/drawer/bin is full, it's time to clean house. The rest I don't worry about. I like to craft at night and like to have the supplies that I need on hand.
If you have more items than you want or so many items that you just can't store things properly, go through them one by when you move them back in. Take your time to really go through your collection and purge what you don't want. A lot of libraries are setting up Maker Spaces now or an art teacher may want your items. You could also sell things in lots. Good luck!
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Post by CardBoxer on Jun 7, 2022 21:34:42 GMT
Do you need to cull through what you have or are you pretty good? And you’re fairly well organized, as in like with like. If so—or even if not—pulling everything out and sorting like with like can help determine container sizes. I can’t tell you how many cool/pretty/cute/great containers I bought that were donated because I was putting the cart before the horse. I also realized that other than very small boxes, I don’t want hinged boxes because they take up twice the room when open.
This will sound odd, but I’d suggest you watch Tim Holtz’ new craft room tour, even if your style is nothing like his, and even though it’s likely your decor won’t resemble his one iota. It’s more to see how he describes his approach to organizing. Some of it may resonate in an unexpected way as it did for me about small items. And other parts may do the opposite—you may think, no, that part won’t for me. Both are valuable since they help narrow down what is best for you. There’s another thread where it’s being talked about a bit.
I think it’s best to wait to buy containers until you have your piles of like objects and can measure them. And there’s a decision whether you want to combine any. For example, if someone watercolors, would the paints be in a container within a somewhat larger container that would also hold watercolor pads and blocks, water containers and palettes? So it’s like a watercolor kit with everything that’s needed except maybe brushes? Or would all paper, regardless of the craft, be in a paper section? Both work.
Labeling would be extremely helpful. And have fun with it! And if you’re really stuck, a professional organizer may help.
ETA Tim’s craft room tour is long - I watched it in chunks, and the more I watched, the less it was standard enjoyment of someone’s craft room, and more about an approach to organizing. Of course some of his stuff is unusual and fun.
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Post by steakgoddess on Jun 8, 2022 4:42:11 GMT
I just finished cleaning my room. I mean cleaning. I touched every single thing. I tried paints, pens, markers, inks, mists, glazes, etc
So my advice is to touch every single thing, open those boxes, flip through those binders, look inside and clean out and purge what you know is bad / non-usable or you hate.
Then you can start planning where things go.
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Jun 8, 2022 15:10:32 GMT
For organization I started by looking at other peoples craft rooms on YT and Pinterest and seeing what I liked or thought was interesting. I realized that I really like the set up I have.
When I was down-sizing the stash, I touched and looked at each item. I put sticky notes on the stamp pockets indicating how I would use it so I wouldn't forget. If I couldn't come up with at least two or three uses then it went into a discard box.
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sunflower
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Feb 23, 2022 12:53:10 GMT
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Post by sunflower on Jun 8, 2022 15:41:03 GMT
Lots of great posts about organizing! I approach organizing with like things together like in a retail store or grocery store i.e. I have chrome shelving for all dies, then subdivided into containers by theme. In the containers I would clump all snowflake dies together, Christmas trees together, Christmas words together and so on. I do this in my closet and dresser drawers, shoes etc. If I don't see it, I forget it. Also if you have perishable items like, pastes, glues, paint those have a shelf life as well and will dry out over time. In the end, it's what works best for you and your space. It does feel good to purge and clean things up!
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Post by nana2callie on Jun 9, 2022 15:45:07 GMT
Well to say the least the whole idea is overwhelming; however, I certainly appreciate the ideas and suggestions here. I want to do a better job putting things back in a manner that will make them easier to find and use... in those moments I have the opportunity to craft for a few minutes. I don't often get long periods of time - so I need quick access. Even though my space is very organized; it is not functionally organized if that makes sense.
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Post by sleepingbooty on Jun 11, 2022 9:56:44 GMT
I don't have a scrap/craft room myself so not a lot of advice to give but since you seem to struggle finding/remembering your stuff, have you thought about organising everything the other way around? Begin by establishing work spots that suit you the best (and perhaps expand the actual counter/desk space you have) and then organise your stuff according to the workflow you've established in your room, expanding from the multiple counter/desk spots. That way, whenever you move to a specific spot to accomplish a particular task, everything you need for it is right there.
I second trying everything perishable to see whether it's worth keeping.
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Post by CardBoxer on Jun 11, 2022 20:15:43 GMT
Well to say the least the whole idea is overwhelming; however, I certainly appreciate the ideas and suggestions here. I want to do a better job putting things back in a manner that will make them easier to find and use... in those moments I have the opportunity to craft for a few minutes. I don't often get long periods of time - so I need quick access. Even though my space is very organized; it is not functionally organized if that makes sense. It does. And organization that fits you will depend on how you think—what you want and need when you start a project. Jotting it down can help. For example, when I work with alcohol inks, I want everything in one spot: alcohol ink bottles, blending solution, iso alcohol, felt squares, Ranger blending tools, rubber bands, ruler, small fan, blower tool, gloves, brushes/tools and a few more supplies. Only the Yupo paper is separate, but nearby. I don’t want to go to one drawer for blending tools, another for rubber bands, the closet for felt and ink bottles, etc. So inks are in two Ranger alcohol ink tins, and a plastic bin holds everything else. A couple small boxes are in the plastic bin for the smallest supplies. So it’s like a big kit. Pick up those three things plus Yupo, put them on the desk, plug in the fan, done. But someone else would do it differently. So you might start with one crafting category, putting everything for that craft together, since you have three main crafts. Just high level sorting, not getting into the weeds. Then do it for another category, and so on. Since you’re removing everything, for now that could mean putting one type of craft into bankers boxes. So at least everything is sorted. And it’s legit to have the same items in more than one place. My Ranger blending tools are in a drawer for inking backgrounds, and others are in the alcohol ink bin. |
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Post by birukitty on Jun 11, 2022 20:23:43 GMT
Our very own Patter offered a scrapbook room organization course many years ago and I took it and re-organized my room that way. Organization comes easily to me, but Patter had so many wonderful organization ideas that I'd never even thought of. To this day my room is still organized thanks to her and the course.
I wish I'd kept it on my computer but I didn't-she might be able to help you find it. Thanks Patter for your amazing course.
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Post by jennoconnell on Jun 12, 2022 5:57:14 GMT
I have a fairly well organized craft room (combined scrapbook, painting, art journaling, etc) and while it is pretty well organized I still struggle finding things or remembering where I put them. We are having our floors redone therefore I have to take everything completely out of the room. It seems like a good time to reconsider my arrangement, my storage and everything else. So what are your best tips and advise. My best tip is once you are "done" organizing, the next time you go looking for something, if it's not in the first place you look...move it there once you find it. I have been doing this for the last year or so, and it's working really well for me. Sometimes, my subconscious knows where things should really be better than my conscious. |
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PaperAngel
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Post by PaperAngel on Jun 12, 2022 6:46:39 GMT
Only YOU can organize the room to work efficiently & productively for YOU.
IMHO you must define your work flow & prioritize supplies accordingly (ie your most used supplies should be within reach/closest - & your infrequently used supplies farthest - from your primary work area). Then, determine furniture placement, assess the type of storage container that will fit in the allotted furniture/space assigned for each supply type, & label everything! Best wishes...
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Post by kmage on Jun 12, 2022 15:18:12 GMT
I'll just add a fluff comment, lol...after seeing the TH scraproom/makerspace, my biggest takeaway (besides wanting to be a visting friend) is that he uses things he loves for decor too. I pretty much like my set up, but after seeing his video, I dug out some of my stuff that would also look pretty or cool on display, and gave it a home.
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Post by scrappyem on Jun 12, 2022 15:47:56 GMT
My best tip is once you are "done" organizing, the next time you go looking for something, if it's not in the first place you look...move it there once you find it. I have been doing this for the last year or so, and it's working really well for me. Sometimes, my subconscious knows where things should really be better than my conscious. I love this idea! That's so smart and makes a lot of sense. |
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Post by nana2callie on Jun 14, 2022 20:01:22 GMT
Thanks and while reading through the last comments - I think that may be the difference. My organization has been done in reverse - container, then what will fit in there - then where to put container. Instead of this is what I want to do, this is what I need to do it and where I will do it - then connecting those 3 things together.
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Post by Linda on Jun 14, 2022 20:30:24 GMT
I'm in the middle of re-doing the scrapbook section of my craft room - a space about 4ft (on one side) by 7ft (back wall) by 5+ ft (other side) so I've pulled everything out. I'm switching from a folding table and plastic drawer carts to a Kallax, 2 Alex drawers and a lagkapten desktop. I'm going to touch everything as it goes back and decide a) if I need it and b) where the best place for it will be. I want everything within arms reach of my chair...because otherwise I won't use it.
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Post by CardBoxer on Jun 14, 2022 20:59:41 GMT
Thanks and while reading through the last comments - I think that may be the difference. My organization has been done in reverse - container, then what will fit in there - then where to put container. Instead of this is what I want to do, this is what I need to do it and where I will do it - then connecting those 3 things together. 👍🏻 Good insight. And to keep overwhelm at bay, to start you could sort into the very broadest categories: 1) sewing, 2) journaling, 3) painting. So journals and pens and all journaling supplies go in one pile/box(s). Big, small, doesn’t matter at the beginning. Plus toss, recycle and donate boxes if needed. I bet you’ll speed along comfortably once you get going for a bit. |
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Post by nana2callie on Jun 20, 2022 14:47:42 GMT
Best storage ideas with the least footprint - I'm realizing as I've emptied room about 2/3rds of the way. I have bulky storage and too much of it - the room feels so much better and open without ALL that stuff. I need to sort and group better (as suggested) as well as purge a few things along the way. So, would love some favorite ideas for very functional storage. Thank you.
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Post by Linda on Jun 20, 2022 15:14:56 GMT
Best storage ideas with the least footprint - I'm realizing as I've emptied room about 2/3rds of the way. I have bulky storage and too much of it - the room feels so much better and open without ALL that stuff. I need to sort and group better (as suggested) as well as purge a few things along the way. So, would love some favorite ideas for very functional storage. Thank you. are you an open/visible or closed/hidden storage sort? and do you prefer broad categories or narrow ones? open storage - Kallax is great for that as are clear containers hidden storage - drawers, baskets (on a shelf), lidded boxes but the key, I've found, is to limit how much of anything one has to the space available. Personally I need everything close to my desk - I'm not getting up and wandering around the room looking for something, I'm reaching for it close by. I don't mind closed storage but I don't like opening a half-dozen things to find what I want so I use open containers within my drawers to corral stuff in broad categories (all my adhesive is together, all my wooden stamps are in one drawer - I used clear boxes without lids so I can lift the upper layer and see the lower easily...). But I also have a kallax which is 100% open storage so I remember that I HAVE paper pads and dies and so on and use them editing - vertical storage uses less 'footprint' - that's more useful the taller one is, I understand, but at 5'8" I have stacked recollections cube on my Kallax and plastic drawers on top of those - I can reach it all (my Kallax is only 3 cubes high) but it takes up less floor space which IS at a premium in my room |
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Post by scrapcat on Jun 20, 2022 16:01:44 GMT
Best storage ideas with the least footprint - I'm realizing as I've emptied room about 2/3rds of the way. I have bulky storage and too much of it - the room feels so much better and open without ALL that stuff. I need to sort and group better (as suggested) as well as purge a few things along the way. So, would love some favorite ideas for very functional storage. Thank you. It's not ideal, but I think trying to use what you have and see how it goes, then you can make decisions based on that. Like sometimes I use shoeboxes or storage that's been upcycled from other parts of my house until I get more clear on the needs. Sometimes bath/beauty storage works wells for scrapbooking stuff, and is less expensive, think small divided acrylic holders and rotating organizers. I try to look at storage solutions and look around to see if I already have something similar. I remember the narrow bath trays from Target that were going around a little bit ago to hold little bits and die cuts. I realized I had little plastic insert trays in two of my larger paper carriers I use for crops, so I just took them out to repurpose this way. One thing I do like to do is have space for products that I'm excited about or that I know I want to use for a specific purpose separated from regular "stash" supplies. I like to use narrow trays for things like that or if it's larger keep some of it visible in this container from scrapbook.com: www.scrapbook.com/store/sbc-storage-5348.html?t2=storage+and+organizationIt took me a long time to purchase this, I tried other various solutions until I decided it would be a good investment. I do like these holders and have them on a ladder shelf nearby. The sb.com stuff is all that paper covered cardboard type material, it's not the most sturdy, but the dimensions work well. I ended up getting some of the paper holders, I do like them for the simplicity and price, but after a couple weeks they seemed to be wearing out. I ended up having to hot glue them, but it still is working out ok for my needs. Also since you are moving things in that way, can you have a "maybe" storage container you could store somewhere else in your house (garage, basement)? I tried that when I moved and figured if it was something I found a use for I would go get it out, but in a few months if I hadn't looked for it then I just added to the donation/purge pile. |
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Post by Linda on Jun 20, 2022 16:13:45 GMT
Also since you are moving things in that way, can you have a "maybe" storage container you could store somewhere else in your house (garage, basement)? I tried that when I moved and figured if it was something I found a use for I would go get it out, but in a few months if I hadn't looked for it then I just added to the donation/purge pile. we do this - storage containers that are still in good shape have a shelf in the garage because as our storage needs change, they often come back into play somewhere else. |
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Post by nana2callie on Jun 20, 2022 18:24:52 GMT
I tend to be more visual - but again realizing that I can't have everything where I can see it... that in itself would drive me nuts. So, I like the idea of grouping things together for certain projects - so I can go that one area and retrieve what I need for that project.
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Post by nana2callie on Jul 14, 2022 13:27:07 GMT
As I'm moving back in - looking for some good storage options for the top closet shelf. Maybe things that are not being used often; but still wanted (not ready to purge). Also, ideas for tool set up - I have a cricut, typewriter (not often used), cutting tools, die cutting machine, binder machine (can't remember the name of it)but looking for a good way to have access to these.
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Post by Linda on Jul 14, 2022 13:37:47 GMT
As I'm moving back in - looking for some good storage options for the top closet shelf. Maybe things that are not being used often; but still wanted (not ready to purge). Also, ideas for tool set up - I have a cricut, typewriter (not often used), cutting tools, die cutting machine, binder machine (can't remember the name of it)but looking for a good way to have access to these. do you have empty albums? they might be a good item for the top shelf. Depending on weight, maybe the typewriter also? Do you keep Christmas theme items separate (or another theme where you might pull it out to use on a specific album but not use regularly - Disney? travel?) - maybe those? I keep my Gemini Jr and Cricut on my desk because close at hand = used more often (although I need to buy a new cord for my Cricut). My QK hand tool and dies are in my cubes right behind the chair at my desk so also close at hand. But I know lots of people set up a die cutting station |
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PaperAngel
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Post by PaperAngel on Jul 14, 2022 14:40:15 GMT
As I'm moving back in - looking for some good storage options for the top closet shelf. Maybe things that are not being used often; but still wanted (not ready to purge). Also, ideas for tool set up - I have a cricut, typewriter (not often used), cutting tools, die cutting machine, binder machine (can't remember the name of it)but looking for a good way to have access to these. In general, I suggest applying your storage preferences & best practices elsewhere in your home, (eg kitchen//pantry, linen/coat/bedroom closets) to your craft room. Consider clear & not bulky or heavy containers for ease in identifying & removing items from the top closet shelf without risk of injury. Perhaps store extras, such as empty albums, adhesive or trimmer blade refills, etc or items that you want out of sight & reach of little hands when not in use on the top closet shelf. Regarding machines, perhaps devote a counter, top of a counter-height bookcase, or extra table/desk (with access to electrical outlets) to display the machines & create a machine hub with related supplies (eg dies, plates, scraper) stored nearby. If you prefer hidden storage & pulling the machines out individually as needed, consider deep drawers, cabinets, &/or closet shelves, but be certain to have a designated (& cleared) spot on a countertop or desk near an electrical outlet to use them. |
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Post by grammadee on Jul 15, 2022 16:55:38 GMT
My problem is that when I change how things are organized, when I am looking for something I usually go to where it USED TO BE! Maybe next time I will leave a note for my future crafty self when my current organizer self moves something ("The butterfly dies are now in the Spring bin") so future self will have a clue to where to look.
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Post by cannmom on Jul 15, 2022 21:12:13 GMT
As I'm moving back in - looking for some good storage options for the top closet shelf. Maybe things that are not being used often; but still wanted (not ready to purge). Also, ideas for tool set up - I have a cricut, typewriter (not often used), cutting tools, die cutting machine, binder machine (can't remember the name of it)but looking for a good way to have access to these. I have to keep die cutting tools out where they are easy to use. I know that I don’t want to drag my Silhouette out of the closet every time I use it. I bought a small wooden island on wheels that I put next to my desk and my Silhouette lives there. It is on top and I store extra supplies in the cabinet part. I made my desk L-shaped by placing a 4 cube unit next to it that has my Big Shot on it. I need these things to have a spot that makes them easily accessible to use. |
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