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Crafty Organizing

© Anna-Marie Hawthorne

Most creative types (of which I'd like to call myself a part) like to label themselves as abstract thinkers. We like to say that our mess "feeds our creative side;" that we can't really think without the clutter. That doesn't have to be the case. Actually, getting things organized can boost confidence, increase creativity and improve efficiency. In simpler terms, it means that you spend less time looking for stuff and more time having fun, which is what crafting is really all about.

If you feel the need to keep your stuff nearby at all times, there are several solutions.

1. Almost every plastics company has created ingenious bins and containers that you can see inside. What a great idea for those of us who need to feel close to our supplies. If you use opaque ones, place photos of the contents on the drawers for easy reference.
2. Relegate your clutter to one small area. You can feel like you have control over your space. Don't let your belongings take charge, confining you to a small corner of your desk. Put that stuff away and make room for creativity!
3. Put up a peg board. Hang things you need in a pinch-scissors, tape, glue gun, extension cords, magnetic strips for pins and needles, whatever you need in a hurry. And like a mechanic, outline each item so you always know what is missing.
4. Tell yourself that less is more. Allow yourself to keep only the necessities in reach and put everything else in its place.
5. Go multi-sensory. Utilize aromatherapy, candles and mood music to feed your creativity. Mess won't help you feel creative, but a beautiful, orderly space will.

How many tasks do you perform in the space? Create stations for each job, taking into account electrical outlets, lighting, available workspace and seating. Your space must be well lit, easy to use and safe. Insert portable lighting, move extension cords out of reach and make sure you are standing or sitting comfortably.

Label everything with a picture or a word and keep everything for each tack together, i.e. keep all sewing supplies together, all scrapbook materials in the same area, etc. This may seem obvious, but many people are working inefficiently because things are not grouped effectively.

Use every inch of the space to your advantage. Floor to ceiling, use cabinets, shelves, horizontal surfaces and floor space to store and organize it all. Bulletin boards, dry wipe boards and even felt boards can help brainstorming and storage efforts. Find ways to double duty items in your room (garbage can tables can store bulk fabrics). Seasonal and seldom-used items can go into storage in another space if necessary.

The copyright of the article Crafty Organizing in Organizing Time & Space is owned by Cheryl Lewis. Permission to republish Crafty Organizing in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.