Paper Craft Organizational Tips -

When Del and I moved from Colorado to California, almost half of the trailer we used to move was my crafting supplies, and I had already sold a lot!  To say my husband was mad - would be an understatement!  Yet the alternative - was giving me the money needed to repurchase it all - ya, that wasn't going to happen LOL, so move what we could we did!!!  
2 years later, I now have a very small studio...okay, it's my dining space in my very small apartment, but it's mine all the same!  My space has evolved over the course of time, with different supplies to keep things in, and spaces to create on!  I ended up with a desk almost a year ago...and I love it!  I have plans to repaint it after I find the perfect wardrobe for all of my creative supplies to go in!  This way, I can customize the 2 pieces to my personal taste and needs!
Now, do I hate having to be in space in which is shared with other people and needs - YES!!!  I wish I had my own room in order to create and organize my creative things and business with... Until then - well, what I have is working for me!!!
If you didn't get to check out the previous post - scroll down for the post and link I have for my design team blog!  I had found these blue totes at the dollar store, and used one of them for all of the Creative Paperclay supplies I have.  In the other 3 blue totes - I ended up being able to put a bunch of other paper craft supplies in each of them, therefore saving me space - and time from having to find all of the supplies I need for the projects I make!

As I started organizing my things - I thought I would write a post with my thoughts and discoveries as I started the process!   

• Find products to help organize yourself that does not cost an arm and a leg.  I found totes at my local dollar store that is perfect for being able to store my supplies in!  
• If you don't need it, don't keep it. Don't keep it unless you have a plan for it!  
• Use small boxes you normally would throw away to help organize yourself. I eat a lot of Yoplait yogurt in the boxes...I then keep the boxes and use them for storage in my 7 drawer chest.
• Keep products in one place that you use a lot, such as the photo here.  I have all of the things I use a lot of - my rulers, scissors, my brayer, and other things like that!  Things that I wouldn't use unless it was out and easier for me to get to!  
• If you have a lot of supplies, go through them...keep what you truly will use!  Do not buy everything you see - make sure you have a need for it!
• If your space is small - your totes can be used with what craft you work on...  Put all card making stuff in one tote, supplies in another, stamps in another, cardstock...  That way, you pull out what you need to work on versus everything.  It also helps with space - with everything in one place!  

I can't wait to get my wardrobe, get it painted and my space looking better!  I also can't wait to just throw everything in it and shut the doors after I a long day of creating or if company is coming!  Until then, I have a great space - plenty of room to create, and cheap organizing items to get all my stuff in one place!  What I have will move with me - and more things added as I have the budget!  Have fun organizing your supplies, and getting them with other like items to make it easier to create!  I know I am getting more done - just by organizing my things!  

Lynda Jeffs

Memories in Tyme