I am not a crafter but I understand where the attraction lies. It’s wonderful to make something unique, not to mention the fact that crafting gives one such a creative outlet.
To keep your space in order use pill boxes for small bits like beads and rhinestones.
Despite this, I have yet to meet a crafter who is happy with their craft space. This is because the space they work in is often cluttered with too many things and this tends to create a lot of frustration.
Here are a few tips on how to organise your crafts so that you can get the creative juices flowing.
Grouping embellishments
There are hundreds of different embellishments from buttons, ribbons and banners to stars. My advice is to organise them the way you'd look for them. By this I mean if you're working on a craft project and colour is important to you, then organise your supplies by colour.
Whatever you decide, try to keep it simple and use labels to avoid confusion.
To keep your space in order use pill boxes for the small bits. You could also make use of business card holders, small boxes with index cards to create division or even photo albums that have pockets.
Organising ribbons
Ribbons can cost a lot so look after them. Buy ribbon organisers or, if you're keen on re-purposing, use a paper towel holder, a coat hanger or a basket with holes in it. These do the trick and are more cost-effective.
Storing stickers
Organise your craft paper according to colour, brand or theme in order to manage it.
Fortunately stickers come in a pack so they are easier to keep safe and organised than some other crafting paraphernalia. Stickers can be divided and stored in labeled baskets, albums, expander files or you could just hang them up.
Managing paper
Just like the embellishments, I think the best way to organise paper is to do it in a way that makes sense to you. Do you colour code or do you use paper according to the style, brand or theme?
Pick one that works for you, divide it accordingly and only then decide on your storage solution. Paper can be stored in labeled boxes, wall pockets, a paper rack (similar to what you see in a craft store) or plastic sleeves that you hang up.
Storage caddies
Buy ribbon organisers or, if you're keen on re-purposing, use a paper towel holder, a coat hanger or a basket with holes in it.
Now this is where I think it is easy to just buy, buy, buy. Who doesn't love storage caddies? And they make them look so gorgeous but alas, buying caddies aren't always the answer because not all of them provide you with the storage solution you're looking for.
My advice is to think before you buy. Will it help me get organised? Is it strong and sturdy - will it last? What size do I need to fit all my items in there? Should it stack or does it need to open forwards? These are some of the questions you should ask yourself.
A neat ‘bragging’ corner
It’s only natural that you'd want to display your creations but remember that these shouldn't take over your room. As such it would be best to display them on a higher shelf or on the walls so that your work area is clear.
In addition, like all things, go through your finished artwork regularly because your appreciation of a completed project can change over time and it isn't necessary to keep everything.
These are just a few tips to get your creative (and dare I suggest, your organising) juices flowing. Happy organising! – Isabelle de Grandpre
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