Personal Update

Previously, I had talked about working on my studio, organizing it, and making room so I could work more easily and happily. I showed you some progress, but never really got any further for a while. I finally found an affordable cabinet in which I could store some stuff. For $40, I purchased from a guy on Craigslist, because of the Easy Button, which I discovered here, on Shannon's blog, a wonderfully useful cabinet!

Check it out:

New cabinet found using CraigsEasy

I can set up little vignettes for inspiration

I can store my goodies

I have a glass slider area, where I can have some of my inspiration and cooler looking storage, and then I have the solid doors underneath for more storage! Plus, there's a shelf for books and framed photos. There's still work to do... but it's getting so much closer to completion, and I've only had to spend a few dollars on cigar boxes, and the one cabinet! When I'm totally done, I will take a series of photos showing the 360 degree view of the room. :-) There are still things in the room that won't end up staying, but I feel more and more drawn to my studio/craft room! I enjoy being in here more, with the clutter mostly put away or tossed into the recycle bin.

The other part of the update is that I have indeed been writing, working on my book! I'm on chapter four, all just the first draft. I've signed up for a writing workshop, where the instructor is also an author and will share her knowledge on finding an agent and getting published. I'm really excited, as I feel that my story is coming along really well! I think that this winter has had it's purpose for me in my life... keeping me inside, to write more, and to be more introspective, and to organize my life more for the upcoming year. If the weather were too nice, well, let's be honest... I'd be outside!! Yes, there is often a silver lining on that dark, cold cloud above you. You just don't always see it until your angle of view shifts just a little. I hope you're all finding your silver lining....

xoxo

It's A Snow Day!

Yes, it snowed early this morning, and it's still going, so my sweetie gets to stay home today, and the children he normally teaches get to play outside and make snow angels and pelt snowballs at each other!

J Boo watching the maintenance man clear the sidewalk

 I've gotten more done in my studio, and am starting to feel the orderliness tickle my creative bone. My boyfriend said that since he's home, he'll help clear out the last corner of the room for me to really be able to finish in here! Yay! And to make me feel like it's more of MY space in here, I put up an old French map that echoes the colors of my room...

 I actually put this up yesterday, and might even have posted it already on yesterday's blog, but it makes me happy, so here it is again! As I get more done today, I will post the changes for you to see. I'm sooo excited to be closing in on the end of this project! And I'm really loving the results!

xoxo

Something Learned

While I've been organizing my studio, there's one thing that's become crystal clear: it's easier to make things look better when you have a PLACE for it.

I've been taking your advice and putting things INTO jars, cigar boxes (which is what I do, anyway, loving cigar boxes), small crates... it helps to have a place for things!

While I'm still a long way from finished, I can see a definite light at the end of this messy tunnel! My labeler has helped me to keep track of where I'm storing things. I know it's not fancy, or creative, but for now, I'm all about organizing! What I do with my storage containers once I have space cleared will be a whole other story!

My continued thanks to all of you for your advice and support! 

S oxoxoxox

Progress in the Craft Room/Art Studio!

Well, Gentle Readers, using your very good advice, I've managed to put a dent in the overwhelming first project I've decided to tackle that was on my 2011 Proclamation List. Thank you!

 To bring some of my things off the surface of the table, I used the wire pyramid that I had purchased last year, but hadn't been using because the Christmas tree was in its place. I think this will be the new place for it! I like that it's wire, and therefore lets light through, even with things on the shelves. 

As I get more done, I will post pictures and let you know what solutions I came up with, whether from your advice, or something I came up with on my own.... okay, back to work for me!

Thank you all for your wonderful and constructive advice, as well as your well-wishes!

xoxo mu-wah!

Getting Organized

I realized this morning that in order to best get into a creative flow, I must have a space to work in... A space that isn't messy and frustrating! As one of my proclamations for the new year is to organize my crafting & art studio, that will also be my first goal and my first post.

Why, you ask? Because, dear friends, I need HELP!

Yikes!

The space I have to work with is small, but not the smallest. It has great light due to two large windows on one wall, and one small closet. However, as I have several media that I work with, it's not the simplest thing to organize... especially without furnishings other than tables. Currently, money is restricted, and I haven't found inexpensive options for storage yet.

The computer area to the right is going to go away.

So, I figure that I should set up "stations" for the different disciplines. They can overlap, of course, as I don't have unlimited space. But I should definitely have one area for paper projects, journaling and book-making, and another area for soldering, as these two things aren't done simultaneously. I do metal-work, and jewelry making, also, but that could be set up with the soldering things. And of course, another area for computing/blogging, etc. Those are probably the most basic groupings of spaces. The other things (painting, working in felt, and other miscellaneous things) can find a space at any of the three stations if I keep work areas cleared off.

Cat litter box is under the table at right. No where else for it.

 
Where to start? Maybe by taking a deep breath, holding it, and passing out. Ha ha. Help.

(*Deep intake of breath....*) If anyone has any helpful hints, I would dearly appreciate it. I'm stumped for how actually to begin. Maybe some direction will help me to take a step, which may help to start the momentum going. Seriously, guys, look at these pictures... I need help. :-)