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Bit of a geeky post coming up.... Recently I had a sudden urge to give my work and storage space an overhaul. It was getting pretty messy and in turn was making me feel lazy and stressed. While geeking out on craft storage ideas, I discovered some pretty useful tips that have really helped me out, so I thought I would share some of them.
1// Categorise and have a labelling system. Storage is much more useful when you can actually find the things you are looking for. If you keep things boxed in categories then it will save time when you are looking for specific things. I have clearly labelled my new storage boxes and also included a list of the types of things kept in there. It's saving me so much stress, especially as I am often working under time pressure.
2// Use unexpected methods of storage. Storage can be creative. I like to use lots of different types of containers to house my bits and bobs, including: vintage suitcases, jars, old packaging decorated with washi tape... These things often tend to be cheaper options than purpose built storage too.
Pretty tins as paintbrush holders...
3// Display craft materials as decoration. Sometimes I think it's a shame to hide pretty materials away. When selectively done, craft supplies can double as decoration and really brighten up a room. I am guilty of going a bit overboard with this... Less is more - especially if your workspace is in the same room as your living space.
4// Don't forget vertical space. It may seem obvious, but the more vertical space you can utilise with storage, the more usable workspace you will have. This can be achieved with stacking boxes, but I personally can't wait to have floor to ceiling shelves :)
some great tips here from Martha Stewart
5// Use inside drawer organisers. Drawer organisers are life-savers when you have loads of little things that are easily lost or tangled. You don't have to shell out on expensive purpose made organisers, just make your own out of little gift boxes, cardboard tubes and plastic wallets.
6// When you run out of things, make a note of it. Treat your supplies as you would if you were running a professional stock room. If you use up the last pot of PVA on a project, make a note of it on a running stock list. This is becoming steadily more important for me as I am doing more freelance work and growing my Etsy shop. It's a nightmare when you have an order come in that needs to be done quickly and you find that you don't have the right materials to make it... Keeping on top of things that need stocking up is a great way to become more efficient in your work.
7// Think about what you use most often. Speaking of efficiency, how often do you cut corners because the specific tool you need to use is hidden in a box somewhere in a cupboard in another room of the house? I know I'm guilty! Think about the essential things that you use most often on a day to day basis, and store them as close to your work area as possible. This stops you having to break work mode to get up and look for something.
some amazing storage ideas from IKEA.
8// Set up your space in a way that maximises efficiency. In an ideal world, I would have a studio space with dedicated areas for different jobs. I'd have a bench with my sewing machine set up and ready to go, a clear drawing desk, an admin and computer area... The wish list is endless. If you are lucky enough to have the space to dedicate work areas, it saves so much time and energy to have everything ready instead of constantly having to clear space to work. Although even if you are restricted to just a desk in your living room, keeping as much clear usable space as possible helps this process.
9// Make it inspiring. Display your ideas and motivations where they will help to inform and push your work. In my dream "one day" studio I plan on having one of those full wall pin boards....
10// Make time to keep it that way! This is where I need to follow my own advice the most... Just take five minutes at the end of each day to tidy up your workspace, it makes the next day so much nicer. I'm even laughing at myself as I write this, because this just doesn't happen for me. But again in my dream life, that's what I do.
I hope these tips inspired you to revitalise your workspace! Do you have any more tips that you use in your work?
x Rachel
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