Keeping Things Straight

Organizing isn't just about sorting and arranging, but also making a space simple to use.  After the sifting and sorting, the keys to making organization actually work are keeping things easy to find, easy to use, and easy to put away.

Apart from the kitchen, the most hardworking place in my house is my studio.  When I walk into that room I want it to invite me to be creative.  Organization allows me to keep my projects accessible and under control.  Knowing what materials I have and where they are helps me avoid unnecessary purchases or duplications, and gives me an idea of what to look for when I am ready to buy.

Welcome to Elzbee's Place:

I love that these shelves (Eurway) have cubby-like sections rather than full shelves.  They are stronger and easier to arrange.  

More baskets...:-)  Stacking baskets are especially great since they give vertical storage as well as containing smaller items.

I found these stacking baskets at Walmart not long after I started card making.  They ended up being very versatile since they hold well three different sizes of stamp sets.

Standard stacking file trays make paper storage easy and attractive.

File boxes for index cards help me keep card verses sorted by occasion.  

Elfa baskets are wonderful for yarn and fabric storage.  Plus, since I have mine on wheels, it is easy to move for cleaning.  

Since I have two sewing stations, small baskets enable me to move my supplies to wherever I am working.  

The wire pencil holder makes a great mini trash can.  

A wooden rack keeps my acrylic rulers in order.

Drawings and info for my current quilting project are posted on a magnetic bulletin board for easy reference.  

In the closet, hanging my quilting projects keeps them neat.

Labeled shoe boxes store the project leftovers.

Hooks contain my totes and a two-sided spinning rack makes grabbing the ink pad or marker I need a snap.  

Elfa baskets store fabric, miscellaneous supplies, and gift wrapping items.

Bundling sets of fabrics together help when planning a new project.  

 All these various storage items allow me to quickly and easily assemble my project supplies, and then quickly put them away.  And when I next stand in the doorway of my studio, it says, "Come on in!  Let's create!"