Monday, March 7, 2011

Sorting, Eliminating & Organizing...

Today I entered my wonderful studio Mr. C built for me totally intending to create something. Hmmm...where did I leave off last evening? Oh yes, I was sorting and clearing my table top. But, I did not finish so that is what I began again today. It was going so well that I really dug in and this is a peek at my worktable around noon. The piles are shorter and I can see over them.
All this sorting, eliminating and organizing began last week because I want to find some unfinished projects and complete them or decide if I even want to still make them.
Mr. C knows how I always cram 10 pounds of stuff into a 5 pound bag, box or bin. I always deny that but as I was literally cramming a huge bundle of black lace into a shoebox sized bin I thought what am I doing and why am I doing this. Could it be that I have too much stuff? NO! But it might be that I am always saving all my stuff for later. Later? When is that? When I no longer am able to use it or enjoy it? Well! I better sort, eliminate and organize what I have so I know what to use.
So this is how my studio table looks. I feel so much better for filling the trash can, the recycle bin and the donation bag.
Now I not only can close the containers that were bulging before I can also lift them without a crane.
I am vowed to myself to use my stuff and enjoy creating with it NOW. On that note I have found all sorts of supplies for Easter to make cards and other goodies. I also have several birthdays and other celebrations coming up that need proper gifts and cards and now I am much more prepared to know what I have and what I may need to supplement from the store. I am feeling rather excited after my morning treasure hunt in my very own studio.
What are you saving? What are your best treasures?
Happy creative week to all...

17 comments:

  1. yay!!! gorgeous gorgeous studio..thanks for sharing your beautiul space..i want to jump in and play and create! beautiful!

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  2. WOW! That table is wonderful and like you, I want things nice, I want things handy, and I want to use the bestest stuff. You definitely have options. I save fabric and embellishments. My best treasures are usually what I need for the next bright idea! ;^) Happy creating!

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  3. I don't think (know) that I have as much "stuff" as you do but I have filled all my shelves with "stuff." I am trying to do this: when I have a project to do, I check my stash of "stuff" first. I usually find lots and only need to buy a few things.

    I am trying to keep it all organized so I know where things are located. Such saves time so I have more for crafting. Yipee.

    Have a nice evening.

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  4. Oh Sherry, what a fabulous post! I have been a saver of treasures but have finally started to break out of that mould. Beautiful embroidered ribbons from Europe topped the list followed closely by antique lace from Skagway, Alaska, dating back to the days of the Gold Rush. Treasures to be sure but I realized if I don't use them they may end up in a garage sale someday!
    I have been cleaning, clearing out and organizing and my room has never looked better. It also seems as though doing that has strengthened my resolve to use what I have - which I have finally realized can't be done when you no longer remember or can access what you have. Talk about enlightenment!

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  5. You have a lovely atelier, such a big table too. Happy organizing, I don't like it that much but I get so so happy when it is done!
    Have a lovely day xxxx

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  6. heehee......yes, all of my studio bins weigh at least thirty pounds, too!! good luck with your organizing....your table will be empty and calling out for new projects before your know it!! xox

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  7. Wow, what better place to have a treasure hunt than in your own studio? I love all your beautiful elements and wow, that dress form is amazing!!!
    XO

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  8. Great philosophy to have...use what you have and use the best of what you have. I have come to this same realization, if I don't use it who will? I would hate to think of my treasures being sold at a garage sale.
    Deb

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  9. How lucky to have that amazing table! Mine is about half that size...lovely treasures here!

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  10. I am just like you, I am always hanging on to the good stuff! Your right i have to use it now or it will be sold at my estate sale LOL!

    Carol

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  11. Thank so much for visiting my blog...and I put you in the drawing! I hope you're doing great!
    XO

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  12. Thanks for the peek into your glorious craft studio Sherry! It looks amazing. It's wonderful to have so much 'stuff', but I agree it can become a bit overwhelming at times and it's so cleansing both practically and spiritually to have a good old sort out!

    I hope you enjoy all your re-discovered treasures (sounds as though you are already!) and have a great, creative weekend.

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  13. I am in the same basket as you (or is it a bin?!?) More 'stuff' than I can ever use, and organizing it helps so much! As does purging the excess, which is so hard for us artists to do!!! I must do the same with my work table this weekend!!!

    ~ Violet

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  14. Its amazing how quickly things begin to pile up! I too did some cleaning last week, well reorganizing was more like it. But easier to find things now!
    hugs Lynn

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  15. Great tips and nice results! I added a link to your post on my organizing blog. Hope you don't mind. Connie

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  16. Nothing like a filled studio table to get inspired! Great space.

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  17. I am always forcing myself to use things instead of hold on, but it is not easy to do!

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