WOYWW: Craft Cleanse Edition!

I am happy to report some significant progress since making my commitment to organize and inventory my art and crafting spaces!

{My desk Before}



{My desk After}



In addition to having neater spaces to enjoy, I also have “like” supplies all together in one place, and a list of what I own so that I will not go out and purchase duplicates.

I didn’t go crazy with the inventory list, though. I chose not to list all my books because it’s not that hard to walk over the bookcase and see what I have.  I did shelve them in sections, though--art journals, collage, mixed media, painting, drawing, handwriting/calligraphy, scrapbooking, altered art, sewing, and, of course, "miscellaneous".

{Bookcase After}

My "Before" photo keeps disappearing as I prepare this post, so I'll just leave you to check it out here.  It's not tremendously different!  I just made sure to "find homes" for the papers and books that used to lie horizontally on top of my books.



I didn’t list individual colors of ink pads or paints in my inventory, either, because I didn’t have the patience.  Plus, I don’t mind just peeking into the box and seeing what’s there, as opposed to consulting a list. I DID inventory things like adhesives, varnishes, and fluid mediums, because I’m more likely to buy duplicates of those sorts of things without realizing what I already have.

{Left Cupboard Before}

{Left Cupboard After}



{Right Cupboard Before}



{Right Cupboard After}





These cupboard photos don't look as dramatic as the change to the cupboards FEELS.  Everything is now labeled.  Items that are of no immediate use have been sent down to the basement.  Everything is now accessible, without having to pull out a dozen items in front to get to something in the back.  Of all of the organizing I have done so far, this part has been the most satisfying.

And one final Before and After:

{Shelves Before}



{Shelves After}



Not bad for a week's work.  I started work on the armoire, but not yet on my dining room sewing materials.  All the Before pics can be seen here.  And then comes the BIG project: the basement! I will continue to post updates as my progress continues!

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In the spirit of complete honesty, I violated my commitment to abstain from all craft-related purchases for 30 days. My local Borders was offering its magazines for 40% off during its Going-Out-Of-Business sale, so I picked up the latest edition of Somerset Studio, along with two clearance books (one about fashion drawing and one about coloring mandalas) that were an additional 10% off. My “sins” cost little more than $10, and didn’t add appreciably to the “mess” I am currently trying to contain, so I don’t feel TOO bad about my transgression!

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I wanted to let you know about a fabulous-looking eCourse being offered by Regina of Creative Kismet. Her focus is the Art of Giving, and she is helping participants create a daily practice of gratitude, in part through making beautiful things. Some of the projects she describes include blessing banners, gratitude beads, altered board books, and daily gratitude journals. Check out the two videos about the course she has posted on her blog on July 6 and July 18!

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Two other places to visit: 
1.  Julia's Stamping Ground for more photos of interesting art and crafting workspaces on this WOYWW, and
2.  Crafty Moira, hostess of our great Craft Cleanse effort!