Tuesday, August 17, 2010

On organizing the chaos that is an art studio

Now that Safety Pin Studio and its closet have been gone through, cleaned, and reorganized, I thought that I would show you the results of some of my work of the last several weeks.

One of the problems that I had before the great reorganization was having my stamping materials spread out all over the studio.  Now, everything is in the same area AND I can access it easily.


Both of these containers are on the shelf below the work table.


The stamps I use most frequently are in this three-tiered basket on the work table.
This is my wonderful little oddment cabinet wherein the bulk of the rubber stamps live.

On top of the oddment cabinet are the calligraphy pens and more often-used stamps.
My thimble collection is organized in an old printer's drawer.  This one was used for punctuation.

Originally intended for kitchen utensils, I'm using this handy little device that spins for cutting tools.

Here's another item that I've repurposed.  It was originally intended for a bathroom counter.  I'm using it behind the sewing machine.

There are two of these metal boxes under the worktable.  One holds ribbon and trim and the other embroidery floss.
The first view of the newly organized closet.

The two sewing baskets in the back of this photo were also redone.  The one on the bottom is mending and general sewing supplies.  The white one is all quilting notions.

Threads are all separated by composition.
These are canvas bins that contain fabric separated generally by color and are kept on the shelf under the work table.

More fabric storage bins in the closet above and below.



My next goal is to empty the U.F.O. bin!

14 comments:

Jean Baardsen said...

Wow! Totally impressive! Hope that much neatness doesn't keep you from working....

Quilted Librarian said...

Actually it's been quite the opposite, Jean. In addition to finishing lots of things, I came across an inspiring quote and then started to pull fabrics for a new piece as I was straightening the fabric bins. I think Frank Tiobolt was right.
"We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action."
Warm regards,
Dana

Robin said...

I will take many ideas from you...I have been spoiled having a large room to be messy in and will HAVE to downsize on the next move-scary:)
Great job!

Quilted Librarian said...

Help yourself, Robin! I had the same experience three years ago when we moved from Indiana. Actually, it was good to go through everything and ask, "Do I really want to move this to North Carolina?" Good luck with your move.
All the best,
Dana

Norma Schlager said...

It looks great! Maybe it will inspire me to clean up my space.

Quilted Librarian said...

Thanks, Norma. I find I can live with disorder for a time, but then, it starts to distract me from the work at hand and order must be restored.
All the best,
Dana

ann said...

This looks GREAT! I have already spent a week trying to clean out my work shop and turning it into a quilt-art room. I'll be thinking of you while I'm working.

Quilted Librarian said...

Thanks, Ann. Good luck with your clean out and transition.
All the best,
Dana

Marianne said...

Thanks for sharing your photos and clever organizing tricks. They are inspiring!

Quilted Librarian said...

Thanks, Marianne. Having to make do with less space makes one look for creative solutions.
all the best,
Dana

Barbara said...

If you would like to continue organizing another chaos (mine!), you're very welcome at my sewing room ;-) !! To be serious, you really did a great job...my compliments. I am sure working (in general) is much easier when everything has its place. How long will your art studio be so well organized as now?
Kind regards,
Barbara

Quilted Librarian said...

That's the big question, Barbara! So far, I'm doing really well putting things away where they belong. With school starting tomorrow, all of that may change.
Thanks for you visit.
All the best,
Dana

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Does emptying your UFO bin mean more than dumping it out? You mean finish all of them? Your studio looks great Dana.

Quilted Librarian said...

Hi Mary,
I was pretty ruthless when we moved down to NC, so the only things in there now are all things I plan to finish. I'm so pleased that I got the studio reorganized. I'm actually doing a pretty good job of keeping it straight, too.

Warm regards,
Dana