I know when I’m in the ‘process’ of creating, I can be messy – but savvy creatives also know that being organised, helps ‘process’ to go faster and smoother, and when your organised items used in the craft process are also better looked after and it’s easier to know if you’re running out of things.

So without focussing on any ‘individual’ type of craft, what are the key ingredients to creating a great craft area?

Supplies

Look at your key elements – how many core items do you use? Concentrate on differences in textures, sizes, colours, weights and bulk. Separate flat items and whether fabric, (remnants or in bolts), paper or card think on how best you can store these flat and with enough space to avoid folds and creases. Tiny items obviously need to be separated like with like and need to be housed in something with lids to avoid spillage. Avoid round containers, you will lose linear space. Square/rectangular containers can butt up against each other. Try and keep uniformity in size when it comes to stacking vertically. Label each container, especially if you cannot see through the boxes or plastic tubs.

Tools

Tools need their own special area, as do supplies for these tools, heavier items to the lower shelves, and never place heavy items higher than waist-level. Books and instruction manuals need a place, as do any electrical appliances used. Keep cables neat and tied to the appliance, and if possible near the power point you will use. If you use chemicals in your work, it may be an idea to store these bottles/cans on trays on top of shelves in case of spillage, also ensure that if they are sensitive to light and heat that they are stored correctly. When working make sure you have a work area near a window to provide adequate ventilation. Obviously if there are children who have access to the room, also ensure that dangerous objects are up high out of harms way or locked away. Lastly, have an area for recycling and offcuts.
For more ideas on:
  • How to organise your supplies according to how you work;
  • Studio Set-Up Tips for 5 Types of Craft Disciplines;
  • My Top 6 Time Saving Tips In The Craft Room;
  • 3 Groovy Links for Crafters;
  • Heaps of inspirational links to gorgeous craft rooms;
  • & info on Local Craft Shows (updated each year)

Click on the link below …

© 2012 Angela Miller-Davis. For more tips, ideas and links, visit the Less Equals More Blog and keep up to date by hitting the Like button to follow us on Facebook. Angela Miller-Davis is a Professional Organiser based on the Gold Coast, who helps people to find solutions for an organised lifestyle and is a member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organisers).