Taking Time...

I know, I know.

I'm only a few weeks into my organization project, and I'm already a few weeks behind.

Honestly, I'm 100% okay with that.

I have been taking an online class, that is really changing my life (for real), and it's important (to me) that I take the time to focus on that.

So, check back on March 1st to see where I am with organizing my life.

Because the most important thing, for now, is that I organize me... starting with the inside out.

Studio Organization Results {Week 2}

I really bit off a big task for our Week 2 challenge.

Note to Self: Take it easy! (Especially on week's where you're starting an online class. DOUBLE especially if the class is amazing and soul restoring and very very deep.)

 Here's what I set out to accomplish, and how I did (in red).

• Resolve at least two bins (or one of those huge, honkin' bins). Done! Though, not necessarily by design! I needed to find a few things, and emptied three bins as I was searching.
• Organize all of the patterned paper and card stock. Done! I'll share organizational method that works for me for my patterned papers, and card stocks.
• Organize all of my wallpaper. Not done. My original plan of trimming the rolls and pieces of paper down to size didn't happen. However, my wallpaper remains contained in a bin and in my room. I'm continuing to think of other ideas to organize and tidy all of it up though.
• Organize my paper ephemera. Done! The system I set up is working and has made it quite easy for me to find exactly what I'm looking for. I'll share my system and how I implemented it too.
• Organize my "scraps". Done! I've had a system set up for a few years, and used to faithfully keep it organized. Over the last year or so, I stopped keeping it organized so it was a chaotic mess of paper. I'll also share this system and how I use it (including what I keep, and what I toss).

I  have several posts partially written to share my organizational methods for my patterned paper, ephemera, and scraps that I'll be publishing during the next week. Each of these posts is fairly detailed so I don't want to put the details of all three in one large post. 

I feel that I was successful in achieving the tasks I set out to do during week 2. I feel good about it, even though the wallpaper didn't get done. (But, in reality, it's currently tidy and contained... so if I don't get to it.. I'll be okay with it!)

I had several surprising realizations while sorting patterned paper though. I'll share them when I do the patterned paper post. 

Next week's tasks are designed to be easy going, and simple for me to achieve.

• Organize beads and other jewelry findings.
• Organize buttons.
• Organize & sort through tool buckets, bins, & boxes.
• Organize magazines and idea/inspirational books.

How are you doing with your organizational goals and pursuits? I'd love to hear and see how things are going for you!

Studio Organization {Week 2}

Whoah! Was week as hard for you as it was for me?

I didn't think I was going to make it.

For real.

But, my husband is amazing and watched our little man for me so that I could focus my time on these tasks and he didn't give me too much grief when I pulled a couple of really late nights.

But, I feel accomplished and am ready to work on this week's tasks.

As you can tell when comparing the before and after photos from last week's tasks, I have a lot of bins and boxes that need to be gone through, cleaned out, and all of the items put into their new homes.

A lot of boxes and bins.

Take a look!

However, I realize that focusing all of my time on these bins wouldn't keep me on [my self imposed] schedule, and would be more frustrating than fruitful. So, with that in mind, my goal is to resolve at least two bins/boxes a week, in addition to my other organization tasks.

Here's what's on tap for {Week 2}!

• Resolve at least two bins (or one of those huge, honkin' bins).
• Organize all of the patterned paper and cardstock. (I sort most of my patterned papers by type, or manufacturer and the cardstock by color and size.)
• Organize all of my wallpaper. (My plan is to trim the pieces into manageable sizes - like 12x24 or so - and then getting the into my patterned paper organization system. The exception will likely be the wallpaper rolls that are full rather than a foot or two in length.)
• Organize my ephemera. (I came up with a system last week which I think will work out well, let's see how I go as I get everything loaded into it.)
• Organize my "scraps" (I have a system that works for me, but needs to have a bit of revamping)

There's a lot to accomplish this week with the tasks I've planned. But, I think they'll be fairly easy to manage and will bring a lot of tidiness and happiness to my space!

Studio Organization Results {Week 1}

Last week's organization tasks were to complete the following:

• Everything needs to be up off of the floor. This means, everything on the floor is being put into the biggest, most available plastic lidded (meaning, I can find the darn lid) container, and stacked up. It's time for the carpet to see the light of day... or night... or the light from the ceiling fan.
• My workspace/desks need to be clear. This means that if the items do not have a readily accessible home or spot, they also go into the bins mentioned in item 1.
• Each of the permanent (meaning in a fixture) bins, baskets, boxes, and drawers need to be clearly labeled with their contents. This will aid in preparing for next week's tasks.

I am pleased to say that I accomplished all three of the tasks involved in last week's goal! Here are the photos to prove it!

State of the Studio (Photos taken 01/08/11)

I'll be honest, a whole lot of bins and boxes were used to get everything up and off of the floor. No joke. 

Where are they at you ask?

In my hallway. My upstairs hallway. 

They can't stay there. 

Stay tuned for how I'm going to get them taken care of and for next weeks tasks! 

Did you participate in this week's challenge! If so, link up below! I'd love to see what you accomplished, and cheer you on to success too!

Blog Button

Someone suggested that I create a blog button for those of you who have decided to follow along and organize your spaces too. It's nothing special, but it's a button!

Wouldn't you love to take it and post it to draw interest to this challenge? 

I thought so! :)

Welcome! {Week 1}

Hello, and Welcome to Organizing My Life!

If you've found this blog, it's likely from my post on my regular blog "Creating Everyday". I am embarking on a year long quest, to organize my life, studio and home. By organizing my life, I believe I will find greater inner peace, achieve creative freedom, and simplify my life.

My first organization challenge, is massive.

I need to organize my "room". It's my art, sewing, scrapbooking, stamping - anything creative - room.

In it's current state, it could be featured on an episode of Hoarders.  It is that bad.

See for yourself.

 

Exhibits A - D

(In all of their wretched glory. Photos taken on 12/30/10.)

At first thought, achieving this task is overwhelming. But, by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable and measurable tasks, I believe I can conquer it. With that in mind, here are the tasks I want to accomplish this week.

1. Everything needs to be up off of the floor. This means, everything on the floor is being put into the biggest, most available plastic lidded (meaning, I can find the darn lid) container, and stacked up. It's time for the carpet to see the light of day... or night... or the light from the ceiling fan.
2. My workspace/desks need to be clear. This means that if the items do not have a readily accessible home or spot, they also go into the bins mentioned in item 1.
3. Each of the permanent (meaning in a fixture) bins, baskets, boxes, and drawers need to be clearly labeled with their contents. This will aid in preparing for next week's tasks.

Check in with me next week to find out how I fared, and what I accomplished this week!