One of the best things about fall is that I love to craft. Something about the cooler weather and the holiday festivities just gets me in the mood to make more things. Over the years I have accumulated lots of craft supplies. I have been through periods of rubber stamping, jewelry making, scrapbooking, crocheting, ceramics, embossing and more.
I used to spend as much time collecting supplies that I spent actually doing the crafts. Isn’t it ironic that the items one purchases in a creative move can actually inhibit the creative skills needed to use them?
Several years (0k quite a few years) back I made some changes so that I would not feel so overwhelmed with all of the supplies.
I want to share these tips that helped me spend more time crafting and less time collecting:
Designate a space for supplies
If you are not lucky enough to have a craft room like me, designate a desk or cupboard or closet for craft items. Having a space that you can get to will make it easier to access. If they are stored deep in a closet or garage, they are more likely to stay there unused.
Store like crafts together
Store the supplies in containers by type of craft. By keeping like items together, you can pull out one box/basket with all your materials instead of digging through drawers and closets gathering stuff in preparation. Keep items you use often (like scissors, glue, etc…) in a basket or in a bucket for easy access and transport.
Limit the number of projects
More boxes just means more stuff beckoning at you so keep them at a manageable number. The number will vary depending on space, time, money and craft type. When we go on sites like Pinterest, we want to do all of the projects, but it is not realistic.
Craft supplies are like clothes. We tend to hold on the them thinking we are going to use them one day, but after a year or two, it is not likely. Pick the ones you really want to do and focus on those.
Donate or sell supplies you are not going to use. Schools, daycares and retirement homes will often be glad to take art materials off of your hands.
Schedule crafting time
KIds are not the only people over-scheduled. Parents are too! Schedule time to work on your projects. Call a friend and make a craft date. Or call several friends and make a recurring date and rotate the location. These sessions can be so much fun!
How do you store your craft supplies? What crafts do you love?
Lora says
I wish I had a craft room!!!! A girl can dream I guess 🙂 Great tips!
Tamara says
I love this. My husband eventually realized he needed a “craft room.” Not that he calls it that, mind you, but it totally is one! I love order and organization myself.
Raquel says
Oh how lucky that he has an entire room!
Elena says
Hey there! I just wanted to stop by and say thanks for the linking up to The PINcentive Blog Hop! Hope you are having a fantastic week :o)
croppedstories@gmail.com
http://www.croppedstories.blogspot.com
Raquel says
Thank you for stopping by! Hope your week is great too!
Lexie Lane says
Wow! It’s like being at a store! It’s so organized! Luckily I don’t do crafts or it would be an absolute nightmare to do this!
Raquel says
LOL Lexie! I love doing this 🙂
Akaleistar says
Great tips! I really do need to limit the number of projects 🙂
Missy says
I do a ton of crafts with my kids and it can definitely take over the house! Thank you for your organizing tips!
I found your post through the Live Laugh Linky.
Raquel says
Hi Missy – thanks so much for stopping by. I love that you and your kids enjoy crafts too!
Evelyn Kelly says
Raquel, what a fantastic information you have here on this post. I just love things made of crafts and all your ideas are wonderful as I have the same problem of storing my craft things but you have solved my all the problems by providing these brilliant ideas.
Raquel says
Thank you Evelyn, appreciate you stopping by.
soniabarton says
Oh organization – it always eludes me. My husband and I switched offices his is back to normal and mine is still waiting for organization inspiration. I think I’ll start with separating the types of crafts….then I might have a better chance. LOL
Raquel says
Good luck with the project Sonia! You will love it once it’s organized and ready!
Brittnei says
I need to start with that last step! Schedule crafting time. I would love to get into more scrapbooking, sewing, etc. I think it is the time that I’m in and I know it will change as my son gets older, as I have more kids and they grow up, etc. These sound like great tips though for when I finally start some projects. 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
These are such great tips Raquel! I always struggle with keeping my stuff organized – I need to get ON this 🙂
Raquel says
Thank you Trish! Appreciate you stopping by!
Doina Gutuleac says
Hi! Great post! Thank you for sharing. These tips are really useful. They will better organize me!
Raquel says
Thank you Doina! Appreciate your kind words.
Pam@over50feeling40 says
I would love to live on organized island. I wish you would come to my house! Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop!
Raquel says
I would love to come to your house Pam! Thanks for visiting!