Thoughtful Thursdays: Organizing!

I'm kind of a weird artist in that I loooove to be organized. It brings me great pleasure to know where everything is, whenever I need it, or perhaps any time inspiration strikes! My methods may seem like madness to some, but on the contrary... they keep me from going mad!

Some things I categorize by type... like this here is my "plastic things" drawer. These are the kinds of things I like to root around in. Ahhhh.... just forming my hand into the shape of an upturned rake and sifting through it all. Yeah, baby! I also have drawers for metal things, paper things, craft things and nature's things. Oh... and doll parts, game pieces, wooden stuff... you get the idea.

Then there's the crossover stuff... the "sorted for sifting" stuff. Like these buttons. I'll typically need a button based on its color, so I've divided them up into ROY (red, orange, yellow) and GBV (green, blue, violet), as well as entire jars of white, black, silver and gold. Whenever I'm ready, I'll dump them out into a bead tray and do that sifting thing I love so much!

After years of using items for projects, when I gather enough of the same thing.... they get their own category... and if they're lucky, they get their own drawer... and then they get separated by color. Hmmmm... looks like someone's got a pink ribbon fetish. Not a bad thing. Ha! But this is only the half of it (the neat half). I've got an entire tub full of loose ribbons, fibers and trims I collected over the years (that's another post!).

And when I have lots and lots of something... well, they get their own cabinet! Like my rubber stamp collection. I need everything out in the open, easy and quick to see and identify. This CD storage unit with it's adjustable shelves was the perfect solution. Purchased at the unpainted furniture store for extra savings!

So those are just a few ways I stay organized... by type, by color, and by item. What are your favorite ways to stay organized?

Hand Made for Hunger Aid - Saturday, December 3rd

Take the spirit of giving to a whole new level this holiday season! Shop directly from talented local artists for handmade items to benefit Asbury Park’s Need To Feed charity. Stroll the quaint indoor setting of Ocean Grove’s Quaker Inn — our gracious host for this one-of-a-kind event — while you choose from unique and creative gift items. Featuring...

original paintings • unique jewelry • boardwalk-themed art • knitted fashions • crocheted creations • hand woven goods • photography • home décor • accessories • gift items • cards  

I'll be there with tons of new carnival assemblages, Tillie Knock-Down Dolls, unique upcycled jewelry creations, original art, collage and more!

Saturday, December 3rd
10 am until 3 pm
Quaker Inn
39 Main Ave, Ocean Grove, NJ

In the spirit of giving, 15% of your purchases will go toward Need To Feed — providing free meals to local people in need!

Need to Feed is a weekly food service that offers a good free meal to those in need in the West Side neighborhood of Asbury Park and the surrounding community.  Created and run by neighborhood youth under the direction of Interfaith Neighbors, Need to Feed serves no less than 200 people weekly including children, elderly and families.

*Cash & Checks ONLY please