Cleaning the studio!

Aloha!

After weeks of just piling "stuff" on my desk in my studio, I decided to try and find the desktop. I'm not quite there yet, but feeling a little accomplished as it doesn't look as bad as it originally did! All artists go through this "creative process". Here are a few tips in trying to keep your desk organized.

• A place for everything and everything in it's place: Yes, I do have a place for everything. Sometimes they make it to their "home", other times they don't. Re-evaluate your storage needs if it seems like it's not working for you.

• Label everything: If you have all your drawers labeled, you know where everything goes. Not only does it assist you in cleaning up faster; it also helps when you are trying to find those special red brads you bought last week.
• Consider the containers or organizers you purchase: Your containers don't have to look utilitarian. Try glass jars for different colored ribbons. Try clear containers for brads, eyelets and small embellishments.
  
• Try to clean up at least once a week: It helps to have a clear, creative space. You'll notice you'll have more time to stamp or scrapbook when it looks nice and clean!

So what have you tried that was new this past week? I have been watching lots of DIY Scrapbooking. It is funny that after 20 years of doing stamping and about 10 years of scrapbooking, what's old always comes back "new". Lately stencils seem to be coming back. The latest I've seen is using a dimensional paste and then using a new glue pad over the stencil and then placing gold foil leaf over it and brushing it off. Yes, I do own stencils too. Paper crafts aren't limited to just stamping and scrapbooking for me!

I can't wait to go on vacation next week. I haven't had a vacation since January. And it wasn't much of a vacation since Harry got sick and we ended up staying home the entire week. Sigh. So I am hoping that this time around we'll have better luck. We are staying at my boss' cabin on the Alsea river for a few days. Can't wait to try my hand at fishing. We were hoping to make it to Crater Lake later in the week, but we are keeping those days "open". Sometimes the best vacations are those that aren't planned and structured. I am hoping to get some stamping and scrapbooking done while I'm on vacation. Must PLAN that now so nothing gets in the way. I'll be packing my bag and getting everything ready ahead of time. Now to decide what to work on. I am famous for taking only what I "need" or think I will use. My friend always is amazed when I come to her house carrying only my stamp tote and paper tote. She said she just can't figure out what bring when she goes to stamp or crop!

Anyway, I hope you have a "creative week!" I'll try and post again later in the week. As always, please post a comment if you'd like. I'll be glad to respond to any questions!

Jo Ann