In an age of virtual pin-boards you would think it would be easier to organize what inspires us. Yes, sites like Pinterest allow us to neatly categorize what we love but what do you do with all the physical objects that you surround yourself with?
As an artist I like to keep things that I find inspiring close. My tiny studio is filled to the brim with stuff that I love or hope to use. Old mason jars filled with vintage bits and pieces, linen pin-boards for magazine clippings and vintage trays, boxes and bowls filled with ephemera. Do you sometimes find it overwhelming or do you take comfort in the chaos? Do you like to have it all within sight or tucked away?
My dream space looks a little like this …
Photos: West Elm, Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn
However, reality dictates the need to be creative about storage and organization in small work spaces. So, in the spirit of the month of January – fresh starts, organization and goal setting, I am challenging myself to find space for these items. I thought I would share some interesting ways to organize it all with a round-up of inspiring tools, boxes, baskets and jars to help you organize all the inspiration!
Baskets and bins are great tools for holding books, loose papers and supplies…
Vintage locker basket, Amy Kristine Vintage and Metal drawer, Myra Melinda
Jelly mold organizer, Cat Tales
Mason jar organizer, Airth & Olsen
Wooden clipboards, Simply Chi
Washi tape organizer, 464 Handmade
Display pretty paper, ribbon and packaging supplies…
Gibson craft station , Pottery Barn
Finally, try these tips to keep clutter to a minimum…
- Photograph favorite items to display
- Rotate inspiring objects monthly
- Organize items by colour, size or material to keep it visually neat.
- Create one focal point of wall space to display treasured items (ie: floating shelves)
How do you organize your creative space and minimize clutter? What are your favourite workspace organization tips and tricks?
Love the mason jar organizer–what a great idea! I love reusing empty tea tins to hold pens and little odds and ends.
Great ideas. I like the idea of using old muffin tins to hold small objects. I like to use attractive jars, tins and even tin cans to hold paint brushes, pens and tools in.
Gorgeous – I’m inspired. I particularly love the metal muffin tins – I’m so sorting out my kitchen cupboards later in search of possible storage solutions!
Thank you for sharing – love all of these x
PS I struggle to store my earrings – if anyone can think of any clever solutions, other than in a big bowl (nightmare finding a pair) please share – you’ll help save me 10 minutes every day :o)
Thanks for the lovely comments!
Lucy – what about the small watchmaker cases/tins? Lee Valley sells them http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=44948&cat=1,43326
thank you for this post. your ideas are wonderful. you really have to be creative when you re-use something. Packaging Supplies should be durable and at the same time eco-friendly