Organizing 101

This morning I am getting organized. I think the hardest part of any project I undertake is in getting everything together that I will use. This doesn't include the selection of the items which is part of the fun of making, but finding the best storage options and putting them in one, easily accessible place. Since I work with glass beads, I have to be sure to keep them safely sequestered so they will not bump and rub each other so as to make them break. What I came up with was project trays. I initially put these together rather randomly, but when it is time to start seriously thinking about the project and what I need for it, it gets renovated with the correct ingredients. When everything is ready to go, it is much easier to get started and motivated. Once a project gets underway, I can sometimes stop using the tray and put the contents in something portable and smaller so it can easily be transported from one room to the other to get worked on. I found these lovely storage units that are just perfect for storing my project trays. They work absolutely perfectly and can be purchased from Go-Organize for a reasonable price.
https://www.go-organize.com/craft-storage-solution/4-shelf-organizer-cube.html

Even though you have to put them together, it is simple enough to do so and they have proved to be sturdy and useful for all the bits and pieces I have accumulated. I often thought about getting items from a thrift shop or garage sales for storage before I ran across Go-Organize, but I really didn't want to spend the time in cleaning or refurbishing someone else's items. Maybe thirty years ago it would have sounded more appealing.

Bead trays can be found here:
https://www.redpandabeads.com/BM17_p/bmt17.htm

I have six of the stacking cubes filled with trays full of goodies so I am never at a loss for inspiration. I can move items around where needed and always know where things are (at least approximately) when I go to look for them.

So I am also considering how I am going to set up my stitch sampler. I think it will have to be a bit bigger than my fiber sampler book since I really want to experiment with the stitches in them and therefore take up more room. I will use the same type of mixed media book since they seem to hold up so well, and will attach them at the top of the fabric so I can flip them up and see the back of the work too. This is especially helpful when using stitches from books that show how your stitching should look from the back like "The Proper Stitch" and "Marion Nichols Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches, Including Crewel". Again I will use the eyelets to attach the fabric, since it is sturdy and quick to accomplish. More on that as I get the job done.

Something else I wanted to share is a recent find of a fabulous book. This isn't a fiber or stitch book, but instead is called "Fine Art Wire Weaving. Weaving Techniques for Stunning Jewelry Designs" by Sarah Thompson. I absolutely fell in love with the cover picture which is just stunning to say the least, and when I got the book and looked at all her creations I was floored by how beautiful they were. So okay, I am not into jewelry making although I find it fascinating and beautiful, however, it was the wire weaving that captivated me. I never knew you could do such amazing things with a basic piece of wire. If you would like to see examples of her work you can check out her Etsy store here:

 https://www.etsy.com/shop/sarahndippity

There are also pictures of her work here:

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=sarah-n-dippity+jewelry&qpvt=sarah+n+dippity+jewelry&FORM=IGRE

I am always amazed at the creative talent that is out there and the skilled artisans that keep producing glorious things for us to own and appreciate. They work hard at their art and provide beauty to the world in their making. Thank goodness they share it with us.

Stay warm and cozy and keep making!