Bust those "Bead Mess" Blues

I was working in my studio the other day, when I found a bag of beads that I had ordered four months before, opened and set down, never to be seen again! Suddenly, I knew it was time to get organized! 

I separated everything into two piles, those projects that I had started, and those that were mostly ideas with a few existing components. The great ideas in my head I would organize later.

I started with the first pile, those things that were started. I gave each project a completion priority (if it was to be a gift, if I needed to wear it to a special occasion, etc.,) and determined what I would need in order to complete it. I then determined where each project could be worked on such as "this single color freeform peyote bracelet could be done on the bus, this pearl stringing project could be worked up in front of the TV, this loom woven bag will require workbench space and good light"; like that.

I made extensive notes (I could change them if the spirit moved me, but at least I would have a record of my initial thoughts on a project) then stuffed the project, including all the beads, needles, thread, findings, notes and instructions in to a zip top bag. I set all of these now tidy projects aside.

Next came the projects of the future. They were components such as cool stones, great beads, things of beauty and joy forever, etc. Some were even just findings that had inspired me. I knew in my head what each project would be so I did the same thing with these as I had done with the others, I wrote it all down and placed the notes in the bag with the component. Again, my notes were as detailed a possible, because I might forget later what I was thinking now.

The next step was to put everything in a logical place. The projects that would travel well went on the hall table with the purse hats and keys so I could grab one as I walked out the door. The workbench projects went on a corner of the bench, and a couple of living room projects went into a small basket next to my chair.

Finally, I set about organizing the workbench. I sorted spacer beads and findings by metal color and wrote the store name and restock number on zipper bags. Then I put my bagged up findings into cool plastic three drawer cabinets that sit on a bookshelf behind my bench. I used some bigger drawers on wheels for other goodies and some assorted other drawer and storage containers.

I was on a roll and drinking coffee so next I made up an inventory list of spacers, findings and supplies and supplies that I always use. This way I could hang it up near my bench and check mark an item whenever I ran out. I found a place for all of my tools, wire, thread, wax, etc. and put them where I could see and reach them but leaving plenty of empty space to work.

Leftover beads were tidied up with detailed notes (size, color, source, project used for) and put into a box, along with beads and other stash that I had collected. I then gathered up all of the loose notes about things I wanted to try, pictures from magazines and such and organized them, too. The pictures went into a three ring binder filled with page protectors with my notes on each idea. Then I compiled, in one dedicated sketchbook (as opposed to in many piles) all of the cool ideas that only existed either in my head, or on odd notes here & there. I even drew pictures!

It only took about five hours for the whole reorganization. I did the picture binder while I watched TV. I have gotten things messy again, and spent an hour here or there tidying up. I have created some really great things, just by picking up a bag with a couple of beads and some notes I made months earlier, without having to search all over for stuff. I now start and complete several extra projects each month. So, take some time and organize that workspace. You'll save time, money (by finding all those "lost" beads), and most importantly, creative energy...which you can use instead on the fun projects I'll be showing you in coming articles.