When I craft I often pull multiple bins of goodies out to use. This technique explains why my studio has reached this chaotic state.
I was to the point where I only had a tiny sliver of my work table to work on. The floor was strewn with bins and there was no available counter space.
It was pretty bad. I started the clean-up at 11:49 a.m.
I spent a lot of time putting things away. Often when I get stuff from an estate sale, the items go out to the studio and then I put them away at a later date (especially if I can't walk around out there). I was putting away some little items I found over the past couple of weeks. I had found the little celluloid doll a couple of weeks ago at this sale. She is in the photo with all the other little dolls in that post and I did not pay any attention to her when I bought her. It was one of those sales where I was just tossing things in a box and they gave you a price for it all.
I looked at her closer and noticed she had a metal tab on her side. She was a tape measure!
Marked Japan on the backside.
It made my clean-up a bit more exciting to find this hidden treasure. I now have a cleaner studio. I can see the floor and the counter tops. My work surface is clean.
I still have some piles, but this is the beginning of Christmas crafting season. At least I can walk now without tripping over bins.
Finished at 3:37.
A very productive day and time well spent.
Your creative genius is matched only by your energy ! A job well done .... and what a wonderful surprise that the little celluloid doll is a tape measure ! I love it when that happens ......
Posted by: Lisa W. | July 21, 2011 at 06:32 PM
SO good to know others operate this way. I can barely move my elbows at my desk at the moment -- I'm just hunched over my computer so I don't knock anything over. Good grief. :-)
Posted by: Into Vintage | July 21, 2011 at 07:05 PM
I volunteer to come and clean up next time. It would take me days to get through oh and awing...Can't believe you found that sweet treasure. I love vintage notions. She is quite the find...Lord knows it takes a mess to make a masterpiece. Smiles...Renee
Posted by: Myvintagemending.blogspot.com | July 21, 2011 at 07:56 PM
Your studio is what I would call a Beautiful Mess. Now it is just beautiful! I am cleaning out my Office and I found a 1925 copy of a French Nursery Rhyme book as my surprise. I have no memory of it, but it really made my week finding it. Happy creating! (I am amazed that you don't have some cool vintage clock in there! Althought PINK rates pretty high in my book)
Posted by: Shara | July 21, 2011 at 08:05 PM
So do you have a tape measure collection?
Posted by: Angela | July 21, 2011 at 08:06 PM
You are my hero. I live in a very small house and always thought I was pretty good at fitting a lot of stuff in a small space but you are the QUEEN!
That little tape measure is SWEET.
Posted by: Kathy | July 21, 2011 at 08:36 PM
Such a darling tape measure.
I love your little studio and it was good to see that you can make it a mess. Makes me feel like I'm not such a slob after all.
Annette
Posted by: Annette | July 21, 2011 at 09:57 PM
My son was here looking over your blog and I showed him my latest items I bought from you! Very impressive!
Posted by: Nan | July 21, 2011 at 10:06 PM
Sigh....Your studio still looks good even when you say it's in a chaotic state.I love "peeking" in there! How fun to have your own little space out there surrounded by the things you love :-)
Posted by: Doreen | July 21, 2011 at 10:26 PM
Laurie, I would be right at home in your studio. My looks close to yours but I do not have all the pastel goodness that you do. All I see in mine is a lot of
mic-a lic-in-nous piles. (misc.)
But I do love sorting through my piles too.
Your hidden gem a adorable.
Debra
Posted by: Debra Ganas | July 22, 2011 at 03:42 AM
So glad to know I am not alone.I need to see things to create.So out come the bins and boxes and then I root through them looking for that "just right" embellishment.And then chaos reigns!A never ending process.
Posted by: Junque Magnet | July 22, 2011 at 05:17 AM
All I have to say is "WOW" would I LOVE to peak inside your craft space, it would probably take me weeks with looking at everything. That is how my space looks, although you have alot more vintage goodness versus what I have. I loved looking into your room. Your style and your blog are amazing. I love reading your blog daily. Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Kim Budash | July 22, 2011 at 05:24 AM
Oh to rummage through that room!!!
Posted by: Jill | July 22, 2011 at 06:10 AM
I always dread those big clean-ups but it always feels so much better when it's done. I adore those little pincushions - that one is really wonderful.
Posted by: Barbara | July 22, 2011 at 07:21 AM
I organized my craft area last year, and now I can't find a darn thing! Your studio might have been a mess to you, but to me it's just magical!
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | July 22, 2011 at 09:21 AM
I bet even when everything is out you still can go right to what you need quickly. It is a very organized "clutter", the very best kind!
I will be glad to come take some of your collections home with me, you know all in the name of helping you out. That's what friends do... :o)
Posted by: Melissa | July 22, 2011 at 09:21 AM
i loved looking at pictures of your studio. So many treasures and things to create with.
Danielle
Posted by: My Blessed Serendipity Life | July 22, 2011 at 02:17 PM
I have an excellent idea.......ship everything to MEEEEEE!
Hugs,
Meri
Posted by: Meri Wiley | July 22, 2011 at 08:37 PM
I could look at pictures of your studio all day. Its reminds me of one of those kids books where there is a huge amount of stuff and it says "can you find the ..." Love it! The doll tape measure is ADORABLE. I found a plastic green one (same green as your kitchen) with a tiny button in the center to recoil the tape and I just love it. Sometimes it is the smallest things that make you happy :)
Posted by: Marci | July 22, 2011 at 11:04 PM
I love your studio! I'd give anything to rummage through the bins to find the treasures within!
Posted by: JunkStuffTreasures | July 23, 2011 at 01:49 PM
Hi Laurie,
Oh Wow.........great pictures of
all of your precious goodies! :)
When I initially looked at the pics, I immediately thought of the
5&10 (Woolworth's) stores and how
I remember seeing sooooo many items
that you have! I hope it doesn't
sound too odd... (lol). Thank you
for the pics so that we can peek!
I would have a grand time in your
studio. Love the tape measure and
the charms. :)
Hugs,
Janis
Posted by: Janis | July 25, 2011 at 08:05 AM
Oh my gosh, you have even more ribbon than I do. I should show my husband, so he will stop making comments about mine. :-) I LOVE LOVE LOVE that little green child size cupboard. Your studio and stash is amazing!
Posted by: GardenOfDaisies | July 26, 2011 at 07:24 PM
You don't know how much better I feel about myself now that I saw your "before" photos!!! My workroom always looks like that when I'm in peak production mode....how on earth can anyone be efficient at making lots of creations if you're constantly putting everything away? I can't do it. However, there does reach a point when I have to STOP and regroup!! :)
Thanks for this great share! Dana
PS visiting by way of Elizabeth's blog.
Posted by: dana | July 31, 2011 at 04:12 PM
Oh....and I also had a grandmother named Ethel!! :) dana
Posted by: dana | July 31, 2011 at 04:14 PM