Last year I focused too much attention on getting my art studio organized when I should have been painting. But I am one of
those people that cannot create in chaos so what do you do?
I came up with some quick ideas that worked great. Little things like using recycled candle containers made of dark glass to hold color pencils and paint brushes. I love these because they always look clean.
I recycled a small Mary Engelbreit tin for my watercolor paints which is handy and keeps me from purchasing more paint than I really need.
My favorite organizing tip is using boxes. I love a set of boxes, don’t you? I used recycled and found the rest at Hobby Lobby because with these purchases they are best done instore. Michaels probably has a nice assortment too.
Are you wondering what the boxes are for? I like to keep my finished card art, bookmarks and farmable pieces I plan to sell in boxes. Having them tucked away is just a good idea and allows them to stay in their best condition.
But when it came time to organize my artwork from say high school and
years later, that was another story. I was coming up empty handed because I wanted to change things up.
For years I used folders with plastic coverings to protect each piece. I liked it but this didn't work great in my studio setting.
I wanted to move this art to a box and create a timeline with a few notes; this meant I needed another box to keep all of it together. I was looking to create a present of memories.
Going through my art was like going down memory lane. I started out as a pencil artist and still
love it, but I also enjoy watercolor painting because the movement is very spirit driven.
I didn’t think finding a box would be difficult, but it was a challenge because everything I found was a couple inches off.
I was determined to locate something and during my box hunt I met another artist; very nice lady and she recommended going to the UPS store. This was a great idea and that was my plan until I walked by the Hobby Lobby baking aisle.
There on the bottom shelve I noticed some white boxes, not those thin boxes but heavy with a cardboard interior that could be fitted into the thin. The best part they were the right size.
I grabbed one with hopes that it would fit all my art inside and it did beautifully. In one afternoon, I completed my organizing project with everything placed to my satisfaction.
Which means I am back to painting.
If you might be looking to organize your art studio these ideas could work for your space. Using new or recycled boxes is a great way to store
art so that it does not get damaged.
Since my art shelf is open, I wanted things to look uncluttered and the best part this little project was easily under $20. Getting organized is a good idea that makes your creative time more enjoyable.
Be the good,
Carole West
My husband built my art shelf, that project can be found here.