I've been mia from blogging or crafting much for the last couple of months. For a very good reason though. There are so many things I want to do, but I realize I can't do it all nor do I have enough time to do so. I feel like the things I'm going to share will help me stay organized and manage my time more efficiently. A couple of the projects I created were time consuming, but I knew it would help me immensely in the long run so I was able to tackle the job.
When the girls moved out, I turned one of the bedrooms into a storage room for junk I collected and projects I wanted to do. I decided I really wanted to create a craft studio where I would be to do many things in one area, sewing especially. I loved the idea that I could leave my sewing machine out and not have to put it away every time I wanted to use it. For the rest of the room, I used Pinterest for inspiration. Here are before and after pictures. I'm actually going to redecorate a few items because I've acquired a few additional tools and inventory. :)
I also wanted to have a workspace in the garage so I could create things with wood. For Christmas and my birthday, I asked for power tools. Never did I dream I would ever ask for something like that but it was a result of one small project with a hand miter saw. Here's a before and after picture of my little workspace in the garage.
I always have my hand in many projects at one time, but I found myself being frustrated because I couldn't keep track of what I was doing because I wanted to do it all and there wasn't enough time in the day to do everything I wanted. I evaluted everything I liked to do and came up with some sort of organization plan that would help me manage my time better and keep track of what I was doing.
These are the tools I came up that I knew could help me with organizing what I was doing and when. I decided to use the Arc System (Circa, Levenger) for most of my organization plan where the pages are cut along the edge and easy to add and remove. Sometimes I change my mind and I love that this system allows me to add/remove pages easily or other products.
This particular project took many hours and a lot of work, but I knew in the long run, it would be beneficial to me. I took pictures of every room, hall, space, and objects I had in my house. Printed the pictures off on regular paper and divided my books by rooms. Now I can easily pick up my book and look at the projects I want to do to do to my home, the objects I already have that I can use and keep track of what I'm doing. Left plenty of room to jot down notes like the picture of the buffet I want to refurbish.
I'm always on Pinterest or looking through magazines/books for ideas and there's always a ton. I made a book of my favorite craft subjects, and printed pics from Pinterest or other online sources, and cut up my magazines. I never use all the information in the magazines so I cut out what appeals to me and recycle the rest. I have now have a go to source for many inspirational ideas and I can always add to it.
I created a "How To" book as well. When I come across instructional ideas I can use, I add them to my book. "Take pride in how far you have come and have faith in how far you can go"
My favorite book is probably my "Sophie & Leah" projects book. :) I LOVE making things for my granddaughters. Any time I come across something I may make or plan to make for Sophie & Leah, it's nice having one go to book.
I normally am not a fan of a bulky or large calendars. I've always had something something small like a 5x8 and very basic. This calendar was perfect for me because it uses the same type of paper organization that I use for some of my other books. Plus I love the saying "Every day is a gift". It's a beautiful reminder of how precious time is. This fits my personality and I love the way the calendar is layed out.
My last project was my Project Pics book. I have taken a picture of every craft item or restoration project I've ever made. I enjoy the before/after pictures. It reminds me of the things we are all capable of doing with a little inspiration and determination.
