Many thanks to Helen Driggs, managing editor of Jewelry Artist magazine, for allowing me to post her wonderful organization article here. Sign up for the JA newsletter and you can get great information like this directly in your in box.
A fact that many of us forget about tools and other jewelry making stuff is that everything needs two spaces: one to store it and one to use it. My personal problem is lack of decent storage space, especially for books. They’re all over the house, and I sometimes forget which ones I own, so I’ll end up with two copies. This is a sign of disorganization, which is shocking to me because I am typically very organized -- you should see my refrigerator! But sometimes, my studio looks like a war zone, and I have to clear it up to remember what’s where and remind myself what I already have. I’ve decided to fix that now, because unlike many worrisome things out there, it is something I can totally control right now no matter what. You can control your mess, too.
Set aside a rainy (or snowy) weekend, turn off the computer, take the phone off the hook, and prepare for studio reorganization. Gather a bunch of free temporary sorting boxes at the liquor store and label them like this: Keep, Trade/Sell, Donate, Repair. Put your favorite CD in the player, or plug in the iPod. Now, follow these directions:
Saturday A.M.: Clear it out
Put a blanket on the floor in another room and put every tool, scrap of napkin with ideas on it, book, magazine, stone, bead, sketchbook, sheet of metal, spool of wire, and every other darn thing you’ve accumulated for jewelry making on there. Completely empty every nook, cranny, flat surface, toolbox, cabinet, and shelf in your studio. Anything that is not permanently installed goes. Everything off the bulletin board and walls, too. Try not to laugh (or cry) when you realize just how much crap you’ve got. Don’t get sidetracked or fascinated by anything, don’t open any book or magazine, and stay focused until all you see is dust and empty storage space. When you are done clearing, have a nice lunch (or dinner, depending on how much of a packrat you are).
I use empty takeout containers for works in progress. I clear my bench every day, so I can set to work immediately when I am ready.
Saturday P.M.: Clean it up
Now that your tummy is full, take a hard look at your empty storage space and work area, without stuff on it to distract you. Ask yourself these questions: Is there enough room to neatly store the stuff I own? Is there enough work room (empty flat surfaces) to use the stuff I own when I need to use it? If you answered both questions with a yes, pat yourself on the back. If, like 99.95% of us, you answered no, you’ll be really busy Sunday, so be prepared.
