Craft clutter❓ Reclaim your creative space

[@junkjournalgirl]

Great iformation thanks Margarete. I hopped on over to have a peek and I am definately a Butterfly. I am purging and destashing my space atm :)

[@MargareteMiller]

Yay!! I'm so glad to hear it. I'm cheering you on 🎉

[@YvonneCook-gv5pq]

I'm a bee. It really does describe me, which I found surprising. I really am attached to all my stuff, unecessarily 😂 Has given me the inspiration I needed to get decluttering. Thank you! 😊

[@chryslmrs]

« Sometimes it feels like you are the curator of all of your things (...) It’s almost a hobby just to have the supplies themselves. » So so true... 😉 Thank you very much for this video. I’m a cricket (maybe scared to use my so well organized supplies ?😂).

[@MargareteMiller]

It can be more of a challenge for a cricket. Crickets definitely like to have things really organized. My husband is one, and I am the opposite. I'm a ladybug 😅

[@dianesmith4759]

This is me! My museum of craft supplies!

[@sandradowkes481]

I'm so relieved to hear that bees (I definitely resonate with that description) are smart, organized and (kinda/pretty well) know where everything is! It's so true. I do want to see things, and I do have too much stuff. And, I do find it hard to let it go. I always figured I needed more space (or more bookcases). Taking the time to actually organize things is the stumper. I've been meaning to organize the three spaces I've taken over upstairs, since I had knee surgery and brought the things I actually needed from my craft room in the basement. I tend to procrastinate and need the stress of having to do it in 7 days (knowing I'll probably wait until I have 4 days left before our company comes).

[@MargareteMiller]

Deadlines do help, don’t they? I’m that way, too. I’m glad it’s helpful knowing what kind of organizer you are ❣️

[@joycegifford8826]

Visual clutter is TOXIC. Hoarding is an illness. The best decision I ever made was to declutter, had cupboards installed with doors, invested in 3 Michaels white drawer units, 7 clear 3 drawer units from Micheals. I organized based on “everything in its place and a place for everything”. I also have a “now” project clear box that has a permanent spot and clean up every time I use my space. The only thing on my table is the cutting mat. I use wire baskets (7x9) in the cupboards no more endless stacking of bins. You can’t stack wire baskets and that is declutter 101. The drawers all have Dollar store bins in them to keep things organized. I got rid of everything off the walls like the peg boards, stamp/ink holders, and marker/pen holders. In the end I got rid of 19 large totes to local schools and 9 green garbage bags. I no longer make ephemera for the sake of making it, I make it on a per project basis and have a idea binder to stimulate creative thinking. I no longer have two boxes of card bases made up, I make them as I need them. I no longer have endless reams of scraps, one 7x9 wire basket(emptied every 3 months) and one 12x12 scrapbook page holder per paper pad. If you haven’t seen it or used it in a year get rid of it. This includes punches, stamps, stencils and dies. This is hard, trust me, but it is important. It is amazing how many doubles and triples of things you have in this area, thinking but they are just slightly different. You do not need 15 different sunflower stamps/dies or 6 sizes of circles. Think of your pantry do you have every producer of Rosemary in your cupboard? So why do you have 15 different sunflower stamps/dies pick one or 6 sizes of circles, just get a circle cutter and move on. You don’t need several die cut machines, pick one and give the others away. If you have a scan n cut etc… pass on your dies to others. Hoarding is an illness and based on a sense of lack. The belief that we can not give things away because of the money spent is part of a hoarding illness. Get rid of the mindset everything needs to be visual and within hands reach, no it doesn’t. If everything has a place and you return it there every time you use it, you know where it is.

[@Shadowlight11]

This comment is so helpful to me. I am coming to terms with the fact that I am an arts and crafts hoarder and it's making me miserable. Being honest with myself feels like a huge first step. I know that I need to let go of a lot before I can feel at peace enough to create again. Being cluttered and overwhelmed is an absolute creativity killer and that's where I am now. Thank you for your honesty. It's going to be hard, but I know in my heart that I need to get this serious with myself.

[@rebeccajones9757]

I also spend as much time on keeping track of supplies as I do creating. My interests change over time.

[@MargareteMiller]

Mine do too, but we've got to keep assessing to see where our interests lie, right? Then it's good to clear out things that we're not working on anymore. 👍🏼

[@kathyrome7709]

I'm a butterfly. I knew I liked to see everything, but didn't really think about it. I love how she says, "If everything's visual, then nothing's visual.... it all looks like a mess." That is so true because if everything is out and it's hard to find something in all that mess and/or clutter.

[@MargareteMiller]

I love Cass! I'm so glad it was helpful😉💙👍🏼

[@abowles9147]

Bzzzzzz- I am definitely a BEE!🐝 Thanks Margarete!!

[@sarahanlon9768]

I am a Ladybug...... no surprise there! Thx for the links, info, and your tips. This series will be good for me.

[@123.ABC.33]

Oh, my, goodness! I took the quiz and the girl nailed me totally. My craft room is organized like she says for a "bee" but I just now have to purge some more! These are great suggestions. Thank you so much for your help.

[@MargareteMiller]

Isn't she great?!! I'm so glad it was helpful 👍🏼💙

[@fionaedmonds389]

So many things I recognise is effecting me negatively, thank you for the video!

[@MargareteMiller]

You're so welcome! I'm glad it was useful 💜

[@dawny.9101]

Many, many thanks, Margarete! I discovered that I am a butterfly. I’m so looking forward to your next video!💕

[@MargareteMiller]

I'm so glad you know, Dawn. It will make things so much easier when you start to think about how your style can work for you! 💙

[@marybkenmore]

Oh the clutter bug link😢. I’m a buttery. I just wish I wasn’t ha ha but really enjoy her video. Makes sense!

[@vickigarland9818]

Looking toward the next video

[@daricet.2958]

Took the quiz…I’m a ladybug. Stressed out about surface clutter?…Yup that’s me! My boys would call me the container lady. Can you be neat but never feel organized?! Thank you for this fun, informative video…looking forward to more!

[@stiglinc1]

Thank you for this smart video! So true that I have to learn myself before I start to organize anything 🤣Update: "... Butterflies are visual organizers who can easily forget about items when they are stored out-of-sight. ... " that's me!

[@liviacraftsandbooks]

I love Cassandra!!! The problem with my craft room is that it's not only a craft room! It's also my laundry room and the "catch all" room...

[@MargareteMiller]

Ditto! My space is also the laundry room and catch all. It’s definitely challenging.

[@gmoore1180]

I’m a ladybug. Look forward to some ideas related to us paper crafters!

[@NancyJane61]

Great video! I'm a Bee, and in reading the description, it fits me to a tee!! 🐝

[@karenkay5324]

I remember this "clutterbug" gal having a few shows on HGTV several years ago and I really enjoyed watching them. I can't remember which type I thought I was back then, but it looks like I may be a butterfly now. After losing my job during the pandemic I used the time off to organize my two biggest problem areas: clothing and paper/craft supplies. But I didn't get to everything and haven't kept up with it. Maybe your prompting will motivate me to "get back on the stick." 😅

[@MargareteMiller]

I never had the opportunity to watch her HGTV show. I need to go track them down. I want to see! (Without the commercials, of course!) 😉

[@PixieKDesigns]

This is such a timely video as I rebuild my studio after the cyclone and flooding here in NZ. I am almost done but still feel that it needs more decluttering and/ or organisation. Off to do the test now ❤😅

[@MargareteMiller]

That is good timing! I’m sorry about that flooding, though. That must have been upsetting. I’m glad you are re arranging things to suit you better now.

[@denisejohnston6243]

I create most times. Rearrange my stuff find new forgotten about stuff. Like my typewriter! Back to trying to merge my own words on my cards

[@feyHiker]

Butterfly here, I will need to go back and learn what that means. I'm in the process of prioritizing my interests after moving to a small one-room apartment. No more three-dimensional projects like doll making, only paper crafts now. But I still have a LOT of sorting out to do.

[@MargareteMiller]

Awesome! Since your recent move it seems you've already been thinking about your creative space and things that are important to you. Good for you! 👍🏼

[@bohohippiebySonja]

Thank you so much! I need help...& the quiz said I'm a butterfly...

[@rgporter1957]

Apparently I'm a Butterfly! I've signed up for the Masterclass. This is timely as I'm overhauling and purging my studio because I can't take it anymore!😮

[@MargareteMiller]

Great! I hope it’s helpful, Robyn. On Monday I’m posting part 2 of this video. Also check it out in hopes that it will help. 👍🏼💙

[@theartesana]

Your content came with such great timing..as I am currently on the cusp of de-cluttering and streamlining my stationery. Looking forward to part 2! TYFS!!❣️✨

[@janejarve]

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, ideas, and experience. Happy Crafting! 😊

[@lindasparks7131]

I’m a bee. I’m still trying to figure out the best way to organize and keep my stuff visible enough to find it yet organized enough to not go crazy! I really do hate putting things away when I know I’m not finished but I don’t like the mess when I’m ready to work. I spend more time finding what I’ve put away than I do actually crafting!! 😂😂

[@lisataulbee7229]

I’m a butterfly for sure when it comes to my crafts. I like having my supplies right at my fingertips. I like having finished examples of my work on the walls. If I had floor to ceiling shelving on one wall, I’d be set! But I don’t. 😂 My desk top does get cluttered. I also make quilts, so my sewing machine is a permanent fixture. A lot happens in my creative space! 🦋 I’m looking forward to this series of videos, Margarete!

[@MargareteMiller]

Yep, you definitely sound like a butterfly! I need to put it all away. I don't want to see it. I like the calmness of seeing vey little. Isn't it funny how we are all different? It' so neat! 😉

[@lisataulbee7229]

“It’s so neat!” Was that an unintentional pun?? 😂

[@megsgonnamake]

Wow ...exactly what I need right now. I'm a butterfly...lol

[@hazelanakadesign7071]

Margarete, thanks for putting this series together. I just moved an 8-drawer vintage store fixture into my space & am still deciding what to store in it. I definitely need to take the Clutterbug quiz. Suspect I'm the 'visual' sort who really wishes she was the 'hidden' sort. Hazel

[@luciaresident7223]

thank you so much for your video!!! from today you have a new follower! Waaaves from Italy!!!!!! hugsssssssssssssssssss😃

[@MargareteMiller]

Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed it 😉

[@lesliespeers2739]

Great video!! I'm a cricket 🦗. I love my things organized but out of sight. I know where everything is and goes. For me, time is money. If I'm wasting time looking for supplies, I'm not being productive or making money. As I'm aging, 72 now, I'm being a bit more forgetful. I know I have it, but remembering where I put it, is a bit harder. I need to adjust things to help me with this. Can't wait for part 2. Hugs * L

[@MargareteMiller]

Awesome, Leslie! It's so great when you have clarity of your goals. My husband is a cricket. I'm a ladybug. It makes things interesting!! 😉

[@lesliespeers2739]

@@MargareteMiller My husband has to see everything or it doesn't exist, drives me nuts, lol

[@d_Loren]

I have been trying to merge two fully equipped studios for over two years. I am a “butterfly” (thank you so much for that link!!) and have been completely overwhelmed and now understand why. Such a relief to know I can do this! I’m really looking forward to part 2 of this series! Hope it is soon! 😊

[@MargareteMiller]

I'm so glad you now know. Good luck with your downsizing! 💜

[@smw0824]

So I took the quiz...and subscribed to Clutterbug ---very interesting and it has been determined---and I agree 100% that I'm a ladybug!!

[@MargareteMiller]

I'm a ladybug, too. Very sensible 😉

[@FindsByPirjo]

I took the test and result was Ladybug! I do have enough time for crafting but organization of the supplies takes too much time. Thanks for this interesting video Margarete. Looking forward to see more. Hugs xx

[@MargareteMiller]

I'm a ladybug, too! I don't like to organize too much. Just enough to get thing out of my way 💙

[@nanmau6234]

fabulous video, thank you !

[@petriekaspardlov7787]

Thank you Margarete! When you said you are the curator of all of all the things , it’s almost a hobby ……😂I love creating and also going through it all and organizing. Great series and looking forward to part 2 😊

[@MargareteMiller]

😁 Thanks, Petrie! It’s out on Monday.

[@petriekaspardlov7787]

@@MargareteMiller yay

[@j9scraftydesigns]

Margarete - you have just described me and my space perfectly!! Food for thought - thank you so much ❤️. Janine x

[@dawnhiggins6802]

I am a bee. I agree with this for most part. I do however prefer vintage, old, primitive, not so much bright. I am very sentimental I have many pcs of the past thru out my house as far back as 2nd great grandma. I've tagged them all too. I won't part with any of it. However my craft stuff, and household gets weeded every 3 months. I have 6 month rule, haven't used it it goes. If it has to be in boxes in attic it goes, I have no idea I have it nor do I use it so boxes are no no here. Except holiday decorations. My house tends to be cluttered but clean and neat. My craft room is down to scrapbooking and paper crafts. I said no more I had every craft known to man. When I decided to start scrapbooking I said I was not aloud unless I got rid of 3 room craft basement full of stuff. I donated every single thing to a nursing home. If I get urge to make a wreath I buy only what is needed not a thing more, I plan entire wreath before going shopping.

[@MargareteMiller]

Nice!! I like your 6 month rule. Good for you. 👍🏼

[@donicehoopaugh9089]

Thank you For re-Addressing this very issue! I had taken the clutterbug quiz before, but of course I put it away somewhere... Anyway,1 of my Mid year goals Is to declutter and rearrange , and of course organization, Plus follow the process ! So I took the quiz, And I am a butterfly.

[@donnaarsenoff8399]

This series is just what I need. As I change what I’m working on I just start to work on top of what I was doing previously. It’s not a good practice. I’m a bee, and I was amazed that I really do have the characteristics that she said I did.

[@lvan4407]

Loved your comment about getting something else you might need it someday or keeping something because you might need it someday I tend to do that and of course it never gets used maybe this will help as I had to move recently in my craft room is a mess cause I’m not sure how I want to set it up.😊

[@sandikalin636]

This is a great series, thank you. ❤

[@cajanbella3101]

Wow you have me. Cluttered cluttered is my way. Don't want to use them because if i use and mess it up then i have wasted my time and money

[@dawnhiggins6802]

I am an organizing nut. Love this, I'll definitely be following and doing homework:) I may still learn something

[@jeanbeck3962]

I'm fortunate as I have a room just for my art. It has a large north window. I have lots of watercolor supplies, that take up my shelfs and drawers. Now that I'm doing Collage,, my system for my collage materials is shoe boxes in a stack. They are labeled as to what's in each box. But I don't always put things back where they go. So the top of my craft table tends to get clutterd.

[@MargareteMiller]

Nice!! That's great that you have a large north-facing window. And it sounds like you do have a good system already! Good for you. 👏🏼

[@Bobbie92]

Thank you, loved this.

[@JeanFB16]

So much great content in this video! I have a lot to "unpack" - thought I was a Bee, turns out I'm a Butterfly. And I am so looking forward to sitting down with your printouts and doing some deep thinking. There are a lot of different arts that I'm interested in, and organizing it all so that I can use it all is a huge challenge (watercolors, pastels, collage, rubber stamping etc!). And I went through a period in my life where I was constantly writing articles for magazines and companies that required me to use only the newest-greatest-thing - and now I have a ton of stuff that is not necessarily "me" but it's "perfectly good" - Ugh. Time to let go. I am so grateful for this video series, Margarete. Looking forward to the next one!

[@MargareteMiller]

Watch both descriptions to make sure you are indeed one rather than the other. Just to be sure! I hear you about the supplies that you have from writing reviews. They're perfectly good. You'll have to do some thinking about where you can donate things like that. Someone would love to have it. Even free through Craigslist?

[@Staceyintampa]

Me too...thought I was a Bee but I've turned into a Butterfly! And I have a house full of art supplies due to my MANY interests. I've purged and organized 5 different times and still don't have the set up I need. Art should be fun and easy! Instead my time is spent figuring out how to use the 40 different bins and containers I've bought! Hopefully we will both figure it out!

[@pamphillips9428]

Enjoyed the process so far. Turns out I am a Bee. I have organized my items for years in open bin drawers and clear boxes. My issue was stated that I am a hoarder. So true! I need to start using my supplies and stop ‘collecting’ them. Ready for Part 2😊

[@shellylucas5999]

I took the quiz and had no idea what the outcome would be. Turns out I'm a bee! I didn't really believe it until I read the bee characteristics and sure enough....that is SO me, lol! Looking forward to putting this bee stuff and the next video to productive and efficient use. Thank you, Margarete, and Clutterbug!!!😛

[@MargareteMiller]

Neat, Shelly! It's so interesting to find examples that confirm that, yep, you are indeed one type over another 💙

[@debra9024]

I took the quiz and I’m a cricket. Definitely me. Thx

[@specialk8927]

That’s me I’m having a hard time creating because of clutter

[@amyrugala246]

I really needed to hear this! Thank you for your wisdom, Margaret. Going to tackle my space to get back to do what I love ❤

[@vickigarland9818]

I'm in!!

[@marcellaorourke8997]

You should get your therapy degree if you don't already have it. You could do craft therapy for those of us who struggle with getting our spaces organized. Thanks!

[@MargareteMiller]

Awww, thanks!! 😉👍🏼💙

[@jenniferwatson7118]

So interesting!

[@tfntexas]

Thank you so much for this series on organizing your creative space! It’s what is holding me back. I love Cassandra, she is awesome and hilarious…so real. I’m going to go take the quiz again to remind myself how I should be organizing. 😊

[@MargareteMiller]

Awesome! I always learn something new when I watch her videos 😉💙

[@celesteberrick1391]

I’m a bee. Oh lord I’m never going to be organized!

[@MargareteMiller]

Not to worry, Celeste! There are solutions that will work for you. You've just got to do a little digging. You can do it!! 👍🏼💙

[@vickigarland9818]

Me too! Yikes! Isbthere any hope for us?!

[@fondar.233]

Butterfly, I guess. Some of the options to answer the questions weren't quite right for me, so I just chose something. I would like to explore this more. The explanation was close to how I function.

[@MargareteMiller]

I know what you mean, Fonda. When I answered I was a bit iffy on several of them. When I watched the description of my result (ladybug), then I confirmed that, yep, that’s me 😉

[@tracynelson3279]

Great info! You touched on so many clutter questions I need to deal with👍

[@annmanning5552]

Took the quiz I’m a bee that’s definitely me, like to see things but have them organized

[@ROOIHARE]

I'm a butterfly. It's so true to me😂

[@joyhjpark1238]

Can't wait for the second one! I was so desperate to organize my room(not only rooms.but everything , to be honest) Thank you very much Margaret. It was soso helpful and I believe it will be too!

[@MargareteMiller]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed it. ❤️

[@katietatey]

5:08 Margarete switches into "Mom voice" hahaha! :) This is such a great and insightful video and it applies to other hobbies as well... are you collecting things for the hobby or are you actually doing the hobby? I'm new to collage so I don't have this problem yet but I can see how it could happen.

[@jandt2344]

I'm a bee 🐝. Now I need to go buzz around my craft space and see how I can make it more bee friendly!

[@scribe_samples2309]

Just discovered your channel. Enjoyed this video,I am a ladybug. I would love to be part of a future art exchange. Do you have any plans for a next one? Tk you.

[@MargareteMiller]

A fellow ladybug!! ❤️ The next exchange is in July. I'll announce it the month before.

[@vickigarland9818]

Oh I'm a Bee!! Yikes!

[@tr9066]

Question: How do you deal with unfinished projects? Sometimes I start a project and lose interest or become excited about something new that distracts me, then set the project aside with good intentions to come back to it later. I currently have one taking up space on my crafting table that’s been there for six months. Now it’s taking up mental space in the form of guilt when I’m off to the next shiny object (so to speak). What do you suggest I do to resolve this type of situation?

[@MargareteMiller]

Hmmm. You will have to evaluate the decision to complete it or not. There are lots of things to consider, especially time. Will it take tons of time to complete? If so, and you know you won't enjoy it, then it's not worth doing. You can tell yourself you learned some skills or gained experience with what you started, but have decided not to continue with it. Time to move on.

[@specialk8927]

There’s an organizer on KZbin that talked about this yearsss ago

[@katiekofemug]

Has anyone come across organizing for MultiUse space that is also Tiny? My 'creative space' is also my bedroom & my office, that is, a 10x10 room? I don't have a craft room, I have a craft desk literally in the middle of my room with clear drawers and baskets on bookshelves. For the most part I'm ok with this but there are times I feel like I never leave this room and it might be getting smaller [some kind of wrinkle in space & time? who knows] and lately, that feeling is smushing all creativity. I put pretty window clings up that cut the UV but not the light and that sorta helped, just wondering if there are other ideas out there for the miniscule but multiUse space issue...?

[@MargareteMiller]

Have you seen the video I made of my space, Katie? I'm in a corner portion of the laundry room. It's also miniscule. The lighting also not good. I made do. It's what I have.

[@katiekofemug]

@@MargareteMiller I did and it greatly encouraged me. And you're right, you make it work because Art :)

[@karenpuschmann4157]

I'm a Bee..

[@pamhricenak868]

Butterfly

[@karenpuschmann4157]

Let's see what type of organiser I am. Off I go

[@letellier1990]

From now on, if anyone asks me what my career is, I’m just going to simply answer, “I am a craft supply curator“, doesn’t that make me sound important! 🤪🤪. Sometimes I think I am not so much of a crafter, but a craft supply collector!

[@MargareteMiller]

😂 It does sound important!

[@carolvalenta]

I'm a cricket. Tell me more!!!😂

[@MargareteMiller]

Nice!! Watch Cassandra's video explaining how to set up organization for a cricket. She'll explain so much better than I can 😉💙

[@susanweber6861]

I am a Bee - mostly

[@paxbotanica1887]

Bee!

[@MargareteMiller]

Nice!! There’s lots to learn about how bees organize 👍🏼

[@pat56458]

I'm a bee!

[@jeannegammon999]

I am a cricket!

[@frannyaitch]

I am a butterfly 😂. My problem is my sons are not 🫤

[@MargareteMiller]

Yep. I know how it is when you live with people who are a different organizing style. It's hard! It's good to be aware of it, though.

[@frannyaitch]

@@MargareteMiller yes, thanks to you I am now 😀👍🏻

[@Bookiebaby17]

I am a butterfly