Jewelry Studio Cleanup (Organizational Tips)

Learn how to organize and clean a messy, messy jewelry/craft area! Follow along as my 16ft jewelry bench gets completely overhauled, right down to the dust. And YES, I'm talking in this one!
I spent 2.5 hours in the basement on Saturday and took videos at intervals showing HOW and WHY I organize my endless piles of materials and finished (or half-finished) jewellery. Double-duty on this one: making this video kept me honest and kept me from quitting halfway through. The finished, clean studio is SO much easier to work in!
Go ahead and try some of these techniques; you won't regret it. And if your craft or jewelry studio is as messy as mine - don't feel bad, and don't panic - it doesn't take as long as you think to make it workable again!
[Music is "Fun Guitar and Ukulele" from www.freestockmusic.com/]

[@kittyhawkinsaddart1356]

Omg I’m halfway through this video and I’m dead over here🤣🤣😂I was like what the I have a twin sister no one told me about. I swear thought you were the voice in my head talking out loud lol. Thank you so much for this video I just notified it’s 6 years ago but I promise you you did this for me for this moment I was about to lose my mind with all this stuff I’ve searched all kinds of organizational videos but never found anyone like me until now. I love this true video I’m gonna watch it over and over again until I’m organized 🤗❤️

[@jeric0777]

Thanks! I no longer feel like I have too many jewelry making supplies or overwhelmed by those I've bought and not yet used.

[@ElsaRhae]

This was a really helpful video! It can be so challenging organizing craft supplies! But while your work spaces may have a lot going on, it’s obvious you have incredible organizational skills happening at the same time! This was very inspiring!

[@alycherry6459]

LOL! I Looooove this! Thank you! Thank you! I need to show this to my husband to show him there is other people JUST like ME!! Some really helpful ideas too! You seem to shop like me too. Thank you for sharing!

[@GayleBird]

Ha! I USED to shop... now I try to survive :D

[@amburrosedesigns9752]

wow...this is what I go through every other week!!! LOL!

[@mmedeuxchevaux]

what a terrific studio set up. I"m only a minute and a half in and I think it's pretty darn organized!

[@ladybug687]

Thanks for sharing !!! I really enjoy seeing how other creative people organize their spaces. Some really great tips too !! I already do some of the things you talked about about and now I have some new ideas to help me with my creative space. I also absolutely must say that I am in love with you cats. I have a crazy love for them especially when they are orange ones :) You might have to have a quick video where you introduce them :) Have a great day !!

[@GayleBird]

Exciting! You should share some of your ideas, too! My orange kittehs are the best :) They're brothers and they're the snuggliest!

[@_CharStar_]

Cool Video!! you have inspired me to go down to my workshop and clear the creative space. I chuckled at your ADD comment because that's me through and through! Thank you for sharing your studio set-up and so many inspirational ideas for storage, organising and categorizing! I feel motivated:) When my environment is 'decluttered', I feel my creativity flows more freely. I really valued your video:)

[@GayleBird]

That's fantastic!! DEFINITELY get at it, you'll feel so much better :) it's so easy!

[@Jennifer-yl8hm]

Thank you the positive message that you give clean and organize without damping the spirit.....just start in one area ! Love the tour of the different areas/projects

[@amberhohman829]

This is me totally! Thanks for showing it's easier to get it handled than it looks, very helpful!

[@akiajackson7878]

I want to thank you. The photo boxes for unfinished projects was an awesome idea.

[@GayleBird]

Akia Jackson I love that one!! :)

[@lunasheart2535]

I loved your style of talking and organizing I myself have a familyroom to work out of so just seeing some of the ideas and your way of organizing was refreshing very relaxed which when your feeling overwhelmed by beading/jewelry clutter makes your video so much more enjoyable to watch! Now I am ready to take on my jewelry making space ! Thank You for such a REAL & down to earth organizing video.

[@GayleBird]

+Mary Vazquez Oh I'm so glad you liked it! The place is a flipping mess again but oh well :)

[@kimhuff]

Thank you so much for doing this video. Your craft room looks a lot like mine except you have more storage options. I've subscribed to your channel, but I think I'll have many questions for you. I work with polymer clay, resin, button making, graphic design, and trying to get better on my wire working. So glad I found this video.

[@GayleBird]

+Kim Huff

[@KathySpiersSilverKat]

Loved watching this!! THANKS for sharing it with us!

[@GayleBird]

YAY!! I wasn't sure if anyone would like it :)

[@yvonnehugli6918]

Wow, that was a hard job you did there! This was the first video I've seen of your channel, and you got me inspired to clean up MY crafting area! Congratulations on a job well done!

[@larissawowk1791]

Can you please point me to the video you mentioned about using nail polish in your jewelry?

[@ATeaLeaf]

So happy that I came across your video! Thank you for creating it. It's so cool to see another jewelry maker out there & how you organize your supplies. I too leave half finished projects out on my desk for 3 weeks. Lol.

[@GayleBird]

Hahaha replace "weeks" with "years" and we're getting there... :D

[@kimberlyechols7280]

Thanks for sharing your awesome stash. It's fun to see all the treasures. I'd love to have a studio like yours. You must have everything you can imagine there.

[@ginabellesmith332]

I’m just starting my crafting room so very helpful in see in advance what I need to prepare for. Thanks for sharing!

[@GayleBird]

+Ginabelle Smith Super welcome!

[@bluejayvintageretro]

What a huge undertaking to produce this video! But I was inspired on several levels, I love it that you use thrift store items too when you are looking for organization containers, I like it that you build on what you find and make it work so well for so many work stations! My studio is just a fraction of what you have but I feel that I do some similar organization methods....no realizing that I was doing it! Thanks again for your honest and upfront reveal of your studio and how you tackle the clean up that can be so daunting!!

[@GayleBird]

It's a mess yet again... I could film this once a month lol

[@sharonpragacz4768]

My beads cords etc have made it down all over floor because i decided to reorganize when I added yet another facet of jewelry genre. Help ?

[@irizzquist]

!HOLY CANOLI HOW FUN YOUR STUDIO LOOKS!!

[@GayleBird]

Teehee it's pretty fun

[@virginiadare02]

I have been cleaning the whole time you have been working. Yay, But I am not finished! Guess I play this again or find another organization video. Yours is the best I have seen so far. (I am older than your mom but much messier.)

[@virginiadare02]

I forgot: THANK YOU!!!!!

[@GayleBird]

+Virginia Michelini you're welcome! And don't assume you're older ;)

[@Bonstergirl1]

my room is smaller and I too have to sort it out as I had a snake in there and definately have to get things sorted lol.. i just do the jewellery side beads ect.. not the soldering or clay as yet.. haven't been doing it very long as a serious thing.. getting better for sure ..thx for the vid..its given me some ideas and we all get in a mess dont we.. but most of us tidy as well..

[@kimhuff]

Hi Gayle! I just finished your video and I can't tell you how great it made me feel to see someone else with a craft table similar to mine. I'm in the process of wanting to redo my craft room making stations for the different things I do. My goal is to have a resin station and polymer clay station next to each other with a bake and curing area in the middle. To the right of polymer clay will be my cutting board area... I have 4 of them. Lol On the opposite side of the room (kind of like your long wall you said you haven't touched) will be another craft table with a station for my button making business and one for my wire making. I still need lots of practice with the wire stuff, but I'm definitely doing better than a year ago. The only other piece of wall that won't have a desk up against it will have a storage units (probably a couple Kallax in different sizes) from Ikea. It will take me months to not only save up but to get this all done, but it is definitely a bucket list thing for me. I noticed how you stored your beads and charms and I thought I'd give you a suggestion. I moved to this a year or so ago and I love it. Here's a link. Darice 45-Piece Elizabeth Ward Bead Storage Solutions Assorted Storage Tray www.amazon.com/dp/B00DV8YDPG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_duY7zbYQ1F7FB I love the flexibility. You can't store everything in them, but I have a great deal in the 5 or 6 I own. I didn't see how you stored all your clay, but this is what I use. Akro-Mils 10144 D 20-Inch by 16-Inch by 6-1/2-Inch Hardware and Craft Cabinet, Black www.amazon.com/dp/B003P2UOCO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_AIY7zbPJYE9A5 They have several sizes and options and I love it. Gets the supplies off the table and like you are already doing, utilizing storage space on the walls. I saw you have some mason jars on a shelf near a big pot. You scanned by it with your camera towards the end of the video. What are you storing in those and do you like them? I have those same jars sitting in my Amazon cart along with some more lighting. You have WAY more stuff than I do, but right now it's hard to be creative with everything in such a mess. We've had a leak from the bathroom upstairs down in the kitchen. We had to pull down a double cabinet and it along with the contents are sitting in my craft room. There is more stuff in there I need to get rid off, but the leak needs to get fixed first. So I'm not only struggling for space on my craft table, but I'm stumbling to get to my craft table. Hopefully, I'll be able to start on my changes soon.

[@GayleBird]

+Kim Huff Wow! Hi! I kinda want to see your studio now :) The mason jars are from the dollar store and they are full of Czech glass bead mixes.

[@allisoncampbell1631]

What torch is that in your soldering area?

[@edithjimenez4027]

LOL your problems are sooo relatable! I'm currently cleaning too :)

[@petertwining5729]

Love your studio, so many wonderful things, great work organizing it.

[@GayleBird]

thanks, it was fun!

[@emilyl.1458]

This is so helpful so thanks!!

[@laurielarson7255]

its 8:30 pm canada time, I have to work tomorrow, but watching you is so much more fun because I can relate......pissing myself laughing....good for the soul......thankyou

[@GayleBird]

Haha I'm glad someone thinks I'm funny ;)

[@sylviastaten3170]

Thank you for the inspiration!

[@lulu43751]

You go girl! Great to see what's on the work bench😉

[@GayleBird]

I ADORE seeing what other people are up to. Glad other people do too! :)

[@hillarygroundwell2807]

Just shows what you can get done in 2 hours.I will give it a try!

[@EmmaMorgan09]

I need to clean my studio!!

[@GayleBird]

+EmmaMorgan09 Ha, me too, again!!

[@robin17ism]

Wut do u do with the crock pot?

[@nmehta3344]

Hi mam can you please make a video on how to store finished products... I m new in this field and I m a bit confused... Can you please guide me!!!

[@michellecroutch6657]

Where did you get your metal containers that are shown at the point where the video time hits 26:50? I want to find them and not have to pay an arm and leg for them. Please answer me, thanx.

[@michellecroutch6657]

Nevermind I found them \

[@bjjones1964]

Nice studio, I dream of having a craft studio to create lovely items.

[@SagaciousSix]

Do you have a link to the nail polish video? Thanks!

[@GayleBird]

I don't! I was thinking of making my own soon, though!

[@susano4607]

Does watching you organize count towards my work area being organized. Mine is complete disaster & I don't create a quarter of what you do. I'll start it now with your tips. TKS

[@GayleBird]

Ha! Absolutely counts ;)

[@GeckoHiker]

Let me know when the camera stops zooming around. It's making me dizzy! LOL

[@GayleBird]

+Sandy Lewis oh no! I didn't think of that. Most of my videos are stationary.

[@BeadingBee62]

I love all your space, and all your "stuffs". I too have many interests, and am always reorganizing. And I so understand starting something, then changing my mind (but it is a woman's perogative, isn't it?). U.F.O.'s, I have a ton. Wish we could create together; I've just moved, and need to find some "crafting" buddies. Thanks for your video(s). :)

[@GayleBird]

+Betsy Tull I always like more crafting buddies!! Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@cindiesue1]

Hi there. It always boggles my mind about, buying and organizing and i did not see you put prices in the compartments with your beads, crystals, gems, etc. So when pricing out your finished pieces, how do you know if a componant was .05, .50, $5 etc? Also, i am intrested in knowing the most efficient way to stowres silver chain to protect it from tarnish but to be orgaized to find it with length and price. Loved your video, you are an honest artist with much humility lol

[@GayleBird]

Hi! I generally know how much items are and/or estimate. I also have a piece of software called Jewelry Designer Manager that does all the calculations for me. I keep my chains tied together with cardstock taped around the middle - but I don't have tarnishing silver chains so I can't help there!

[@avj6033]

Cynthia Martin I store my silver chains in these pressure-lock-bags and it is important to create a vacuum (I hope it‘s the correct english word for it - I‘m no english native-speaker), before you close these bags.

[@karenfeil2821]

Hi Gayle. Just finished watching your video and I found myself shaking my head in agreement. I do exactly the same with letting stuff pile up, moving to one side and storing in boxes. Looking at your video and doing the same with storage in boxes on shelves. Do you see yourself doing project with all the supplies you have stored away? I'm in the process of moving and can't decide if I should keep or toss! Help!!

[@GayleBird]

I recently dug out all the things I figured I won't use and put them into grab bags for sale at the flea market. If you have a specific plan for a thing, keep it - otherwise, toss!!!

[@karenfeil2821]

OH...good idea with the grab bag! To bad I didn't think of that before I did the toss option first. Thanks for the reply.

[@raekline763]

wow omg love your room! i love how moms say there house is messy but have no idea how us art peoples places can get wen we like 10 projects in and need everything out so we can see it!!

[@brookemelko4795]

Love the drawers turned into wall shelves!

[@GayleBird]

+Brooke Melko They're my favorite too!!

[@alycherry6459]

Ok so I am rewatching this, well, because, I need to clean my room! Lol Anyways, I was wondering (well I procrastinate), what or how do you use the very large agate slices? Like do you chip smaller pieces off or something? And I too have the exact same rock tumbler...I was wondering how you use yours? Like what are your additives? Mine are very sandy 😝 I was kinda turned off from mine because I thought I was being clever by finding a way to “sand” a large number of beads at one time...lol...and found it not very user friendly. I may have put too many in at once...but nonetheless it was so messy! And my beads didn’t come out glass like, like I hoped. Do you have some tips?

[@GayleBird]

Hi! I wrap the big ones as is. Not afraid of huge jewelry, me! I use steel shot for my copper and silver pieces, to harden and polish them. Sometimes I cut up green scrubbies to add some abrasive. What kind of beads are you making?

[@alycherry6459]

Gayle Bird oh that was a real long while ago. They were polymer clay beads. I have that 4 step sandy gritty stuff. And each step takes about a week. Blah! And then you have to was the sludge off between each step and they say not to wash it down your drain because it will clog it. Anyways, I was hoping for an easier route. Maybe I just need to research a little about it. Be nice to use it!

[@GayleBird]

Yikes!!!! That's LOT of work. I avoid things with that many steps lol

[@specialk8927]

This is too much for me

[@robin17ism]

Wut do u do with the crock pot?

[@GayleBird]

+robin17ism It's for pickling metal to clean it :)