STOP organizing your craftroom ... Try THIS instead!

I always felt like i was cleaning and organizing more than I was actually spending time being creative. Quite silly at the end of the day, isn't it? Here are some helpful tips to get your craftroom ready to be a creative space again.
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[@harley8680]

I found that when I really purged all the time I needed less. I did not need all the latest and greatest. Most crafters are serious hoarders. It is the honest truth. By having less, I know what I have at all times and don't have to hunt and hunt for things. This is coming from a published mixed media artist and former scrapbook store owner. Cleaning up is key as well! GREAT VIDEO!

[@marymcnabb4982]

I love having my supplies when I want to paint l have everything at the ready. Same with craft and sewing materials. On Monday I might paint. Or Tuesday I might do crafts. I go to bed feeling like I have accomplished something and feel satisfied with my day and excited for tomorrow.

[@AimeeFleck]

I agree

[@tammystreasures8766]

I have to totally agree that most crafters are hoarders - especially me! I have a very difficult time getting rid of something just because I haven’t used it in a while. For instance, a lot of the washi tape I buy comes in sets. Rarely, I love every roll that comes in the set. Recently, my granddaughter was over working on a school project. The drawer with my “not loved” washi tape was a treasure trove for her. This happens a lot to me. I will think I will never use something I have and suddenly I find it’s a must have for a new project. I do find it easier to purge if I’m giving the items to someone I know will love them, though. It’s emotionally easier on me to organize what I have than to purge it.

[@yadiaag7771]

i feel like a hoarder with craft supplies too. Anything else is no problem but I'm so over this I just need to be real with myself.

[@barbaraness4507]

That’s what i do. I go in my room to make something, and the next thing I know I haven’t made anything! The “hoarding “ of supplies is the trap I fell into. All of my supplies are organized, and have a labeled/designated place. I just have too many things so I’ve started depleting nonessentials. My husband came up with a great idea to keep a notebook with a list of where I put things. Hopefully while compiling the list, and getting rid of excess items I’ll find some photos I misplaced.

[@rosalieridle4675]

I like your 10 minute tip...and everything has a home! Thank you

[@iviolanti6836]

I highly recommend purging old "not finished" projects. They like to haunt you and make you feel guilty for not finishing,,,Crafting should be positive..it is okay to let them go.

[@justinehovey]

I totally agree with this!

[@kelliepatrick519]

oh, this one is sooo hard for me. I'm trying to discipline myself to finish a few pending projects before buying ANYTHING new :)

[@iviolanti6836]

@@kelliepatrick519 I am with you on that..I meant the older ones that sit in a box on a shelf or in the closet..the ones that just do not "give you joy" if I can borrow the popular phrase ;)

[@uniquewhimsy622]

It’s a wonderful gift to pass these projects onto new crafters. They will receive so many ideas from your old works in progress.

[@mzp6620]

I have a ton of backgrounds and half finished projects. You're right, they haunt!

[@getn2thegroove864]

This is timely. I have a chair that’s become the repository for my craft purchases. I’d really like to sit in it again. 😂

[@justinehovey]

Omg this made me laugh 😂 we have all been there

[@sherrydmyterko-tramp8654]

Same!

[@micheleheinze5402]

🤣🤣🤣 Omgosh, mine is a rocker, I miss it as well. Great comment, it made me lol. 😊

[@getn2thegroove864]

@@micheleheinze5402 I’m glad I’m not alone! After watching this video, I chipped away at the pile for ten minutes. I found supplies for Christmas cards that I bought last year, ((I ended up doing something completely different) so I have no excuse did not starting early, but I’m sure I’ll find one! 😂

[@micheleheinze5402]

@@getn2thegroove864 I just read my comment, I’m glad you understood what I was saying. What is repository?? Lmbo. 🤣 As you figured out (thank you) I meant that I deposit all my purchases there in my rocking chair. I did take my stuff out of the bags, lol, no more bags. 😆

[@shasteenmurphy2525]

Yours is actually the most helpful video I've seen on cleaning and organizing so crafting is fun again. Thanks.

[@bforgiveness]

Shasteen Murphy I completely agree with your comment. Her ideas are simple, realistic and informative. I plan on using several of her suggestions. Happy crafting, Valerie

[@ThankfulNanaDiane]

“No distractions” I’d say that was a pretty big, furry distraction! 😂 Thanks for the tips! 😊❤️

[@minnasalomaki3177]

That big furry distraction just thought it's time for 10 minute scrats.

[@Me2Yes]

I have a fluffy inspector that checks on me in my craft room. It is very important, sometimes we get so involved we forget eating and drink breaks.

[@kimberlyburks4656]

@@Me2Yes I LOVE Fluffy Inspector!!! I have three who would definitely be on the job!!

[@BBMc107]

I love the tip for purging if no room. I do this in my closet. I have a limited number of hangers and room for purses and shoes, and when I buy something new, something unused or old has to go. I keep a laundry bin for donations in my closet to keep it easy. I am always tempted to buy more hangers, lol.

[@ruth6511]

The dated post it on the stamps is a great idea. I have so much stuff never used or barely used but still keep buying. So ridiculous. Thanks for the tip!

[@michelleberry8625]

I agree - great tip!

[@knmplans]

The zones work, I do a LOT. Sewing, paper crafting, embroidered, knit, crochet, etc. and without zones nothing works. The other thing that works is to stop buying. I have two IG accounts, one I follow random friends and fun stuff, the other has my shopping triggers. So if I want inspiration but don't mind risking being tempted to buy, I can still easily see them all but it's not constantly in my face. I also just have less. I did a MASSIVE purge and was really brutal, I miss nothing. The stuff leftover, I literally measured my space and my items, and bought containers that fit both exactly. I have very little room to grow. I now forced to use what I have before I can bring more.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I organized into zones and doing that helped me purge. I have a place place for about 80 percent of my supplies. My goal is 100 percent, and even 80 makes it so much easier to manage everything.

[@chunkybird1241]

Wow, that sounds like a great strategy!

[@ccl005jn]

Wonderful ideas!! I definitely need to work on organization because I'm so overwhelmed with what I have I end up doing nothing.

[@sabineh.9486]

That was fabulous!! And fun with the cute doggy ❤️🐾👍

[@MariaSabina.R]

I use the exact same system for organizing my crafty supplies. Once my drawer or box gets full, I go through my supplies and declutter. I only like to keep the things I love working with.

[@Lady-Seawulf]

Your tips are great! I can apply your tips to my sewing room. When you purge items think of who you could give them to. Donate to a women's shelter, or organize a "swap" at the next "retreat".

[@bethjackson8727]

Clean as you go. I’ve got a separated space that no one sees if I close the door. Not a good idea! I do have everything pretty well in a space and that part is always neat. labelling when and if you use supplies. Very smart ! And yes failure leads to success often. You use a lot of your organizational tips. Thanks so much.

[@kiraph]

I'm a sewer not a crafter and these are really good tips. I wish I had a dedicated space. It makes it really challenging!

[@divyaruth3563]

Nice tips. Especially loved the 10 minute timer way to clean up often.

[@craftsbypwilli2664]

This is still very relevant 2 years later. Great video. This is so me, too much time organizing than creating. 😊

[@ammof6440]

Love the dog snuggles mid clean 😂

[@vanessamay3689]

That would be my 🐈‍⬛ He loves to get into everything

[@jesseb5112]

Great tips! I gave up my craft room when family moved in. I need to clear the table when I'm done, but I don't always do it

[@TexasSandog]

Is rather love on that fur baby than clean my art room!!!! These are some great tips, thanks!!!

[@ghlmk5931]

Loved the big, distracting furball😂. Good tips!

[@reneebarton6109]

Justine, I’m not usually one to comment, but this videos are so helpful. I’m enjoying making to sell, and I make for my co workers. I took one of your ideas and have made a staple this year, which is to make their birthday cards with their names and I’ve enjoyed making shaker cards doing this and they love it. Thank you please keep up the videos.

[@justinehovey]

Thanks for sharing!

[@AlphaGeekgirl]

Although I have no problems with organising and keeping my space clear of clutter (takes less than 5mins for me to put everything away at the end of a session), I do have a standard preparation list that is on the wall as a prompt for those times when I am not feeling particularly creative. I just pick one from the list and do it, usually assembly-line style. Like, cutting and folding a ton of cards, stamping critters, die cutting sentiments, or ink blending backgrounds. Then I put them away, and next time I am ready to make cards, often, a good chunk of the work has been done already.

[@justinehovey]

Love this idea

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I do that. Recently (last night, ha ha) I went through and cut down 12x12 papers and organized them into paper packs. There is so much I will use if it is accessible or easier to use.

[@kimberlynorman2618]

Teachers are always glad to get extra supplies. I cut my supplies in half, keeping only what I used regularly. I bought inexpensive soap boxes and used little tins I had for tiny things, keeping them in the top of a 3 tiered rolling cart. Theyre easily found and used.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I bought a rolling cart a few months ago and dedicated to crafts and sewing. The top has card base artworks, embellishments, and projects in process. Being able to take up and finish a project easily is wonderful.

[@celticpeasant9753]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Love the 'no distractions'. ooo I absolutely love the setting time to prep and clean. I have a very small area so most of your suggestions I am already doing ;) but they are all awesome suggestions.

[@MultiplicityCrafts]

Thanks for this video, Justine! I utilize many of these ideas already and can say that it helps a lot. I also like your tip about preparing your card bases (etc.) ahead of time. I just bought a binder a couple months ago and love this technique for storage, as well. I hope you are having a great week. ❤️-Maranda

[@dawnross644]

So on point !! My style for my life !! I’ve watched craft room organizing videos & thought, what’s with all the crap ??? There is no way ppl knew what they had!! My goal is to finish projects & work on what I have in progress !! Note, I said, ‘my goal’. I don’t want to have to spend my time sorting & purging, like I’m doing with my home at 65. Great video !!!

[@dinahsoar6982]

Great tips!! You are SOOOO right. I did this too, spent more time organizing vs creating OR avoiding crafting b/c I couldn't face the mess.. Love using the timer, do it when I find myself resisting doing a thing. I too have to craft in a guest bedroom, so it needs to be neat and tidy.

[@kimberlyanndesigns1]

Those are great tips. I am big on making sure that things are organized in my craft palace and being prepared. I do definitely like the steps that you use and I will have to start doing the same. I’m not big into purging. I love the 10 minute timer, it is great for quick house work, laundry getting put away, loading or unloading the dishwasher.. etc.

[@staceydemory3845]

No distractions? A big beautiful furry helper!

[@MariaNyceDesigns]

Yes, a place for everything & everything in it’s place. Now to live up to that is a whole other story…Thanks so much for this wonderful video, everything looks to serene!!! Blessings!!!

[@ShaynaKrause]

A tick on the post it note is genius. Thank you!

[@StarlightSovereign]

Thank you for this. I am sharing a single room with my girlfriend for our bedroom, livingroom, home office, and craft space! It's insane, but it's all we have for now. So I need to organize our craft stuff very carefully to succeed! This has been one of the most helpful videos on the topic I've found so far.

[@suemarie6032]

Simple ideas that will make sure a difference. Thanks for sharing!

[@charlesmangum2100]

No distractions, woof, woof. Your advice, I think, can be used for a lot of other areas of the house.

[@kristinaanderson8644]

Love you Crime Junkie sticker. I love listening to podcasts while I craft

[@lynnb1108]

love these ideas am going to go try them right now ...10 minute timer is great but I went to 20 min as it works better for me... thanks for all your ideas and inspiration! Yeah Justine!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

When I do the ten minute timer I usually end up with three blocks of ten minutes. 😁

[@jml9582]

We have the one in, one out rule. It helps to purge unwanted items. Thanks for sharing! Great Tips.

[@differenttakethanmost]

Great video- so helpful and well made Thank you for staying on topic 👍🏼😎

[@tamaraweed3124]

Funny that you would walk into a room and give that look that I gave this weekend I’m not alone 🤣😂🤣

[@MsGabmc]

Fantastic tips - thank you so much! Love your dog's guest appearance !! Ooh I love the tip to put a date on a stamp set and mark off when you use it.

[@petmom1967]

Just found you! I hope I find supply info in your other videos. I really love your taste in storage containers and work items.

[@tracyjollymore6249]

Oh my goodness these are great tips! THANK YOU, Justine! I spent an evening this week just tidying and sorting and was disappointed that I hadn't finished. But the 10 minute rule would have had me happy at the progress :-) Scheduling a prep time is brilliant!!! No pressure, just pleasure!

[@justinehovey]

It’s much more satisfying taking 10 minutes to see the difference but not having that goal of having it all done. Less disappointment and more motivation to do it again

[@stellaolejar9007]

I needed to see this because I like so many purchase new stamping items before even using new ones I have stored. Thank you Justin for this tutorial

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I made it a habit to ask myself if and where I will use that tempting craft item, and when I will use it. My craft punches are on my radar right now because I rarely use them amymore.

[@paulettemiller5066]

Thank you for the tips! It is most helpful to see how someone might do something differently!

[@gloriaebert4209]

Appreciate your helpful suggestions on maintaining a clean work area.🤗

[@karenmack254]

2:53 OMG! This is a brilliant idea! I’m going to label all my stamps & dies ASAP! I’ve only been “collecting” things for about a year & just finally realized that I don’t need to buy ALL the things so thankfully I don’t have tons to label. Thank you for all of these tips!

[@barbaraallen2461]

Thank you so much for sharing this. The 10 minute timer us just the jump start I need to make sense of my newly created crafting area. So instead of trying (and failing) to organize everything before crafting again, I'll clear a little at a time. It looked overwhelming to do. Oh, I love your "container wall" for lack of a better description.

[@cathylombard964]

Wow! I love those blue boxes.

[@callycatus]

Oh it would be so nice to have a Craft room instead of just the dining table and feeling forced to tidy it straight away 😁 great tips tho !

[@alicejump2290]

Sounds like this would work! Blessed and safe days!

[@anne-mareesleigh8667]

Some really great suggestions, especially the one about the dates on the stamps. Thanks for that. Not that I expect anything less from you, you always have really practical ideas. I must admit though that sorting things out can be kind of therapeutic and relaxing for me. There's something about getting everything organised, especially into rainbow order when it comes to colouring supplies that makes me happy. I love that I can sit at my desk and reach pretty much everything. Most of the time. That doesn't mean that I put things away though. I really need to get on top of that before I'm killed by a pile of unfinished projects. What a way to go - death by card making! Oh well. Could be worse I suppose. ^__^

[@Happybidr]

Lol

[@beckymartin1810]

Great tips, especially the post it notes. Going to incorporate this one and a few others!

[@czdesign]

Great tips, Justine! Also? The dog helping? That was adorable!

[@justinehovey]

Thanks so much, Cathy! I bought a few of your stamps this week, need to clear some more space in the stamp bucket 😂

[@suecummings3277]

Love love your video. I have distraction,like you every day. My husband is disabled and works from the house. After my son got married, we turned his bedroom into my craft room. Shelves on the left and right with my craft table in front of the window. I use to be a crafter cleaning up after a project. Decluttered awhile ago, gave items to my craft neighbor and put craft things in a box, hoping to have a yard sale this fall. I have many scrap paper large and small. So I thought I would put them together in some time of order and sell in bunches or for free at the yard sale. As I decluttered, threw out a lot of dried up paint, etc.

[@lir3379]

Overwhelming tasks (due to time/energy/health) hint - I say out loud "A least I can ...". I'm amazed at how often things get completed or are a whole lot easier when I get back to them. p.s. -Good/bad news about housework - it'll be there when you get back to it.

[@eliza448]

I love the 10 minute timer! THANK YOU ☺️

[@nwsports8043]

I have a small semi private area of the finished basement. It is so hard to sew or paint and have things stay tidy because no matter what you cannot finish a quilt in an hour. So theres always something out. Plus its in the direct path to the cellar so everything bound to the cellar gets piled up like a staged area there. The chaos gets overwhelming so I stop sewing and painting. I will try the 10 minute thing this week. Thanks!

[@1156Treecat]

Thanks for the tips Justine. And for the adorable distraction!!!! 😁😁😁

[@anncarroll7354]

Justine it’s like my mom called you with this message for me 😂. Amazing tips! Thank you!

[@gerilynne1955]

I like the post a note idea. That can be used on other items in your home too.

[@kcinca5410]

This is a really helpful video in a very short time. Thanks for this.

[@kimberlyburks4656]

Justine, I just stumbled across your video and am so glad that I did. I felt like I was watching myself walking into my space, seeing the 'mess' and walking back out (lol) Your tips are realistic and quite doable! I appreciate your honesty with craft room organization as I am such a craft hoarder (lol)

[@travelintippy9266]

This is the BEST craft organizing video I have found. You have a lot of great ideas. Where did you get the large boxes? Thank you for sharing with us.

[@justinehovey]

I got them from a company called Semikolon in Germany. They have stores worldwide.

[@sillymamacita3854]

Fellow Crime Junkie here!! 🙌🏼❤🤗😁 thanks for making this for us, very helpful!! 🙌🏼😁

[@diannetomlin299]

Awesome hints that I will surely be using. Thanks!

[@IngridBlackburn]

Great ideas chickie!! Love the post it note on the stamp set idea!! 😘🎨🎨

[@gailspence]

Wonderful video, short and to the point!

[@123scrappygirl]

I really like this video. I get easily distracted when I am cleaning. Need to restart the 10 minute challenge. Where did you get the chalk boxes from for storage. Love them!

[@christabeard5128]

Thank you for the tips. Hopefully I'll get it going. :)

[@TheDunroaminfarm]

AMEN I’m always organizing. It’s so frustrating

[@loriar1027]

I have always been a big believer that everything has to have a permanent place. That one thing makes a huge difference in keeping my home clean, not just my sewing/crafting room.

[@stephenjohnson4879]

Fantastic video and loads of great ideas. I’m certainly going to be trying some. Thank you

[@shanimarais9695]

This is so me... lol - turn at the door when I see my mess 😂

[@JoanOrloffDK]

Great tips and tricks ❤ thanks for sharing and happy crafting Hugs xx

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

Thank you for sharing these great ideas.

[@luwannamclaurin1077]

Thanks for the tips!👍🏾👍🏾

[@CardsbyMaaike]

I always clean as I go nd put stamps, markers etc back after each project or video. I cannot stand having to clean first then create. Much like having dishes pile up and then if you want to cook you have to clean counter/sink first..I skip dinner if that is the case ;-)

[@jenniferhinshaw2704]

I saw your Crime Junkies sticker. Love that podcast!

[@pineapplepapercrafts]

I have to clean as I go to. I tend to pull out a certain project to the main room lol and away from the craft room lol

[@blackeneddarkangel]

Amazing Video! So many great tips.

[@mrsmiggins6435]

Dedicated space is great one. I have bought many times over the same or similar item because I don't know where I've put things

[@debradavid929]

Great tips and suggestions! This video is spot on for me…. Thank You

[@marciebolt892]

Love the tips. Where did you get those amazing blue boxes?

[@justinehovey]

a company called Semikolon

[@krissyt4477]

Amazing tips! Thank you!!

[@cives2008]

I love your organizing series. I already do a lot of what you do, but I definitely can always do more! Question: what is the rig you use for overhead filming? I see it there on your squeaky clean desk. ;)

[@nicolewooldridge9683]

Brilliant tips, thank you.

[@vickytakata3253]

I save a lot of time by taking a ream of paper to the office supply store and have them cut my paper in one cut for my card base - cost $3.00

[@justinehovey]

Mine will only use their brand of paper. So annoying.

[@getn2thegroove864]

I do this as well. Huge time saver, and my paper trimmer blades are happier too!

[@happilyeverafterenterprise2239]

👋 HI! EXCELLENT INFO!

[@felinemagic4473]

Oh I love the idea of dating stamps each time they are used. I know I have stamps I probably never used. Four photo boxes of stamps? I wish that was all I had. I definitely need to purge. What do you do with your purged items?

[@susandermond9254]

I suggest giving them to an elementary school teacher

[@tkgosselin]

I garage sale them every 2 years.

[@youtubeaccount-yr6hb]

If I had some visual wall storage like that I'd probably be better organized. My weakness is hiding stuff from myself. I think I need some clear acrylic drawers.

[@laurenbutler3452]

Great tips! All speak the truth!

[@aubgriss2009]

I recently realized that I often have to stop in the middle of a project. If I have to put it all away then I have to get it all out again the next time, which wastes valuable time so I leave it out, but that looks messy. So I have a project box or bin to keep everything in. Then I put the project in there, and everything needed for it and have it all together, but it can be put out of sight and not look messy.

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

Good ideas some I do already time to press on.

[@eponine72]

I love your boxes! Did you make them or purchase them?

[@justinehovey]

I purchased the boxes and made the labels.

[@sandramarshall7712]

Really helpful. Thanks!

[@MadameFonz]

I've been trying to "find a place for everything" for years. I just don't have enough storage solutions, so I try to purge my stuff, only to realize there is only so much purging I can do before I start removing things I need. I can't tell you how many times I've tossed something I needed in a desperate effort to reduce the amount of things i need to "find a place for. "

[@juliekennedy7464]

I'm sure people have asked you this, but I couldn't find the answer. Where did you get your blue boxes? And how did you label them? I'm inspired to do that... I don't like clutter, so those boxes appeal to me. Thank you!

[@robinvogelsang5535]

These are great tips Justine! Where did you find the beautiful wood organizer that you were sorting die cuts?! What a great tool! Thanks for sharing. 😀

[@justinehovey]

Funny enough on the side of the road ready for garbage pickup

[@robinvogelsang5535]

@@justinehovey Too funny!! A great find!!😃❤️

[@mzp6620]

I kind of hopped on the bandwagon of saving all of my scraps and using it for dimension blah blah blah. I finally figured out that saving all this little scraps drove me insane, I'm much happier throwing them away. 🤣. I guess if I were a mega crafter like Jennifer McGuire that makes sense but I'm so not.

[@donttalkcrap]

Maybe you could toss them into a box and then sell the scraps for $20 once it's full.

[@mzp6620]

@@donttalkcrap if only! 😁👍

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I organized my scraps into little folders last year. I have gone to those folders one or two times since I did. I recently cut down several dozen 12x12 pages into scrap packs. Doing that made me rethink my scrap folders--I am planning to toss them. 😄

[@mzp6620]

@@user-mv9tt4st9k I do have clear scrapbook page holders where I put left over colored cardstock....if it's a big piece that I can get another cut off of.👍. Otherwise it's too much for me. I try to pull paper from there first. Did you find that you used your patterned paper when you cut it down? That's another "problem" 😬