Sounds like you are very organized. I am rearranging my studio again & trying to put like items together. Do you mind posting pictures of what you use for your classes? I am thinking of offering classes but just never seem to know how to go about it. I don’t know what items to make or what to charge. Also did you buy all of the tools for them to use?

Thanks you,

Pam
Dancing Clouds Jewelry & Gifts

Amanda, thanks so much for sharing how you organize and work. I’m always fascinated with other jewelers’ systems! 🙂

I also make jewelry in various places depending on what else is going on and what time it is. I like to spend time in my studio (extra bedroom) in the mornings because there is tons of natural light. My flex shaft, bench and larger tools are in there.

Other times I tend to want to assemble pieces, bead or make findings near the TV, usually in my bedroom which is where I prefer to hang out. Slowly beads, and many other supplies have taken over. I like that to a point because I hand my beads (on strands) on hooks on the wall. I like to have a visual reminder of things I’m planning to make because I have brain fog at times.

I love the portable trays that you use and I’m going to look for some soon. Being able to put projects away easily is always great.

Kathy, I think most of us wind up tweaking our storage systems as our stash and interests evolve. But that’s all part of the creative fun! 🙂 I like your idea for the bureau.!

Thank you, Annee! 🙂

Tasha, thanks for sharing how you store your stash – it’s always helpful to hear how other jewelry artists handle storage and organization issues! 🙂

I saw a blog post sometime ago where the author re-purposes wooden berry baskets/crates, glass jam jars etc for storage. She keeps stringing materials, etc in these new containers. I found those ideas rather practical and if you are big on recycling and reusing old containers then this is a sure way to play your part.

I am slightly OCD so I like to have a dedicated area for storage. I tend to bead when I am watching television, other than that I will use the dining table 🙂

Thanks again!!

As far as space, forgetaboutit! My “workshop” is a tiny walk-in closet in our rental house. I built a small worktable into the back. The owner has installed wire shelving units on either side, so I’m using those for my storage. I have every manner of small container – baby food jars; pickle jars; those tiny food containers you get with big sets, but never use for anything; anything transparent. I’ve stopped cross-stitching, so I have a bunch of floss boxes, those are very handy. I even bought some of those little tin jars with the transparent lids for magnetic spice racks. I plan to make a “bead rack” one of these days!

Great workspace ideas, Joyce! I love the idea of being able to leave projects in progress, simply shutting the doors to hide it all. Also an interesting innovation of using paper clips to hang items on a wire screen where you can see them.

Great minds think alike, Carol! 🙂 I’m glad this system works well for you too. It’s such an easy way to organize wire and other supplies!

Thank you Trudy! I’ve gotten them from many jewelry suppliers / display suppliers over the years – but most of mine have come from NileCorp.com and Fetpak.com . You can also find them on Amazon.com . You may want to do a Google search for “plastic jewelry trays” and compare prices not only on the trays and pads, but also on the shipping cost.

Trudy

Think about several 6 foot tall bookcases (cheap ones) for temporary storage.

Well labeled clear plastic storage units, drawers, shoe boxes, etc, stack easily and are easily accessed.

I found by stacking them back to back and side to side to form a couple “U”s similar to this — L_JL_J — I’ve tripled my storage space. (Be sure they’re secured to the wall so they don’t tip.)

Hi Janet, thank you for your lovely compliment! Also for your interesting question.

At one time, I did have some of the compartment containers, but somehow they just weren’t a good fit with the way I work.

With the baggies, I can just bring out whichever baggies have the specific components / beads I need, instead of bringing the boxes. And with beads, I like to be able to set out several possible baggies of beads while I decide which colors / shapes to use.

Also if I have a large stash of a certain bead, I can just keep them in a bigger baggie instead of filling several compartments in a box with them.

And if I’m going to make jewelry away from home, it’s easier to just toss a few specific baggies of beads / components into a plastic 3-drawer container (one drawer for tools, one for wire, one for beads & components).

I think it’s all about what works for you when you’re designing. When I’m in creativity mode, I want my storage system to flow with me effortlessly – so if anything feels like it’s slowing me down, taking my attention away from creating, or making me fiddle with it, I figure out how to streamline it so it flows.

Hi Cat! You can get plastic drawers like mine, but in a larger size – 12″ x 12″ – made for scrapbooking paper. If you can’t find them at Walmart / Target type of stores, check in craft stores or other places where scrapbooking supplies are sold. 🙂

One problem area . . . I have recently begun working with wire, primarily copper, and have already accumulated quite a range of gauges, degrees of hardness and shape (round, half round & square). The smaller gauges (8, 10, 12, etc.) cannot be rolled up small enough to fit the boxes or drawers.

Do you have any advice on how to store and organize smaller gauge wire???

Hi Joy, thanks for asking! The containers and drawers came from the dollar store and Walmart.

I already have my wire and chain in a container with silver findings, silver charms, spacers, and beads in another. I had originally sorted and stored my bead collection by gemstone, acrylic, glass, etc. However, after reading this blog, I think I will switch to zip lock bags and sort beads by color. I think that will help me so much!

To give the bins and trays a home, I went to Habitat for Humanity’s Restore. I bought a bookshelf and two huge entertainment centers for great prices giving great organization in one tidy place. That still didn’t get ‘er done so the strands hang on one wall.

It does look like a bead store but it’s also so easy to find what I want now rather than digging through larger bins and boxes.

Thank you so much, I was pulling my hair out trying to come up with an organized way to store my craft items, things, stuff; lol. but now, I can use this system to organize my way to a more organized craft room. Thank you, thank you, and thank you again Rena. I’m excited about getting started!

Rose
From Riverview, Florida
Keeping it crafty!!