Mixed Media, Messy Joy
When Creativity Gets Messy
Mixed media crafting thrives on experimentation. Sprays, pastes, stamps, stencils, and texture tools are all part of the fun! The problem? Cluttered tools often lead to stalled creativity. Stick around as we show you how to go from crafty chaos to calm creativity using simple storage solutions!
Stay Inspired with a Clean Workspace
Do you often dread the “craft room cleaning day" that you keep rescheduling on your calendar? Don’t worry; we’ve all been there. The good news is that organization doesn't have to be overwhelming. Taking small steps to simplify your space can have a big impact on your creativity. Before you get started, take inventory of all your craft supplies—yes, I mean ALL of your craft supplies. This isn’t a brief process, but it’s essential for transitioning from crafty chaos to calm creativity. Make a list of all the supplies you have using our free downloadable Craft Inventory Chart. Don’t have a space for some of your supplies? Create a new category for those scattered items, and we’ll revisit it later.
The most important practice to implement while you craft is cleaning as you go. This method is easier with storage solutions that provide a home for every item. Having a designated place for everything simplifies cleanup and gives you more time to craft.
Visibility is Key
Storing your supplies where you can see them can increase your creative efficiency. Visibility helps inspire project ideas and prevents duplicate purchases. Storage solutions like Ink Pad Holders and Paper Holders are both great ways to keep your supplies organized, in sight, and easy to access. Organize your paper by color to form a glorious rainbow of cardstock, and keep your ink pads in reach near your primary work surface.
Make a Zone for Wet & Messy Supplies
Creating your ideal creative space requires dividing your supplies into designated areas. Keep wet mediums, such as sprays and pastes, separate from dry tools to prevent damage or spills. Use the Tiered Craft Carousel or an Acrylic Crate for your sprays, and keep pastes organized in a Jar Carousel. Need inspiration for a new project? Spin the carousel and start with the first color your finger lands on.
Bonus Tip: Use the box your Stamp-n-Storage products arrive in to make a DIY spray booth. Fold a scrap piece of cardstock to hold up your spraying surface, and get creative without the mess!
Corral the Chaos
Crates are another great way to sort your supplies by type. The goal of the crate system is to help you keep flat supplies, such as stencils, stamps, and ephemera, grouped for easy access. Store your stencils, stickers, and more in Storage Pockets and organize them in an Acrylic Crate or a Creative Crate. Cut your supply search time in half by labeling each Storage Pocket, so you know where to find each set.
Prefer hidden storage? Check out our fan favorite Drawer Cabinets, including our latest DeskMate innovation. These drawer cabinets enable you to organize your supplies, keep them in arms reach, and clear the clutter from your work surface. Pair your Drawer Cabinets with essential accessories like Half Trays, Mini Ink Cube Grids, Crafty Storage Jars, and more! Half Trays are perfect for organizing tags, stickers, and ephemera. You could also dedicate a drawer or two to your projects-in-progress, and use a Half Tray to keep your project pieces organized!
Customize as You Grow
Your craft room is a reflection of your ever-evolving creativity. As your craft grows and changes, so do your storage needs. By incorporating Stamp-n-Storage’s modular storage solutions, you won’t need to redesign your space when your creative needs change. Whether you are a beginner mixed media artist or the proud owner of a full blown craft studio, we are here to help you organize your craft, and unleash your creativity!
Remember, you don’t have to organize everything at once. Start small and identify your organizational strengths and weaknesses. Take inventory of your supplies, separate them into zones, and implement a few key storage solutions to get started. Keep your most-used items in reach and easily accessible. You can do this!