It’s Spring cleaning tiimmmee! (I said that in my Oprah voice, lol) And that means, yes, you have to tackle your craft room – or craft space, craft closet, craft garage, small cabinet under the kitchen counter where you keep your supplies – pretty much, anywhere you do your crafting. Even if you just want the get the sense of deep cleaning house spring cleaning is a great yearly habit you should develop to purge your old supplies and make room for the new stuff.
If you’re dreading it, don’t!
In this post, I’ll give you some helpful tips on how to tackle cleaning and decluttering one of the rooms in your home that gives you life- the room that makes you feel creative and inspired. And hopefully by the end of this list you feel fired up all over again to MAKE MORE STUFF.
Let’s go!
Tip #1: Make a Spring or Summer project with supplies that have been sitting for a while.
It’s Spring, and you’ll definitely want to decorate if you haven’t started already. Using the supplies you currently have, but haven’t been getting much use, make a few Spring crafts to give away for Easter or simply to decorate your home – whether that’s a wreath, mantle display or tablescape idea. Try not to buy anything new for this- the key is to declutter. This will quickly help you use some of those excess supplies.
Tip #2: Sell or give completed projects away.
As a diy/craft blogger, I have a lot of completed projects that are just sitting on my shelves – not getting any use. If you’re like me, pull some of those projects out, dust them off and give them away! There’s something that makes me happy when I see someone else enjoying a craft project I made. It’s just like giving away clothes you can’t fit. It benefits them and you at the same time. It might be a painful process at first. But you’re an amazing crafter, and if you really wanted another one, you could make it again, right? Another option is to sell your projects for a little cash – of course, to buy new supplies for this year! lol
Tip #3: Throw away dried paints, glues, primers, resins and mediums.
Yeah, you know they’re there – tucked away in the back of your craft closet or drawer, collecting dust- drying out and becoming so solid they might as well be a paper weight, LOL!! Sometimes you can’t get the lid off because the glues have hardened inside the cap! Pull them out, open the top (if you can) and make sure these materials are not dried out. For the painters out there, check your paints often to make sure they are still useable. Doing this often will surely help you free up some space on your shelves.
Tip #4: Turn scrap paper into confetti.
This is truly one of my favorites. We are a party blog, and confetti is our middle name. But we all have left over cardstock and patterned paper that was used for various projects. If you don’t have one, buy a paper cutting board or use scissors to create confetti from these scrap pieces of paper. Use your custom confetti as table decoration elements for parties, cards, gift wrap, or any festive craft project that comes to mind. You’ll be surprised at how many different types of confetti you can create with paper you were going to toss away.
Tip #5: Upgrade where you can.
It’s Spring – and it’s okay to want a fresh start for the year. Don’t hesitate to upgrade some of your storage as you continue to buy new items and expand your collection. Maybe there’s a new craft desk that you think would give you more surface space to work, or a shelving unit that’s a little bit bigger than what you currently have. Upgrading elements in your room not only makes you feel good, but it’s a motivator to want to start cleaning if you’ve been dreading it. I personally like to upgrade my storage containers to the same type so they look cohesive on my shelf. Perhaps some of your older craft supplies can get a face lift – a heavier duty hot glue gun, or a fresh sewing machine. Whatever it may be, be sure to buy supplies that are useful and will help you stay organized for the year.
Still with me? Yes!!
Tip #6: Look through all of your boxes and label, label, label!
Look through ALL of your boxes and label everything! It’s so easy to finish a project and throw all the supplies you used into an unlabeled, empty box. Try not to do that this year, if you do. I know I’m a little guilty of that- so maybe this step is just for me, lol. But if I so happen not to be the only one out there, have a place for everything as best you can. Go through all of your boxes and containers. Empty the contents, sort and relabel them so you can keep track and know where to find what you need. And you may find craft supplies you forgot you had! You don’t have to buy boxes if you don’t want to. Head to your local grocery store and ask for boxes, or search your home to find small, empty cardboard boxes for storage. Wrap them in pretty paper or decoupage scrap fabric on them for an easy face lift. This step will definitely save you time searching for things and will make crafting less stressful this year.
Tip #7: Optimize your storage with your own DIY containers or dispensers.
So we know you’re creative, right? Well, use some of your current craft supplies (don’t go out and buy more – I’m watching you lol) to craft your own diy containers or dispensers for more storage options. Try your hardest not to go buy more supplies, unless it’s absolutely necessary. Try creating shelving, washi tape dispensers, or use diy shoebox trays to help organize your small supplies. Put your creative thinking cap on, harass Pinterest lol, and create your own custom containers and storage units with supplies you have to clear space.
Tip #8: Buy mobile storage for quick, easy access to craft supplies.
Mobile storage is the best, most convenient piece of furniture when you’re in the middle of crafting. I love not having to walk around the room just to grab the supplies I often use. Also, it keeps supplies off your work surface and in a contained place. The Raskog storage cart from Ikea is perfect for this purpose. It’s mobile, small, and comes in a few different colors to match any space. Sometimes it’s okay to get a little messy while crafting; and keeping your supplies on a cart gives you that flexibility They‘re also great if you don’t have a craft room, but work in your kitchen, office or living room and need to quickly wheel supplies in and out. And the best part, it’s affordable. Try it out!
Tip #9: Give craft room walls a face lift to keep you inspired to create.
Sometimes just a light coat of new paint in a room can help you feel more inspired. Plain white walls can feel dull and unmotivating. A dark room may feel claustrophobic and heavy. If you have time on a weekend, try painting a light, calming color on your walls like a soft blue or green; not only give your craft room a new look, but also to visually keep you motivated. This is especially helpful for those of you who craft for your creative business. You need a space that keeps you artistically stimulated and excited to work! You’ll be surprised how you feel when you walk into the same space, but this time with a fresh coat of new paint.
Tip #10: Utilize unconventional storage places to keep your surfaces clear.
It’s so easy to pile up and pile up supplies on your work surface. But your crafting surfaces should be used for just that – crafting! Try keeping you surfaces clear as much as possible. A clear surface helps clear your mind to create. When there’s a lot of clutter in front of you, it can be hard to focus. Use the mobile storage in tip #8 or utilize your walls as a way to store supplies so you have room in front of you to create. Build upward with wall shelving, or craft a peg board diy, utilize any closets to their max, and maximize hanging space behind your doors.
Don’t overwhelm yourself. Put on some good music,
and have fun with it!
Whew! That was a lot, but hopefully these Spring cleaning tips were helpful to you. Add to this list anything that is specific to your space. I know for me, I need to go through my craft magazines and recycle ones that aren’t relevant to my niche anymore or are outdated. I also need to hang my gift wrapping paper for easy dispensing when Christmas comes around. Remember to clean your baseboards, dust behind boxes on your shelves and vacuum. Typically, the same tidiness you do with your other rooms carries over to your craft space. If you do your crafting at the dinner table then consider using vinyl table cloths to protect your table.
It’s crucial to not get overwhelmed during this time. I promise, this process is refreshing and you’ll feel so much better when it’s complete. Just put on your favorite music and get to work! When you’re done, you can buy and collect brand new crafts and this time it will be in a newly renovated and clean, craft space.
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Bonus Checklist:
- Detangle your yarn and twine
- Recycle outdated or irrelevant craft magazines
- Assess your paint brushes to make sure they are still useable
- Recycle rusted wire or metal crafts
- Turn your scrap fabric into a potential project
- Assess your craft knives for dull blades
- Replace dried out markers with new ones
- Scan and make digital files of your drawn or painted artwork
- Consider getting better or additional lighting if needed
- Use mason or apothecary jars to store smaller items