Creatively Organized Spaces for Thriving Artist & Entrepreneurs

Makeover Monday:Escalators on my bookshelves

April 24, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Books, Home, Inspiration & Education, Organize, Systems & Techniques Leave a Comment

I’ve been super busy lately and haven’t shared many makeovers:( But I’ll be back soon with loads of great before and afters. In the meantime, here’s a quick Monday makeover from my own Living Room with color Escalators on my bookshelves!

OCD Bookshelf Organizing: Color Escalators on my Bookshelves!

I’m sure you’ve seen this kind of thing before and I actually love to group books within color “families” but one evening last week I was laying on my sofa looking at this bookshelf thinking, I need to give this a serious update! I love color and I love order but this was just feeling way to rigid, would you agree?

I also have this other shelf in the same room with my collection of cookbooks and pottery, so I worked on both shelves together, bringing some of the books to the other shelf and some of my pottery to the taller shelf. Color is still a big part of the finished arrangement but there are no longer “escalators” of colors…running across each shelf:)

Instead, there are groups of books by color, size and subject, arranged in both vertical and horizontal manner to break up the space and create display vignettes that show off some of my pottery and other favorite objects (crystals, this vintage capiz shell globe etc).

My lawyers bookshelf still contains my cookbooks and some other books, as well as more objects and collections. I have a lot of feathers that I love and have to keep out of the way or the cats will steal them! So, my feather collection remains behind glass as well as some of the more delicate porcelain and pottery pieces.

While I was at it, organizing and re-arranging…I also took the opportunity to purge a bag full of books for donations. I love books and I still have more books not shown but I can’t bring myself to part with the many books I refer back to again and again. What do your bookshelves look like? Would you like to share them with me on social media? If so please find me on IG or FB and share your bookshelves with the hashtag #creativelyorganizedbooks!!

In the Studio with Michael Hayes-Part I

April 20, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Art, Art & Design, In the Studio, Inspiration & Education, Organize, Photography

This week take a sneak peek In the studio with Michael Hayes. I met Michael Contemporary Charleston Painter at one of our local galleries, Fabulon. Prior to that Michael and I had met at other Charleston art events and our local Artist And Craftsman. Michael recently invited me to interview him in his home (converted garage) studio. *These photos are not styled so this is typical of what his working studio looks like on an average day.

In the studio with Michael Hayes-Part I

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Trying to cram in as much as you can…

April 13, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Art, Art & Design, Inspiration & Education, Productivity, Wellness & Mindset Leave a Comment

We all have more ideas, hobbies, dreams and wishes than we may realistically ever be able to achieve. Though if your like me your trying to cram in as much as you can! In the past week I’ve taken some time off of work to do something I always love to do at this time of year, garden and garden related volunteering (I’m a Master Gardener!).

I value the freedom and flexibility of owning my own business so that I can shift gears when I need to and escape to pursue a passion or hobby that may not be related to Organizing or even my Art! But we creative’s can be very tempted by bright shiny objects, new ideas, new materials, the latest gadgets and tools…and they don’t necessarily help us execute our creative ideas in a more fulfilling way.

Sometimes, more is just a big distraction and excuse to not get to work on our own making and art.

I am totally guilty of this as my brand new sewing machine sits in my studio barely used and a warp is on my loom, only barely begun with a new weaving project. There are also times when stepping away from what we work on daily to “Take a Beauty Break” (as my friend Lisa would say), is a great way to reset the soul and give us clarity and focus again!

I’m not suggesting that we should not ‘invest’ in new tools and materials when we need them but as any gardener, quilter or knitter knows, sometimes you have to use up the stash before buying more!

Casting our ideas and creative focus in too many directions can leave us scattered.

Having too many creative pursuits, ideas and materials around us can be a distraction. A tip I often suggest is to pack up one or more different materials (supplies) and put them away for awhile (a few months or longer). Allow yourself to focus on one or two burning creative ideas! If your a writer, you can collect thoughts for future writings into a “NEXT” folder (the suggestion of a great PR person I recently met). If you find that you are not called back to these supplies, then donate them, sell them or give them to a friend. They may be just the inspiration someone else needs to set their ideas on fire!

By setting some of our ideas and creative pursuits aside, we make space to focus on what we really want to be creating. We distill our creative energy to be more potent and concentrated. Have you ever had to say no to some of your creative ideas for awhile in order to focus on your current creative direction?

An Easy Guide to detox your cleaning routine

April 4, 2017 by Alex Danna Filed Under: Home, Inspiration & Education, Uncategorized, Wellness & Mindset Leave a Comment

It’s springtime! Before you load up on green smoothies, start with this easy guide to detox your cleaning routine.

Nothing beats a crisp spring day to make you feel more rejuvenated after a long busy winter with the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Spring is also the time to open the windows and let fresh air in to motivate our spring cleaning. While that cross-breeze may feel fresh, the chemicals in many cleaning supplies are not. To protect your family and the environment here is a helpful guide to going green with your cleaning supplies.

detox your cleaning routine

Chemicals To Avoid:

Chlorine & Ammonia – These active ingredients can irritate the skin as well as the respiratory system, and when mixed, can create hazardous fumes.

Phosphates – Some examples include nonylphenol and octylphenol which can lead to algal blooms. Protect our marine life!

Phthalates – Often found in fragranced products, phthalates can be absorbed through inhalation or through the skin and are known endocrine (hormonal) disruptors.

Triclosan – Also suspected to be endocrine disruptors, triclosan is more commonly associated with antibacterial products, which are generally to be avoided, and is known to promote the growth of drug-resistant bacteria.

2-Butoxyethanol – These compounds contribute to respiratory problem in addition to such serious conditions as narcosis, pulmonary edema, and liver and kidney disfuntion. Unfortunately the EPA does not require this ingredient to be listed, but it can most often be found in window and multipurpose cleaners.

Chlorine – The body’s response to chlorine can be as minimal as a respiratory irritant to as severe as a thyroid disruptor. To minimize your chlorine consumption check out the ingredients in store-bought toilet bowl cleaners, laundry whitening, mildew treatments, and scouring powders.

Sodium Hydroxide – This extremely corrosive chemical can lead to serious burns on the skin and eyes. NaOH is often found in drain and oven cleaners.

Perchloroethylene “Perc” – Now classified as a “possible carcinogen” by the EPA, perc can also cause dizziness and inhibit coordination. This neurotoxin is often found in upholstery and carpet cleaners and dry-cleaning solutions.

Reputable Products: Green Gear

E-Cloth – These nylon and polyester cleaning cloths pick up 99% of bacteria without absorbing any of the grime, so a quick soak in hot water and the E-cloth is back in action.

The Duop – This “bucketless mopping” gadget has a ball-and-socket joint with a detachable microfiber cloth that can washed and replaced making it one of the cleanest and greenest mops on the market.

Reputable Products: Green Brands

Dr. Bonner’s – Try their Castile Soaps and Sal Suds

Seventh Generation – All Purpose Cleaner, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Bathroom Cleaner, Shower Cleaner, and Glass & Surface Cleaner

Our House – Sanitizing Surface Cleaner & Shiny Surface Cleaner

Naturally Yours – Enz-Away; Basin, Tub and Tile Cleaner; and Gentle Soap

Eco-Friendly DIY All-Purpose Cleaner:

1 cup distilled water
1 cup white distilled vinegar
1/2 lemon juiced (optional)**
15 drops essential oil (opt for calming scents like eucalyptus and lavender or something zingy and citrus based)

Mix all ingredients in a 16 oz. spray bottle, shake up and get cleaning!
**If using lemon juice, store cleaner in fridge between cleanings.

There are some products on the market that hit the mark on eliminating some but not all of the ingredients listed above. Each person’s sensitivity to chemicals and ingredients is individual and it’s best to research the ingredients on any product you are using before determining if you find the ingredients tolerable. When we are educated about our choices we make better choices! I also don’t want anyone to feel they have to dump everything down the drain and start from scratch. Maybe you make this transition gradually or all at once, the choice is yours.

Sources:

Organizing using the 5S Methodology

March 28, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Paper management, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources 1 Comment

Long before the Kondo Method came along…the Japanese were using the 5 S Methodology

Learn how it can help you Get Organized! It’s so simple it’s brilliant!

The 5 S Methodology

This post was originally published Oct 19, 2011. I recently learned about a fascinating methodology used in Japan for organizing the workplace. I found this long before the currently popular Kondo Technique and books came along. Perhaps she had read and learned something of this technique too! I have a love of most things Japanese and this methodology is one I feel could be effectively implemented by many business’s or individuals even though it’s primary application seems to be in the manufacturing sector (Toyota and Canon are examples of Japanese companies that have implemented this system).

I tend to better remember systems that employ a simple name mnemonic‘s. I think the Japanese agree!

The 5 S Methodology works by sorting, straightening, systematic cleaning, standardizing and sustaining.

Seiri or Sorting
Seiton or Straightening (setting in order / stabilize)
Seiso or Systematic cleaning
Seiketsu or Standardizing
Shitsuke or Sustaining (sustaining the discipline or self-discipline)

It’s so simple it’s brilliant!

The main objectives in the 5S methodology include improve productivity and quality.

Another benefit is that this system encourages each person to take ownership of every item and their surroundings.

This is where personal creative participation should be encouraged (whether it be getting the children involved or the employees!) Health and safety improvements can be included as additional benefits. As with all systematic changes that individuals or companies may choose to adopt, they must be clearly understood by all and there should be clear goals associated with the implementation of such a system for it to be effective. If you would like to learn more about this methodology check out

If you’d like to learn more about this methodology check out Wikipedia to start with. From there you can find many other informative articles related to “lean principles“.

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Inside Sam Hunter’s Studio Part II

March 23, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Art, Art & Design, In the Studio, Organize, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

In this week’s sneak peek we return Inside Sam Hunters Studio, of Hunter’s Design Studio. I met Sam at Quilt Market and interviewed her in her old studio in 2013. When we last spoke she promised to invite us back after her move and I’m so excited she did! Sam has set up a practical and organized studio and here she shares her tips and suggestions. Also check out her old space here and compare the systems she kept and changed in her new space.

*These photos are not styled so this is typical of what his working studio looks like on an average day.

Inside Sam Hunters Studio Part II (see Part I Here)

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8 Easy Steps to Closet Cleanout

March 21, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Closets, Inspiration & Education, Organize, Organizing Projects, Systems & Techniques

Tackle your wardrobe and seasonal closet clutter with these 8 Easy Steps to Closet Cleanout.

March is “Clean out your Closets” month…this probably has something to do with spring fever and the extra hour of daylight we now have every day.

Before

I’m not suggesting you hire a closet re-design company and I’m not suggesting you buy a bunch of supplies.

Start with what you’ve got and take a room by room assessment of your wardrobe to determine what would make your closets work better for you.

Look for inspiring ideas for storage and closet solutions on websites like Pinterest and Houzz. If you think you need help with a particularly difficult area consult a Professional Organizer or ask a friend to come help you.

Make a list: I’m a pen and paper gal myself, but if you prefer your tablet or Macbook, no matter – just get listing. Begin by identifying all the closets within your home. Do you have a food or butlers pantry, closets in the bedrooms, a linen closet, a coat closet?
See what’s inside: Open each closet and write down what you see/how you feel about the use of space. Is it overflowing and in need of a sort/purge, well lit, do you need more/better hangers, etc? What’s working or, better yet, what’s not working in each closet? If you have a “junk drawer,” so be it, but a “junk closet” isn’t and shouldn’t be a thing for a reason.
Prioritize & Schedule: Let the first closet you tackle be the one that you need the most help with or use the most frequently. Determine the time you think it would take to tackle each closet. A small closet might take half an hour while a large walk-in could take the better part of a day. The idea is to minimize clutter, so avoid stripping the contents from your largest closet on a busy day. No one wants to come home to or be surrounded by a mess. Can you complete 1 closet by simply adding a small light and hooks on the door? If knocking out a couple of small closets keeps you motivated, by all means go ahead and take care of the easy ones first.
Gather supplies: Do you think you need some basic supplies that you’ve just been putting off? If so go ahead and purchase items you really need (like hangers, hooks, dividers, brackets, etc). This can also wait until you’ve purged so you will be certain to only buy what you really need. You will also need post it notes, bags, boxes, baskets, hangers, hooks (I like command hooks which work anywhere), a notepad and pen. Designate a box or bag for donation, consignment items, another for trash and a place for things that don’t belong.
Divide and conquer: Sort items to keep, donate, toss, etc. Purge the obvious things first, expired foods, clothes you hate or that don’t fit, broken items (if you haven’t fixed it already, how likely are you to fix it now?), etc. Pull everything out, sorting and putting back only what belongs. Keep in mind that sometimes the whole closet isn’t a problem…it might be just one or two areas. Don’t stop to put things that go in other areas away, just sort them out and plan to re-locate them later.
Tidy up: Give the space a good cleaning; dust, vacuum and wipe down shelves. Install any new “accessories” you might be including like new baskets, dividers, hangers, lights or hooks before returning the contents.
Re-store: Return the contents of items that belong while grouping like objects and using containers to corral smaller items. Don’t overlook valuable door storage space, use hooks, over the door sorters and other creative solutions to maximize space.
Out with the old: Schedule donation or consignment/resale items. Consider if consignment/resale or maybe a Spring Yard Sale is worth your time and effort. Consignment items must be clean, hanging, in good condition and seasonal.

After-Above & Below

Wow, now doesn’t that make you feel great? Suddenly the closet isn’t a hiding place. I’d love to hear your closet clean out stories below!

In the Studio with Sam Hunter-Part I

March 16, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Art, Art & Design, In the Studio, Inspiration & Education, Organize, Photography

In this week’s sneak peek we return Inside the studio of Sam Hunter of Hunter’s Design Studio. I met Sam at Quilt Market and interviewed her in her old studio in 2013. When we last spoke she promised to invite us back after her move and I’m so excited she did! Sam has set up a practical and organized studio and here she shares her tips and suggestions. Also check out her old space here and compare the systems she kept and changed in her new space.

*These photos are not styled so this is typical of what his working studio looks like on an average day.

In the Studio with Sam Hunter-Part I

[Read more…]

The Great Garage Organizing Challenge!

March 13, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Organizing Projects, Systems & Techniques

Now that spring is just about here, lets get out into that garage and whip it into shape! Taking the time to tackle the garage now, before it’s too hot will help you prepare for all the great seasonal activities in the coming months. There’s a lot to consider when organizing a garage (and if you have a shed or workshop a lot of this can be applied there). Are you ready to take on the Great Garage Organizing Challenge?

If you don’t have a garage, maybe your challenge will be to organize the shed, the attic or another storage area. The important factors to take into consideration are; amount of time you to complete the project and type of installation, painting and maintenance/repairs involved and your budget. Will you paint the walls or floors or put down parking or modular mats, add lighting or other features? Do you want to install an elaborate custom designed system (call in an expert) or go with DIY options?

Schedule a couple solid weekends of dedicated time for a 2 car garage or a large attic or 1 weekend and a few additional hours for a smaller area. Take family members schedules, temporary storage (things might need to be temporarily moved out of the garage so beware of HOA rules etc) and weather into account. If your space is jam packed to the ceiling you might need more time to purge and work a path through the spaces, but lets hope you’re not there!

Do you have a green thumb and want a potting area for all your gardening supplies?Assess how you use the space or more accurately how you want to use the space. Of all the rooms in your home the garage may be the most mult- functional! Don’t forget the basics like trash/recycling, cleaning products and supply storage. How else do you use the space? List out categories and quickly sketch “Zones” based on the space layout, functionality (power access, mobility), lighting (windows, existing fixtures) and frequency of use for each category. This is the time that you should plan to make larger purchases such as shelving, lighting, pegboards or other necessary supplies. Take measurements and make sure you buy what will fit and only what you know you need. Try to keep systems modular if possible so they can be re-configured as needed.

Do you have a family with lots of sports enthusiasts and lots of gear? Or do you have a lot of tools for DIY projects?

Is your car currently parked in the garage and if not (it is your 2nd most expensive asset!) do you want it to be? Do you do laundry in your garage or need a “mud room” area? Make it easy for you and your family to juggle groceries and other items as you transition from your car to the house by using hooks, shelving and benches to place things by your home entrance.

Gather your supplies; gloves, basic tools, bags and boxes (for giveaway and trash/recycling), post it notes, permanent markers, label maker/labels, a variety of storage bins, various hooks (command and lg ‘ladder’ hooks) and any shelves or other items you purchased to install. Start with what you have and make a list of smaller items you will need as you go.

Sort; I suggest working clockwise from the entrance-either garage door or door to house. Work your way around the room one wall at a time around sorting items into keep, donate and toss. If you don’t have an immediate way to store/re-install an item make a note and set the item in the general zone where it needs to go and come back to it. Try to keep focused on one area at a time and not go back and forth between the room. If you are able to move everything out to a holding area then keep things grouped by zone in bins to be returned when ready.
Clean as you go and make basic repairs/maintenance updates such as installing hooks, shelves etc. This can be done one wall or zone at a time or with the whole room if it’s been cleared.
Return items to their new homes, this might require grouping and labeling items into bins, installing pegboards or slat walls with hooks, simple hooks or nails, shelving, bins/baskets etc.

Think vertical and don’t forget overhead storage space! Make sure these systems are well secured!! Give them a good tug to make sure things don’t come tumbling down when you or the kids go to grab something. Keep kids, heavy and more frequently used items lower to the ground (but make sure they are water proof if necessary) and lighter and less frequently used or more dangerous tools mounted up higher.

Donate & dump…Don’t forget to get the stuff that you have purged out the door as quickly as possible! When stuff lingers it has tendency to find its way back in so don’t let that happen!

Hopefully this post has you thinking about when and what you can do to create a more organized family garage. Take a look this weekend and if it feels too daunting to tackle yourself, remember you can always hire a Professional Organizer to help!

Curb the Chaos…with a swift kick!

March 6, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Organizing Projects, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources, Uncategorized, Wellness & Mindset Leave a Comment

Since we are almost officially into Spring now I’ve heard a lot of people getting the itch to de-clutter and do a nice deep round of spring clean out! As we ease our way out of our winter hibernation mode, this can feel like a lovely time to focus our energy on the home front, creating a sense of order, doing a nice round of deep cleaning and giving a swift kick in the butt to the chaos in our life! Consider this a Healthy dose of Spring home maintenance!

*Note-if your feeling like you need to hire an organizer than try this technique with a small area first to see how it goes. This is more of a “Maintenance” round than a deep organizing or cleaning session.

Here’s a little visualization tool to help you feel your home as you want it to be!

Lets start by closing our eyes, taking a few deep breaths and envisioning how we want our space to look and feel. Are you seeing a light filled space with windows that frame blue skies, puffy white clouds and tree’s and flowers budding out? Do you feel your feet sliding across floors that are clean and clutter free? Are your kitchen counters, sink and table clear of papers and anything else that might stop you from preparing and sharing healthy nurturing meals for your family? Are your clothes (dresser, closet etc) easy to take out and put away, with your go to favorites well cared for and easy to access? I hope you can see your home as a relaxing space that you can enjoy with your family in your down time. If you can envision it with your eyes closed and feel it, then you can totally create it when you open your eyes! If your ready to make this feeling a reality, take a few more deep breaths and set your intention to create this reality in your home.

Great, now lets get started kicking chaos to the curb! Give yourself a few hours for this whole house “once over”. This can be very helpful to do before you deep clean (if that’s a part of your routine).

Curb the chaos anytime your feeling the “urge to purge”! This usually happens to me several times a year and when it does, I try to take advantage of that feeling and go with it!

Before we break it down, get yourself some water, turn on some music, light a candle or diffuse some essential oils to support your energetic work! We will not be focusing on deep cleaning here…we will be focusing on the chaos that you need to kick to the curb! That’s going to be different for each of us, take a mental tally of what that means for you and we can start right at the front door…

Grab a laundry basket or bin to gather things into, for putting away and trash bags for toss and donate items.
Empty your car so it’s ready to take donations that day or have a donation pick up scheduled for the next day. Don’t let things linger where they can be a temptation.
Clear away anything that doesn’t welcome you or serve a function to support your family as you come and go in your daily life. If you keep shoes, bags and keys here, that’s fine, just give them homes (hooks, shelves, a bench, cubbies, baskets etc). If you’ve got a “donation” bin started here, great, we can add to that. Remove anything that doesn’t belong. *Don’t stop now to put it where it goes, put it in your “put away bin”, toss or donate bag-this will keep you moving room to room.
Work your way into your home, from the “front” or whatever main entrance you use, towards the back. Leave out major storage areas like the attic, garage or shed. In this round we focus on living spaces.
Start from the bottom and work your way up, skimming the floors-picking up toys, clothes and anything out of place. Remove clutter from surfaces and sweep the chaos into “put away”, “toss” or “donate” bags/bins. If your not sure where something goes but you know it doesn’t belong in that room, that’ fine. Add it to the put away bin. If trash or donate accumulate rapidly, take them right out to the car or put them by the door and get new bags.
Repeat this process in each room, especially your main living spaces, kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms. As you got into each new room, check to see if anything in the put away bin belongs and put it away:) Chaos need not linger!
Be brutal, be quick, touch each item if you need to and decide if they “spark Joy” as KonMarie has now famously en-sighted:) If not, kick it to the curb!
Once your done with each room, haul your trash and donate out. Scan your put away bin and see what is left. If there are things that don’t have permanent homes, think about why. What category are they? Can they be stored with other like items or someplace you commonly use them? Once everything is put away, thrown away or hauled out for donation, you have officially kicked your chaos to the curb!

Congratulation! How does that feel? Can you see yourself doing a quick version of this several times a week or even daily? They less we let our chaos build up, the less overwhelming it becomes. There will always be chaos in our life. It’s messy, it’s ugly, it drags us down and makes us feel heavy at times, but we don’t have to let it stick around. It’s our choice to curb the chaos in our life and our home. Good luck and reach out if you have any questions about this process!

Makeover Monday:Escalators on my bookshelves

In the Studio with Michael Hayes-Part I

In the studio with Michael Hayes-Part I

Trying to cram in as much as you can…

Sometimes, more is just a big distraction and excuse to not get to work on our own making and art.

Casting our ideas and creative focus in too many directions can leave us scattered.

An Easy Guide to detox your cleaning routine

It’s springtime! Before you load up on green smoothies, start with this easy guide to detox your cleaning routine.

Organizing using the 5S Methodology

Long before the Kondo Method came along…the Japanese were using the 5 S Methodology

The 5 S Methodology works by sorting, straightening, systematic cleaning, standardizing and sustaining.

Seiri or Sorting

Seiton or Straightening (setting in order / stabilize)

Seiso or Systematic cleaning

Seiketsu or Standardizing

Shitsuke or Sustaining (sustaining the discipline or self-discipline)

The main objectives in the 5S methodology include improve productivity and quality.

Inside Sam Hunter’s Studio Part II

Inside Sam Hunters Studio Part II (see Part I Here)

8 Easy Steps to Closet Cleanout

Tackle your wardrobe and seasonal closet clutter with these 8 Easy Steps to Closet Cleanout.

Start with what you’ve got and take a room by room assessment of your wardrobe to determine what would make your closets work better for you.

In the Studio with Sam Hunter-Part I

In the Studio with Sam Hunter-Part I

The Great Garage Organizing Challenge!

Curb the Chaos…with a swift kick!

Curb the chaos anytime your feeling the “urge to purge”! This usually happens to me several times a year and when it does, I try to take advantage of that feeling and go with it!

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