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Paper taught by Lesley Riley! A winner will be chosen on July 5th. ***
So these "before" posts are awkward for me to write. I wanted to take the "before" photos and hide them for myself so I would know how far I had come but every time I thought about posting the photos here, I got a weird feeling in my stomach.
You see, it's somewhat embarrassing, the extent to which the mess has gotten out of control. There are a lot of reasons for it, I've been thinking about it a lot. The biggest conclusion I've reached is that I need to stop beating myself up about it.
It serves no one, mostly myself.
I am where I am and the only thing within my power is to decide if I stay here or face it. I've decided to face it. And since I know I need help, I have chosen to work with a professional organizer. Today is my first day working with her, she will also be here tomorrow. (Although I may be mildly comatose from exhaustion after today so I may not get a post up about it again until mid week.)
I have two rooms that need to be dealt with. One is my studio which you have seen frequently but I also have a second room that I refer to as my Warehouse. Stuff for my etsy shop, my book collection, samples, finished artwork - that's where it all goes so that I don't need to store it in my studio. It is the first heap that is being tackled.
Before I show you the photos, click play on this video. This is my theme song for the purging activities (Think of Rocky Balboa running up that umpteen million stairs while he was training, that's my favorite part.):
And now here they are, the "before" pictures of the Warehouse. The next post will show post pro-organizer state:
Warehouse Before #1
Warehouse Before #2
Warehouse Before #3
Stay tuned...
28 comments:
I think U are brave to post but braver even more so to tackle this. You will love the organization & we'll see even more productivity from you. How exciting! I am envious!
Now Lynn, that almost looks like 'hoarder' status (got the same thing here). Good luck - I will watch the progress with an 'open mind' - 'open' to doing my own..but wait, we are leaving for a month..so that won't happen before - inspire me!!
I've seen worse. You'll get through this.
I always find I have great unfinished projects at the bottom of it all.
Oh my goodness.... Brave woman you are... but I also have complete faith in you for when it is done it will be 1 fabulous room!
Wow I sure can relate to this but don't have the strength to tackle it just yet..........
Sign me up for the free class and thanks for the opportunity.
Good luck today!
Oh yeah, that "before" looks painful. But boy oh boy is it going to feel fantastic when you're able to walk into that room and access those shelves, and everything is in it's place (or purged!). Nothing to be ashamed about...you are certainly not alone! And good for you to share this process with us.
I look at it as a time of excitement and adventure. Who knows what you'll find while sorting? The end result is going to be wonderful!
My spelunking in the studio went on for about a year in total. At first I tried to simply organize what was there, and keeping what was out of site in place. But eventually I discovered that I really needed to completely empty it out and start from scratch, making sure everything was in its best place to make it a working studio. Like you, I had a 'warehouse' portion, but it was in the same room and was taking over my space too. Good luck. It is very rewarding when you are finished and you may find lots of hidden treasures too!
Only two rooms that are consumed with your art treasures? That isn't so bad!
Only two rooms that are consumed with your art treasures? That isn't so bad!
You will be so happy you took these photos when this is all organized! Maybe you will want to frame one to put up in the room to remind you of where you came from. :D Wishing you the best! Enjoy the process!
Can't wait to see the after photos.
Thanks for the opportunity to win the class, and good luck with your spring cleanup project.
Lynn, my room looks like yours. I started the purge last fall. Dad got sick and I just threw everything back in there and walked away. Now that chapter is closed, I have to start again. I'm looking forward to watching the progression and hopefully being inspired to finish my chaotic mess. If we don't hear from you for a couple of days, should we send in the bloodhounds? LOL!
Lynn, You have a good excuse. You are so busy with both work and all of your art. Now me - no excuse!! Like Lisa said, you'll be glad you took before pictures. Good luck and looking forward to the after pics.
Lynn, You're so brave to post these photos. I'm so glad you did because I know that I'm not alone. My art and the supplies have taken over my whole apartment. I'm looking forward to future posts so, I can get some ideas on how to organize my place. Keep the coffee flowing!
What? You still have floor space!
Unfortunately I have a room that looked very much like that but then I moved much of the clutter so I could get organized. Now it's in the hall and I still have to make decisions and get it organized.
You go girl! I've been there and bought the T-shirt, several times. The most recent clean-up of my "warehouse" was last fall. Its the only time it has ever stuck! After several marathon clean-ups over the years I've learned a few things. #1, it will never last unless you also build habits to make it last. #2, everything has to have a clearly defined "home" or it can't go in there. #3, once the room is full, nothing new can go in unless something of equal size goes out. By making these hard and fast rules I'm keeping it organized. It now has a sign over the door that says "Warehouse 13 Annex" after my favorite TV show. :-)
Ha...l have seen many rooms like...mostly mine! IUt is hard to start but once it happens...miricles happen! You go girl. I am with you all the way. I usually go mad and do the whole room in one go and then am shattered for a week! how will you do it? Good luck to all who enter this comp. x lynda
Oh my...I can relate to that. I'm off to clean up my studio.
Hmmm! I actually think you have me beat for piles! But mine are VERY close!! I don't know much about TAP...would love to learn more!
looking forward to how you solve your problem,, I have something similar, but it is my jewelry making table,,, I hate to put beads away because it might just be the right one for the piece I am working on..
vivianhelena@sti.net
Thank you....misery loves company. I'm probably not going to like the after....it will make me feel like the messy pack rat that I am!
Atta girl! Just keep thinking how amazing it will feel once it's all sorted... :D
One step at a time and before you know it you'll have it under control. Isn't there a saying...the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step?
Yay to you for dealing with it! Now I need to deal with my own, which has spread to the entire house. I have stuff everywhere. There. I said it. You are so brave!
I hope this is where we're to leave a comment to win a spot in Lindsay's class. I just found your blog through the hop!
Carmen L
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