Monday, December 19, 2011

Cleaning up the craft desk....

My friend Linda came down Saturday and we worked on a shadow box layout that she is wanting to give as a gift for Christmas, I will post about it tomorrow, but while she was here we discussed how I have to clean up my craft table when I finish a project. I am lucky that it only takes me probably less than a minute and a half to have everything clear and back in it's place.  I literally have both hands going at once putting things away so I can get it off the desk faster.

I have had this discussion with several people about if they have to clean their area after a project before starting a new one. I think I actually know more that don't than who do! I just can't stand to have stray pieces of paper on my desk unless of course they are for the project I am working on. I have to put up all my tools...scissors, pens, tweezerbees, rulers, etc, even if I know I am going to use them again in a few minutes on the next project.

I think maybe it just gives me a feeling of a fresh start on something and clearing my desk not only clears the last project off the desk but also out of my mind so I can focus on the new project *okie really wonders if she over analyzes things sometimes*, really just giving me a clean slate to start anew.

So do you have to clean off your work area before starting a new project???

26 comments:

  1. Oh Yes!!! Much easier this way!! Merry Christmas!!!
    Brigitte

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  2. Definately...I hate a mess on my work table when I'm starting a new card etc...I also put away all my tools. I don't know how people that don't clean up between projects find all their chit :)
    Lee-Ann :)

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  3. Not me. When I see paper scraps that I've tracked down the hall and into the living room, that's when I know it's time to sweep the floor back here! lol!

    I have promised myself numerous times that I will not start another project until I put everything away. Then some inspiration hits and I just drag more stuff out to do the next project.

    Of course, if I don't start on an idea immediately, I'll get distracted and forget what it was that I wanted to make!

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  4. I have OCD need a clean desk! Everything has a place and don't mess with my space.. LOL

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  5. I HAVE to clean my desk after I am done with each project. I cant stand having things out of place.

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  6. Everything in it's place. Easier to find and if it's not there, I still reach for it in it's place.
    Holiday Fun to you Okie.

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  7. Yes, yes, yes....I try and keep my desk as clean as I can even putting away my tools as I use them. Now with that being said my desk is not totally clean, lots around the edges but the center work area is cleaned up

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  8. I would like to say yes but I will admit that no, usually I don't. I am sure that is why I can never find stuff!

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  9. I try. I have a small amount of work space, so it is a necessity!

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  10. Its nice to know that you are not alone in having to clean up and have a clean work space. I put everything away when I am done so that I can have a clean space to start next time I want to play.

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  11. Yes...I like a clean work space for each project. I have trouble with this at this time of year because I have 6-10 projects going at the same time. My room looks like a tornado hit it right now. Once Christmas is over I will get the chance to clean and start fresh. I hope I make it.

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  12. I don't have to clean my desk after each project but I do have to clean it before starting anything new. My husband finds it funny that it can be a mess for days but before I go to make more of a mess I have to clean and put everything away. I think I wait to clean because I am what we call a midnight crafter.

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  13. i'm with you. i have to keep my work area clean. i even put things away as i go along during a project otherwise they will probably get buried under mounds of paper or embellishments never to be found until i'm finished with the project. who needs the frustration?
    merry christmas to you.

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  14. Absolutely! Sometimes I don't clean up everything after I have completed the project, then when I start another, well, it's grrrrrrr! I tend to be very organized and if there is too much laying around, well I can't find anything and I reall get aggravated with myself.

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  15. Most of the time I clear away one project before starting another; however, this time of year I have so many going at once that my poor desk is pretty messy. The hardest thing for me to keep up with is putting my scraps away.

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  16. I am one of those "clean as you go" types. That said,

    Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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  17. I am definitely just like you! I cannot have my surroundings closing in on me. It affects my creativity I think, lol! I have arranged things so like you, I can easily with two hands have everything put away in a couple of minutes.
    Have a wonderful Christmas!

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  18. Must have my work area cleaned up, neat and tidy, and must have everything in its place before starting a new project. Not just the desk but the whole work area - things have to be where they belong! I work must better that way. Merry Christmas!

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  19. Yes, I'm a neat freak :)

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  20. I not only need a clean desk but my house needs to be clean also! I can't seem to sit down and craft until all my chores are done. For some reason I feel guilty. This is why I never quite get around to making anything. Help I need councling.

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  21. Opposite of the previous post by Robyn, I tend to leave the chores and craft first. Not very popular with the hubby!!! I am working on finishing chores first. And I do clean up my supplies. I like them to all be in their homes.

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  22. My work space is not nearly as large as I'd like it to be, so I absolutely HAVE to put everything away where it belongs before starting something new. Tools go back in the tote, scraps go in the appropriate scrap paper drawers...where ever it's home is, that's where it goes.

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  23. I am with you...I must have a fresh clean start for each project. Otherwise, I get stressed trying to dig through the mess of the last one and it takes away the fun.

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  24. You inspired me! I clean the desk today. I still have too much out. It is like I have to have it out so I use it. I have to get better systems of putting things away in the same spot so I can find it.
    I even vacuumed. That is were the real mess ends up.
    Thanks for the inspirations.

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  25. I'm with you Okie! Clean as you go that way I don't lose things. LOL.
    Hope you and your's have a very Merry Christmas!!! :)
    Sandy R. MN

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  26. I ALWAYS clean! A mess makes me nuts, and then I can never find anything! Everything in its place and I am ready to go again!!!
    Kathryn

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