The time has come for de-cluttering and organizing. There are a lot of mixed media papers in my studio that needs to be sorted and organized. Well, actually I did this a couple of months ago before I built the new tables. If I hadn’t told you, you wouldn’t know.
I have made all of these papers. Not bragging, just the fact. I use them for all sorts of projects: mixed media art pieces, bookmarks, tags, smash books, junk journals and when I teach mixed media art classes at WTC College on the Square.
Stenciled and stamped papers. Card stock, copy paper, and deli papers. One of my favorite paper transforming tools is a Gelli Plate. I have a couple of little Art Tip Tuesday Videos about using a Gelli Plate that are on WTC-College on the Square Facebook page.
What a mess and what wonderful inspiration. So much clutter and so much creativity! Every piece of paper makes my mind whirl with creative ideas.
My friend/boss or boss/friend, Donna got this “I Am an Artist” cup for me. It’s so perfect!
There are some napkins used to clean up silk dyes and poured watercolor paintings.
The marbled paper is so fun. My students, children and adults, love this class. The fragrance of the shaving lather used to make these reminds me of my husband. I miss him everyday.
Of course, my studio assistant, Kitty No heard papers rustling and that was her invitation to join the de-cluttering activity.
These are magazine pages that have been altered using Citra-Solv. 1970’s National Geographic get the best results because of the ink used back then. I also tried several other products available locally to keep from having to order Citra-Solv. Let me just say, save yourself some time and frustration and use Citra-Solv. They are not paying me or giving me any compensation to say that.
WHAT??? Some of the papers ended up in the trash?!? Yes, they did! I was BRAVE and threw them away. I made the BRAVE stamp in the photo below.
De-cluttering is not for the faint of heart. You have to be BRAVE to face the truth, to face the mess, to take the first step. It takes determination and focus and the knowledge that when it becomes overwhelming, take one step at a time.
Take a peek at my simple strategy HERE.
The papers have been sorted and placed into containers. I used 2 sizes: one size holds 12″ x 12″ paper and the other size easily holds 8.5″ x 11″ papers.
Because the mixed media papers are fun and funky, I wanted fun and funky labels. You can download my labels HERE. Print them on label paper.
TaDah!!! All done (for right now). Here is the shelf that holds the containers of papers. They are within easy reach of my new studio tables.
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15 ESV
I would love to hear about your de-cluttering: struggles and accomplishments. Be sure and subscribe to stay up to date.
’til next time,
Nathalie
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