Friday 28 February 2014

Clean-up Challenge

I want to thank Sharyl of  Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections for hosting this hop.

What an interesting concept it is - cleaning up a work space! Who knew what a great feeling it would be to succeed? For a list of other participants, please go here.

I am lucky enough to split my life between Canada and Mexico and that means that I have two work spaces. The only "problem" I have is that, in Mexico, my work space is very limited. I use a small table in my bedroom, to lay out my tools and materials, rather than my large dining room table. This means that I will always have a place to eat, but it also challenges me to keep my work table productive. My life is also somewhat complicated by my downstairs neighbour who does not enjoy listening to the sound of me hammering before noon.

I signed up for this challenge while I was home in Canada, not even considering that I might be away for the reveal. My spacious home workshop (five large tables - round, square and rectangular) is still in the process of a major clean-up, but there is always lots of surface space to spread out my tools and my materials. Due to a flood last summer, my basement was completely gutted and I am slowly working through the sorting and the cleanup. That is my work space situation in Canada.

But cleaning my work space in Mexico is another story. In a much smaller space, I must be able to access my tools and supplies, but I must still be able to occupy my bedroom (having somewhere to sleep is just as important to me as having an organized work space and I have been known to lay out a project on my bed --- my husband is not always impressed  -  with the condition of the bed I am sure and not my jewellery).

I have always been a naturally messy worker, but my life saver happens to be Ziploc bags and a sharpie marker. Everything goes into a bag and is identified. (cost, supplier, etc....) And - I try to put things away after I complete each project. This is very hard for me to achieve, but it is a very important element of being successful. I think that is the single most important tip I subscribe to. It is important to be both disciplined and to have a clean work space!

Before


After

Only a few feet away from my work space, I have a large chest of four drawers that has served as a night table by my bed. It has now been requisitioned to hold many of my tools and supplies that are not in regular use. (And my Ziploc bag collection - of course.)
 
Thanks for visiting!

14 comments:

  1. What a wonderful job you have done with your space! And how cool that you are able to travel between the 2!!! Love this challenge by the way! I have much to do in my space as well! Happy weekend to you! Nicole

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you - I too have loved viewing others spaces and seeing how they have organized them.

      Delete
  2. Judy, I'm so sorry to hear you were part of the flooding. I'm in Ottawa so while we did see lots of news coverage, as time goes it slows and I hope that people are back on their feet for the most part. I hope you have that wonderful sounding space complete and better than ever soon. Although, making up the time in Mexico doesn't sound so bad :) Great work cleaning up and organizing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind words - we were not directly affected by the flood in June - our water pipe picked that same weekend to crack and leak water for days before we discover it - black mold and all --- but yes on the surface Calgary is getting back to normal but many people have lost their business and many many people are still not back in their homes - it many be months or even years before all is "done". But as we say - YYC is open for business!

      Delete
  3. What a beautiful view you have while you're working. It must be so inspiring and certainly better than the cold and snow here in Canada. I envy you your large workspace back home with 5 tables....sorry to hear about the flooding. You're lucky you can get away to the sun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes the view is great and sand sure beats snow --- I just wish I could bring my workshop with me :) Thank you for you kind words.

      Delete
  4. How nice to have two different homes and environments in which to work! That has to be inspiring too! The flooding sounds less fun and hope you are able to get your home in Canada all cleaned up again soon. I can just picture you spread out on the bed making jewelry! I've been known to do that also...which much the same reaction! ha!

    I love your baggie idea. How simple that sounds and yet that's just the kind of thing I wouldn't think to do. (Reminds me I used to crush crackers into crumbs with a rolling pin and the crackers flying all over the kitchen. One day my Aunt was there and suggested I put those crackers in a baggie first DUH!) Thanks for sharing great ideas and your photos! Best wishes! --Sharyl

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I could not agree more - some things have to hit me in the face before I see them and they are so obvious to others. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. I find I create very different work in each workspace - maybe due to access to tools and supplies but I think it is more than that. Have a great day.

      Delete
  5. I also use ziplock baggies to place project items in.
    How great to have two countries to work in (even if the winter one is just a bit smaller).
    ~cryssT

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you --- Ziploc bags are great aren't they? Live well.

      Delete
  6. How nice to have a warm spot to live in the winter. And looks like some outdoor sunshine right next to where you work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so right - thank you for your kind comment. I am truly blessed.

      Delete
  7. Great job cleaning your work space. Oh how I would love to be in Mexico instead of the frozen northern Minnesota right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks and it is nice to be here. But I am heading home soon :(

      Delete