Organized Chaos - Paint Shelf

Here's a little organization project I recently completed.  It was super simple to make from pre-cut 1 1/2" x 3/8" boards from Home Depot (in 2' and 3' lengths).  The shelves are are 2' wide and 3' tall and hang from a couple of nails underneath the top board.

This one was perfect for craft paints and small tubes of paint.  I like being able to see everything I have available.  I need to make a couple of more for taller tubes of paint, glue and other products I use frequently.

I Need a Makeover

Help!  I have only been in my studio 8 months and already it (or maybe I) need a makeover.  I really need to rethink my space...maybe not the space so much as my stuff.  I am totally overwhelmed when I look around and it's hard to think/create.  I have so many materials and tools and books at the ready for whenever "inspiration" hits.  Well, I find it hard to feel inspired in this space.  I have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and this space isn't helping me. 

The first photo below is of my work surface and my "Inspiration Wall" to the left side of the photo.  The idea was that while I sit and work, I would be able to see and be inspired by images hanging on the wall facing me.  Well, they don't inspire me, they distract me.  They are too small for me to really see and draw inspiration from if I'm looking at them from across the room, and there are waaaay to many of them...it's just a lot of visual clutter.  So those are going to have to come down. 

What else do I need to do to bring order to this confusion?  I'm not sure.  I need to have things where I can see them or I will forget that I have them and they will go totally unused...as they do now : /  I suspect that over time, I will weed out alot of stuff related to media and techniques that I thought I was interested in, but really don't have the inclination to try or to take the time to learn about.

I'll post any ideas I have.  If you have any suggestions, by all means let me know : )

"Inspiration Wall" to the left, my favorite work spot on the right

Stuff everywhere!  How could anybody think in here?

Even the sofa (for relaxation?) is covered with stuff.   Aaaaggghhh, Calgon take me away.

Hello from PeaceHeartWorks!

This year is the year I decided to finally pursue my interest in art.  It's weird how everything kind of fell into place just when I finally had a little time available to dedicate to the pursuit of my artistic dreams. Thanks to my artist friend, LeeAnn Gorman, we learned about Art Square Studios, got on the waiting list for a studio and, in March of this year, I learned that one would be available in May.  At that point, I had to decide whether or not I was ready to take what, for me, was a really huge step and sign a lease on a studio.  This was one of those times when, although I was somewhat fearful of taking this plunge, my heart was saying "DO IT!!!! This is the first step in realizing your dreams!" So I did it, and then I promptly took a big second step and signed up for my first class at Glassell School of Art across from the MFAH.

While talking to my friend Cody at lunch one day, he suggested I start a blog so I could post pics of my school work and anything else I create along the way.  Thanks for the nudge Cody : )  With the Art Square Studios Open House just around the corner (Nov. 2), I figured now's as good a time as any to start the blog.  So, here goes....

Cindy