New Year, Organized You: 5 Essential IOD Organizing Ideas for the New Year

Hey there, IOD fam! It's January – you know what that means, right? Time to shake off the holiday glitter and get our creative spaces in tip-top shape for a fab year ahead. We've all been there, wading through a sea of craft supplies, kinda loving the chaos but also craving some order. Let's be real, a bit of organizing never hurt us messy creatives. 😅 So, grab a cup of your favorite brew, and let's dive into some down-to-earth, super-doable tips for sprucing up our crafting nooks. We've rounded up some brilliant tips from Myra at Boutique Paint and sprinkled in a few of our own IOD insights to help you kickstart your organizational journey!

Perfectly Organize those IOD Stamps

Say hello to our nifty 12"x12" IOD Stamp Envelopes, perfectly sized for your creative needs! These crystal-clear envelopes are a game-changer, letting you peek at your stamps without even opening them. And guess what? They're roomy enough to snugly fit up to two stamps, making it super easy to mix and match for your projects. Plus, with the option to label them (hello, label maker!), you'll be the maestro of organization. This is also the perfect place to keep those stamp masks together.  

These can easily be organized in alphabetical order in a bin, file cabinet, or we personally use stackable scrapbook containers. 

Quick Tips for Storing Transfer Scraps and Sheets

For those small IOD transfer scraps, Myra from Boutique Paint suggests a neat trick: store them in a file folder, using painter's tape to keep each piece secure and organized. This method is perfect for quick access to those extra bits you need for your projects.

When handling full transfer sheets, Myra's strategy involves using shipping tape along the edges, ensuring they stay flat and don’t stick to other items. For easy identification and efficient storage, label each sheet with a Post-it note and keep them in larger crafting units or magazine holders. This approach not only saves space but also keeps your transfers readily accessible for your next creative endeavor. 

Easily Flip Through Your IOD Mould Collection 

Are you pondering the best way to organize your moulds? We're absolutely smitten with this ingenious idea from Boutique Paint! She's mastered the art of mould organization by repurposing a simple 6.25” x 12” shoe box. By arranging the moulds vertically, it becomes a breeze to flip through your collection – just like browsing through a book. For those who love a bit of labeling, a Sharpie can work wonders. Just jot down the names on top for quick identification. But if the thought of writing directly on your precious moulds makes you cringe, no worries! Leave a little space at the front of your box so you can easily flip through and visually scan through your moulds without a single mark on them.

The Smart Way to Store Air Dry Clay

Ever returned to your IOD Air Dry Clay only to find it as hard as a rock? Oy vey, what a bummer! But don't fret. There's a nifty trick to prevent this crafting tragedy. The secret? Storing your air dry clay in an airtight container with a damp (not drenched!) paper towel. Here’s how you do it: Place your Air Dry Clay in a plastic bag, then pop it into the container, leaving the bag open.

Why the plastic bag, you ask? Well, it’s your little safeguard. See, if that paper towel stays too damp or hangs around too long, it might get moldy. But with the clay snug in its plastic bag, there's no risk of moldy mishaps. And hey, a little tip – swap out that paper towel every few months, especially if you haven’t had a chance to use the clay. Stay fresh. 

Keep Your Workspace Inspiring

It might seem obvious, but hear us out: tidying up post-crafting sesh can be a game-changer. We know, after diving deep into your creative zone, cleaning up is probably the LAST thing on your mind. But, leaving those pesky ink splatters and paint streaks can turn into a real headache. They dry up, cling stubbornly to your tools, and become a nightmare to scrape off later. 

So, here's a friendly nudge: make it a habit to spruce up as soon as you're done. Not only will this keep your space spick and span, but it also invites a fresh wave of inspiration every time you sit down to create. Trust us, walking into a clean, organized workspace feels like a breath of fresh air – it sets the perfect stage for your next project!  

Alright, there you have it – five fantastic strategies to keep your IOD workspace more organized this year! Our hope for you is that a tidy, clutter-free space not only brings a sense of calm but also becomes the perfect canvas for your creativity to flourish. Imagine a space where your ideas flow freely, inspiring you to craft your most impressive creations yet.

And here’s on last IOD insider tip: Don't just settle for ordinary storage solutions. With IOD's versatile range, you have the creative freedom to transform everyday storage boxes and bins into something uniquely beautiful. Use our moulds, stamps, or transfers to personalize your storage, making it not only functional but also a delightful addition to your space. Say a cheerful goodbye to those bland plastic containers and hello to storage that sparks joy and creativity!

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!