"Clean-up, Fix-up Your Workspace" Challenge & Blog Hop Reveal!

The count-down is over and it's time to reveal our new shiny clean, reorganized workspaces!   (....Or well, our tidied up, not-quite-as-messy-as-they-were workspaces!)   Whatever approach each person has taken is fine.  This has been an opportunity for those of us who felt it a good time for a quality-cleanup in our studios to get busy!   Whether you tackled a messy table, organized beads or tools, or took on an entire room, I'm anxious to see the results!   

Since I began this event as a way of hopefully encouraging a few folks to join me in my own cleaning activities, (and was thrilled when so many decided to do so), I'll show you some before/after photos of my own work area.

Then, I'll list all the participants and links to where they have posted.   I hope everyone enjoys hopping from blog-to-blog to see the fabulous results!   Comments on blogs or Facebook are welcomed and encouraged!   Thanks for participating, whether by cleaning or following our exploits!   ~Sharyl

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Sharyl's Mess & Clean-up:

I showed you a table of mine before the event.  
 I was too embarrassed to show you the whole room!  The truth is, I have a computer desk, 2 antique table/desks (this being one), and a work bench,.. in addition to bookshelves, 2 chests, and other storage.   The problem is, it's all jammed into a tiny little room that used to be "the baby's room" 20+ years ago!  

As you can imagine, one of the biggest problems is finding a path to walk in there!  

If there's a flat space, I'm naturally prone to cover it... with anything and everything.  But tonight at least, I'm seeing bits of bare wood again, and a few open spaces.   I'm telling you, it wasn't easy! 

Bead Table:  Before and After

(The black wood piece, far left, has 4 drawers.
It was my first storage for art beads.
I grew out of that and added the yellow tool-chest type storage.
And now have several more storage units for art beads.
The gray unit with bins stores metal findings such as earwires,
metal spacer beads, bead caps, chain and jumprings.)

Left:  Before =  "Catch-all table"
Right:   New "Mailing Station" (left)
and "Items to be Listed" Section (far right)

White Wicker Shelves:  Before/After
Stores metal embosser, large cutting board, etc.

Top Row:   Photo Light Tent:   Before/After
Bottom Row:   Photography and Metals Work bench:   Before/After

Gray wooden chest (family heirloom) full of beads and items for sale, 
tucked inside closet.
Black chest holds paper and stamping products
(Top left, before.  All others are after.)

I have a few more, but think I'll stop for now and save them for another day!  I want you to have time to explore the other blogs!  

Thanks for stopping by!  (Participant list follows!)   ~Sharyl

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Participant List:

Host: Sharyl McMillian-Nelson … http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com

Donna Millard http://fyrebeadz.blogspot.com/

Beda Hendrix ... https://www.facebook.com/SasijuhlsThings 

Ann Schroeder… http://www.beadlove.wordpress.com

Pamela Rachelle… http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com

Kristin L Oppold… http://www.yayjewelry.blogspot.com

Heidi Kingman ... http://heidikingman.blogspot.com

Andi ... http://strungoutjewelry.blogspot.com/

Patricia Buchanan Click “Blog” on the menu bar at http://www.braceletstoo.artfire.com

Helen Simon… http://helensharvest.com/

somethingunique ... http://somethinguniquebylana.blogspot.ca/

Renetha ... http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com 

Kathy Lindemer ... http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com

Swapna Dinesh … http://www.swardaa.com     

Linda Landig ... http://lindalandig.wordpress.com/

Ann Schroeder ... http://www.beadlove.wordpress.com/

Beti Horvath ... http://stringingfool.blogspot.com/

Sam S ... http://samsbeadshopandjewelry.blogspot.com/ 

Christina Miles ... http://wingsnscales.blogspot.com/

Islandgirl ... http://islandgirlsinsights.blogspot.ca/

macmillanmarie ... http://www.macmillanmarie.blogspot.com

Emma Todd … http://www.apolymerpenchant.com

Neena Shilvock … 
http://www.capriliciousjewellery.com/3/post/2014/02/neither-ship-shape-nor-bristol-fashion.html

Dee Clark… http://biz-e-bead.blogspot.com/ 

motidana ... http://kalaabhushan.blogspot.com/  

Here Bead Dragons ... http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/

Carol D. ... http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/

Pam Sears ... http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com/

Nan Smith ... http://wirednan.blogspot.ca

AliMc ... http://northwoodscreativestudio.blogspot.com 

Kari Asbury ... http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com

Shirley Moore ... http://www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com

PyxeeStyx ... http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/

Jayne Capps … https://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com

Louann Elwell 
... https://plus.google.com/117746558861718110652/posts

Rain ... http://honeyandollie.com/

Lori Bergmann ... http://www.LoriBergmann.blogspot.com

Arlene Dean ... http://aglassbash.blogspot.com   

Sandra... http://city-of-brass-stories.blogspot.de/ 

Alicia ... http://www.allprettythings.ca

Natalie Pappas ...  http://blog.nkpdesigns.com/

Mike Flint ...  https://www.facebook.com/bagomag

Please return again next time when I'll announce 2 winners randomly-drawn from among the participants--beady goodness collected from my tables!    Thanks again to all!   ~Sharyl

Blog hop Participant List--Ready to paste in your blogs!

There are a few "wonky" things I just can't seem to make right in the formatting of this list, but I've tested the links and believe they will work. 
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Participant List:

Host: Sharyl McMillian-Nelson … http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com

Donna Millard http://fyrebeadz.blogspot.com/

Beda Hendrix ... https://www.facebook.com/SasijuhlsThings 

Ann Schroeder… http://www.beadlove.wordpress.com

Pamela Rachelle… http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com

Kristin L Oppold… http://www.yayjewelry.blogspot.com

Heidi Kingman ... http://heidikingman.blogspot.com

Andi ... http://strungoutjewelry.blogspot.com/

Patricia Buchanan Click “Blog” on the menu bar athttp://www.braceletstoo.artfire.com

Helen Simon… http://helensharvest.com/

Kashmira … http://sadafulee.blogspot.com/

somethingunique ... http://somethinguniquebylana.blogspot.ca/

Renetha ... http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com

Kathy Lindemer ... http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com

Swapna Dinesh … http://www.swardaa.com

Linda Landig ... http://lindalandig.wordpress.com/

Ann Schroeder ... http://www.beadlove.wordpress.com/

Beti Horvath ... http://stringingfool.blogspot.com/

Sam S ... http://samsbeadshopandjewelry.blogspot.com/ 

Christina Miles ... http://wingsnscales.blogspot.com/

Islandgirl ... http://islandgirlsinsights.blogspot.ca/ 

macmillanmarie ... http://www.macmillanmarie.blogspot.com

Emma Todd … http://www.apolymerpenchant.com

Neena Shilvock … 
http://www.capriliciousjewellery.com/3/post/2014/02/neither-ship-shape-nor-bristol-fashion.html

Dee Clark… http://biz-e-bead.blogspot.com/

motidana ... http://kalaabhushan.blogspot.com/

Here Bead Dragons ... http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/

Carol D. ... http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/

Pam Sears ... http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com/

Nan Smith ... http://wirednan.blogspot.ca

AliMc ... http://northwoodscreativestudio.blogspot.com

Kari Asbury ... http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com

Shirley Moore ... http://www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com

PyxeeStyx ... http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/

Jayne Capps … https://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com

Louann Elwell 
... https://plus.google.com/117746558861718110652/posts

Rain ... http://honeyandollie.com/

Lori Bergmann ... http://www.LoriBergmann.blogspot.com

Helen Simon… http://helensharvest.blogspot.com/

Arlene Dean ... http://aglassbash.blogspot.com

Sandra... http://city-of-brass-stories.blogspot.de/

Alicia ... http://www.allprettythings.ca

Natalie Pappas ...  http://blog.nkpdesigns.com/

Mike Flint ...  https://www.facebook.com/bagomag

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I’m so pleased that so many of you joined in this blog hop and that we participants from India, UK, Canada, as well the U.S.! (Did I miss your country? Please let me know!) 

Many thanks to all for making this a fun experience!   I'm looking forward to seeing your re-created spaces in the wee-hours of March 1st!  

--Sharyl

Blog Hop List Participants:

This is not fancy, but hopefully it will get the job done! 

·      Please see if I have your blog link correct.  Some I looked for because I didn’t have your address.   Some were Google+ accounts and I’m not sure if that is where you intend to post.  

·      A few mentioned you do not have blogs.  Please let me know if you would like to post on Facebook, if so which FB URL, or want to me to post on my blog.   If you want to post on my blog, please leave me a way to contact you.  I’ll send you details.

·      If your name is not on this list and you wish to participate, please comment with name and blog address.  Apologies for anyone who wanted to be on that I missed.  I tried to compile several lists and get everyone!   Many thanks! --Sharyl

·       P.S. I’ll update this list tomorrow so you can have the corrected, properly formatted version to add to your blogs!   Thanks! 

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Participant List:

Host: Sharyl McMillian-Nelson … http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com

Donna Millard http://fyrebeadz.blogspot.com/

Ann Schroeder… http://www.beadlove.wordpress.com

Pamela Rachelle… http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com

Kristin L Oppold… http://www.yayjewelry.blogspot.com

Heidi Kingman ... http://heidikingman.blogspot.com

Andi ... http://strungoutjewelry.blogspot.com/

Patricia Buchanan Click “Blog” on the menu bar at http://www.braceletstoo.artfire.com

Helen Simon… http://helensharvest.com/

Kashmira … http://sadafulee.blogspot.com/

somethingunique ... http://somethinguniquebylana.blogspot.ca/

Renetha ... http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com

Kathy Lindemer ... http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com

Swapna Dinesh … http://www.swardaa.com

lindalandig ... http://lindalandig.wordpress.com/

Ann Schroeder ... http://www.beadlove.wordpress.com/

Beti Horvath ... http://stringingfool.blogspot.com/

Sam S ... http://samsbeadshopandjewelry.blogspot.com/

Christina Miles ... http://wingsnscales.blogspot.com/

Islandgirl ... http://islandgirlsinsights.blogspot.ca/

macmillanmarie ... http://www.macmillanmarie.blogspot.com

Emma Todd … http://www.apolymerpenchant.com

Neena Shilvock … http://www.capriliciousjewellery.com/

Dee Clark… http://biz-e-bead.blogspot.com/

motidana ... http://kalaabhushan.blogspot.com/

Here Bead Dragons ... http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/

Carol D. ... http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/

Pam Sears ... http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com/

Nan Smith ... http://wirednan.blogspot.ca

AliMc ... http://northwoodscreativestudio.blogspot.com

Beda Hendrix ... https://www.facebook.com/SasijuhlsThings

Kari Asbury ... http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com

Shirley Moore ... http://www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com

PyxeeStyx ... http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/

Jayne Capps … https://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com

Louann Elwell ... https://plus.google.com/117746558861718110652/posts

Rain ... http://honeyandollie.com/

Lori Bergmann ... http://www.LoriBergmann.blogspot.com

Helen Simon… http://helensharvest.blogspot.com/

Arlene Dean ... http://aglassbash.blogspot.com

Sandra... http://city-of-brass-stories.blogspot.de/

Alicia ... http://www.allprettythings.ca

I’m so pleased that so many of you joined in this blog hop and that we participants from India, UK, Canada, as well the U.S.!   (Did I miss your country?  Please let me know!)    Many thanks to all for making this a fun experience!   ~Sharyl

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Sorry, removing Janice and Sy.  Not sure how to reach you or where you would like to post.  Apologies.   Feel free to add a note to comments if you see this and I'll add you in! --Sharyl

Yikes! Have you Cleaned?

Update:  Apologies for not getting the initial blog list posted Tue night. I've had a migraine and a hard time sitting up and reading the computer screen.   I'll do my best to get the list out tonight (Wed.)  Thanks for your patience! --Sharyl

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As I look at the huge mess still surrounding me, I'm wondering, "Am I the last person to get busy cleaning my workspace?!"  I started this event  a month ago to urge myself to tidy up, and I've heard from many of you of the great progress you've made!   Wish I could say the same!   Luckily, there is STILL TIME!



Just a reminder that the "Clean-up, Fix-up" your workspace BLOG HOP is March 1st!      I'm  in a flurry doing last-minute organizing as well as cleaning.   I hope to heavens I can get my photos to upload as I'm struggling with that at the moment!   (What fun would this be without a bit of stress?!)   

If you signed up to be involved, or want to join, here are things that you need to know and do before March 1st:


1) Please, please, make sure I have your blog URL if you have a blog and plan to post there for this event.   (I'll post the list I have later tonight.)  Feel free to leave a comment here or on the Facebook page, mentioned below, if you just want to make sure I have your info for the list.  I'll sort out duplicates but don't want to omit anyone!

2)  There is also an "Fix-up, Clean  up" Event space on Facebook.   If you don't have a blog, please feel free to post your info there!   Many have been posting updates there too.    

3)  If you haven't already.....cleanup, tidy, organize, whatever... your workspace or even a portion of your workspace!   

4) Take photos and write a bit of text explaining what you did.  Prepare your blog page.   If you don't have a blog,... you can a) post on the Facebook Event page or b) your own Facebook page but I'll need to know your FB page URL if you plan to post there.  c) If you have neither a blog or FB, please let me know.   I'll post for you.

5) On Feb 27, (date corrected) I'll post an updated final list of all participating.  Please add that to your blogs.   At minimum, please link your blog back to this one so others can "hop" through the pages!

5) By Feb. 28, midnight central time, please make your posts live!   

6) Blog hop begins March 1st! 

I can't wait to see see what everyone has done!   

Now, I must go get VERY BUSY!    ... right after yoga class to calm me down...

Sharyl

"Clean-up, Fix-up" Challenge now on Facebook too!

The "Clean-up, Fix-up Challenge Blog Hop" now has an "Event" page on Facebook!  For continuous conversation, idea sharing, questions, and photos, please visit us there!

Just  CLICK HERE!

Happy Cleaning!

--Sharyl

"Clean-up, Fix-up Challenge" Update!

Thank you for the fantastic response to the "Clean-up, Fix-up Challenge" I posted here a few days ago!   

In the coming days,...  I'll compose a blog list with the info I have and ask for more info from some.  

I'm extremely pleased so many will be joining me in the task of cleaning and reorganizing our work spaces--it will make it so much more "fun!"   (It would be even more fun if you would all come over to my place and help me out,... but the space is tiny, so we'd never all fit!)   ;-)

If anyone else would like to join in by working on their own workspace (no matter how large or small a project you plan), please just leave me a comment and your blog address below.  

NOTES:

• There will be a blog hop March 1st, but anyone without a blog is welcome to join and we'll work that out.
• You are not required to spend any money on your workspace/studio!

If you need more details on the event, please see the original post!  You can sign up in the comments of either post.
   

How I'd like you to perceive me...

Right now, I'm mostly shoveling, shoveling, shoveling the snow!   So more news soon! 

More the reality of the situation!

Thanks, stay safe and warm!   

Sharyl

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Graphics:

Photograph by Sharyl

Woman Cleaning:  http://www.wpclipart.com/working/people_at_work/cleaning/apartment_cleaning.jpg

Money: http://www.wpclipart.com/money/bills/stack_of_green_bills.jpg

Snow: http://www.wpclipart.com/weather/snow/more_snow/girl_in_snow.jpg

Shoveling snow:  http://www.wpclipart.com/weather/snow/kid_shovel_snow.jpg

"Clean-up, Fix-up Challenge"

This is NOT your ordinary "jewelry challenge."  It does NOT involve getting your beads out and spreading them all over the table and creating something beautiful.  

"Bead Lover's Memory Bracelet"

This is a different kind of "design challenge."   It's a "pick up your beads, clean off your worktable, so you can design something beautiful" challenge!   It's a "clean-up, fix-up your workspace"challenge!  

Now I admit it,... I HATE doing this.  For me, it will be a huge "clean up my mess" challenge!  For others, tidier than myself, it might be a "decorate my area so I'm more inspired" challenge or an organizational "make my space more functional"  challenge!    My space could use all of those, but first I must begin with cleaning up the mounting mess that grows on top of every flat space in my work room!  

Yes, this is one table-full.

Does anyone else have this problem?! 

I'll not embarrass myself by showing you every messy spot in my room, but will contend that all are not this bad!   Here is some shelving that still looks relatively tidy, but could be reorganized to make work flow smoother!

My "could-be-worse" shelving.

One revelation I've recently had is that for improved functionality, there are two very heavy pieces of furniture that ideally would be swapped in their locations... clear to the opposite sides of the room.  And to make matters worse, there is a very large, very heavy antique table in the center of the room that would have to be taken apart and moved out then back in again.  Yeah, right...  Not likely.  

Still, there are many things I could do to make my workspace more... workable!

I've "threatened" to do this several times, but never finish the job.   Today, however, looking at the blog post of Kristin Oppold (of YaY! Jewelry),   "Meet my New Studio" and a retro post,  "A Glimpse into My Jewelry Studio - On a Clean Day," I'm again inspired to take action!  (Thank you, Kristin!)  

Is anyone else wanting to clean your space?  ... (or even a corner of your space space), spruce up your beading environment (no need to spend money), and/or do something to make your work area more inviting and functional?!  Your space may be the end of a table or one or more rooms--doesn't matter.  I hope some of you will sign up to join me in the challenge!    No rush, you can take all month and we can have a blog hop on March 1.  

Leave me a comment and your blog address if you'd like to participate.  If you don't have a blog, just let me know your name, some way to contact you, and that you'd like to post on my blog instead.  Take some before-photos, and some after photos, and let us know how YOU made your space better!

Are you ready to give it try?!   Hope so!  Cleaning up by oneself is lonely!   :-)

~Sharyl

P.S.  There will be a drawing for a prize for participants.   (I think I'm bound to unearth some lovely treasures during this project!)  ;-)  Wonder what YOU'LL find?!  
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