[Laurel Alanna McBrine]

I would love to hear from others about how they organize all the stuff we have in our studios.

Right now, I am trying to come up with a new system for organizing everything because what I have been doing is not working - things are all over the place.

I think part of the problem is having several mediums (watercolor, oils and acrylics) and not enough storage, but I recently inherited several low, deep bookshelves from my youngest son which I think will come in handy. I need to get some containers that fit on the shelves.

I also have a couple of rolling plastic carts with drawers, an old wood chest of drawers with one broken drawer that doesn't shut all the way, a drafting table that I use flat most of the time as a high work surface, a tall wicker bookshelf, a small bookshelf, a big easel, a french easel, a table and an old rolling microwave cart that use as a taboret. The room is about 12x24, basement walkout with a sliding door and window on the long wall. Paintings, frames and canvases are currently leaning against walls here and there.

I was thinking of posting a photo, but decided it would be too embarassing.

Please share your tips and tricks for organizing your paints, brushes, mediums, gadgets, canvas rolls, boards, paper, pencils, sketchbooks, frames, palettes, easels, books, magazines, completed paintings . . . . .and keeping things in order!