How do *YOU* organize your ideas?

[Former_Member]

As a crafter, I find I have so many ideas that it's difficult to know where to begin! How do *YOU* organize your ideas?

Being a garment crocheter and an illustrator as well, I'm considering going for a sketchbook method--sketching out the designs in my head so that the inspiration doesn't recede.

[Former_Member]

I typically don't. :(

I sometimes make lists of all of the things that I want to do...but I find that no matter how fast I knit/crochet/flail until my project just goes together, that list just keeps getting longer and longer as I keep finding new things that I want to do, or because I enjoyed one project so much that I decide to do it again.

[gristmilldesigns]

I am totally unorganized! I usually take out a focal bead and dump out a bead drawer, and decide which beads would compliment the focal. Then the cats bat the unused beads off the table, I grumble at them, tell myself I WILL organize this mess, then ignore it... However, I love creating unique pieces even though I'm scattered!
Sue :~)

[Former_Member]

Sue - I can completely relate!!! I dump all my stuff on my desk and try to see what goes together. I don't want to throw anything out (even though I KNOW I am not going to use it - just in case!!!). Sometimes a design was right in front of my face - sometimes I have to go shopping for more supplies! I have to admit though with all my organizational tools I have at my disposal, I am still a mess!

[gristmilldesigns]

Pinksjewelz,
Are we related, lol?! Good to know other people use my same method! I just can't seem to get everything sorted properly, sigh. I'd rather spend the time creating then organizing I guess! Plus, my cats will just mess things up again anyway... ;~)

[Former_Member]

LOL, you guys--enjoying this thread so far. I have a personality flaw where if I get overwhelmed with ideas and don't do some kind of organizing, I get.. what's the word... petrified, I guess. I can't focus on one thing, I get all indecisive and flustered and then end up not working on anything at all. I'm not speaking in terms of sales, mind you--when someone orders something, I am on the ball and always get it done right quick. I'm speaking in terms of just designing and organizing my own ideas and projects. It's like I get overwhelmed with ideas and then I can't get focused. =P

I have a hat to finish tonight. I think when that's done I'm going to spend the evening with my sketchbook and see if I can't pull my thoughts into something coherent. Wish me luck!

[Former_Member]

I keep all of my beads in small baggies in a giant box. When I want to create, I dump it all out and start matching up colors and ideas. I bag the supplies for each piece into quart bags. Then I have 7-10 pieces ready to work on as I have time the following week :)

[Former_Member]

Great idea, Baubles! With crocheting, I do kind of the opposite--where I think of the shapes I want to see in my project, then imagine what things would be what color and so on.