Miniaturists/Shrine makers: How do you organize tiny things?

[CamOovas]

I have a huge problem. I have a whole craft room and NO IDEA how to organize it.   I dabble in everything, but mostly fiber (needlefelting, fiber processing) and making tiny things.  And anyone who makes miniatures knows that that hobby involves everything from clay to paint to scrapbooking to woodworking to junk collecting.     How do you organize your stuff, particularly found objects that don't have a purpose yet?  I'm looking for something a little more creative than just tossing everything in a box.  I'd like to organize somewhat by project idea, but as for trinkets I've collected here and there, out of sight usually equals out of mind.  I need my things to be accessible and visible so I know what I have to work with.   Does anyone have a genius organization system?? If you do, pictures would be greatly appreciated

[MissingWillow]

This is a great thread!  I have a few organizers but seem to have stuff everywhere.  I'm also curious how folks store  stuff so as not to completely forget you have it.

[microjivvy]

I mostly throw stuff in a box. 

I do have many divided boxes (I think they were made for beads? got them at Target or Michael's or Joann's).

I also have an old desk with nine drawers. My jeweler's bench with many drawers.

However, I do have an organization tip -- those hanging shoe bags and/or jewelry organizers.  If you have a place to hang it and you get one with clear pockets, it's a fabulous help and requires little space.

Jewelry bag example: http://www.amazon.com/Household-Essentials-80-Pocket-Accessories-Organizer/dp/B0010XX7ZQ/
Shoe bag example: http://www.amazon.com/Honey-Can-Do-Clear-Organizer-Storage-White/dp/B001F51AHG/

[MissingWillow]

I also use divided boxes.  I love your hanging organizer suggestions!

[Icekibby]

I saw a brilliant idea once. No photo, but it's simple so you can surely imagine it:

You collect some same sizes jars with lids. They can be from baby food or up to spaghetti sauce sized jars, or I guess even some of each if you like. 

Screw the lids to the underside of a shelf you're using in the room, then fill the jars and screw them into the lids securely. That way you can see the contents, they don't take up extra space, and you're organized for batches of small items.

[Mod35tBabe]

I'm just posting so I can see the ideas people have - because my stuff is randomly placed and I'm unable to find most of it.

[alwaysinmyroom]

I have a huge can that Christmas popcorn came in that I toss things into...I also need a better way to organize those special things so that I remember they are there!

Can't wait to share ideas!  I might work on my wee house more if I knew what I had without digging around!

[CamOovas]

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one with this problem!  I've started collecting glass jars.  I was thinking about putting up some shelving in my craft room and I like the idea of screwing the lids underneath... I have a system like that in my garage for screws and things.  I also use tackle-type boxes for organization, but I run into the problem where they are not very see-through.  I guess I am needing everything to be clearly visible for inspiration purposes

[alwaysinmyroom]

Me, too...I just scored some free shelves from work!!!  My boss is in a redecorating/cleaning up mode and is throwing a bunch of stuff out!

I got a whole box of see through cd cases, see through plexi shadow box frames, and see through plexi flat frames...I bet I can use them to store some stuff...

[Smmarrt]

I am a preschool teacher/director and for the kids, we organize by color and with bins. We put a photo or drawing of the stuff in the bin on the outside of the bin which makes clean up a snap - cars? They go in the cars bin. People? They go in the people bin, and so on.

I just started organizing my sewing stuff in a clear plastic shoe holder. My apartment is so dark that I have trouble seeing the black versus the navy, the maroon versus the red thread. So after I take a lamp-making class next month, I'll still have the organized sewing things hanging on the door. (I live alone so I really don't care if my apartment/craft palace ends up looking like a preschool classroom!)

I also LOVE the shoe and sweater bins from the Container Store. Again, I label or put a picture of the contents on the end - even though they are semi-transparent. I have also decided to make my life a bit easier and sort by simpler labels - wood stuff, metal stuff, plastic stuff. Those supplies are in the Container Store sweater bins which are about the size of a case of wine. The medium size bin, which I think is called a mens shoe bin, is good for flat storage - about 9" x 12" so they're  good for all papers, except 12" x 12" scrapbook paper. And I have many sets of shelves, and I have just started putting all the paper stuff on the same shelf; the assemblage and found objects together; electric tools and hand-held tools on the same shelf; and so on.

I am DETERMINED to be completely clutter-free (the floor and desk tops) by September 1st. Then I will truly be the Crafting Queen!

I'll be back to pick up tips from the rest of you.