Question:
How can I organise my books?
A recipe for book storage
Ok…forget counting them..that is pointless (and frightening!) Lets tackle this problem logically.
1. Clear the decks and make way for piles of books! Make a list of categories for your books that suit your tastes and interest. Write each category name onto a scrap of paper and give it a place on the table for that pile of books.
2. Here are my categories: Australian, Animals/Farm, Country, Faces and portraits, Flat brush, Round brush, Colour and reference, Design ideas,
beginners, faux finishes, multiloading, Floral focus, Still life and Trompe, Roses, Jo Sonja (yep a whole box by just one artist) traditional (in three boxes…one is purely Zhostovo) Make up your own to suit your
collection.
3. Go through each of your book and place them into the appropriate pile.
As you do this, you might find some categories so big that you need to break them down a bit. You might have a particular favourite author or style so give them their own category. You may find it hard to resolve
which category to put a book into…consider what you use it for mostly, or what the favourite design is to help you decide. We won't lose track of
individual projects when we get to step six.
4. Buy some cardboard book holders. These are flat when you get them. Fold them into their appropriate shape following the directions, and add a bit of masking tape to secure them. Your books in a group will be heavy so don't be stingy here. By good quality book holders (even plastic ones if you
prefer) and secure them well. Use some laser or sticker labels to plant a label on the front of each one.
5. Label each box with a category, pop the books in. Books deserve to be upright on shelves, so organise a bookshelf of sorts. You can buy one or
make one. It doesn't have to be fancy. Just make sure the shelve depth and height are appropriate. Some of my ‘art' type books don't fit where my decorative painting publications do because the shelves are the smallest bit too small in height!
Folk Art Frequently Asked Questions
What are big Conventions like?
How do I prepare glass and plastic for painting?
What is the best glass paint for opaque painting?
How can I store lots of paint?
How can I keep oil and acrylic brushes separate?
What tools should I put in my tool box?
What is a good data base program?
What lighting do you recomend for the studio?
What is a good way to store brushes?
Can I substitute different brands of paint?
How do I convert colour from one brand to another?
How do I join a styrofoam hat to a light bulb ornament?
How do I improve my student numbers?
Is there a conversion guide for 1837 legacy paint?
How do I paint Chezza bear fur?
Is there an easy way to draw ribbon?
What should I take to Convention?
How do I prepare light bulbs for painting?
What do I use for hats on light bulb ornaments?
How do I manage kids and painting?
How do I overcome the need to paint straight lines?
How should I photograph my work?
What are some tips for Time Management?
What is a quick and easy project surface?
What if the pattern doesnīt fit?
How can I keep track of my paint?
Where can I find pattern ideas?
What kinds of paint should I have for the kids?
How do you paint a lace border?
Is there a quick way to get paint conversions?
Is there a book with lightbulb ornaments in it?
What can I use for woodfiller?
Where can I get lessons in Rosemaling?
Should I worry about ridges in my painting?
Why should I trace a pattern out?
What do you suggest for shopping tips?
Where can I shop for a bargain?
How do I select convention classes?
What should I give the kids to paint on?
How can I organise my magazines and packets?
How can I store so much stuff?
What do I need to trace designs with?
What do you suggest for luggage at a convention?
What makes a quality pattern packet?
What is a good way to store paints.
What is wrong with my crackle?
Help! My graphite lines donīt show!
What wood pieces can I give kids to paint on?
What can I expect from a studio?
Where can I get support and information?
I am having trouble seeing where the light source is.
Where do I get conversions from ?
What is a good way to store paints.
What important tools should I have?
How can I hold small items for painting?
Can I paint on my regular dinner ware?
What sorts of shelves should I put in my studio?
What if my purchases are too big?
Where do I find supplies in the UK?
Is the a list of personal things I should take to convention?
Where do I find supplies in Australia?
Should I give the kids cheap paint?
What should I look for in a teacher?
What should I expect from a class?
What sort of studio should I have?
How can I draw circles quickly?
painting borders, using arm and shoulder, not hand
How do I get paint off my clothes?
How can I keep my painting space in order?
How do I paint on terra cotta pots?
What costs are involved in a big convention?
How do I keep my studio in order?
What are big Conventions like?
Where can I sell things on line?
Where should I put my painting table?
Who makes artist quality acrylic paint?
How do I get Colour swatches in my TCS software?
Is white a good background for photoīs?
How should I Advertise my Business?
How do I load a rake or comb brush for fur?
How do I use a rake or comb brush?
How do I transport my gear for classes?
I need some ideas for small designs
How do I clean a gourd for painting?
Is a painted surface food safe?
What will make painting lace easier?
What furniture should I have in the Studio?
How can I learn more about brushes?
What should be kept at the painting table?
Where can I find information on Aboriginal Art?
Where can I find information on Aboriginal Art?
What is wrong with my glass paint?
What is a double loaded flat brush?
What personal things will I need for a convention?
What is pemenamel Surface conditioner?
What do you recomend for brush Cleaning?
How do I paint on a floorcloth?
What pen do you suggest I use for pen and Wash techniques?
What will make a good noticeboard?
Is there a Society in New Zealand?
How can I clean my brush basin?
What is the best way to manage the paperwork?
What varnish should I use for heat resistence?
What do I do if my graphite wonīt show?
What should I not take to convention?
How do I prepare papier mache?
Is the any easy place to find a glossary?
Can I use a pen for fine lines?
How do I stop pieces from rolling away?
Why do I have trouble searching for Folk Art sites?
What mailing list should I join?
What should a mail out include?
Where will I find a Guild or Society?
How do I keep fabric painting nice?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Carma Spence-Pothitt |
