How to I get more organized?

I seem to have trouble with my "set-up". By the time I have done a couple of faces I have brushes and papertowels and dirty water cups all over the place. I was using a large pitcher of clean water to fill my cups with but had no way to empty the cups once the water got nasty. So I had all these dirty water cups all over the place. How do you guys keep a nice supply of fresh water etc.? I am really trying to get faster at this but I think my lack of organization is really bogging me down. Do you clean all of your brushes between each face? I also have trouble with placing my paints, etc. on my work area for easy access. They start out in one place and end up in another, lol. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Have a garbage container under your table and put your trash there DO NOT set it on the table!

Have a bucket for used sponges and dirty water, dump your dirty water in the bucket and replace with clean from your jug when it turns to "coffee water." You can have this under the table too if it works, or on the table if it is easier.

Use a container for your rinse water that is not a bunch of cups... unless you set them inside a larger container. You could get a water tub (art suppy or craft store) or simply set three cups of water inside a plastic container and then change the water as you go.

ALWAYS put your brushes back in the same spot - whether you wash them between faces or are using one brush per colour.

Use palettes for your colours not individual pots... organize them with the colours you use most closest to you (black, white, pink, red...) and within easy reach. If you don't have or plan to purchase palettes, use a tray with a rim to set your cakes in and if you pick them up to paint, PUT THEM BACK when you are done.

Okay, so I need to get a bucket and a trash can. How do you haul all your stuff around? I have large tote bags that I put everything in but it gets to be a lot to carry. Do you have any tricks for washing your hands between faces?

I carry my stuff in a FatMax rolling toolbox (made by Stanley) and I believe several other people use one as well, but if you can find any rolling box with an extending handle that is the right size for all your stuff, that's great. They are sturdy, have hard, divided sections and you don't have to carry everything since it's all on wheels.

When I occasionally need to clean my hands, I use the baby wipes that I always have handy.

I use one of those cheap canvas lunch sacks & hang it off my chair for trash, used wipes, etc. It's lightweight & compacts easily & can be wiped out w/ Clorox wipes after a gig. I clean my hands by spraying them from my spritzer & have a hand towel(black) to wipe them off or I'll use a baby wipe. I also have a bucket w/ a lid, under my table to dump old nasty water. An gallon ice cream bucket is great for this. Remember, everything has it's place. This will keep you from wasting time searching for the missing brush, etc. I also use a black towel under everything. I used to use a multi-colored tablecloth, but my ADD made everything blend together. I'd be staring right at a paint a really not see it.

First of all I LIVE for baby wipes.

And I totally agree with Shannon - half your battle is won if you use the whole idea of - if you take it out put it back! I have not yet mastered this skill and often just take a few minutes in between children to straighten.

I also use a trash can. But I have a small one that is table top. I recycle my sponges - I take them home and bleach and wash them so I bring along my mesh laundry bag that zips. Then, all I have to do when I get home is soak them in bleach water and then wash.

Keep your paints & brushes all in the same place for quick use. You don't have to bring everything you have. This is all I need for parties & restaurant gigs and neatly fits into the tote bag from Metina's store
Susan

Shipping makes them about $10

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002DCCZA6/niches09-20

I have this storage drawer thing that I got at Big Lots during the back to school time. It has done WONDERS for organizing my workspace at gigs. plus, it keeps little hand out of my stuff, especially my glitters. It's relatively small, and compact, and very easy to trasport. And the best part?? It only cost me $3!! Here are some different shots of it.

" really wantone of those ice cube things - where did you get it?"

I got mine at Walmart for under $5

I couldn't find them in any stores... I think they were a quick fad. I finally gave in & ordered one from amazon.

I use hand sanitizer between kids, but also keep wipes handy. I also use a FatMax, and it works great. I can keep everything in one place, it's protected and doesn't get messed up, and portable. I started following someone else's advice and now wet my paints with either a small spray bottle or drops from a little travel-size bottle. Works tons better than having a tippy cup on my table. I keep brushes in a standing ice tube tray.

Punky--I like the toothbrush holder idea.