TangleTop Organizer

Experimenting in the fabrication shop makes me happy,  can lead to some interesting ideas to test the capabilities of our equipment and spark ideas for how to create solutions to some organizational problems that I face.

One of my biggest hurdles on an average day is making it a priority to take time to have some quiet and focus. Whether I tangle, journal, or spend time on one of the exercises we talk about on TanglePod, it is important to help me feel grounded.  Putting away my supplies makes “out of sight, out of mind” a reality, and so I was constantly leaving piles of supplies, or random kits around, never quite having the right tools on hand.

A little bit ago I came up with the idea to make myself something for the table top to store my supplies, keep them tidy, and hold just the perfect tools for what I need.  We were cutting cardboard the next day – and that was the perfect material to use for a prototype.

First prototype in cardboard

After using it for a few days and making minor adjustments, I was ready to go the next time we were cutting wood.

I really wanted to place the focus on my basic tools and to keep my display simple. We had a little piece of stained wood, which I thought would make a great base.  The result is clean with a pop of color. It is very specifically designed for the size of Micron pens, short pencils and blenders used for the traditional Zentangle Method(r), which is what I wanted to remember to do each day.

First sample in unfinished birch with a red base

Experimenting further, I was excited to discover cabinet finish birch which enchanced the simplicity of display I was looking for, and love that the simplicity of design could support a gentle reminder engraved into the wood.  It was really interesting to learn as I was cutting it that the engraving takes a lot more time and passes of the laser than cutting out the entire organizer.

The laser engraved words really pop on cabinet finished birch.

Finding a solution to keep my supplies handy without feeling like they are ‘left around’ has been very positive for my goals to stay current on a daily practice of pen and ink.  And since I have had several requests to create them for friends and family, I am very excited to now offer them in my shop and wherever I teach classes.

The TangleTop Organizer is available in this original design, with or without engraving or with custom engraving of the wood. You can find it in my SoundTangle Store and in person at classes. I have a few in stock ready to ship, and can create any combination of the colors and engraving as they are ordered with just a few days turn around.

With whatever system you choose – don’t let “out of sight out of mind” inhibit your daily goals. Keep what you need where you need it to make sure your goals are always top of mind.

Happy Tangling!

Kellie

I would love to hear what you think about the TangleTop Organizer – you can reach me with comments and questions at