Craft Supply Storage

After having to go through every item in my craft room, I finally have everything put away. My four top organizational tips that I found helpful, that might also help you, include:

1- Keep items you use most often within easy reach -

             I made this can caddy to store items I use all the time - glue sticks, scissors, craft knife, pens, screw drivers, wire cutters, etc.

 

I also have open storage so I can just grab things like tape, glue, etc.

the items I use most are right behind where I usually 

stand on the middle or bottom shelf

2- Label all containers so you know what's inside-

most items fit in containers I already had but for some things

 I had to find a box then I covered it in pretty paper. I made 

matching labels for all containers

3-Store like items together-

 All my ribbon is in a drawer. I went through all my ribbon and wrapped it around cardboard squares which really helped save space,

I put all my washi and decorative tape in a drawer

 using a kitchen utensil tray to help contain items,

 all my punches are in one drawer,

I made this storage shelf out of foam core for all my stampin up inks,

Cricut Cartridges are right above my machine,

all my paint is in a floral tin...

I unmounted all my wood mount stamps ( saves a ton of space) 

and store them in two 3-ring binders,

embossing folders in box next to sizzix,

and finally-

4- Add special items that you enjoy looking at-

I hope I have inspired you to organize your craft room and to make your surroundings a place that inspires you and stimulates creativity - happy crafting.

Craft Room Tour Cont'd

My craft room used to look like this

basically everything was hidden behind curtains. I had everything on shelves and when I was working on something I just moved the curtain and when I was done I closed up the curtain. It has worked fine for me but it was time for a change. I really wanted everything in drawers for easy accessibility, I hated having to lift a container up to get to something below it. Believe me drawers are the way to go. I had been looking around for about a year for just the right set. Most new units were way too expensive and made of particle board and everything I saw at the thrift stores or yard sales just didn't have enough pieces for a nice set. Then, finally, I found a beautiful set on craigslist that had shelves on top and drawers on the bottom and it even had a corner piece, solid wood and a great price - score!

 It was a large job, moving every single thing out and then going through all my supplies and sorting and organizing it and then figuring out where to put it. I left a part of a curtain up to hide the large bins I have that hold items like silk flowers.
 I finally got it done and I am very pleased with the way it turned out.

I have a lot of pretty containers labeled and plenty of closed cabinets for larger items.

And plenty of drawers for storage.

 I put all the supplies I use regularly at easy reach and items 

I rarely use I put up high. 

You really find out how much stuff you have when you have to go through it all.

I had a lot of decorative boxes already but if I didn't I just covered plain boxes with scrapbook paper and added a label.

Next time I 'll share more of the details and some organizing specifics.

Craft Room - Sewing Area

If you're like me, you don't enjoy just one type of craft but have many, many types of crafts that you enjoy doing. I really enjoy floral arranging, card making-really any paper crafts, painting, crocheting, vinyl design, jewelry making, wood working, sewing - I think you get the picture. I just love making things.

Well today I'm going to show you my sewing area in my craft room. My craft room really isn't a craft "room" but more of a part of my basement. It is located around my laundry.

 Although I have thought of moving upstairs to a room, the basement really is a better place. I have access to water because of the laundry and the large sink allows me to wash out things like paint brushes and I don't have to worry about making too much of a mess since it is the basement. I have a large open area in the middle that I can lay out fabric or set up my ironing board, I have even put down a tarp and painted furniture there. So, the basement really is the best place for my craft area. Even though the basement isn't finished we use it like it is. I covered the ceiling with fabric and put rugs around. I even painted the concrete floor you can see how I did it here

Wow! I did plan on this being a tour of my sewing area; sorry to ramble on.

My sewing area is located right across from my crafting table.

I have my sewing machine on an old vanity that I had as a kid and repainted. My sewing machine is really old and heavy, but it works great. I keep a sewing basket on one side and my iron on the other. Most of my thread and bobbins are in the 2 small drawers of the vanity. You're probably thinking "look at all that stuff!" believe me it's not as cluttered as this picture looks. I do like to surround myself with pretty things though.

Gotta have music while crafting

That big green box is my sewing machine ( I told you it's old). A long time ago I painted it and decoupaged it with rose pictures. I couldn't stand the ugly brown cover it had.
I have a shelf above my machine that holds air freshener, laundry sheets, and such.

There is a hutch next to my sewing table that holds extra fabric inside and my magazines, buttons and anything else I need to put somewhere.

Sometimes, I make things and then have to put them somewhere  - like this bird I painted and decorated with scrapbook paper and cricut paper flowers.

I do try to keep small items in pretty containers, like these jars that hold my buttons. Yes, this is the Charming Tails mice I collect. I found this jar top at a yard sale - perfect fit.

I have my ironing board next to my hutch where I can easily bring it out.

whew ! That's a lot. But I love crafting. Where do you craft or sew or paint or make cards or quill or crochet or....?

Craft Room - Desk Area

I love the desk area in my craft room. I made it so I am surrounded by the things I enjoy the most.

 I have all my business cards, note pads and calendar to the right.

 I collect charming tails mice and these were the perfect ones to put just where I can see them. Aren't they sweet?

 I have a lamp to the left for extra lighting and I try to leave the center clear so I can put my laptop there.

Underneath,I have shelving for extra scrapbooks. I also store my vinyl in a floral garbage can I found at a thrift store.

To the far right I also have another cabinet I store things in and a big comfy chair that I made a slipcover for. You can see how I did that here
 http://christinescottagegardenhome.blogspot.com/2014/06/wing-chair-slipcover.html

 On top I store my Cricut and cutting cartridges. I like to keep it covered when not in use.

I set up a vignette of baskets and pretty boxes on the floor next to the chair.

I find that if I store things where I can't see them I tend to forget I even have them, plus they are so cute I enjoy like seeing them out.

Next time I'll show you my sewing area.

Ruffled Stool

I've been reorganizing my craft room recently- new storage furniture and fixing things up. I thought I would share some of my favorites. It has taken me quite awhile to get it all done but I love the way things have turned out. Not only will I be sharing the designs but also tips for storage.

The first thing I want to share is this adorable craft stool I made. I usually stand when I am working on crafts but I do like to sit now and then.

 I needed something that I could tuck away under the table when not in use. I bought a basic wooden stool from the thrift store , cut it to the correct height, padded it, and then covered it in ruffles.

I really wanted a lot of ruffles so I did 4 layers of coordinating fabrics. Then I added trim, tassels and buttons.

I love the way it turned out. What do you think?

Next time I'll share my craft desk - stay tuned.

Snowflake Ornaments

Snowflake paper ornaments in 3 different colors-

I love making handmade gifts for friends, Simple but beautiful. I used my Cricut to cut out snowflakes using the Accent Essentials Cartridge. These snowflakes are 7 inches.
The blue remind me of icy cold winter...

Layered and dimensional....

Glitter and sparkle...

Red and white are always one of my favorite combinations for Christmas...

Like candy canes and cranberries.

Green is one of my favorite colors and so modern...

Each time I finish one it just makes me smile. Something about creating with your own two hands and then seeing it come out so pretty.

So which is your favorite? Red, blue or green?

I like them all - too hard to pick one.
Now to make sweet little boxes to put them in.