Before I reveal the photos of my newly re-organized space, I want to share some tips with you that I’ve picked up over the years about PLACEMENT of supplies in your craft space. This is just an idea, and it doesn’t always work out perfectly since sometimes spaces present limitations, but the basic premise it to try to place items that you use most frequently in closer proximity to your workspace, and in an easily accessible container.
For example, I have a canvas caddy on my work surface that contains the adhesives, scissors, rulers, journaling pens, craft knifes, tweezers, paper piercers, and other small tools that I use very frequently. I save myself time and effort by keeping those items within arms reach while I’m creating. About once every quarter I re-evaluate the exact items I keep in that caddy and change them (if I need to) based on my creative habits. I also keep my main paper trimmer (the one I use most frequently) out on my work surface.
.jpg)
As I mentioned in my last installment of this series, I keep other larger tools (paper trimmers, score boards, circle cutters, etc) in drawers within arms reach of my work station because I use them frequently as well.
Of course, I can’t keep every item I use frequently within arms reach of my work surface because that’s not how my room is set up. But, I’ve tried over the years when organizing my room to think about that as I place items in my space.
My suggestion for you is to sit down and mentally go through your creative process.Take a look at your last 10 projects, and determine what supplies they all have in common. Think about how you can rearrange your space so that some of those most frequently used items are as close to your workspace as possible. You’ll be glad you did!
Now, on to the final photos of my space! I’ll start with a group of photos taken as I turned a 360 in my space, and then I’ll share some detail photos.
The first photo starts from the left side of my space (as you enter) and the photos that follow were taken as I turned to the right.
Along the right wall of my space I have a wall mounted shelf where I keep a few Anna Griffin card kits and stamps, all of my mini albums, completed cards that I keep for giving away, and a library card photo display. I also have a couple of Grip Strips to display some of my most recent (and favorite) layouts.
 |
| Completed projects |
 |
| Washi tape storage |
 |
| Punch storage |
 |
| Embellishment and tool storage |
Hi Aly, just a question about your washi tape storage. Is that one of the WRMK shutter memo holders – heavy distressing? And if so, did you just change out the deco knobs at the bottom?
I really like the way this aqua one looks, but it may be too bright for the space…not even thinking of scrap storage – just a nice deco piece for our family room. 🙂
Thanks for the info. Your space looks great!!
Hi Cynthia! Thanks for the kind words. =) Yes, that is one of the We R shutters–heavy distressing. Those darling decorative knobs came with it. It's just a tad darker in real life than it appears in the photo. When I photographed my space it was a very dark and cloudy day so I had to adjust some of the photos in Photoshop to get good lighting. I've got the red one in my family room with some family photos and mementos-love it!
Your craft room looks fabulous! I had thought of getting a cube type shelf. Your pictures have given me inspiration! I think I'm going to have to make a trip to Ikea…
Thanks for sharing!
This came out wonderful Aly, I am so glad I could help. It is funny I am doing the same thing — Yet I ordered a box of your stuff. Funny how life is.
Have a blessed day. Diana
Aly,
Thanks for sharing your craft room and your organizational ideas. I m trying to organize all of my crafts which I have accumulated over many years. I am finding it overwhelming in trying to put items into a specific category to sort and eventually organize into containers. I have so many differing craft items, from scrap book items, to sewing, to floral, to jewelry, to art journaling and children's crafts. How did you initially get things going. I'm finding it so hard to sort and purge. I really can't afford to throw things out that I already have and might use because I am basically retired with a very a limited budget. Any ideas will be welcome. Sincerely, ~Gin~
Wow your room is amazing and so organized! Well done 🙂 Would love to have the L shape desk in my room
Hi Gin, it can be a challenge trying to organize multiple crafts in one room. And, most of my years scrapbooking have been on a tight budget, so I know what you mean. The best advice I can give is to really analyze your own creative habits and process. How often do you sew versus how often do you scrapbook? Are there supplies that are exclusive to each craft, or are there supplies that you use for multiple crafts? Try to sort and organize your supplies based on how you use them. Take some time to think about your creative process and make a plan ahead of time. Hope that helps.
How can I get the Project Life storage unit? I your room!
Thanks Jeanie! You can purchase them here: http://store.scrapbook.com/cat-brand/storage+and+organization-we+r+memory+keepers.html