Skip to main content

Featured Post

Scrap your Summer

Join me on the Creative Scrapbooker Magazine Blog for a Scrapbook Layout...?  Oh yeah... I went all scrappy for this post.  I am sharing my NEW about to release TINBIT TRAVELS Collection with Wild Whisper!    Swing by the    Creative Scrapbooker Magazine Blog  for a full tutorial!   PIN IT   EAT. SLEEP. CRAFT. {repeat}

Craft Organization; Part 1-Paper


Part One; Paper Storage
 
I have been thinking how I wanted to show you my little 8'x12' room  How I've organized and made it my own.  Although I'm not done yet I have made most of the progress.  Creating an effective use of space in a small room is vital.  I can't tell you how shocked people are when I tell them I don't have a BIG fancy studio.  That my room for the past 3 years has been an old desk, TV Stand and a used bookcase.  So, I decided the best way to show you is to break it down.  This way I won't miss anything and hopefully give you inspiration if you've been searching like me. 
 
I have spent 3 years in this room not wanting to do anything until I knew where I wanted things and how I wanted it to look.  I am not into the "craft room" look, stark white all things matching.  Neat and tucked behind cupboard doors.  Not that there is anything wrong with that.  Just not how I envisioned my "creative space".  I want an open feel where I can see all the things that inspire me and that I love.  I have spent countless hours searching unique ways to store, organize and create an inspirational environment.  I am no where near done but I think I'm well on my way. 
 
My 12x12 Paper
 
 I have approached my room much like I would a tag or project.  I have "crafted" my space.
There's those "white cubby's" I was just mentioning.  They have their place and work for our crafty needs.  I caved as mentioned in my "Mid Life Crisis" post.  But that doesn't mean I have to have white.  My husband built me this cabinet for these white cubby's to slide into.  I took it a step further by distressing the white with sand paper and walnut stain applied with a cloth.  Now it has a white wash look and I'm happier.
 
 
I don't have a lot of paper.  No one can believe it but I don't!  So I'm OK to mix it up.
 
 
You can see how I distressed the white right off then added a grungy look with walnut stain.  I labeled the slots to quiet my A Type side yelling at me. 
 
 
I am hoarding all these Bottle Brushed trees with my 12 Tags of Christmas Tag set.  My Winnie the Poo book ends are tucked with them at my husband's request. All in a wire basket.  More of that later. 
 
 
This whole thing is mounted up on the wall and into a load bearing beam I have running through my room.
 
 
My 8 1/2"x 11" paper. 
 
I used to have those Ikea Magazine holders and they were always falling over.  Then I found this off white paper holder all in one no falling over option.  It had a scratch on it so I asked for a discount, I paid $18 and I distressed it anyway;)
 
All my smaller paper in one spot and it doesn't knock over anymore.
 
There are 4 dividers.  I sanded the edges and created wear spots.  Then more walnut stain.
I wanted to have some fun. I used the TH Alpha Parts- Signmaker letters.  It just makes it more fun.  Not to mention it breaks up the big white space.  It makes you stop and look. A great inspiration point for me.
I used the metal "1/2" on a project last year, I think it was August 12 Tags of 2013?  Sometimes I'll grab from old projects if it fits a new one.  In this case it did!
 
All those Scraps!
 
I found these huge galvanised bins with the "chalk" label area already there.  These were a great find at $17 each.  I used my TH Stencils with chalk to make it more interesting.  And again I find myself crafting my space and not just crafting in it.
Now I have a deep bin to store those scraps.  A great way to dig through and find my goodies.
Here's my before, fresh white cubbies.  And before that my 12 x 12 was stacked in an old TV Stand.
My husband building my wood shelf for the white cubbies to store in.
 
After I stained with the walnut stain.  This whole storage cubby cost me $56. 
 
Another creative opportunity, using TH Pull Labels and some chit chat words.  Now, instead of a piece of wood it has a more vintage feel. 
 
 
There will be more to show you.  I still have a old desk coming to me, but I'm refinishing it.  I need warmer weather for that.  I have some great finds and unique ways I've used my crafty things to help me organize. 
 
In the end my room will have cost me about $700 to create.  I have shopped around at places that have that Restoration Hardware/ Pottery Barn look but on a Walmart budget.  And of course there's IKEA!  What a great resource.  I can't wait to show you my best find yet from Value Village!
 
Thanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned!


Comments

  1. I love what you have done so far Nicole!!!!
    I love the vintage look it totally suits your style.
    Tim would be proud ;)
    Our rooms are about the same size, mine is about 7x13 :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nicely done!! love the labelsHave a great day
    DIANA L.
    dianamlarson.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. OK... so that was SOOOOOO fun!!!! Your crafty space is THE BOMB!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh wow what a great start! MORE MORE!! hee hee

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love what you've done, and your lucky to have a DH that builds for you...(I have one too, and I don't know what I'd do without him!)
    I showed him your post, I think he sees more work coming his way, lol...

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

My heartfelt thanks for stopping by.

Popular Posts