Since I spend nearly three quarters of my life in my scrapbook room, I thought you might like a peek into my space. This post was originally compiled for the Two Peas Blog HERE, but I also wanted to share it with the readers of my blog.
Making your space work for you is key. I have had lots of "spaces" over the years. And while some have worked, others have not. Through trial and error, I've come up with a system that, so far, is working pretty well for me. The final result is a somewhat organized, somewhat low-key approach to storing my supplies.
The key for me is keeping everything within easy reach of my desk (and that is why my chair has wheels). Then I can roll my chair to the corresponding drawer and start scrapping. Additional, less-used supplies are stored in my closet, which only gets opened once or twice a month.
For the complete tour of my space, you can watch the video HERE on my Youtube channel or below:
I thought you might like to see some additional photos of my space. Below are some snapshots of the place I feel most creative:
Here are two elements that make me happy: a decorative pinboard (the phrase is cut with my Silhouette machine), and a card spinner from Pottery Barn filled with vintage books decorated with punches and ribbons. Not everything in your room needs to be functional, especially in a creative space. Bring in pretty things that speak to you. You'll find it feeds your soul.
Most of items are organized by color. Clearly I love buttons. Ziploc bags are a cheap and easy way to store stuff. Sometimes the more expensive storage options are not always necessary.
This decorative basket is filled with green items. The tag was created with die cut shapes and a die cut tag. This is just one way to use your scrapbooking supplies to decorate your craft space. Look for ways to bring in interesting textures as well.
This was an ugly brass frame with a poster inside. Now it is repainted and recovered with burlap. The letters were cut with vinyl. It's perfect for my pinning some of my favorite photos.
My desk spinner contains my most used tools: scissors, a paper piercer, corner rounder punches, standard hole punches, markers, etc. I even have more than once pair of scissors inside so if one pair hides under a stack of paper, I can find another pair quickly and easily.
I also divide my paper by color. Then I divide scraps of cardstock by color and then patterned paper into color folders as well. 12x12" sticker sheets also reside in this drawer divided by alpha stickers and element stickers. This is one of three paper drawers (and that's not counting cardstock).
Punches are separated by shapes. Circles get their own drawer, as do border punches. Shape punches have a separate drawer. (You can never have too many circle punches. To see why I need different tools check out my "Tool School" workshop HERE).
My sewing machine typically sits on the floor and I put it on my desk when I'm ready to sew. I keep white thread on the bobbin and then switch out the colored thread on top for whatever color floats my boat at the time. This machine was from the Walmart holiday sale and has lasted me for ages. I change out the needle when I sew on fabric.
This is my stamping pad spinner. My most used inks: brown, black, and white are on the top, while the rest of the spinner holds my Stampin' Up pads (notice they are stored upside down so the ink stays on the top of the pad at all times). I like to stamp a lot, so this earned a coveted spot on my desktop.
I am a firm believer in having extra supplies on hand at all times. If you save up for scrapbooking supply sales, then you can stock up on things like adhesive. I actually keep track of how much I use each week, save, and then purchase an entire year's supply of adhesive at one time. I will do this for other basic supplies like white or kraft cardstock if it goes on sale as well. I actually save quite a bit of money in the long run shopping this way.
I curate these little vignettes throughout my space, using leftover craft supplies to decorate already made items.
You can store items like stamps in drawers, boxes, or displayed like this shelf below. Mix in some handmade details, and vintage items to really make it shine.
This is the view from my door into my room. Notice that gorgeous south-facing light pouring into my room. I am hesitant to hang curtains that might interfere with the gorgeous light, so for now I just have blinds to help direct the light when I film, design, or photography. This is definitely my happy place. I feel very blessed to have a space in which I can be creative.
I curate these little vignettes throughout my space, using leftover craft supplies to decorate already made items.
You can store items like stamps in drawers, boxes, or displayed like this shelf below. Mix in some handmade details, and vintage items to really make it shine.
This is the view from my door into my room. Notice that gorgeous south-facing light pouring into my room. I am hesitant to hang curtains that might interfere with the gorgeous light, so for now I just have blinds to help direct the light when I film, design, or photography. This is definitely my happy place. I feel very blessed to have a space in which I can be creative.
After watching the video and browsing through my photos, I'd love to hear if you're storing items in the same or different ways. What has worked for you and what hasn't? Do you have a storage solution that might work better for someone else reading this post? I'd love for you to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
I love seeing your space! You have a great knack for decorating too!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to mention that the Stampin Up ink pads are already upside down. You may have noticed that when you open them, they flip over. So, you actually have them stored improperly. They are designed to be stored so that you see the label on the top.
Hope that helps!
Vera
Your space is wonderful Jen!!! I too love my chair on wheels. I need my supplies within reach as well. I have an expedit in my room behind my scrap table. It houses most of my scrappy goodies. I wish I had more natural light... being in the basement with the deck stairs coming down in front of the window doesn't help much. LOL I like your way of buying adhesives. I am going to have to look into that.
ReplyDeleteWow, your space is beautiful, Jen! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteVera, that is MIND BLOWING!! Thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your scrap room and all of your videos. Thanks so much for your inspiration! I love your stamp pad spinner - is it still available for purchase somewhere? Sheila
ReplyDeleteHi Jen! I love your room. I am lucky enough to have a space of my own too. I store my items very much like you do. I recently moved back upstairs from the basement because I missed the natural light. My room is also south facing and on the main floor of our home and I find myself wandering in more often now :)
ReplyDeleteI love your room. Reorganizing my space is on my summer to do list, so I am glad you posted this now. I really like how you consider the frequency of use when storing items. I'll definitely keep this in mind.
ReplyDeleteGreat scraproom tour. I'm just redoing my craft area so thanks for all the useful ideas.
ReplyDelete~Kate~
Thank you so much for taking the time to film and share this video! Your room is beautiful! I can see how you would be very inspired to create in that space! I definitely picked up a few ideas that I will try in my messy room. :)
ReplyDeleteyeah finally!! i loved loved loved it!! when can i come visit from texas? lol ;0)
ReplyDelete