Recently I was able to do some fun organization because I figured out a way to take the permanence out of my decision. My stash is always growing, shrinking, or changing in location. I like to move things around a lot when I figure out a better way of organizing or a better location for my supplies. But I realized I just had to commit and DO IT...GET IT DONE!
Over a year ago...more like TWO, I purchased these drawers from Ikea:
I devised a way to label the drawers but still have the ability to move the contents around if needed. The secret....an acetate sheet!
Supplies
Acetate sheets
Large die-cut tags (I used the Top Note die by Sizzix for Stampin' Up!)
Ribbon
Photo corner punch
Patterned papers
Crop-A-Dile
Velcro stickers
Tape runner
Scissors
Label maker
Old cardboard box
To create each tag I used my Sizzix die-cutting machine to cut out the tags from cardboard, patterned paper, and acetate. I stacked the acetate tags on the top, labeled each tag with my Dymo label maker, jazzed them up with my photo corners, and hung them with ribbon. I used the Velcro stickers to keep my tags from swinging and looking un-tidy. I wanted them to stay put and look pretty :)
It has been so nice since I organized! My crafting time is spent much more efficiently. The time it took to locate supplies has been drastically reduced. I feel more creative and I've vowed to limit alot of my crafty purchasing because now I have a designated amount of space to fit certain items. If there's no room, I don't get more until I MAKE ROOM!
Here's the rest of the drawers:
Top drawer: dies for my die cutting machine, accessories for my Sizzix
Drawer 2: stickers, rub-ons
Drawer 3: metal embellies, buttons, brads, and markers/pens
Drawer 4: chipboard, bling, alcohol inks/tools
Drawer 5: stamps, rolling stamps
Drawer 6: Tools, refills
Drawer 7: felt, fabric
Drawer 8: paper the kids are free to use :)
Below is a close-up photo of one of the drawers.
And a look inside a couple drawers:
I have a closet in my craft room. To maximize the use of space, I use pant hangers to hang my scrappy kits. I pre-make a bunch of kits in various themes, team them up with embellishments, patterned paper and solid cardstock and I've got most of the guesswork taken care of! The only big tip is to make sure you use sturdy wood or metal pant-hangers. My plastic bags are heavy and those plastic pant hangers just don't cut it. The bags fall a lot! I was able to free up a whole shelf by hanging these kits in the closet.
Ready for MORE FUN????
Head on over to The Art Studio website for:
While you're there, take advantage of the $5 sale on classes (sale good this week only)!
Check out Kate Koch's class on how to create with UTEE
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Are you ready for more tips? You should head on over to The Art Studio blog and a few of the instructors have shared how they organize some of their craft spaces:
10+ Ways to Get Rid of the Crafty Mess
Now, I decided that handcreated artwork would be PERFECT to decorate...and practice. I did some scrapbooking on canvas and made one using my son's photo and one with my daughters photo! That project was fun! I also had 2 old glass vases which were originally blue and green and white....with some swirls....didn't quite work in this room so I walked around Michaels and basically read the "how to" books on the shelf to figure out how to paint and decorate the vases I already had and bought the needed supplies and crossed my fingers. The projects turned out okay considering they were first attempts! But these photos aren't close ups so you can't see the flaws.....he he. I'll have to do a tutorial on it!!!!!
I hung extra special photos I had....and what makes it even more special is that they are taken by my brother-in-law who is a pretty good photographer: 
I bought this fold up table so that I could easily tuck it in the closet when not in use. I use it for the workshops I hold in my home. I never really fold it up, though. I like the space! I plan on replacing it with one of those kitchen islands you can purchase at IKEA....eventually. 
This was an old armoir I had and was about to donate...when I realized I had a perfect use for it!!!!!!! I put those childproof locks on it just in case my toddler gets in the room......he's figured out how to open doors! Oh, and I also put those door knob thingys on the outside of the door as well (since this door doesn't lock)....and it keeps my Little Monster out of my special room with all the sharp pokey things.....and lovely patterned paper!
I also re-purposed this tiered fruit tray which my thoughtful father-in-law made. I've got pieces of my family all around the place! I place most of my punches in a drawer but my most favorite (and frequently used) punches live here!
Below I have links for each IKEA item above:
This is kinda funny looking, but I take plastic bags I have and use them to store projects I am working on. I slide the handles right onto a hanger and hang it in the closet. Ideally I would use see through bags....but I decided I wanted to reuse the plastic bags I have.
Here is what my table looks like today (at this moment January 19th). Remember that video? Well, by the end of that SAME day, my room looked like this. What I love is I can just close the door to my room and I can pick up where I left off. Considering I have a 6 and 2 year old, I have to be ready to dart out of my craft room when I hear "I'm hungry!" or "Mommy!"....but it's usually little hands and feet pounding on my door crying about somehing. Aaah. mommyhood! As tired and exhausted I am most days....I do feel lucky to have the happiness of crafting and parenting! 