Good Monday morning!
Usually, when I have a project I want to complete that involves a mess, I use the kitchen table or the garage. But this ends up being problematic, because (a) I don’t want to get paint, glue, whatever on the rug in the breakfast room; (b) I have to move the project if it’s mealtime; and (c) the garage isn’t so warm in the winter!
I wanted and needed my own creative space.
Our guest room has my desk in it anyway, and it also has this wonky little alcove by the closet. The alcove seemed the perfect place for a little creative area.
Without further ado, here’s my new work and craft area!!
It’s perfect for me. It’s bright, and has a mixture of old stuff (the Coke crate) and bright, modern stuff (the Matisse print). Happy.
And it didn’t cost me anything (other than time) because I used what we already had! Score!
But it wasn’t easy…
Step 1: I had to empty the space.
So the first step in this project was clearing out that area and figuring out where to put all that stuff if it wasn’t going back in the craft/work space. Here’s what it looked like once I emptied the space:
Of course, once I emptied it, here’s what the rest of the guest room looked like (oy):
Just had to remember that mess = progress.
Step 2: What to do about the vanity.
As you know from this post and the picture above, there’s a vanity against that back wall. To tear it out or not to tear it out…that was the question.
Ultimately, I decided not to tear it out, for three reasons: (1) it would have inevitably meant some drywall repair, and I wanted this project to be finished this weekend; (2) the vanity has two holes in the back of it: a pipe opening and a hole that has the electrical/plug behind it. It was never plumbed, but the pipe is sticking out a bit and it is ugly.
Didn’t want to deal with that. And (3) the floor – under the white tile that’s there now is gold speckled linoleum. Did NOT want to deal with that, either – at least not now. So, the vanity stayed. It does have this cool tag on it:
So, I decided I had to work with it, which was a bit problematic. Which brings me to…
Looks great, Karen! I love the free organizer, and the Coke crate is my favorite!
Thanks, Kristen!
I love it! Especially the jars and crate you used for storage. I’m still working on mine. Have a great week!
Looks fabulous Karen!
Thanks, Julie!
Looks great – what a score on the new PB organizer!
Congrats on your move to WP too!
Kelly
Thanks and thanks! It wasn’t bad, but I drank a lot of coffee. 🙂
It looks fantastic Karen… the perfect indoor craft area! Can’t believe you found that organizer on Freecycle!!
Thanks, Holly! I know, right?!? Crazy. Glad it found a good home.
Wow! It looks amazing! All of my stuff is currently piled in our garage and it’s making me crazy. Must. get. organized. Love the new blog too…I’m in the process of moving over to wp and can’t wait!
Thanks, Jessica! There had been stuff piled up here for a loooong time. It took guests coming in town plus feeling completely embarrassed by it to get it done! You can do it!
Looks great Karen! I wish I had a space to stash my stuff. You did such a good job using what you had – I’m inspired!!!
Thanks, Brenda!
You did an awesome job! All crafty girls deserve a fun craft space. I’ve named my craft room “the playroom”. We need a place to go and play, create and turn all of our crafty thoughts into finished products. Good for you! Your craft area looks nice and cozy and I know you’ll enjoy it.
Thanks! I love the “playroom” craft room – a place to get messy, have fun, and do crafts. Thanks again!
I really like the coke crate. Lot’s of creative ideas here. enJOYed checking out your craft area.
Thanks, Joy!
Great Job! I love the organized shelves and compartments!
Thanks! They are very handy.
Karen,
What a creative use of space! You certainly used plenty of logic in this project. Now I just need to get my brain working so I can carve out a little bit of space for myself!
Thanks, Jane!
It looks great!!!!
Thanks!
What a great space, Karen! I did laugh out loud with the picture of the empty space followed by the picture of your newly crowded guest room area! But you did a great job in creating a wonderful place to create!
Thanks, Laura!
Hi Karen,
Hi Karen,
A friend of mine shared your pictures on your craft area and I love it! https://www.dogsdonteatpizza.com/
I was wondering if you would share this post on my first ever The Creative Blog Hop? I love your blog and can’t wait to read other posts..Here is link if you would like to link up..I know it would give others like myself motivation to create a great area to do things that we love.
http://dollysdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/02/dollys-designs-creative-blog-hop-1.html
Thanks,
Dolly
Sorry I don’t know why it went on twice…
Thanks, Dolly! I’d be happy to link it up there. Will do later tonight. Thanks again!