My Sandbox

MY CREATIVE SPACE

 The very idea of white on white built-in cabinets is anathema to my creative soul.  No offense to the ladies with those wonderful white on white studios.  A Studio should reflect the SOUL of the DESIGNER,  There is no right or wrong design.

I like small, intimate, homey spaces.

 So, posters from The Cartoon Network,  a Michael Jordan Jersey,  a flag from the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic games, pictures of the Atlanta Falcons, President Obama, and precious family photos,  are my daily companions as I make my creative trek.

Because I worked with Architects and Interior Designers,  I  fully embrace the rule:

"Form Follows Function." 

 I also learned not to "Box" myself into a space whose function is subject to change over time. All those pretty white cabinets look gorgeous today, but could limit your ability to reclaim "Lost Space" two or three months later. Renovations are costly and aggravating.  Before making any decisions, it is best to ask a few basic questions: 

1.  Do I need a large workspace, and if so, what is the best location in this room?

2.  How much storage do I need now plus __% (this should be based on your buying habits)

3.  Are there ways to expand my "use" of the space without expanding the space itself? 

    (example: Can I gain vertical space by adding slat walls?)

If you are strictly a card maker or scrapper,  your requirements will be different than those of an altered arts or mixed media designer.  If you believe that you want to dabble in different areas, allow for that when determining your storage plus --%.

 I avoid "built ins," preferring instead, "modular, mobile and expandable."

BEHIND THE DESK CRAFTING CREDENZA

These units provide more storage and I have access to more craft items.   I actually gained usable space that was lost in the previous configuration.  The large unit here has 15 (12" x 12") drawers.  I can now store  my favorite designer collections here.  The five deep drawers hold Work in Process and large collections that I want to keep together. No more "hunting in the Paper Closet!"  Well, almost no more hunting!

The smaller unit houses frequently used embellishments and  8" x 81/2" red rubber mounted Stamp Sets. The top of both trays are ideal for what I call "In Plain View" storage for items that I tend not to use often enough.   I also use this area to display recently completed projects or projects waiting to be photograpbed, boxed or delivered.    I use the reclaimed wall space below the BB for stencils, instructions and templates I am using in current Work In Process

CENTRAL WORK AREA 

MIXED MEDIA PAINT STATION 

This area has undergone a total transformation.  Cuttting tools no longer occupy valuable space.  I gave my Cricut away,  the eclipse sits on a side table.  I removed the laptop and placed KindleTablets (on this side the cover is orange) on both work desks.   This  is a far more functional use of the space. I gained storage for  Paint/ Copics  and I added additional lighting.

I just recently began dabbling in mixed media, and I love it.  This is a better use of the space and far more practical.  I can still use this area for occasional cutting. but so far that has not been needed.

I keep my paint cloths and frequently used MM supplies in this carrier.  I love these fabric storage bins which I purchased at Dollar Tree.  Honestly, I consider it my best $50.00 purchase ever!

iMac/CAMEO STATION

Here, we simply swapped the printer and iMac and added a lamp.  I store my wallpaper binders on the shelf under the computer table and hanging on the wall.  I have storage on the floor under the desk for my Craft Magazines.  

A plastic basin( from Dollar Tree) is secured between the legs of my drafting table and used to house 3D objects I plan to alter, my paper towels, hand sanitizer and other miscellany.   It is not visible in this photo,  but next to the waste paper basket is storage space under two 4' tables for binders housing my frequently used clear stamps and project books.  I have room on the right side(of the my drafting table) to store two rotary cutters three binders, and extra scoreboards.

BIG SHOT/CUTTING/DESIGNER PAD STATION 

I keep the large format printer for projects requiring 11"x17" paper.  The reclaimed space is used to store 6"x6" Pads. I now have room for my Big Shot, Paper Cutters,  a small desk pad. I gained wallspace (needed that metric conversion table in plain view!)  I get tons done here.

Below the table is storage for general office supplies and more wallpaper books!A board placed across the well of the printer created a place for 8"x8" Pads and small stencils.  In front of the printer is space for my exacto kit on top of which I keep (WIP) Mini album covers .  Easy to remove these items when the printed is used, maybe 1-2 times per month for short proof runs.

RECLAIMED SPACE 
I was able to reclaim this space by relocating my Big Shot Pro

INCLUDES: Mixed Media supplies and stamp storage  as well as:
NEW PADDING STATION

BEFORE

SAME SPACE NOW

Wood Mounted Stamp Storage and Ecllpse Cutter's New Home
SEWING STATION  - BEFORE

NEW DIE STORAGE AND SEWING STATION NOW

The Big Shot Pro was relocated here!  Tim Holtz and Sizzix Dies In Pink Containers.

Other Dies are stored next to the BS Pro and on the shelf behind the Big Bite.  On the slide out shelf is stored My FabScraps and Quilling Supplies.
The Fabric Bins hold all of my Embossing Folders.  Beneath them are Big Shot supplies and Cigar boxes to be altered.

ADDITIONAL PAPER STORAGE - BEFORE

ADDITIONAL PAPER STORAGE NOW

The Orange Home Depot "Let's Do This" bucket is where I store all my paint rags.

The Closet has not changed, but has been sorta kinda decluttered. 

FOR NEW CRAFTERS!

I would not advise beginners to go out and buy a lot of expensive furniture at IKEA or one of the craft stores.  Look around your house, try to use what you have.  Thrift stores are glorious places to find great deals. The Goodwill is a personal favorite!  Be sure this is a hobby you want to pursue in earnest before making substantial financial investments.   Look at online stores, stroll through Michaels or Jo Ann's and check out the prices. Papercrafting is not a CHEAP hobby.   I made the decison early on to use my money on stamps, paper, dies and inks, rather than fancy furniture.  It is not what you have, it is what you make of what you have!  Be creative!

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!

HUGZ,

CHANA MALKAH HARRIS

NOVEMBER 20, 2013


BIRTHDAY HAUL - NOVEMBER 20, 2014