earn tulip loyalty rewards with every $50 purchase! - host code: BSDUTC3Z

My Ultimate Stampin’ Zone

SDC17147-1
My Ultimate Stampin' Zone (craft area and drop down work space)

JULY 2, 2011

Welcome to my Stampin' Pretty Ultimate Stampin' Zone.  This project has evolved over several months from ideas used in my original stamping zone and loft, reader suggestions and lots of planning. This information will be available on my left side bar, too!  I will do a detailed video tour in July, after the new Stampin' Up! 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog goes live and my stamps and accessories are restocked with new product.

DON'T MISS THE BIG NEWS!!  New Stampin' Up! Catalog Is Live!  New Hostess Benefits Program!  July $99 Starter Kit Deal!

 

SDC17145-1
Even when not stamping, my coordinating desk area allows me to spread out and take advantage of the view.  A good place to concentrate. 

SDC17143-1
Another angle of the desk.  The little, blue printer stand (bottom right) is artfully covered with hummingbird decals.  My daughter, Caroline (now 17), painted and decorated it for me when she was a wee one.  It will ALWAYS blend with my d?cor 🙂

SDC17149-1
You're seeing the final results, a dream come true for me.  I spent hours and hours budgeting and contemplating the design.  I mapped things out looking for logic and convenience.  For example, I grouped adhesives together in a deep drawer and within easy reach,  Punches, stamps and ribbon require quick access and instant visibility. Wall racks were the perfect solution.

SDC17139-1 My Cutting (and paper) Zone

Why the mix of two wood (maple natural and maple brandy) colors on the cabinets?   Simply for a little artistic variation and it didn't cost a dime more.  Plus, it's a craft room . . . a good spot for a trendy switch up!  Did you notice that I swapped countertop colors, too?

PLANNING YOUR OWN SPACE? 

  • Think about your available space, what will fit and where.  My space measures 18 x 11.  However, it's not just about floor space, but available wall space, too. 
  • Set a realistic budget.  I almost gave up on the project after getting "budget busting" bids on the countertops and cabinets from "big box" stores.  Fortunately, I found a local kitchen place that offered wood laminate (real maple sheets over melamine boxes and doors) that saved me 30 to 50% over the other bids.  Back on track!
  • Many of the rack and storage options (see ideas throughout this post) can be purchased very inexpensively.
  • Establish your needs.  List all your craft products and create a basic map BEFORE you start a cabinet design.
      SDC17340-1
  • How do you "roll?"  I work left to right and revamped my first plan because I realized I simply couldn't do the reverse (right to left).
  • My Cutting Zone (paper, punches, Big Shot, tool "chest") is to the left of my drop down workspace.  The Stamping Zone (stamps, ink pads and markers) and finishing touches (embellishments, heat embossing, etc.) are to the right.  I use the products the most that are closest to my work area.
  • What's your comfort level?  Both my desk and drop down work space (where I'm likely to sit) are at a height of 30" (standard desk height).  The balance of the counter space is bumped up 36" to gain more storage space (higher base cabinets) and is more comfortable when I stand and create.
  • Consider lighting . . . lots of it.  I added natural light (solar tubes), track lighting on the ceiling and undercabinet (fluorescent) lighting above my workspace. 
  • Don't forget to budget for the potential costs of an electrician.  You may need to move existing outlets and switches to conform with your layout.

TUCKED AWAY SPACES

SDC17324-1
Big Shot Dies (located in a drawer immediately left of my drop down work space) are easy to identify when stored in Stampin' Up! die storage inserts.  Two Large Inserts (#120801) are used in the photo above.  I also use the Small Insert (#120802) to store my smaller Sizzlits and Embosslits Dies (the drawer above–not shown).

SDC17337-1
My Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (#113439) and cutting pads share the drawer below the dies.  It's easy to grab and easy to hide.

SDC17327-1
Adhesives need to be "on call" at all times.  Different types (Sticky Strip, Mini Glue Dots, Snail, Stampin' Dimensionals) for different purposes are located together to the right of my drop down work space.

SDC17328-1
This drawer (below my adhesive drawer) is dedicated to getting my stamps clean and conditioned.  The Goo Gone is for getting adhesive off scissors and tools.

SDC17329-1
A wide drawer contains grid paper, boxes for embellishments and my trusty Color Coach.

SDC17334-1
My wood-mount stamps (recently reduced due to retiring stamps) are organized first by size and then alphabetically.

SDC17332-1
I regularly send out cards, projects and catalogs.  Having my postage supplies organized makes it quick and easy.  Larger envelopes and catalogs are stored below.

SDC17341-1
When I learned that the Stampin' Up! cutting mat (which I use daily) was retiring, I began a search for a replacement. Boy, is there a wide world of self-healing cutting mats.  I found this big, beautiful 36" x 18" cutting mat by Alvin on-line.  Just google–lots of places sell it.  There are loads of sizes to fit your space and even a few color choices.  Mine is black but flips to green (maybe for the holidays?).

THE JOURNEY

Let's take a look at where this journey began.  I have shared much of the following with you during the process on my Stampin' Pretty Blog and on my Stampin' Pretty Facebook Page.  As I promised, it's now consolidated in one spot for you. The Ultimate Stampin' Zone will continue to be updated with more organizational ideas and tips in the future. 

MAY 14, 2011:  IT STARTED WITH A PEEPHOLE . . .

SDC16514-1
It started recently with the "peephole" in my ceiling above.  After much discussion, budgeting and planning, I decided to revamp my current stamping space into something much more efficient (more storage and counter space, quick access), permanent (installed cabinets) and filled with fun organizational ideas. 

The picture above represents the first sign of light . . .  literally.  I wanted more natural light and have installed two 14" solar tubes in my stamping space (the loft was too dark).  Talk about "seeing the light!"  "Sky" (seriously, that's his name–how appropriate for a skylight guy) peeks through from my roof after the first full hole is cut.

SDC16518-1
I'll be using many of the ideas I learned from creating my original stamping zone and loft, PLUS introducing new ideas (many from readers) to make my Ultimate Stamping Zone journey complete.  Be ready to share advice as I'll look to you for input, too, along the way.  I still have plenty of decisions to make (paint colors or new ways to store ribbon, for example).  Ideas will be rolling while the dust flies on both on my Stampin' Pretty Blog and my Stampin' Pretty Facebook Fan PageSTAY TUNED.

Even Isabel (my very social pug) gets in on the action.  She's digging the brighter space. The noise sent our new kitty, Sasha, to a quiet reprieve in the tv chest. 

SDC16512-1


MAY 17, 2011:  WAITING ZONE–FEELING DISPLACED

SDC16670-1
Welcome to my new stamping space.  LOL!  I announced on my blog on Saturday that I'm in the process of revamping my stamping space to gain more counter space, storage space and pursue the the ultimate organization (at least that's the goal) of all my Stampin' Up! inks, tools, paper, ribbons and more. 

SDC16728-2
However, I'm in the "awkward" stage where the previous space has evaporated (thanks to Craig's List) and a makeshift stamping spot (card table for stamping and the floor for storage) present their challenges. At least my new maple floors are in.  Loving them.

SDC16730-2
My pug Isabel enjoys them, too.  Meanwhile, I'm planning my paint colors, hired an electrician to move my electrical outlets (counter height) and have the cabinet order rolling.  The date for cabinet/counter delivery is the second week of June.   I'll be exploring options and sharing lots more organizational tidbits until then.

SDC16732-3
The big question:  Will I be able to endure the chaos until then?  Let's just say, I don't do well with chaos or clutter.  Sasha found refuge on top of my tv cabinet when the floors were installed.  She appeared more relaxed (below) when I was videotaping my new on-line class.  I had to use our master bedroom while the floors were installed.  I feel like a bouncing ball 🙂

SDC16714-3


MAY 25, 2011:  CONTINUED CHAOS BUT PROGRESS

SDC16960-1

Had to move the electrical to accommodate the cabinet height last week.

SDC16961-1

I don't do well in chaos or stamping on a wobbling card table.  Things are in a heap here.  I debated on repainting the fireplace a new color but opted to keep it the same!

SDC16963-1

More electrical changes by James, my electrician extraordinaire.

SDC16965-1
My beautiful Stampin' Up! punches deserve more respect.  Stay patient my darlings.  You'll have a special spot soon.

SDC16962-1

Eek!

SDC16989-1

Here's my painted wall (yesterday's project). . . I used two different greens in the room.  A "pickle" green covers the big wall, where most of my stamping area will be.  The cabinets will cover most of where it used to be blue and the holes.  The green on the fireplace was there before . . . a modern yellow/green (see below).

SDC16990-1
Cleared out and ready for duty!

SDC16991-1
This will be where my desk will go . . . looking out over the Santa Catalina Mountains and my desert landscape.

SDC16992-1
Hard to believe that this will be My Ultimate Stampin' Zone on June 9 . . . I'll be up all night organizing when it's time!


JUNE 9, 2011:  THE TRUCK IS HERE!

SDC16994-1
My Ultimate Stamping Zone is taking a big step today.  Cabinets and countertops have JUST arrived and are being installed.  I'm posting continuous before and after photos on my Facebook page throughout today, if you want the play by play (go to this link and be sure to "like me" to stay notified). 

SDC16995-2
There was a "moment of silence" from the "guys" when they learned my loft was upstairs.

SDC17003-1
Installation lasted until 10:00 p.m.

JUNE 10, 2011:  DUSTING MYSELF OFF!

SDC17008-1
SO MY DREAM of having an Ultimate Stamping Zone to organize and relish in throughout the night hit a few stumbling blocks. Did you notice a lull–LOL?  There were several issues with cabinets (drawer function, several of the hinges broken, one door the wrong size, missing the proper screws to install all the hardware, etc.) AND my wonderful installer (thanks, Mark) worked tirelessly until 10:00 p.m to finish (we fed him pizza and tipped him well).  By that point, I headed to bed.

SDC17006-1
TODAY I dust myself off, literally and figuratively.  I'm going to start cleaning the dust from the drawers, floors and counters and the cabinet store will be calling me to get the broken items repaired.  My electrician is coming to install the undercabinet (fluorescent) lights and my husband will be in charge of installing rails and racks.  Normally, he is not allowed access to any tools (trust me, there's a history here).  However, he excels in the "rails and racks" department and this keeps him involved in the project.

SDC17009-1
BEYOND THE DUST I have some touch up painting to do (it's still blue below my work area) and a little drywall work.  Chairs need to be purchased and, of course, I get to add decorative touches which will pull things together.  I'll continue to keep you posted.  The pieces are in place but there's still plenty to do to  make it "ultimate."

?
JUNE 11:  MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

SDC17014-1
There was encouraging progress on my Ultimate Stampin' Zone (craft room) today.  The cabinet guy arrived, tweaked a few things and will be replacing the "suspension" for my upper storage cabinets.  They should raise up and hold so that I can "have the shop open" when I'm working and "closed" when I'm not.  It's a neatnik thing on my part to keep things tucked away and organized.

SDC17010-1
I got a chance to start organizing my paper storage.

SDC17018-1      Husband, Scott, my favorite "racks and rails" guy!

My husband, Scott, and I put up the Ikea Bygel rails (more details in my "Racks and Rails section below) for my punches last night.  I made sure to have plenty of room for future additions.  This is one area I tend to underestimate so I got plenty.  The rails are still the best way I personally have found to have punches "ready for duty."  I have used them since the renovation of my original stamping zone. 

SDC17016-1
James, my electrician, "rocks out" my undercabinet lighting.  Good lighting is essential.

JUNE 13, 2011:  FUN AND FUNCTIONAL ART!

SDC17064-1
I love having a bulletin board over my work space and nothing gives it jazz faster than a little reupholstering with a spiffy fabric. 

SDC17038-1
I got the Richloom Oslo Bluebird fabric through an on-line fabric store. 

SDC17036-1
A yard easily covered my 3 x 2 bulletin board (purchased at Office Depot).

SDC17151-1


JUNE 18, 2011:  RACKS AND RAILS

I believe good organization of stamping space means easy access and visability.  Racks can be a fabulous way to accomplish this.  Here are examples of how I have incorporated racks and rails into my "zone."

SDC17091-2
A simple dowel system keeps ribbon accessible and looking organized. It's easy to slip off rolls on the right or use them while they are hanging. The little $.99 "buckets" from IKEA hold ribbon scraps. The rods (actually a curtain draw rod) fit through Stampin' Up! rolls perfectly (IKEA: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10079366).

SDC17095-1
Take a closer look.  These sweet In Color Designer Printed Brads (#122940) give new life to boring hardware.

SDC17024-1
My husband, Scott, touches up where my prior punch racks (IKEA Bygel rails) were located.  He's such a good egg about my "essential" changes.  Isabel supervises. 

SDC17041-2
Scott and I worked as a team lining these DVD racks up and installing.  Rack details below.

SDC17045-1
I'm incredibly excited about this DVD (clear mount stamp) wall storage. Looks like metal sculpture (when staggered) and simplifies finding what you need fast. Here's the link with product info: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70115521

Note:  The racks are designed to hold DVD's vertically.  I flipped them horizontally so that I could read the spines easier (when you're 50, you'll understand).  I don't have any problems with them falling through the open back as long as I have at least 3 DVD's in a compartment (to fight gravity) and push them flush to the wall.  I pull them out as a stack when I need one and return them the same way.

SDC17098-1
Nope, I couldn't give them up.  These 8.5 x 11 paper storage racks were an amazing find when a local hobby store was getting rid of their display rack.  Got them for a song about 3 years ago.

SDC17099-1
I'm still using my clear, stackable 12 x 12 paper storage but sized this cabinet (30" wide) to accommodate 26 trays.  They are in my "cutting" zone but disappear when the cabinet is closed.  Note:  It's looking a little sparse in there as I wait to order new Designer Series and 12 x 12 paper from the Stampin' Up! 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog (available July 1).

SDC17100-1
I use Stampin' Up! 12 x 12 Dividers (#105529) to keep my paper organized and easy to find.

SDC17018-1
I still haven't found anything better to keep punches displayed and ready to go than these IKEA Bygel Rails.  I maxed out the wall space and allowed for "future expansion."  LOL. 

TIP:  They DO work for the new style Stampin' Up! punch if they are in the open position.  Just set them on the rail gently. 

Did I mention that the rails are very inexpensive? Here's the information on the 39 1/4" rail ($2.99) and the 21 3/4" rail ($1.99).  IKEA no longer ships the rails.  You'll need to purchase them at the IKEAstore.

A TIP FROM MY HUSBAND, SCOTT:  In those areas where studs weren't used due to cosmetics and alignment issues, I used 3/8" – 1/2" plastic toggle drywall anchors with 1 1/2 inch screws. The screws and toggles are packaged together and can be purchased at Ace, Lowes, Home Depot.  Just one holds up to 140 pounds which is more than enough security considering the minimal weight that these racks and rails will be holding.  Use a 5/16 inch drill bit to drill your toggle holes in the drywall (or you can just push a hole using a small phillips head screwdriver).

SDC17034-1
Punches are ready to report for duty.  I planned my entire layout dependent on this being my "cutting zone."

TIP:  I have the rails spaced a tad over 6" apart (that's pole to pole).  It accommodates getting them on and off easily.  The bottom pole is 2.5" from the counter.  I laid them on the floor first with the largest punches to determine what would fit in the space between my counter and the bottom of the cabinets (total open space is 25", top to bottom).

SDC17103-1
Whoosh!  Also in the plan was this waste bin.  Just cut and sweep the little scraps into the bin.

JUNE 19, 2011:  COOKING UP ART WITH DECOR ELEMENTS!

SDC17208-1
Check out this yummy new art destined to go over my fireplace!  Take 1 Vanilla Mat Board and add a delicious dash of Stampin' Up! D?cor Elements.  Set timer for a simple frame (I'm having it done professionally) will make the recipe complete.  Note the large "Create" (117460, 30 x 11 3/4") in black has sold out on the retiring D?cor Elements Last Chance List.  Chocolate (114117) and White (114079) are available while supplies last.  There are lots of alternatives in the Stampin' Up! Definitely Decorative product line!

JUNE 22, 2011.  UPPER CABINET STORAGE

SDC17278-1
I love my upper cabinets for storage.  They are designed to lift up and stay open when I'm working and "close up shop" when I'm away. I mounted them 24" above the 36" counter height base cabinets (that's 30" above my drop down desk area, which is 30" high) to leave plenty of wall space for racks and rails.

SDC17281-2
Here's what is hidden behind door #1.  I finally weaned myself off my photo tent.  It's always been in a separate room and is a bit of an eyesore.  Having my "photo stage" in my Ultimate Stampin' Zone saves me time and is a very cost effective set-up.  Plus, I can hide it away by closing the door.  I reused the lamps (daylight bulbs) that came with my tent.  A very simple Foamies white background completes the stage and keeps the backdrop seamless.

SPACE BELOW RESERVED FOR REALLY COOL FUTURE ORGANIZATIONAL IDEAS AND TIPS!!

72 thoughts on “My Ultimate Stampin’ Zone”

  1. OMGoodness how did I miss this? Fantastic room Mary I can’t tell you how envious I am!!

    Your room was gorgous before, now its just jawdroppingly perfect! You have organisation off pat, well done.

    As for the bulletin board, why didn’t I think of it? I’ll be out this weekend buying some material to recover my tired and unsightly board, maybe my chair too.

    Reply
  2. Dear Mary, What a wonderful craft room. I love it. Your ideas are wonderful. I love the drop down cabinets. Having everything so organized makes it so much more fun to create. I think having a place for everything and putting everything back makes work so easy. You are so amazing with all of your talent. You really were wonderful to allow us in your room and on this wonderful journey. Lots of luck with this amazing room.
    Thanks Mary. Ellen Hinds

    Reply
  3. Yowza! I’m super lovin’ that stamp studio of yours! And guess who has the exact same chair as you do? ME!
    I picked it because it was schick and no arms and I luv it! Just think of all the fabulous projects you’ll be crankin’ out in your newly designed space. Good for you!

    Reply
  4. Wow and wow. This is some craft room. Lots of room for creating. You should feel so blessed. Great ideas for organizing everything. Wow, love the bulletin board, well, and everything.

    Reply
  5. Wow, this is one amazing studio Mary!!
    We are in the process of finishing
    our basement and I can’t wait to do
    my craft area. I will be using some
    of you ideas!!
    One question…what do you do with all
    your scraps of cardstock and DSP??
    See you next week at Convention!!

    Reply
  6. Wow what a fantastic space and so well thought out, something to aspire too. You will have many hours of happy crafting in your new space. Loved the photos thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  7. Love your craft room! I’m wondering where you got the holder for the KVARTAL rod from Ikea? I see the rod on their site, but I can’t find the holder that you’ve used to keep them in place…thanks so much!!

    Reply
  8. Your space is gorgeous and so organized. It calls out to the creative! Well done!! I have a few questions though… Do you schedule classes in your home? If so, do you hold them in your Ultimate Space? Do you only keep curent paper, embellishments, and stamp sets? How do you dispose of the retired merch? I have such a hard time letting go of my retired sets! Also, do you have a scrap “basket” for smaller pieces of paper and if so what is it? Or, do you throw away scraps? How large must a piece be for you to keep it rather than toss it? Do you ever purchase items to embellish, do craft boutiques or shows, and if so, how do you store “NON-SU” merch?

    Reply
  9. What a relaxing and fun craft room you’ve created. The overhead bins remind me of those overhead compartments on airplanes. Nice idea.
    THANX

    Reply
  10. Mary all I can say is holy cow what a wonderful fantastic room! I love organization and this room has it. I will have such a room some day, but right now, your is my inspiration!!!

    Reply
  11. This space is beautiful. TFS. I love the hidden trash cans.

    The only thing I would change is your ribbon storage. You can get a rain gutter, paint it the color you like, and cut it into the correct lengths. The spools stand up nicely and it’s easy to remove the empties or the one you’re working with. Ikea sells clips for their clothesline that can clip onto the gutter to hold any scraps.

    Reply
  12. Mary, how awesome!!! I am so tickled for you! I’ll bet you are so glad its finished. Your room is fabulous and you’ve given me many idea’s that I can incorporate without a remodel. *smile* I’m so glad you shared. Enjoy that awesome room. Love the pics of the kids!!! Hugs,

    Reply
  13. Thank you for sharing your room. Your long post was alot to put together, and for that I thank you as well, You have a very beautiful space. It’s so neat and tidy too.

    Reply
  14. When I grow up I want to have your stamp zone 🙂 You are right, sharing the “little ideas” gives us all a chance to do some sprucing up without breaking the bank. You’rs fantastic!! Thanks for sharing. MJ

    Reply
  15. By George, you’ve done it again! If you ever decide to hang up your stampin’ spurs, you can probably have a very lucrative career in interior design. But then, you ARE the Queen of Way Cool Designs. I applaud you.

    Reply
  16. Your space is beautiful… one question for you, where or how do you keep your scraps and pieces of either miscut/leftover ribbon? I always have an issue with that… any ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely space.

    Reply
  17. Thanks for sharing your many tips and organizational ideas with us. Your room is inspiring so many of us to dream big, (but start little if necessary) and to maximize the space we have so that we can enjoy our hobby. Thank you so much for the many ways you inspire us…wow! videos, beautifully created cards, amazing 3D projects, and for the detailed tips you give us daily with your blog posts. I enjoy reading about your creations as much as I enjoy looking at them. You are a blessing to me and I appreciate your talents and your willingness to share freely.

    Reply
  18. Mary! I got two bulletin boards for $6 each at Ikea… the rods for the punches for $3 each and fabric at Joann’s for $5 on sale. I also got those $1 hanging baskets and a wire one too! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  19. So happy for you Mary–your special place is beautifully planned & organized & so lovely to see! Thank you for sharing it.

    Reply
  20. I know you will enjoy your fabulous new stampin’ space. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us. Go forth and create!

    Reply
  21. Thanks SO much for sharing. I am working on creating my ultimate zone and wondered what brand of under cabinet lighting did you use?

    Reply
  22. TREMENDOUS! Mary, wonderful planning, searching for items etc. Great tips you gave us, thanks. SUPER job to all Scott, Caroline, Isabel, Sasha, all of the great men and of course YOU and anyone else I may have missed. Enjoy it immensely – very happy for you! Already to play when order comes. YAH! Hugs, Di

    Reply
  23. So inspiring and a fantastic use of a spectacular space with inspiration just across the way….. its been great following your journey on fb and thank you for allowing us to join in with your excitement….. my rails are up and in use so I now need to reorganise the rest and get rid of what I dont use anymore…..

    Reply
  24. What an awesome makeover! I love the mix of woods and how you planned everything out right down to how you use your drawers/storage. I especially love the photo cabinet – fantastic idea!!
    What I like the most about your new space is that it’s not too “crafty”. If you ever move or sell the place it would still work and make someone an awesome office space.
    Thanks so much for sharing the photos they are truly inspiring!

    Reply
  25. This is a beautiful creation and I am jealous of your new space. The solar tube and the lighting under the cabinets was a great idea. Thank you for sharing your final product, the wonderful ideas and the photo journey to get there.
    Sue Smedley

    Reply
  26. Congratulations Mary on your creation of the perfect space to create. It is beyond belief! Thank you for sharing the process and your incredible organization skills. You could have a second career designing spaces – what an eye!

    Reply
  27. Mary, Thanks for sharing every step of the way! Your space is just beautiful, especially in the shadow of the Catalinas! After all is said and done, I think my favorite innovation is the SCRAP BIN! What a great idea. My stamping space at home in VA is very large and open, half of our finished basement with my desk directly accross from the French doors leading outside. Our condo in Tucson was more of a challenge! We have the spare bedroom doubled as my “she castle”. My supplies are pared down to essentials and duplicates of my very favorite stamp sets. I mail my current favorites back and forth when I go out. My upline and best friend comes out in her van from CA, loaded with her current essentials and we spend days and nights in our jammies just stampin’ away!

    Reply
  28. I love your new space, Mary, and am so happy all of your hard work has paid off. We also have several solar tubes in our dark house and we LOVE them! They just bring the outdoor light in and it’s wonderful.

    blessings,
    barb

    Reply
  29. Mary, I was so excited to see your post this morning! I have been waiting for the full scoop 🙂 It’s just beautiful and couldn’t have come together for a more deserving person! I think you need to save a framed copy of that photo of the little folding table you used in the interim…yipes! 🙂 My stamping space isn’t nearly so spacious but it’s mine….now I’m going to snag your ideas and get organizing 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thought process and tips – sooo helpful. Have a great time stamping and don’t forget to stop and eat, haha!

    Reply
  30. OMG. what a creative, functional, crisp and clean art deco stamping area. It is so “mary”. Beautiful and creative, just like you 🙂 I have been watching your progress all along, but how fun to see your stamping room from beginning to end. TFS

    Reply
  31. Love the transformation, Mary — especially that wonderful warm light and the clean “feel” of organization. I look forward to the delivery of your big new catalog order to fill in all those lonely spots on the stamp rack! I could never fit all my “stuff” in a space and it look this serene. Great job!!

    Reply
  32. Congratualtions on a job well done!!! SO impressive! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful tips and ideas ~ as you do with your stamping ideas! Create away!!

    Reply
  33. Mary, that is sooooo beautiful, efficient and inspiring. I am sooooo happy for you. Thank you so much for taking the time to share the project from the beginning to end. 🙂

    Reply
  34. The amount of work you put into the design and planning shows – this is wonderfully detailed and absolutely gorgeous. And the fact you have that beautiful loft space to put it all in – wow ~perfect!

    Reply
  35. Mary, you inspired me to organize my room. I took EVERYTHING out last night and it’s slowly going back in. Thanks for sharing with us!!

    Reply
  36. Mary, this is absolutely fabulous! I dream of the day when I no longer have to stamp at the dining table, with all of my supplies strewn over the kitchen cabinets, with stamps stored in the pantry…and so does my family! LOL Your tips are sooo helpful, and now I have a starting point at which to begin my planning! Thank you so much for the inspiration and for sharing the details of your re-organizational journey!

    Reply
  37. Mary, Your post was so impressive even to my husband that he now “gets it.” He just approved a revamping of my Creative Cave complete with new flooring. I’m a newlywed again! It’s like love at first sight seeing him excited for me and so giving! Thanks so much for the details that needed to be shown to him to explain it better than my hand gestures do!

    Reply
  38. You inspired me, too! I haven’t done a complete remodel, but I’ve reorganized my space. Thanks for the shelf idea from IKEA. My husband hung 3 of them for me and I love it! SO much more organized and accessible now, to see my stamps. I hung the punch racks inside my punch drawer for better access, too. I got some bins to reorganize my paper, reinkers, stencils, ink spots, etc. Thanks for who you are for me, Mary Fish! Love love love your space and love you!

    Reply
  39. I love the comments. You guys are so kind. I feel very fortunate to have the space and the funds (saved up) to do this. However, I’m hoping that there are many ideas that even someone with a small space or less than $100 to spend (racks, rails, die inserts) can take advantage of. Thanks for joining me on my journey. I’m off to do some creating in my “zone” today!!! Hugs, M

    Reply
  40. To Pam: The bulletin board is too thin for a staple gun (tried that first and the staples came all the way back through the front–eek). However, I DID use a staple gun on the corners as they were thicker where the fabric folded over and a basic stapler and staples on the rest (along all sides). The fabric is tight as a drum and so easy. With a thicker board, you could use a staple gun . . . that’s what I used in my last zone! Hugs, M

    Reply
  41. absolutely beautiful final result and I loved watching you go thru the transformation day by day…thanks for sharing. It’s all great but I think the solar tubes are the most amazing part….how wonderful!!! Thanks so much for sharing your journey, I had been watching your progress as things went along but loved having the continuous photo journey to watch at the very end.

    Reply
  42. Love, love, LOVE your new Stamping Zone! You have done an excellent job and everything is efficiently as close to you as it needs to be! I can only dream of acieving such results, but Jim comes up with some great ideas… Now, if either one of us would have more hours in a day to “get ‘er done”… lol

    Reply
  43. Hello Mary: I’m so happy your stamping zone is finally complete. It’s beautiful and perfect to get your creativity even more wonderful. Lots of ideas on how to improve our own stamping place. I’m also trying to rearange my craft room to make it more functional. I have two walls that right now, are taken by my Triathlon stuff, pictures of my races, medals and trophies, my grandkids ART, Beatles posters and, last but not least, Toby Keith. I will move this things to the smaller wall, because I don’t want to get rid of them, and use the other wall to install shelves to put my stamping stuff.
    Anyway, thanks for sharing your ideas with us.
    Enjoy your new space!!!!!
    Maria.

    Reply
  44. Oh WOW, Mary. I am so happy for you that the clutter and mess is over. It was worth the wait and the stress. You have a beautiful area to work. Congratulations.

    Reply
  45. Fabulous stamping area! Your insightful design plan is an inspiration to us all. Everyone can use at least a tip or 2 of yours to improve their own stamping area. Thanks for sharing your journey.

    Reply
  46. Hi ho hi ho… It’s off to Ikea I go for curtains rods and baskets and poles… Hi ho hi hohi ho! Lol thanks for the ideas and inspiration!

    Reply
  47. OMG that is an awesome space you have designed. When you get tired of stamping you could be a stamping space designer. Love it and would love to have it. I am working towards my own “she den” and will definatley keep this in mind. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  48. Oh Mary your stamp room is to die for! Unfortunately, funds and space limit me to what I have. I will never have my own stamp haven. I have an ofc that holds all my stamping stuff and stamp in the kitchen and dining room. My entire house is probably 1/16 of your entire home. Both of your homes that you have shared with us are gorgeous homes….my husband was forced to retire at an early age due to an accident at work and because of my age my jobs were limited so funds are what they use to be but stamping makes me happy no matter where I am! Isn’t that right?

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful room with us!

    Reply
  49. Wow! Wow! Wow! A long time coming mary, but so worth it! It is absolutely amazing – you thought of so many things that never would have crossed my mind. A true reflection of you – artful, classy, beautiful! Congratulations on your new space!

    Reply
  50. Oh, Mary, it is wonderful. Would love to have it for my work space. I know you will enjoy every moment in there creating. Go GIRL!!

    Hugs, Jdy

    Reply
  51. My eyes are soaking wet with emotion! I’m a kitchen & bath designer by trade, and SU demo by hobby and agree This is the Ultimate Stamping Zone! It’s beautiful! Everything in its organized place, oh heaven! Within reach! On display, and concealed! A fantastic job Mary congratulations! and Enjoy!

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Becky Roberts Cancel reply

Subscribe to my daily email & BE FIRST to receive my simple card ideas, FREE tutorials, sweet Stampin’ Up! deals & new product drops!  

I’m proud to be known as the “Fearless Leader” to the Stampin’ Pretty Pals community, an enthusiastic, friendly group of 700+ hobby and business demonstrators from across the U.S. that are part of my team.  I offer a resourceful, virtual environment where members can participate in the stamping conversation at any level they choose.  Learn more about my Pals Community Perks here.

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Mary Fish, Stampin’ Pretty, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

The content in this blog is the sole responsibility of Mary Fish as an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and the use of and content of classes, services or products offered is not endorsed by Stampin' Up!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have an “affiliate link” with Stamp-n-Storage, craft storage solutions.  This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

BE FIRST!

Receive a FREE Step-by-Step Card Tutorial when you subscribe to my daily blog emails and be first to receive:

✓ My simple card ideas
✓ FREE step-by-step tutorials
✓ Sweet Stampin’ Up! deals!
✓ New product drops!

No, thanks! (click to close)