MY CRAFT ORGANIZATION TIPS!

THIS ARTICLE IS FROM THE ARCHIVES!  We moved back to Madison, WI in 2022.  However, it’s loaded with products and craft ideas that I have used from studio to studio.  Enjoy!

So why another spot for my studio?  Here’s the story!  I’m still in the same house in Tucson (Spanish/Mediterranean style) where I previously shared my laundry room turned into a craft studio/laundry combination.  Remember the fabulous chandelier?  You can learn more about my previous studio and watch a video here.

It was always on my radar to find a way to turn my sunroom into a craft studio, primarily because it has tremendous natural light.  The mountain (wildlife) and city views are amazing and artistically inspiring.  It’s a very peaceful and spiritually uplifting spot for me.   However, my sunroom had some pretty significant challenges to resolve before transitioning it into a studio.

For starters, it housed a small indoor swimming pool and whirlpool.  It had to be drained, collapsed and a new floor installed.   Our outdoor pool offers plenty of water and warm weather splash time for me!

And what about the Arizona heat in the summer and all that glass?  It would have been nearly impossible to craft most afternoons when the western sun hits.  I had a mini-split heating and cooling unit installed (huge difference), added heat blocking shades on the windows and two ceiling fans.  While I was at it, I added powerful lighting above the island – much needed when I typically get up in the dark at 4:30 a.m. (nutty, I know).

Next, because there are so many windows, I had to deal with a lack of wall space for shelving and cabinets.  I used my one big wall very efficiently by having a custom hutch built that holds my paper, punches, ink and more.   In addition, I designed and had a large island built, with lots of drawer storage, open bookcases on each end and, finally, seating so that I could craft with others.

Stampin’ Up! demonstrator and my dear friend, Brian King, came to visit and I asked him to help me put together a simple video tour of the new space.  It’s just Brian, a cell phone and a very casual walk through with me.  However, I offer lots of tips and insight on how my studio is organized and why.  Please forgive some of the crazy lighting – bright sunshine can be challenging.

Click to shop Stamp-n-Storage Paper Storage Holder options, including 6 x 6, 8 x 8, 8 1/2 x 11 and 12 x 12 storage options: Paper Storage

I use the Paper Sleeves to store my scraps of card stock and Designer Series Paper.  They are available in three sizes:  6 x 6, 8-1/2 x 11, and 12 x 12.

Here are more Stamp-n-Storage products I use to organize my studio and paper crafting supplies:

Punch Storage.  I use the Lock-Down Punch storage.

Ink Pad, Marker, Ink Refill Combination.  Different sizes and configurations to fit your space.

Stampin’ Blends Markers.  Looks so pretty with Stampin’ Blends marker colors displayed and ready to go.

Magnet Pad – the perfectly sized shim with a magnetic bonus for stamping with the Stamparatus.  Watch my video with before and after results using the Stamparatus here!

Magnet Cards.  I use the magnet cards (5 x 7) for neatly storing my Stampin’ Up! dies.

The 5 x 7 magnet cards slip into these Totally Tiffany plastic sleeves (photo below – they are in a drawer with an expandable divider on the right).  I label the index tabs using a label maker.  The plastic sleeves with index tabs may be purchased here.  They have been on backorder so you may need to get on the Totally Tiffany waiting list for them.  Tiffany told me recently they should be back in stock soon.

PLEASE NOTE:  I receive a small affiliate fee when you use my Stamp-n-Storage shopping links. However, I can’t say enough about how these quality products help me stay organized and highly recommend them.

WHAT HAPPENED TO my previous craft studio?  It’s now a lovely butler’s pantry (just off the kitchen) and perfect for drinks and appetizers when I have guests.  I have plans to build shelves below where my desk was (below the window) and add an under-counter refrigerator!  Could the grapes and pears of the chandelier fit any better into this new theme?