My Craft Space - June 2020 Update

Good morning

I'm just popping by this morning to let you know that I've updated my 'My Craft Space' page.

You can find the update by clicking, here, or on the tab above.

I originally shared my 'new' craft space three years ago and although my limited space doesn't allow much to change, I've added a few things and moved things around to work better for me.  I've also spent the last few weeks going through my whole stash and tidying it up.  I need to go through all my stamps and purge some but for the moment they are all in order where they should be.

Thanks for looking and have a great day, whatever you're doing.  I'm now off to work but remaining in the same chair at home!

My Stencil Organisation

Hi guys

I thought I'd pop by today and share with you how I store my stencils. 

I've had them in a ring binder for a while, which is where they still live, but I wasn't happy with the internal organisation.

For about a year I've just had them in normal A4 punched pockets but it wasn't a good use of space.  After being on the lookout for ages I managed to find some A4 photo sleeves which were divided into two pockets.

I trimmed down some copier paper to slip into each pocket...

And I can now store at least four stencils in each sleeve, either side of the paper insert, as opposed to only two previously.  And I  have labels on the outside of each pocket with the manufacturer and design name.

Stencils measuring 7" by 4 1/2", such as those by STAMPlorations fit happily...

My Dutch Doobadoo stencils measuring 8 1/4" x 6" fit snugly, only protruding very slightly above the pockets...

Any 6" x 6" such as My Favorite Things and Altenew can be housed in here too, only protruding very slightly out the top...

I have a few smaller stencils, these are from GlitzCraft and these fit nicely side by side...

The sets of mini stencils by Tim Holtz I've got stored together in their own pocket, and they only overlap very slightly...

Just the taller Tim Holtz stencils I have stored in standard punched pockets, two side by side as they are too long to store horizontally...

And here's the cute binder I use to store them (Bramble Wood range from W H Smith, here in the UK).  I bought a few binders from the same range a while ago (not sure if they are still available).  I'm also in the process of creating some swatches, which will also be stored in one of these but using coin pockets.

As I don't have a proper craft 'room' I don't have enough shelf or drawer space to store mine so this binder fits nicely in the cupboard within my desk.  I also have all my stencils catalogued using Evernote online software, and they are organised alphabetically in the binder by manufacturer, so super easy to find what I need.

So there you have it.  I hope this might give you some ideas if you're looking for a way to store your stencils.

Bye for now :)

Introducing My New Craft Space!

Hi lovelies

As some of you will remember, about a month ago I shared some photos of the space I was planning to use as my new creative space.

Well, after some decorating, building of furniture and a really good sort out of my stash I can now share it with you.

I've decided to add all the details to a page rather than a post so I can update it as and when I need to.  So, for my happy page please click here or follow the tab above.

Here's a sneaky peek of my new workstation!

Thanks for popping by!

Watch this Craft Space!

Hi there

As many of you know, I currently craft on the table in my lounge.  I live in a one bedroom flat so don't have a spare room I can use.

Firstly, this isn't ideal as my lounge always looks a mess, and two, most of my stash is in a cupboard in my hallway (erm, and also in random drawers and hiding places!) so I'm constantly backwards and forwards grabbing what I need.  I leave the things I use a lot on my table but it's really beginning to frustrate me that my living space is cluttered and that I have to eat meals from a tray on my lap!

So, I've been having a think about what I can do.  I'm lucky that I live in a converted flat which is the upstairs of the original house so my hall is the original landing which is a good size.  And before I had my new kitchen installed I had the doorway into my kitchen relocated so that I could better utilise the hall space.  So, I've made the decision to move all my crafting to the hall.

Here are some photos of what it looks like at the moment and the space I plan to use...

The kitchen door used to be behind the little drawer unit so by relocating the door opening I've created a usable corner.

This drawer unit will go and be replaced with a desk/workstation and narrow chest of drawers.
The dents in the carpet are from my clothes airer.  That will have to be done elsewhere in the future!

Better view of my craft cupboard.  My lounge where I craft is through the door next to the kitchen.

Reverse view of the hall from the kitchen so you can see how close the desk will be to my existing cupboard...Yay!!!
The closed door is my bedroom and the little visitor who came to say hello is my little furbaby, Mr Murph!

So there you have it.  I've placed an order from Ikea for the desk and drawers and also placed an order elsewhere for a floor protector for my chair.  Ikea is a 200 mile round trip from here so instead I'm having it delivered when I have a week off work next month. Cream carpet is far from ideal but, unfortunately, I don't have the funds to replace the carpet so will just have to be careful with the Brushos!

The only downside to this space is not having a window close to the desk, so although it can be quite bright on a sunny day I'll need to be using a lamp the majority of the time.  A little sacrifice though I think for getting my lounge back!

So all that's left to do is decorate this section of the hall in preparation and buy a half-decent screwdriver!

I'll keep you posted.  Happy Sunday everyone! :)