If you follow my blog (I’d love it if you would!), you know that last year I converted an old in-laws quarters in our backyard into, what I affectionately call, The Craft Cottage. It’s 240 sq. ft. of pure crafty goodness! It was a major ordeal that included tons of white paint, removing a ceramic floor, and some not-so-fun plumbing issues. Once the major stuff got handled, I began the ever-challenging task of organizing The Craft Cottage and while I’ve made some headway, I don’t think I’ll ever be truly done. Here are some of the organizational ideas that have helped in the last year!
Don’t forget to check out more great craft rooms below!
This post contains affiliate links. The small percentage I may earn off your purchase comes at no extra cost to you and helps T&T continue to offer free printables and tutorials!
The main difference in my craft room is the addition of open shelves along the back wall. It took a while to find something that was 1. large enough and 2. cheap enough for my needs (and my checkbook!) I knew that none of the supplies I needed to organize on the shelves were going to be especially heavy so I went with an inexpensive set of 25 cubbies from Sprout. I think it’s actually meant to be used in a kid’s room so the bookshelf is kinda flimsy but since I’m only using it to organize craft materials, the compact size totally works for me. To fully utilize this blank wall space, I place the entire Sprout bookshelf on top of two 6 Cube Organizers from Target. This added some height and extra storage…win/win!
Of course, after I assembled and set up the bookshelves, I realized that I needed some sort of basket option that would fit inside the cubes. The Target organizer would be easy to find baskets for (gotta love their matching baskets!) but the smaller cubbies in the Sprout shelf were quite difficult to find the perfect fitting basket for. Target to the rescue again! For the last 5 months, I’ve been stalking the dollar section for these inexpensive baskets that fit perfectly. They were usually $3 each but since I could only find a few at a time, dropping 15 bucks here and there was no problem.
I’ve gradually been filling the baskets with supplies that I use often or that I couldn’t find a better place for. Finding somewhere to organze my craft paint (Love DecoArt!) has really been a challenge. The “baby crib method” (second to last picture in my previous Craft Cottage post) I used originally was an absolute disaster since it was impossibly heavy to move and the paint bottles were constantly falling. I’m not sure if I’m absolutely sold on storing paint in these baskets but at least they’re not rolling around on the floor.
The lower section of shelves is used for storing supplies needed for future projects. If you’re a craft blogger that works with companies or even a hobby crafter that loves to start multiple projects at once, I couldn’t suggest this method of organization more! Each basket is a different project tutorial that I need to write so when the supplies arrive for that craft, I immediately put them into the appropriate basket. No more “Crap. Where did I leave that _____?!” moments to stress me out!
The lower cubicles are still being filled but for now they house the awesome vinyl from Expressions Vinyl. I’ve got them split up between Heat Transfer Vinyl and Outdoor Vinyl so that I can easily see what colors I need to order for future projects. You can check out all my cutting machine/vinyl projects here!
The last bit of organizing doesn’t really apply to everyone but again, if you’re a blogger, having one is priceless! Here’s what the blank wall above the small sofa I have in the corner use to look like:
And here it is now! Ok, I admit, it’s not much to look at but behind this simple panel of plywood lies a secret…
Fold down staging site for photographs!!! Seriously. I am so freaking excited about this! It’s perfect for lighting and setting up photographs with different backgrounds and props. Since I usually work with small projects, it’s perfectly sized for my needs. Plus, it still looks super cute when folded up! I’ll post the full tutorial for making a Fold-Down Staging Site of your own next week.
Hope you enjoyed seeing some of my organizational ideas for a craft room. Don’t forget to check out all the other craft room ideas I have here!
Want to check out more great craft rooms?
You’re going to love the spaces some of my favorite bloggers put together!
Amy says
I love your fold down photo backdrop, so clever. Fun being on this blog hop with you!
Tauni says
Love it! I love the wire baskets you used so you can see all of your supplies.
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks so much for organizing the hop! See you in April!
Michelle from Weekend Craft says
Vanessa you just blew my mind with this fold down photo studio….. I need one asap. Waiting anxiously for that post. The cottage looks great. I am almost finished with my craft studio. Looking at this is getting me excited to share it!
Gentle Joy Homemaker says
Some great ideas! Thank you. 🙂
Vanessa Brady says
Thank you!
Sam @ A Happy Home In Holland says
I can never resist taking a peek at other people’s craft rooms. I love how you have organised everything in the wire baskets. I must say I am a bit envious because my craft room is more of a craft corner lol.
Vanessa Brady says
I love looking at other’s craft rooms too! Don’t worry, I was crafting in a corner of my pantry for a realllllly long time. 😀
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond says
You are so organized it looks great! Thanks for sharing with us at #OvertheMoon link Party. I’ve pinned and shared.
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks for the great party!
Kelly @ North Country Nest says
You have done a great job organizing your space; it’s a crafters haven!
Best,
Kelly
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks so much!
Laurie says
Ah, the dream of any crafter! A Craft Cottage . . sigh. I love the organization you have so far. The open wire bins that allow you to actually see what you have is a must! Thanks so much for sharing.
Vanessa Brady says
Thank you!
Barbara says
I really like your Craft Cabin, especially your fold-down photograph station. I am curious. What kind of light do you use for photos? I have been thinking about getting the umbrella type and would like to know if you like it or would opt for something different? Is it a strobe light?
Thank you.
Marie says
Okay, I seriously love everything about your craft space! From the wire baskets to the drop down photography area is absolutely genius! Thanks so much for sharing your gorgeousness with us at Merry Monday this week!
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks so much! I’ve been using the staging station like crazy since my desk is usually such a mess.
Robin says
Your craft room looks so clean and bright, I’d be embarrassed showing you mine after seeing yours. Thank you for sharing at the Creative Muster party. PINNED
Robin | Fluster Buster
Vanessa Brady says
Oh no, you should see what it looks like when I’m not trying to take pictures! We’re creative, not mess, right?! Thanks for visiting!
Julie says
It’s lovely, what a beautiful space.
I am really curious though, what are in law quarters? I’m from the UK and I’m wondering if it’s a transatlantic thing, but I’ve never heard of it! Is it like a shed at the bottom of the garden that your in laws come to live in when they retire? Is it like a guest space for in laws to stay when they visit?
Vanessa Brady says
It’s a smaller house that’s usually not adjoined to the main house for aging parents to use when needed. It’s usually found in older houses but I guess the trend is coming back into favor bc I saw quite a few modern versions on a google search as well.
ShootingStarsMag says
Wow, lucky you! I think most of us would LOVE to have our own craft cottage. I love the pull down photography station. It looks great. 🙂
-Lauren
p.s. I’m here from SitsGirls link up!
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks for the great party!
STEPHANIE ABBOTT says
I’m so jealous of your craft house! Adding to my Pinterest queue. I’d love for you to join our link up To Grandmas House We Go. It opens Tuesday nights around 11pm ET.
http://abbottsathome.com
Vanessa Brady says
Will do, thanks!
Trudy says
Super jealous!! You created my dream area. Computer desk, cutting table, staging area, storage…it’s like you were in my head then made it so much better! Sigh, one of these days. Thank you for showing me it could be done, love it!
Vanessa Brady says
Awh, thanks so much for the sweet post! I totally needed a dedicated staging area since the table is usually such a mess!
Theresa @DearCreatives says
I love your dedicated space! I wish I had one. I think I’d be more efficient. ha! I think the drop down photo space is brilliant. Pinned & sharing. Thanks for joining the Inspiration Spotlight party.
Amanda says
The chevron baskets are cute and I love the folding artwork/photo table!
Dee says
I was wondering if you ever did the tutorial on the drop down staging area. It’s awesome!