if i were artsy cool this would be called my studio...

...but instead it is called my craft room.

(Enter "before" photo equivalent to the slouching, overweight, ratty haired, pasty white and always frowning person in the make over show)

This is my room before.  I loved the room but seemed like every time I started a simple project, it was a disaster. Even when I cleaned it, it was a little cluttered for my taste.  

(Enter "after" photo equivalent to the always smiling, skinny, tan, confident, happy person on the makeover show)

And this is my room now.  This is the room where I go and I am suddenly not tired anymore. This is where hours pass like minutes.  Really, I love it in here that much.

It took me a few months to get it just right.  I measured and moved and labeled and moved again and I finally got it to work. There are still a few places that bug me.  But I can accept that.

I was inspired by my survivor of a woman, talented as an artist, sister in law's studio and her large bulletin board she had hanging on her wall.  But, they are expensive.  Even if you are lucky enough to find them at a thrift store.  So, google helped me out and told me to go get a sound board from the hardware store.  It was only $8.  It left a trail of little particles so I found a table cloth at Ross and covered it.  It was too dark so I added the orange (my favorite color right now).  I tacked some ribbon on there to cover the seams and it works well to hold stuff.  

The table was our kitchen table all of our apartment living days.  

My ribbons.

They are so happy all in the same place and displayed now.  Much easier to grab what I need.

I got the racks for $5 each when Zims went out of business , the buckets at some Roberts outlet store over 5 years ago in Provo for 50 cents each.  Finally using them.

My dad helped me go get the peg board from Lowe's.  It was only $4.  Must have been because of the weird maple color.  But I used the back, so it didn't matter.

The art is by Kathryn Knudsen, she was one of my many art genius room mates in college.  I got  it a while ago and have been nervous about displaying it wrong.  Had to get over that.  Well, kind of, if you look close, you can see it is help up by the non committal person's adhesive, magnets.

 

The bookshelf, drawers, and the magazine holders are from IKEA.  Have had those drawers ever since we lived in Chicago.  Once upon a time, those held almost ALL of my stuff.  I would like to be one of those people that likes vintage, cool, mismatch-y, bright, colorful, stuff.  When other people do it, I love it.  When I do it, it looks messy.  Instead I am drawn toward structure, straight lines and balance.  Maybe to balance out my chaotic lifestyle.  

The little table is for my kids but usually just gives me more work space.  You know I am short when I am totally comfortable working at that table.  Like, when I want to be close to my ribbons.  I told you I love them.  

  

The tall shelf was from my sister.  It was a regular book shelf and I turned some of the shelves to turn it into a wrapping paper apartment building of sorts.  They like it there, right next to the ribbons.

The whole re-do was motivated by those big shelves.  $30 each from when Steve and Barry's closed.  I wanted to put them side by side and make a huge work space but this room is actually quite small and wouldn't cooperate.  Ended up stacking them instead.  I looked forever for boxes that fit perfectly.  I have had the metal IKEA ones ever since our apartment days.  Used them in the kitchen.  I loved the way the looked so I got a billion more.  Best friend was so nice to pick them up for me on her way up.  

Knocked/sawed/smashed out two shelves and my 12 by 12 paper stash fit vertically.  Just perfect.  I decided that storing paper vertically is the way to go.  Doesn't mess up the whole pile when you need just one.  

The red chair/step stool used to be white.  Previous owner of this house left it.  It was gross.  After a bunch of spray paint, it isn't gross anymore.  People that feel comfortable at the kid table because their feet actually reach the ground need one of these chairs to reach things.  I use it all the time.  Also provides a little more work space when I need it.

I don't like the space right next to my table.  Still working on it.  Until then, it houses my sewing maching, hand me down serger, and other stuff.  I like to have the TV on when I make stuff.  Just do.  

    

Made this pin cushion caddy last week.  Thought it would help me be a more efficient sewer person.  Got Anna Marie Horner's book from the library and thought I could handle this project.  Hers is all smooth and beautiful.  My looks a little shriveled and confused.  Just pretend like I meant to do it, right?  

Wow.  I wrote a lot.  Know why?  It's because I am in this room.  See?  Time flies in here...