| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| FarmDream |
Posted - Aug 12 2011 : 2:10:32 PM
If you're like most people, space comes at a premium. Now I don't live in a 300 square foot New York apartment but with 1350 square feet it's still a little hard to make space work with a husband and a 5 year old.
I've seen pictures of European housing and how other people make things work in small spaces. If you're living in a typical American house then you have one of these, a blank hallway. And if you're not the typical person (me) you think this is a waste of space. Perhaps 30 square feet of wasted space. So here's my story of how I shifted my thinking and created a craft room out of a hallway.
The first thing I did was to paint the entire hallway to give it a fresh look. At the end of the hallway is just over one foot of complete dead space. I took a piece of 2 by 4 (off of Craigslist) and painted it to match the walls. I cut it into pieces and mounted it onto the walls by screwing them into the studs. Later I went to the lumber store (Lowe's) and bought a nice piece of wood that I cut to fit the space and then sanded it and coated with gloss.
Sorry for the sideways picture. This is the final result. Let me take you on a tour.
I found this rack at a yard sale for $2. I mounted it onto the wall and now it stores my tools, twine, and jars with buttons.
Underneath is a narrow width bookcase. It's big enough to store bins with yarn, felt and fabric.
On top are other decorative containers, my knitting needles and crochet hooks, and a Knit-N-Spin (one of my most favorite tools on Planet Earth! You can get one here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/79126173/knit-spinner-australian-lacewood
Along the wall I used one of those outdated wall coat hook things ($1 at a yard sale). It now holds a measuring tape, scissors, ribbon and hoops.
Here we are back at the desk. It's the perfect size for holding my sewing machine. I have plenty of room for most projects, otherwise I can simply move the machine, but I haven't had to do that yet. I also have a small cork board to pin up pictures or ideas, and several places for hanging up other tools of the trade.
Sorry, it's another sideways picture. Underneath the desk is enough room for these storage drawers which I keep patterns in and the 5 year old keeps all of her own crafting supplies which ranges from rocks to broken crayons and dead leaves. One never knows what will be found. In the tackle box is where I keep all my cross stitch supplies. It's a dandy for keeping needles, beads, and the 10,000 different colors of DMC thread.
Above the desk I installed shelves I made from tearing an old book case apart. I painted the shelves to match the walls. I made a ribbon holder from a wooden dowel and hung it on loops of twine. Other things I keep here are scrapbook items, tools, buttons, yarn, feathers, headbands, and fancy paper.
Along the other three walls I installed shelves I painted to match (free wood off Craigslist) above the doorways. I keep books and...sigh...more yarn. It seems to procreate when I'm not looking.
Along the other two walls I keep CD's and VHS tapes that my husband swears we must keep, along with some other knickknacks
Thanks for joining me on my tour. If you're in need of some crafting space, it might just be in your hallway.
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com
http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
| 23 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| marjean |
Posted - Sep 30 2011 : 4:28:56 PM
My dd just organized my crafting area, sewing area and scrapbook area! I'll take pictures and post them soon!
Then she gave her room a make-over! The house hasn't been quiet for over a month now and my nerves are just about to take a vacation!!!
And, this weekend my dh is putting in a new bathroom cabinet, counter top and faucet in my bathroom. I am so excited and frantic at the same time.
Farmgirl sister #308
handmade cards, vintage organizer bags and more at www.jeanpatchbymk.etsy.com
http://jeanpatch.blogspot.com
www.fullerdirect.com
id#0920150
www.watkinsonline.com/rjaramillo
www.sunshinefarmgirlcoop.com |
| hummingbirdjoy |
Posted - Sep 30 2011 : 12:37:22 PM
What an amazing job you did with limited space! You're inspiring
me to re-organize my tiny space that I've carved out for crafting.
Love the excellent idea of the shelves up high to also store items. 
What I make with my
hands, I give with my heart .... |
| Tapestry |
Posted - Sep 17 2011 : 8:12:50 PM
What a fabulous job you did! Great use of wasted space. My house is tiny so you have given me motivation to think vertically and use some wasted space for many of our needs here at home. Thanks for being an inspiration!
Happy farmgirl sister #353
Look for rainbows instead of mud puddles
http://www.Tapestry2u.Etsy.com
http://tapestrysimaginings.blogspot.com/ |
| buggysmum |
Posted - Sep 17 2011 : 3:01:14 PM
Great inspiration for the craft nook I'm planning in my basement! |
| Acelady02 |
Posted - Sep 01 2011 : 9:03:18 PM
Wow that looks great...
(((((Hugs All)))))Penny
Farmgirl Sister #3343
God gives Miracles to those who Believe, Courage to those with Faith, Hope to those who Dream, Love to those who Accept, & Forgiveness to those who Ask... |
| lanikyea |
Posted - Sep 01 2011 : 8:06:26 PM
Fantastic!
"If you stumble make it part of your dance" |
| Oggie |
Posted - Aug 28 2011 : 09:33:57 AM
What a fantastic job you did! I think it's time for me to downsize and start using space that holds "collections" since I couldn't care less about the "collections". Then maybe I'd have a guest room when my daughter and family come for a visit! I'm too old to be moving furniture around all the time! Thanks for sharing and more importantly, thanks for the MOTIVATION!
Ginny
Farmgirl #2343
www.thedewhopinn.com
"I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whomever I'm with."
"Well, I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, Doctor, and I'm happy to state I finally won out over it." Both by Elwood P. Dowd (Jimmy Stewart) in the Movie Harvey
|
| Beverley |
Posted - Aug 25 2011 : 3:50:33 PM
Wow what a wonderful job!!!! really neat ideas and I love the pics so we could all be included in!!! thanks so much!!!!
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett
Beverley with an extra E...
https://sites.google.com/site/bevsdoggies/
http://bevsdoggies.blogspot.com/ |
| SRhea |
Posted - Aug 22 2011 : 11:51:45 AM
I love it!!! I am also in the process of turning a small room into a craft room & you have given me some really good ideas. |
| cynfullypurple |
Posted - Aug 22 2011 : 08:50:36 AM
Absolutely FABULOUS!!! I'm in the process of redoing and creating a craft space, so I will definitely be borrowing some of your ideas I also use old canning jars to store this and that. I got a whole box full for $2.00 at a yard sale!! I love the idea for holding your ribbons!
Cyn~
Farmgirl #2817
"The time is when a library is a school, and the librarian is in the highest sense a teacher, and the visitor is a reader among the books as a workman among his tools." ~Melvil Dewey
|
| CurlysQuilts |
Posted - Aug 15 2011 : 11:34:51 AM
Love it! I just moved my creative space as well! I love all your repurposing and creative ideas. Very farmgirlish!
Curly's Quilts
www.curlysquilts.etsy.com
I am a recyclin, cloth-diapering, home grown, hand sewn kinda farmgirl! |
| HealingTouch |
Posted - Aug 14 2011 : 1:59:27 PM
Cute and very creative. That's a True Farmgirl~Repurposing!!!!
Be Blessed,
Darlene
Sister 1922
God first, everything else after!
When Satan's knocking at your door, just say "Jesus will you get that for me?"
|
| classygram |
Posted - Aug 14 2011 : 07:14:37 AM
You go girl, what a wonderful situp. And having it all right there handy to use. You did a great job.
http:///www.scatteredlittleblessings.blogspot.com
Seek reasons to Love..In every sigment of everyday-look for something that brings forth within you a feeling of Love-Abraham Hicks |
| walkinwalkoutcattle |
Posted - Aug 14 2011 : 05:08:25 AM
Wow! That is an incredible use of space! You should definitely be proud of yourself! :)
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
|
| antoinette |
Posted - Aug 13 2011 : 8:11:13 PM
Wonderful work area, I just wish I had an area in my house of wasted space. Not
here every spare corner has something in it. |
| embchicken |
Posted - Aug 13 2011 : 11:45:25 AM
Wow - that is inspirational! Makes me look at the "wasted" space around here with new eyes.
~ Elaine
Farmgirl sister #2822
"Find yourself a cup of tea; the teapot is behind you. Now tell me about hundreds of things." ~Saki
http://embchicken.blogspot.com
http://gusandtrudy.blogspot.com
http://embchicken-thechubbychicken.blogspot.com |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Aug 13 2011 : 05:44:51 AM
What a wonderful transformation of space!! It is just perfect for all of your crafting needs. You really did a great job of re-purposing items to keep the cost down and make it efficient. A true inspiration to us all!! Thanks for sharing and enjoy your new space.
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl |
| Sharon Denise |
Posted - Aug 12 2011 : 5:43:59 PM
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!! And thank you so much for including the directions and pictures of "before."
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning."
~Louis L'Amour |
| farmmilkmama |
Posted - Aug 12 2011 : 5:09:44 PM
Nice way to use space! Great ideas. :) You are pretty handy there, farmgirl!
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Farmgirl Sister #1086
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com
www.thehmmmschoolingmom.blogspot.com |
| thethankfulgoat |
Posted - Aug 12 2011 : 3:38:43 PM
This is a beautiful and practical use of space. I have always looked at foyers as usless wasted space. The next house we build will not have a foyer. I have an art studio that has multiplied all over my bedroom. I am going to use some of your hints and get to work making that a useful space.
Dawn Mathews
www.prettyfarm.blogspot.com |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Aug 12 2011 : 3:15:00 PM
THAT is AWESOME!!! Congratulations on a job well done! Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy! :)
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
www.papercraftingwithnini.myctmh.com
|
| sonshine4u |
Posted - Aug 12 2011 : 2:56:31 PM
Wow! You're handy with your drill and paint brush! Way to use every bit of extra space!
Playing in the Sonshine
|
| karla |
Posted - Aug 12 2011 : 2:44:12 PM
Wow! What great ideas!!! I live in an old school house & have less room so maybe I can use some of these ideas!! Thanks!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
http://rua2j-grammysheirlooms.blogspot.com/
http://farmmade.com/index.php?option=com_ixxocart&Itemid=9&p=catalog&mode=vendor&parent=0&mid=0&search_in=all&search_str=&vid=88&pg=a |
