A Much-Needed Studio Space

Yesterday, I cleared out a spare bedroom.  I’m claiming it for myself.

I’ve wanted a dedicated studio space for years, but I felt like I was being greedy.  Now that we are empty nesters and have the extra space, I’m going for it!

I spent some time looking online for inspiration.

There are some really fantastic craft spaces out there, but it was important that I create a unique space suited to my needs, aesthetics, and values.

My space needed to be clean, organized, purposeful, and earth-friendly.

The only new item I needed to purchase for my space was a work surface.  I ordered a simple, rectangular, counter-height table in a dark walnut finish. Its dimensions are 36” high x 38 “wide x 6 “long. It will arrive in about five days. I plan to put it right in the middle of the room, allowing plenty of space to walk around it.

 I started by clearing out the room, touching up the neutral beige walls, and vacuuming. 

My mother’s antique sewing machine was the first piece I put in place.  

It serves primarily as inspiration but also has small drawers to store often-used notions, such as a tape measure, seam ripper, hand-sewing needles, etc.

 Next in is a blanket ladder with quilts and a basket for scraps.

A favorite quote sign and my essential oils.  

The first wall is complete!

On to the second wall!  With my mother’s antique sewing machine already in place under the window, I just needed to add a few of my favorite things!

Accessories included a 100-year-old collection of children’s stories, a plant, an antique clock, another favorite quote - this time printed on a pillow, some retro wooden crates, and some vintage kitchen tins. 

This vignette is cute and functional!  Not only are the wooden crates and vintage tins adorable, but they also work well for organizing notions and fabric bundles.

My vintage dressmaker’s form anchors the corner.

The 2nd wall is complete!

With my dress form already in the corner, I added yet another letter tray.  

This one contains a mishmash of favorite trinkets and crystals.  

My mother had this little guy in a shadow box for years.  I just love him!  His only purpose in this room is to remind me of my mother and make me smile. 

Next, I added this mini vintage chalkboard.  I’ll use it to write down needed supplies or project ideas.

Anchoring the other corner of the wall is a vintage wash stand I picked up at the thrift store for $35 a few years back.  I store all of my jewelry-making supplies in it.

I placed a vintage scale, two stuffed toys, a plant, my first-ever quilt, and his and hers hats on it.

Why?  No reason.  I just like this stuff - as good a reason as any.

The third wall is done.

For the fourth and final wall, I placed an antique cigar form, a vintage paintbrush, a couple of wood and metal numbers, a wire basket holding a cool album cover, and my coveted antique wooden farm ladder. 

Fourth and final wall...done? 

Well, at least with what is visible in the room.

So, what’s hidden away in the closet?

A MESS!  A very well-organized mess, but a mess nonetheless.

This was the space I previously used to sew and organize ALL of my supplies.  It works well, with everything an arm’s length away.

The wrap-around storage shelves in this closet are ideal for craft supplies.  They are shallow enough that things don’t get lost behind other stuff, and the vertical spacing is sufficient for baskets and boxes.  

I can pack a whole lot of stuff in here.

You’ll see I use very few plastic containers.  In fact, I only have one in all of this storage.

Instead, I used natural baskets, vintage suitcases, cigar boxes, tins, and many repurposed options.

You should find a space for crafting or creating for yourself.  It’s essential to surround yourself with things that bring you joy and inspire you.  There are many Pinterest boards with ideas for how to set up an ideal craft space, but 

do it your way.

UPDATE: A few days after this posting, my work table arrived.  The setup went quickly, and I’m thrilled about the selection.

The tabletop has plenty of workspace, so I can keep my supplies nearby!

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All photos by Paulette Rodriguez