Studio Spiff Up

Whenever things get too messy in here, I avoid my projects.  I've also noticed how poorly lit this corner gets after dark.  Wanting to be as resourceful as possible, I looked at the mess and the items that are still getting unpacked from the move to figure out how to make this a place I'll want to spend time in.

I cleared everything off the desk except for the machine and temporarily placed it on another work surface.  I brought back the chalkboards to use as a display area.  I've got the feeling they'll be full of  little drawings in the coming weeks.  The wooden box was thrifted by my MIL and will hold the straight and safety pins that I use for quilting.  The nesting bowls from Anthropologie were just rediscovered last night and match this space so well, they've been enlisted to hold the misc. spools of thread from other projects.
 
I cleared off the crib-turned-inspiration board and hung a painted pink frame and one of my art journal pages.  Hanging things from random nails allows me to change up my space without ruining my wall with too many holes.  It is yet another interpretation of the standard cork board.
A print from Swallowfield hangs on a clipboard until I can find the perfect frame.

I've got wire baskets everywhere!  This basket was mismatched so I decided to spray paint it white, flip it over and introduce it to the light fixture.  The fixture used to accompany a paper lantern in a previous studio and together they create a sweet lighting solution that cost me about $3. 

Clearing out and organizing a space usually helps unclutter my mind and make room for creativity to breathe.  Keeping a creative space fresh with visual images and inspiring colors helps stimulate new ideas and keeps me from getting in a rut.

Space Making Tips:

 * Thrift it.  The cheapest way to renovate your space is to reuse what you already have.  If you're still stuck, visit your local thrift store or flea market to find something with potential.  All you need is something with good structure and a nice shape that won't give you black mold or fall to pieces in transit.  Give a good cleaning or go so far as to paint it to make it fit with your decor.

* Update. Don't be afraid to change up your inspo wires or cork boards often.  Keep a file folder of images that you aren't ready to toss into the recycling bin as well as images you want to put up at the start of a new season.

* Edit your space.  Do you really need 100 little individual containers or should you whittle it down to five or six really organized ones? 

* Repurpose.  Bell jars have been used for holding buttons, safety pins, markers, ribbon, etc.  Why not stick a few on a shelf and admire your collections.  Use a vintage tin to store your paint brushes or a pretty planter to hold your awkward tools.

* Utilize your wall space for storage.  Painted pegboard can be used to hang cutting tools and writing utensils.  Nail an aluminum tray to your wall and use magnetic hooks to gather images or keep your measuring tape close. 

* Pass it on.  If you haven't been moved to use a certain product in months and feel as though it is only taking up space, donate it to charity or your local high school art class. 

An organized space is a happy space.

~Rachel

Comments

[Claire]

I love the colors in your space! (And hello, I'm a lurker who loves your alls styles!)

[jari]

miss creative rachel! you always amaze me with all your ideas! thanks so much for sharing... i have a very small space and these are awesome ideas! thanks!

[Andrea]

my grandparents bought a ton of those fans (in your first picture) once upon a time on sale (before I was born) and gave each of their children (my dad and aunts) what our family affectionately call the "blue fans." They are treasured like gold in our family and I am thankful to have snagged one. Mine is clicked on every night before bed, regardless of the temp outside....best sound for sleeping.... period.

[alexandra]

Thanks, Rachel - I loved this post!
I just reno'd (word?) the closet in my studio so it's now a sewing nook of sorts - love all your ideas - will have to incorporate some of them in my space.
And I'm pretty sure the big silver 'A' you're sending me will have a prominent spot in the design!!
Peace and happy creating to you!
A.

[Elsie Flannigan]

seriously!
you are the best.

lovelovelove.

[Grace@PoeticHome]

What fantastic organizational and inspirational ideas!! I love the cheery space and wonderful colors. So amazing Rachel!

[smauge]

Love the Cot/noticeboard!! I only wish I'd thought of that before we gave ours away...

[carrie]

what a lovely space! i have been aching to transform my "junk drawer" office into my own little studio space where i can craft the hours away and have lots of Me time.

my biggest problem is getting organized and that's what's held it all up. these were really great tips on how to do just that!

[Lisa]

I adorable the light fixture. :)

[Charin :)]

You are awesome!! Love it :)

[Tess]

I love the crib idea.

[lizzie]

way cute!!

[heyjenrenee]

great use of the crib rail!!! (brilliant)

[sarahelizabeth]

nice space!!

[Euphoria]

So pretty! Love all the wonderful colors!!

[MsUnreliable]

Loving your work area! I'm currently on the hunt for a cute little sewing machine and trying to sell Mr Unreliable's PC so I can use his desk as my new craft centre! Only time will tell!

[Rachel D.]

helpful post - I need some nifty organization in my life.

[Jenipher]

So So cute! (I know this is a really old post, but i never did get to comment)

I love the clip board idea! And hey! I spy Anthropologie latte bowls in there. :)

[thomassabouk]

From the end of the year, Zhen and I have been busy for the graduation. Others all think that doctors are easy to find a job. If we went to those small hospitals, the salary is so low that we can not afford daily life so I find a pat time work in Thomas Sabo wholesale shopping center.
At the Hangzhou cold winter, we always close, another job to sell Thomas Sabo charm watch, encourage each other: there will be some house, also can have. When spring came, it was good news. In small under the help of the teacher, and a provincial hospital just next to Thomas Sabo discount shop agreed to let him go.