Craft Room Organization
My craft room and how it came to be –
My husband and I just moved into our new home at the end of September. We moved from a home we had lived in for 15 years. I have never lived more than 6 years anywhere before – so you can only imagine the stuff that we accumulated – it was completely mind boggling…..anyway, I am off the subject, as usual.
I have been crafting since I was 7. I used to knit clothes for my barbies, crochet my string (literally) bikini’s (and of course put lining in strategic areas – wink wink), knit afghans and I made ALL my own clothes. When I lived at my mom’s I used her sewing room.
Then I had my own home with a sewing machine in the guest room. Then I had a sewing room in the basement of a 150 year old house (did I mention that I had mice!). I have always had sewing rooms. I was a big time quilter at one time as well. And then, about 4 years ago I discovered the magic of paper crafting and I was HOOKED. I love love love cutting out all the little pieces, stamping and coloring. Water colors, crayons, pencils, alcohol markers…..I had NO idea all this was out there waiting for me.
Craft Room Organization and Tour video is above
A few organizational ideas for you…I own many of these 🙂
I turned my sewing room into a craft room.
In our last home, I had sewing and knitting on one side and paper crafting on the other. If you have done any card making or paper crafting at all, you know there are a lot of bits and pieces that need to be organized. So, my hunt for ‘craft room organization’ began. I am a Virgo and organization is my complete jam! I had an island made – the biggest island I could have made to fit my space. It was (and still is) amazing.
When we decided to move I knew I wanted a beautiful, spacious, organized craft room. I definitely wanted craft room organization. I scoured Pinterest, Youtube and Instagram for ideas. I had so many pinned boards it wasn’t funny (and keeping track of it all was a job in itself). We hired an architect and I tried to explain to her what I needed and that an extra 6” was a big deal to me – at the time she had no idea what I was trying to accomplish (she has seen my organized room and craft supplies and now gets it!) We designed the whole upstairs of our new house around my craft room. I initially did not want to be upstairs because I am older and steps might give me trouble some day – so we put in an elevator shaft…..just in case.
I took inventory of all my stuff – and man, is there a lot of stuff!
I measured, counted, made spread sheets. I looked at my motions – what did I use most often, because I wanted those things closest to me. I also tried to plan ahead for any new products out there. You know, like – paper, stamps, dies, alcohol inks, nuvo drops, sequins and beads. Did I mention paper, stamps and ink – oh my!
I came to the conclusion that I have 2 different hobbies – crafting and collecting craft supplies 🙂 I had to decide where to put my sewing machine. Did I need ALL that yarn? What about all that fabric? I decided to put my sewing machine in a separate area since I don’t sew as much anymore. I donated the fabric to a local quilt group who makes quilts for cancer patients. I have not given the yarn away, yet.
I finally decided on my craft room layout and craft supply organization.
I decided on what look I was going for and went to work. I sketched everything out on graph paper and made sure it all fit. I moved stuff (on paper) about a million times. Since I already owned the island and awesome paper and ink storage from Stamp N Storage I designed around them. Stamp N Storage also made the ribbon holder and a custom paper holder for me. I also hired a woman who helped Jennifer McGuire design her craft room. She was helpful with my recessed lighting, shelving and gave me quite a few things to think about…..adding to my list of ideas. There are so many craft room organization ideas out there it was difficult for me tho hone into my ONE craft room organization style.
I made a list of all my craft supplies. I counted everything. I made sure that everything worked. I did not want to spend time and money organizing craft supplies that did not work! I also looked at other areas for craft storage – I had a few under utilized closets. I move my sewing machine, thread and sewing supplies to one of these closets. I moved my packaging (boxes, ribbon & bows, paper shred, tags, etc to another closet. I wanted to keep all the craft supplies that I used most often in my craft room.
I needed to find homes for: Washi tape, mini ink pads, full size ink pads, Distress inks (including Distress Oxide Inks), 12 x 12 paper, cardstock, 6 x 6 paper, sequins, beads, gems, embossing powders, perfect pearls, stamp sets, die cuts, stencils, embossing folders, label makers and tape, die cut machines, heat guns, yarn, essential oils for bath salts, labels, packaging and boxes, Cricut Maker, Easy Press x 3, vinyl, gift wrapping supplies, watercolors, watercolor paper, Yupo paper, alcohol inks, alcohol ink applicators, felt, markers, paint pens, Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers, Distress Markers….I could go on and on. Craft Supplies can be endless. Same with you too?
The room is 16 x 20. The aisles are 42” wide on the long sides – much wider at the ends of the island.
I have included a PDF of most everything that is in the room. If I forgot anything and you want to know what it is let me know. If I have the answer I will let you know.
I have a FREE Resource Guide for you. Grab it right HERE (no sign up required)
A few other craft room posts you might like:
- Cardstock and Envelope Organization
- Stamp Sets and Die Cut Organization
- Swatching Your Ink Pads + Ink Swatch Downloads
- How to Inventory All Your Craft Supplies
A few craft room organization ideas for you –
I LOVE my craft room. It is my happy place. I love to create. But, the best part for me is the opportunity to create and give it away – I love to give my stuff away! I hope you enjoy my room……come and craft with me. Don’t forget to watch the ‘Craft Room Organization and Tour’ video above. Hopefully this will give you a few craft room organization ideas. Nothing like a neat and clean craft room. Right?!
If you have any questions or comments contact me. I will try and answer them in a timely manner.
GO ON AND PIN FOR LATER: CRAFT ROOM ORGANIZATION
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Amazing space!!! That view is heavenly!!!! Congratulations!!!
Thanks so much – I do love my space! I am so very sorry it has taken me this long to reply to you. My comment notifier was on the fritz (is that even a word!)
Wow! What an awesome and inspiring place to craft! Everything looks beautiful 😍
Oh Jane where were you when I was starting my craft room. I love every aspect of your beautiful room TFS. You did your homework
Thanks Kathy. I love my space. I am so very sorry it has taken me this long to reply to you. My comment notifier was on the fritz (is that even a word!)
Hi Jane!
This is so beautiful! I am glad you have your happy place.
If you still have your yarn I can give it to Elizabeth who makes use of all “scraps” to make lap robes fornurding home patients, jesses mom makes hats scarves and mittens for homeless, and Alpharetta senior citizens has a weekly group that knits etc fir charity. They do lots like baby hats, blankets for premeies. Prayer blankets for Ill. Etc.
maybe going to Macon in a couple of weeks. Let’s get together.
Hi Annette – unfortunately my yarn is ‘fancy’ yarn. Silks, sequins, wools etc. Not good for blankets. And yes, lets get together!
I am so very sorry it has taken me this long to reply to you. My comment notifier was on the fritz (is that even a word!)
Did I already tell you that the yarn is silk and wool – not great for homeless!?
Wow!! I love your room! I’m glad I saw this before I created mine! I hope to use some of your ideas! In the video you mention the place you got your Washi tape organizer…is Storage N More an online store?
they are Organize More – sorry about that
https://www.organizemore.com
Awesome room! Love the big island and the sliding drawers inside the cabinet!
Thanks Tiffani – I think those drawers are my favorite part!
If you downloaded my PDF there is a correction. The mini ink trays come from Organize More – sorry about that!
Jane, saw your video courtesy of Stamp N Storage – wow! You have a lot of cool stuff I never even thought to use as a crafter! Like you, I started as a quilter and fell in love with paper crafts (and for similar reasons – you can make something faster). I too will be moving in a few years and your room is the best example of what I want to do so far! I wanted to incorporate a sitting area and TV, and you showed a great way to do that. Only one suggestion I’d like to make, and that is to please find a way to store your ink pads flat, not on edge! The ink does migrate, and you might find some of the will dry out (or even leak) on one edge. Otherwise, amazing ideas, and I’m so grateful for your tour!
Thanks for the advice Peg.
That is an awesome and inspiring craft room!! I am in the midst of putting together my craft area but on a super tight budget. I need to come up with a way to store ribbon that takes little space, maybe a wall hanging shelf or similar? Any ideas?
IKEA has some picture shelves that might work. There is a free resource PDF in my blog post. About half way down. Click the button.
What a fabulous Craft Room! Thanks for sharing all your wonderful storage ideas! It’s always fun to peek into someone else’s Craft Space.
Thanks so much Robin. I am so very sorry it has taken me this long to reply to you. My comment notifier was on the fritz (is that even a word!)
Hello, just saw your craft room tour! Fabulous!!!!! Incredibly inspiring!
I will be a regular viewer. I also craft and collect,( collecting IS half the fun!!!!)
Keep sharing , keep sending good vibes! Thank you so much. You have been the bright spot in my day.
Looking forward to more.
Dawn
Thanks Dawn.
What a dream come true room! Just beautiful! What are the boxes you store your finished individual cards in? Thank you so much for sharing everything with us!
Hi Kristen. There is a free resource PDF in my blog post. About half way down. Click the button.
I know you and I can become best friends!! Absolutely beautiful stamping room. Thanks so much for sharing. I will look forward to your posts.
Come and craft with me!
I just watched your video of your craft room over on the Stamp N Storage site and all I can say is WOW! You have everything and a place for everything. The things you make are beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing space.
Thanks so much Virginia! I am so very sorry it has taken me this long to reply to you. My comment notifier was on the fritz (is that even a word!)
Loved your video and thanks for the tour. Can you please tell me more about the white ‘CD holders’ that you used for your Die dividers?
Sharon Chesney
Hi Sharon. There is a free resource PDF in my blog post. About half way down. Click the button.
They are actually DVD dividers. To add to that….they come from Square Deal on Amazon.
WOW! Will you please adopt me. 🤣 What a beautiful craft room it would be so nice to create in this remarkable room. Thank you so much for inspiring me to get my room organized. It’s a smaller room but your ideas will surely be a great source. Continue to enjoy your room.
Come and craft with me! I am so very sorry it has taken me this long to reply to you. My comment notifier was on the fritz (is that even a word!)
I am SOOOOOOO jealous. Hubby did just fine filming and you did awesome showing us all your goodies. Thank you so much for sharing. Now just have to motivate my other half to getting the building part. 😀
Thanks. I will let him know he did good!
your room is amazing. How large is this room to start with? 12×12? Love how you combined so many different shelving systems, store bought and built.
It is 16×20
Jane, you are my spirit animal
Hi Valeria – are you a cat too?
What an amazing craft room! I am very jealous and wish I had a room that big. Thank you for sharing your space with us.
Hi Terry – maybe you can use 2 rooms? Or 1 with a big closet? I am so very sorry it has taken me this long to reply to you. My comment notifier was on the fritz (is that even a word!)
Love, love, love!!!
Hey there lady. Bring the girls. Let’s get our craft on!
Jane – love your space! You have made the most of every inch. Do you recall where you purchased the containers that hold the cards you’ve made and haven’t yet sent (they look like clear acrylic)? Thanks.
Hi Barbara. There is a free PDF with all the resources listed. Go to the middle of the post and hit the button.
Jane, Your space is amazing! Where do you store machines (Big Shot, paper trimmers, Misti, scoring board, etc.)? We have several things in common–Jennifer McGuire, Stampin n Storage and organization skills. I’d love an estimate of the time it took you to inventory your stamp sets & dies, also embossing folders and other non-consumables!!?? Oh! I have so many more compliments and questions! For now, Thanks for sharing your beautiful and functional craft room. I look forward to your blog!
Hi Stephanie. I keep 1 die cut machine on my island. I have another that is on my wire shelves. My scan n cut (which I don’t use much because it hardly ever cuts correctly) is in those shelves too. My misti is in a drawer behind me. My trimmers and scorer are behind me in the counter. But, truth be told, my room is NEVER neat. Usually everything is out and there is 1” of paper on the floor. I cleaned for the video. Hahaha
I am green with envy. This is the most amazing, beautiful space I’ve ever seen. Your organization is mind blowing. Something I want, but don’t seem to have the time to do. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Joni – I totally get not having the time. But, when I realize I spend more time searching for something then I realize I need to get organized! I am so very sorry it has taken me this long to reply to you. My comment notifier was on the fritz (is that even a word!)
Your room is amazing. Thanks so much for sharing. I was wondering where you found your acrylic drawers your envelopes and cards etc are in. They are great. Thanks again. Take care ❤️
Hi Sandy. There is a free PDF on my blog with all the resources listed.
Loved your video and your room is exquisite. You are one busy lady!!!! I have one question – What is the size of the CD Dividers that you use and where do you buy them?
Hi Mary Kay. There is a free resource PDF on the post. About 1/2 way down. Check that out
To add to that….they come from Square Deal on Amazon.
AHHH, I love your new craft room!! It’s so beautiful! We’ll be moving in a couple years, and I’m already dreaming about my new craft room. It’ll be quite similar to yours.
Hi Holly – have fun planning your room! I am so very sorry it has taken me this long to reply to you. My comment notifier was on the fritz (is that even a word!)
Jane, great craft room! Love the cat too. We have much in common regarding our supply stash. I’ve been collecting this stuff for over 20 years. It is a challenge to organize and you have done a marvelous job. What type of a scan n cut do you have? I just bought the new DX225 about a month ago because my Silhouette cameo wouldn’t cut anything without wrecking the project. I have cut dozens of intricate stencils with this new machine with amazing detail and accuracy. Perhaps we could chat and get your machine back in the saddle again.
Thanks Toni – it wasn’t scanning so I cleaned the glass on the bottom -and it scans now!!!
so happy
Can you tell me where you bought the wire mesh drawers. I love everything about your room.
Hi Donna. There is a free resource PDF in the post. Click on that and you will have everything you need. PositivelyJane.net
You mentioned on your video that you store all of your information regarding your stamps in Evernote. Since many stamps have multiple themes/phrases, did you have to type in every stamp (very time consuming if you own quite a few!), or could you just scan in a picture of them & evernote figures it out? Trying to organize/find stamps when you own a lot of them is a problem!
Hi Joan. I typed in each and every one. It was tedious but I am so glad I did cause I can then search for sentiments and find them!
Hey Joan – I just completed an Evernote Tutorial video – I will post it next week – don’t miss is!
Your craft room is absolutely fabulous, Jane, and I envy your space. My room is half the size and I still do quilting besides my card making. I do have a lot fewer products than you , even though I’ve been at it twice as long, and that’s mainly out of lack of space (and income) but I do try to keep it all well organized. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much. Since I planned this so welll…I have to limit my purchases to – not a bad idea really! I am so very sorry it has taken me this long to reply to you. My comment notifier was on the fritz (is that even a word!)
Thank you for sharing SO much detail about your new gorgeous room! We are actually currently building our dream home and are basically having the same dimensions for my craft room! I’m SO excited and now have so many ideas to share with our designer. You did a fantastic job!
Thanks Trisha – how did your room turn out?
Your room is absolutely amazing. So organized. I have bought different sized cabinets, china cabinets, etc. to put in my craft room but I do agree that having uniformity is an absolutely great idea. There’s more room for storage if the drawers are uniform. Thank you so much for sharing and for igniting the crafting/stamping passion once again.
Marietta
Thanks Marietta. I had different sized for years. They work too! I am so very sorry it has taken me this long to reply to you. My comment notifier was on the fritz (is that even a word!)
yOU ARE SO INSPIRING! I AM 70 AND RECIENTLY HAD TO MOVE TO A FIRST FLOOR APARTMENT A LOT OF DOWNSIZING AND TO TOP IT OFF, I HAVE BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL 3 TIMES SINCE NOV. 2ND … THE DAY I MOVED! Thanks to my 2 lovely daughters who helped so very much, we got moved. Since I have 2 bedrooms, one is ( of course) my crafting room half for quilt making and half for cardmaking!. It is indeed a challenge that I am still working on and making a lot of progress. Thanks for stampers like you and Patty, I have been able to get lots of organization ideas and things are beginning to come together. Thanks to all of you . Camy
Thanks Camy – happy crafting. Who ever said we would be too old? I worry the my hands might get too tired to do things – but, in the meantime…..I am off and running. Enjoy your room
Jane
Beautiful room,, Is your islandcustom built? Are they kitchen cabinets?
Hi Jennifer. I had a local closet company make the island per my specifications – mostly the size of the room.
Your craft room is beautiful! Thanks for sharing it! You’ve given me some great ideas for my future craft room.
I am so happy I gave you great ideas. And, I apologize for the late response.
Simply gorgeous!
Thanks Michelle!
Wow!!! Absolutely breathtaking! Love how everything has a place and a holder!! I love the paper swatch idea. Since you have the swatches, I assume you get all your card stock from the same place. Where do you order from? I usually just run to Hobby Lobby but it’s kind of a pain to pull them out and count and look at each piece. Would you Please share a link? I love the big things but especially all the little details & love the binders-I kinda do that! I try to keep my stuff organized but I definitely need a room. I had a bedroom which was so nice but then I had a baby so had to give it up lol! Considering either adding on a room or a she shed! It may be a few years. I have 2 large desks in my room which my fiancé has been trying to get me to get rid of for years but I tell him that he will be gone before my desks lol! Holding on to them for the bigger & better plan! When I’m ready, I will definitely be looking back at this! Thankyou so much for sharing!
Hi Traci – I’m glad you like my room. When I had little ones I had a desk in spare room. I saved and saved for my retirement craft room.
I get my card stock from Simon Says Stamp, Lawn Fawn, Gina K Designs and My Favorite Things. I have a few links –
1st – shopping cart page is in the side bar of the post – it looks like a shopping cart. It will take you to all my fave vendors including the ones above.
2nd – I have a post about organizing cardstock – https://www.positivelyjane.net/blog/cardstock-and-envelope-organization
I also have 1 for stamps & dies: https://www.positivelyjane.net/blog/stamp-sets-and-die-cut-organization
And 1 for ink organization with a free swatch download for 25 companies: https://www.positivelyjane.net/blog/swatching-your-ink-pads
Enjoy – have fun!
And ink organization with free downloads to 25 vendors –
Your room is stunning and inspirational! Where do you get the natural wood pull out drawers that are inside of the IKEA cabinets?
Hi Courtney – I get them from OrganizeMore – love them!
Wow, I can tell you spent days, weeks, months pouring over your craft space. Love it you did a wonderful job. I love your island, it’s one of my favorite things about your room. Can you please tell me how tall, wide and long it is. You are truly blessed to have this. I can tell that you truly love it. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your space.
Thanks Bren – and yes…months. In fact, I am going to take that information and make a course so stay tuned. My island is 6×9. And I love it.
Hi Jane, love your setup!! Came across your video when searching for storage ideas. Can you please let me know what the clear drawers are that you store your ready made cards in please? Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Thanks so much. There is a PDF download if you want to check out everything in the room. Those drawers come from the Container Store. They are called ‘Clear Stackable Sweater Drawer.’
Where did you get your island? I have back problems and must stand to do my artwork. An island would be perfect! Did you just use a cabinet shop or is it custom made? We are not very handy people around here!! Your space is amazing!
Hi – My island was custom made. It is 34″ high. Not quite counter height but not table either. I sit on bar stools unless I am doing a bunch of coloring…then I sit in a chair. I had a closet company make it for me and I LOVE it. After a card making session…it is filled with stuff.
I am getting ready to move to a bigger space and I love your room. Your organisation is perfection. I love to give stuff away too. And I really liked the little box idea – I’ll be borrowing that. THank you for the tour, it was wonderful to see a room that gets worked in. Claire x
Thanks so much Claire. Enjoy YOUR bigger space!
How big is your room? It’s very nice! I will be moving, and want to make the most of my space. I’m a quilter. The room will be 11.5’ x 12.5’.
Hi. My room sis about 16×20. Your room is a great size. My island is big…and really does not have to be so big at all
Jane,
I just came across your youtube post about your craft room. Amazing. Do you still have the PDF available?
Thanks so much. Head over to this post…you can grab the download there.
https://positivelyjane.net/blog/craft-room-organization-and-tour/
Jane,
I thoroughly enjoyed watching your video of your craft room!! We are getting ready to move at the end of the month, and I get to recreate another craft room…I’ve only moved twice and I fall in love with each craft room I set up and am always so sad to part! But after watching your video, I’m all excited for my 3rd (and hopefully last) craft room! I’ve jotted down several ideas! I can relate to your Complete Set Syndrome too and giggled all throughout watching….LOL
Thanks so much! Maybe you will love this new craft room so much you never want to move… that is kinda where I am right now. My husband never said anything about full set syndrome either!
I am working on designing mine and REALLY want an island… I would love to see those designs on graph paper pretty please 🙂
I am so sorry. I no longer have my designs on paper. You can figure out your own room on paper. Make sure your aisles are at least 36″ wide
I am in the process of turning a 13×13 room into my craft room. My kitchen island countertop is being replaced and the old one (36″x60″) is going to be in my new craft room and I’m really struggling with what height to put it at. I’m leaning at counter height, but I think I’ll miss my big comfy desk chair if I swap it for bar stools. Do you have any thoughts/advice?
I absolutely love your room and I’ll be using a lot of your ideas when I create mine! I can’t wait! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks. I love my room too. I do have a Craft Room Organization Guide that might help you. I outline all the steps that I took. https://positivelyjane.net/craft-room-organization-2
My island is 33″ high. I find it the perfect height for coloring in a desk chair, standing and doing things. Bar stools fit under it. I am 5’7″ if that helps.
Have fun!
Can you help me with a link (or product name) to find the plastic sleeves and magnetic sheets you use for your die storage? I would also love to know the brand of magnetic bowls you use to help find your dies and store while creating. Thank you! Your craft room is beautiful and I enjoyed your video.
Hi. The magnetic sheets are from Home Depot – they are register covers 🙂
The sleeves are Avery Elle Stamp and die storage pockets. I use mostly the large. You can get them on Simon Says Stamp or Amazon. Happy crafting!