I was recently sent full-sized ink cubes from Concord & 9th (which was totally awesome, by the way, and THANK YOU to Concord & 9th!) and I wanted to expand my ink pad storage to have them at the ready for my next project. I had purchased all the mini cubes when they came out, so having the big pads? Well, you know… all the things, right?
About three weeks ago, I placed an order for a new ink storage unit from Organize More, to match my older shelves.
I also needed more space for the four latest releases of Distress Oxide pads, which did not fit in my current set up!
Initially, I thought I was going to hang it on the wall but we have a very old house and those ancient plaster walls don’t like us to use in those anchor style screws. I decided to film the process and also talk about about a) my space and b) setting up the Distress Spacers with this system, which make it so your pads don’t go too far back on this style of shelf. Here’s my short clip. Please forgive the hair in the middle. I was keeping it read.
Remember, sometimes we just have to work with the space we have. I have a dining room for now. I dream of a custom craft space, but this has served me well since 2003. You can get crafty in any space!
Back in 2006, I had two custom cabinets built: one for my flat paper storage which has since migrated into holding all manner of items. And then other cabinet nestles into a weird space in our house like it was meant to be. Each once cost about $600 at the time. I wish that maker was still offering them, but alas, he retired.
In the video, I show a quick shot of my office and I’ve been asked why don’t I just turn that into my craft room? Two reasons: first, for many years I shared the office with my hubby until I realized that as a woman who works for herself full time, I truly needed my own dedicated office, and second, it’s an incredibly hot room in the summertime, even with our central AC.
I always just separated my work space, the place I do my graphic design work, magazine work and video editing, from where I create things. But I have a dream of changing that in the next few years. We’ll see if it shakes out or not. I will definitely need to add some sort of built-in wall AC unit or my craft supplies might melt.
Although if you saw in the video, I do have one more ink shelf packed with my Simon Says Stamp and Pinkfresh Studio Inks! It currently sits under my desk as I had no way to keep it in the craft/dining room!
Still, I have a place to make and for now, that’s what we work with.
It may be a hot mess, but it’s my hot mess. And I’m grateful to have it!
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Char Myers says
I used to share my craft space with our guest bedroom. About 5 years ago we added on a room for my crafting. What a wonderful day it was when I was able to move in!!
Donna Heesakkers says
You call it a dining room! Where do you eat? You can’t possibly clean all that off every night. I really enjoy watching your videos.
Sheri Kempke says
Great job–I’ve debated about the ink storage, I have a wheeled Alex cart that I store my inks in, my mini’s are in the tins Tim makes in my little tool cart, use those most often. I like to hear about other storage methods. Stay warm Cathy!
Kim Howard says
I loved your video and laughed so many times as I think most of us crafters can empathize with the need to refresh often!
Megan Niergarth says
The concord and 9th colors are just so dreamy. I keep telling myself I don’t *need* more ink pads… we’ll see how long I hold strong 😉
JoAnneRIL says
Hi Cathy, I feel your pain on old walls. Most of the time when I try to hang something the walls crumbs. I’ve lived here 10 1/2 years and haven’t hung pictures except where nails were existing and had been painted over multiple times. I’ve been thinking of moving my craft room from the spare bedroom to the dining room. It’s got so much more light and the only time someone eats there it’s the grandkids on holidays. The rest of us park in the living room. 😊😊
Lynn Duncan says
Where did you get your turntable for your Gemini jr!