For the next three days, I'm going to take you on a tour of my studio, my crafty space, my safe haven, my little place in the world. This is part one!
I am a lucky, lucky, lucky girl.
We live in a two bedroom/two bathroom apartment. When we moved in, my husband announced that I should take the master bedroom (it's larger, has better light, and an en suite bathroom) as my studio. What a nice guy, right?
Here's a basic shot of this magical room (which never looks this clean in real life, but I recently did some spring cleaning):
It's a rectangle room with a mirrored closet at one end and windows on the other. You can see that I have two desks set up in an "L" configuration. One is a playing desk…
…and one is a working desk.
Let's take a closer look at the playing desk, shall we?
On the right side of the desk is my sewing machine. I try to keep it covered most of the time, because it gets really dusty in here. But, I'm not always good about it. Right above the sewing machine is my collection of thread and ribbon. Since I generally use the thread and ribbon with the sewing machine, it helps me to keep them together.
The large pink mat that's taped to the desk is a huge (2'x3') teflon sheet from Tattered Angels. It's the best work surface in the world. They're a bit expensive, but worth every penny. And can you see my heat gun dangling in the lower right corner of the photo? Here's a close up:
This is the Ranger Heat It Craft Tool and it comes with a little loop on its cord. I use it every single day and I wanted to take advantage of that loop and hang it from my desk. I put a binder clip on the edge of the desk and then twisted up some armature wire to create a hook for it. It goes through both parts of the binder clip because I didn't want the hook to wander. It's very stiff, so it's easy to put the heat gun on and take it off. Genius (if I do say so myself)!
On the top of my desk sit a few important things.
My water jar is a spaghetti sauce jar. Usually it's full of dirty water and ten paintbrushes, but I cleaned it up for the photo. I am proud to say that I have never tipped over my water jar. Because it's heavy glass, it just isn't that wobbly.
A repurposed can full of paintbrushes. That green basket next to it has acrylic blocks, a toilet paper tube, my tiny attacher – often used tools.
I have some tiny drawers that sit on top of my desk creating a backsplash of sorts. They're full of small embellishments arranged by color.
You can see that I label all of the drawers. I think labeling is key to keeping organized. No need to remember where things go, it's all spelled out for you!
On top of the drawer units are some more of my most used products.
Spray bottle of water, black acrylic paint, Fabri-Tac, Gel Medium, Gesso, and acid free tape.
Mini Misters full of homemade Glimmer Mist.
These are the basic tools I use every day — scissors, pens, craft knife, etc. My ATG sits nestled between the two drawer units (it's the bit of red in the photo below).
Above is my paint rag. My one nod towards environmentalism. I would go through a roll of paper towel a day, so I stick to a reusable rag. It makes me feel better about running the air conditioning all summer. Sort of. You can also see a trash can under the desk. I have two trash cans in this room — one under each desk. Easy access ensures that I clean as I go and don't have a huge mess left at the end.
Next to that trash can is a plastic drawer unit full of good stuff like paint and dye and lots and lots of spray ink!
One of the things that I adore about this little plastic drawer unit is that it doesn't tip over when you leave a heavy drawer open. It sounds silly, but that makes a huge difference to me in terms of practicality of use.
Well, that's it for today. We'll explore more of the room tomorrow!
Let me know if you have any questions and thanks for stopping by!
OMG!!!! are you kidding me? What a fantastic space, soooo jealous.
OMG!!!! are you kidding me? What a fantastic space, soooo jealous.
OMG!!!! are you kidding me? What a fantastic space, soooo jealous.
OMG!!!! are you kidding me? What a fantastic space, soooo jealous.
Oh, you have such a nice scrap space! And well-organized! 🙂
Oh, you have such a nice scrap space! And well-organized! 🙂
Oh, you have such a nice scrap space! And well-organized! 🙂
Oh, you have such a nice scrap space! And well-organized! 🙂
Oh my gosh…your husband is spectacular!!! Wow that is a lot of space…I am always taking over any table top space in the house…because I long to be able to leave things in progress. Wowee…I’m drooling now…let me compose myself!
Oh my gosh…your husband is spectacular!!! Wow that is a lot of space…I am always taking over any table top space in the house…because I long to be able to leave things in progress. Wowee…I’m drooling now…let me compose myself!
Oh my gosh…your husband is spectacular!!! Wow that is a lot of space…I am always taking over any table top space in the house…because I long to be able to leave things in progress. Wowee…I’m drooling now…let me compose myself!
Oh my gosh…your husband is spectacular!!! Wow that is a lot of space…I am always taking over any table top space in the house…because I long to be able to leave things in progress. Wowee…I’m drooling now…let me compose myself!
You ARE a lucky lucky lucky girl, indeed!!! It’s amazing!!!!!!
You ARE a lucky lucky lucky girl, indeed!!! It’s amazing!!!!!!
You ARE a lucky lucky lucky girl, indeed!!! It’s amazing!!!!!!
You ARE a lucky lucky lucky girl, indeed!!! It’s amazing!!!!!!
That is very cool! You have some good ideas too. I like the reusable rag, I may have to ditch my paper towels for one myself. Is this your full time job? Just curious, I still work full time but would love to have this be my full time job one day. Great room, great husband! Happy Spring!
That is very cool! You have some good ideas too. I like the reusable rag, I may have to ditch my paper towels for one myself. Is this your full time job? Just curious, I still work full time but would love to have this be my full time job one day. Great room, great husband! Happy Spring!
That is very cool! You have some good ideas too. I like the reusable rag, I may have to ditch my paper towels for one myself. Is this your full time job? Just curious, I still work full time but would love to have this be my full time job one day. Great room, great husband! Happy Spring!
That is very cool! You have some good ideas too. I like the reusable rag, I may have to ditch my paper towels for one myself. Is this your full time job? Just curious, I still work full time but would love to have this be my full time job one day. Great room, great husband! Happy Spring!
I am officially jelous
I am officially jelous
I am officially jelous
I am officially jelous
What a fun post Julie, thanks for sharing such a great space full of creative tools! And the light’s fabulous!
What a fun post Julie, thanks for sharing such a great space full of creative tools! And the light’s fabulous!
What a fun post Julie, thanks for sharing such a great space full of creative tools! And the light’s fabulous!
What a fun post Julie, thanks for sharing such a great space full of creative tools! And the light’s fabulous!
Julie –
Wonderful studio – do you want to come to my house and help me clean up my space?! I have my son’s old bedroom, fairly large, two closets (no doors). But I have so much on the floor and my tables that I get overwhelmed and walk out everytime I try to organize! It is such a mess. I’m not far – I’m in upstate NY, near West Point – LOL! Just saying – you know, in case you are ever bored one day and have nothing to do :o)
Elaine Allen
Julie –
Wonderful studio – do you want to come to my house and help me clean up my space?! I have my son’s old bedroom, fairly large, two closets (no doors). But I have so much on the floor and my tables that I get overwhelmed and walk out everytime I try to organize! It is such a mess. I’m not far – I’m in upstate NY, near West Point – LOL! Just saying – you know, in case you are ever bored one day and have nothing to do :o)
Elaine Allen
Julie –
Wonderful studio – do you want to come to my house and help me clean up my space?! I have my son’s old bedroom, fairly large, two closets (no doors). But I have so much on the floor and my tables that I get overwhelmed and walk out everytime I try to organize! It is such a mess. I’m not far – I’m in upstate NY, near West Point – LOL! Just saying – you know, in case you are ever bored one day and have nothing to do :o)
Elaine Allen
Julie –
Wonderful studio – do you want to come to my house and help me clean up my space?! I have my son’s old bedroom, fairly large, two closets (no doors). But I have so much on the floor and my tables that I get overwhelmed and walk out everytime I try to organize! It is such a mess. I’m not far – I’m in upstate NY, near West Point – LOL! Just saying – you know, in case you are ever bored one day and have nothing to do :o)
Elaine Allen
wow. (jaw hanging open) No wonder you create such wonderfulness!! Besides your mad talent of course!
wow. (jaw hanging open) No wonder you create such wonderfulness!! Besides your mad talent of course!
wow. (jaw hanging open) No wonder you create such wonderfulness!! Besides your mad talent of course!
wow. (jaw hanging open) No wonder you create such wonderfulness!! Besides your mad talent of course!
Love that the heat gun is so easy to store and find. Awesome area to scrap and I swear that you bring at least half of that to crops with you Julie!
Love that the heat gun is so easy to store and find. Awesome area to scrap and I swear that you bring at least half of that to crops with you Julie!
Love that the heat gun is so easy to store and find. Awesome area to scrap and I swear that you bring at least half of that to crops with you Julie!
Love that the heat gun is so easy to store and find. Awesome area to scrap and I swear that you bring at least half of that to crops with you Julie!
You are one lucky lady! Love your studio. I am soooooo jealous. I have to share my area with the kids : (
It’s great when my almost 3 year old wants to craft with me but not so great when my 12 month old tries to get into everything. One can only wish.
You are one lucky lady! Love your studio. I am soooooo jealous. I have to share my area with the kids : (
It’s great when my almost 3 year old wants to craft with me but not so great when my 12 month old tries to get into everything. One can only wish.
You are one lucky lady! Love your studio. I am soooooo jealous. I have to share my area with the kids : (
It’s great when my almost 3 year old wants to craft with me but not so great when my 12 month old tries to get into everything. One can only wish.
You are one lucky lady! Love your studio. I am soooooo jealous. I have to share my area with the kids : (
It’s great when my almost 3 year old wants to craft with me but not so great when my 12 month old tries to get into everything. One can only wish.
What a great husband you have to let you have the master bedroom for your craft room! What a fab room! Can’t wait to see the rest.
What a great husband you have to let you have the master bedroom for your craft room! What a fab room! Can’t wait to see the rest.
What a great husband you have to let you have the master bedroom for your craft room! What a fab room! Can’t wait to see the rest.
What a great husband you have to let you have the master bedroom for your craft room! What a fab room! Can’t wait to see the rest.
OK, so I’m totally jealous! You have so much stuff to play with… and you’re not even a store owner! I dream of having that space some day :o)
OK, so I’m totally jealous! You have so much stuff to play with… and you’re not even a store owner! I dream of having that space some day :o)
OK, so I’m totally jealous! You have so much stuff to play with… and you’re not even a store owner! I dream of having that space some day :o)
OK, so I’m totally jealous! You have so much stuff to play with… and you’re not even a store owner! I dream of having that space some day :o)
I officially hate you now. Okay, not really, but what an amazing space. I want!
I officially hate you now. Okay, not really, but what an amazing space. I want!
I officially hate you now. Okay, not really, but what an amazing space. I want!
I officially hate you now. Okay, not really, but what an amazing space. I want!
Loved this post, Julie. What a great idea to share your studio with us. My response is “OMG!!!” and “Wow!!”. And yes, your husband is truly a very generous person (but we knew that from previous posts).
Loved this post, Julie. What a great idea to share your studio with us. My response is “OMG!!!” and “Wow!!”. And yes, your husband is truly a very generous person (but we knew that from previous posts).
Loved this post, Julie. What a great idea to share your studio with us. My response is “OMG!!!” and “Wow!!”. And yes, your husband is truly a very generous person (but we knew that from previous posts).
Loved this post, Julie. What a great idea to share your studio with us. My response is “OMG!!!” and “Wow!!”. And yes, your husband is truly a very generous person (but we knew that from previous posts).
Oh great space! I love your heat gun hanging device it is GENUIS! I’m still wondering- what is the toilet paper roll for?
Thanks for sharing a peek into your room with us.
Oh great space! I love your heat gun hanging device it is GENUIS! I’m still wondering- what is the toilet paper roll for?
Thanks for sharing a peek into your room with us.
Oh great space! I love your heat gun hanging device it is GENUIS! I’m still wondering- what is the toilet paper roll for?
Thanks for sharing a peek into your room with us.
Oh great space! I love your heat gun hanging device it is GENUIS! I’m still wondering- what is the toilet paper roll for?
Thanks for sharing a peek into your room with us.
Totally amazing!!! You are very lucky indeed. How about sharing more of your tips and tricks on getting organized and staying that way like the labels. I am constantly searching for something I know I bought last week!!! 🙂
Totally amazing!!! You are very lucky indeed. How about sharing more of your tips and tricks on getting organized and staying that way like the labels. I am constantly searching for something I know I bought last week!!! 🙂
Totally amazing!!! You are very lucky indeed. How about sharing more of your tips and tricks on getting organized and staying that way like the labels. I am constantly searching for something I know I bought last week!!! 🙂
Totally amazing!!! You are very lucky indeed. How about sharing more of your tips and tricks on getting organized and staying that way like the labels. I am constantly searching for something I know I bought last week!!! 🙂
Awesome studio! I love it, and I wish I had one like yours! My scrapbooking studio, so far, is under my bed. That’s right. While I am still new to scrapping, I am quickly accumulating lots of paper, embellishments, etc., and I don’t have anywhere to put this great stuff. So, it’s all under my bed. Whew! I quickly have to figure out a solution. Thanks for sharing your studio!
Damiane Lucas
Awesome studio! I love it, and I wish I had one like yours! My scrapbooking studio, so far, is under my bed. That’s right. While I am still new to scrapping, I am quickly accumulating lots of paper, embellishments, etc., and I don’t have anywhere to put this great stuff. So, it’s all under my bed. Whew! I quickly have to figure out a solution. Thanks for sharing your studio!
Damiane Lucas
Awesome studio! I love it, and I wish I had one like yours! My scrapbooking studio, so far, is under my bed. That’s right. While I am still new to scrapping, I am quickly accumulating lots of paper, embellishments, etc., and I don’t have anywhere to put this great stuff. So, it’s all under my bed. Whew! I quickly have to figure out a solution. Thanks for sharing your studio!
Damiane Lucas
Awesome studio! I love it, and I wish I had one like yours! My scrapbooking studio, so far, is under my bed. That’s right. While I am still new to scrapping, I am quickly accumulating lots of paper, embellishments, etc., and I don’t have anywhere to put this great stuff. So, it’s all under my bed. Whew! I quickly have to figure out a solution. Thanks for sharing your studio!
Damiane Lucas
What a great space so creative!! SO full of ideas and great functions!
What a great space so creative!! SO full of ideas and great functions!
What a great space so creative!! SO full of ideas and great functions!
What a great space so creative!! SO full of ideas and great functions!
your husband’s awesome to let you
have the master bedroom for a studio XD
lovely and inspiring! I can’t wait to
have my home so I can have a studio ;D
your husband’s awesome to let you
have the master bedroom for a studio XD
lovely and inspiring! I can’t wait to
have my home so I can have a studio ;D
your husband’s awesome to let you
have the master bedroom for a studio XD
lovely and inspiring! I can’t wait to
have my home so I can have a studio ;D
your husband’s awesome to let you
have the master bedroom for a studio XD
lovely and inspiring! I can’t wait to
have my home so I can have a studio ;D
The binder clips to hold your heat gun and paint rag are pure genius. I love your tour of a real working art space. No fancy glossy mag photos here. Can’t wait to see the rest.
The binder clips to hold your heat gun and paint rag are pure genius. I love your tour of a real working art space. No fancy glossy mag photos here. Can’t wait to see the rest.
The binder clips to hold your heat gun and paint rag are pure genius. I love your tour of a real working art space. No fancy glossy mag photos here. Can’t wait to see the rest.
The binder clips to hold your heat gun and paint rag are pure genius. I love your tour of a real working art space. No fancy glossy mag photos here. Can’t wait to see the rest.
YAY…….I am sooooo glad you finally posted pics of the new space since you moved. I wonder about your new space everytime I come to your blog…lol. I would love to spend the day in that space…make that a week….seriously fun, you lucky girl!!!
YAY…….I am sooooo glad you finally posted pics of the new space since you moved. I wonder about your new space everytime I come to your blog…lol. I would love to spend the day in that space…make that a week….seriously fun, you lucky girl!!!
YAY…….I am sooooo glad you finally posted pics of the new space since you moved. I wonder about your new space everytime I come to your blog…lol. I would love to spend the day in that space…make that a week….seriously fun, you lucky girl!!!
YAY…….I am sooooo glad you finally posted pics of the new space since you moved. I wonder about your new space everytime I come to your blog…lol. I would love to spend the day in that space…make that a week….seriously fun, you lucky girl!!!
What a fantastic space. And how great to see all those supplies, ready to be turned into art!
What a fantastic space. And how great to see all those supplies, ready to be turned into art!
What a fantastic space. And how great to see all those supplies, ready to be turned into art!
What a fantastic space. And how great to see all those supplies, ready to be turned into art!
i’m so fortunate to have seen this in person and i’m obsessed with your set up… i miss you! i want to come play again… 🙂
i’m so fortunate to have seen this in person and i’m obsessed with your set up… i miss you! i want to come play again… 🙂
i’m so fortunate to have seen this in person and i’m obsessed with your set up… i miss you! i want to come play again… 🙂
i’m so fortunate to have seen this in person and i’m obsessed with your set up… i miss you! i want to come play again… 🙂
thanks for the organization tips . you have totally inspired me to get my room “organizided” today it still needs work but over time it will get done. we have similar supplies minus the sewing stuff but your desk looks like mine now and I didn’t even see the photos yet so yay and thanks for being an inspiration to me!!!
thanks for the organization tips . you have totally inspired me to get my room “organizided” today it still needs work but over time it will get done. we have similar supplies minus the sewing stuff but your desk looks like mine now and I didn’t even see the photos yet so yay and thanks for being an inspiration to me!!!
thanks for the organization tips . you have totally inspired me to get my room “organizided” today it still needs work but over time it will get done. we have similar supplies minus the sewing stuff but your desk looks like mine now and I didn’t even see the photos yet so yay and thanks for being an inspiration to me!!!
thanks for the organization tips . you have totally inspired me to get my room “organizided” today it still needs work but over time it will get done. we have similar supplies minus the sewing stuff but your desk looks like mine now and I didn’t even see the photos yet so yay and thanks for being an inspiration to me!!!
Excellent loved the blog post well done.
Excellent loved the blog post well done.
Excellent loved the blog post well done.
Excellent loved the blog post well done.
very inspiring
very inspiring
very inspiring
very inspiring
Having lived in Manhattan and had a daughter that went to PACE, I can really appreciate that every square inch of space is a premium. Awesome job of organizing, and the husband sounds like a real keeper.
Having lived in Manhattan and had a daughter that went to PACE, I can really appreciate that every square inch of space is a premium. Awesome job of organizing, and the husband sounds like a real keeper.
Having lived in Manhattan and had a daughter that went to PACE, I can really appreciate that every square inch of space is a premium. Awesome job of organizing, and the husband sounds like a real keeper.
Having lived in Manhattan and had a daughter that went to PACE, I can really appreciate that every square inch of space is a premium. Awesome job of organizing, and the husband sounds like a real keeper.
Thanks for sharing your space! One thing: what does “ATG” stand for?
Thanks for sharing your space! One thing: what does “ATG” stand for?
Thanks for sharing your space! One thing: what does “ATG” stand for?
Thanks for sharing your space! One thing: what does “ATG” stand for?
Wow what a great space and in Manhattan no less. I’m looking for the gel pens you use on the show. Can you help by telling me the brand name? Thanks – I’m going to Part Two now – jealous for sure. Do you work in any other job other than your unbelievably talented creative life? N
Wow what a great space and in Manhattan no less. I’m looking for the gel pens you use on the show. Can you help by telling me the brand name? Thanks – I’m going to Part Two now – jealous for sure. Do you work in any other job other than your unbelievably talented creative life? N
Wow what a great space and in Manhattan no less. I’m looking for the gel pens you use on the show. Can you help by telling me the brand name? Thanks – I’m going to Part Two now – jealous for sure. Do you work in any other job other than your unbelievably talented creative life? N
Wow what a great space and in Manhattan no less. I’m looking for the gel pens you use on the show. Can you help by telling me the brand name? Thanks – I’m going to Part Two now – jealous for sure. Do you work in any other job other than your unbelievably talented creative life? N
Hi,
What a fantastic space. And how great to see all those supplies, ready to be turned into art!
Hi,
What a fantastic space. And how great to see all those supplies, ready to be turned into art!
Hi,
What a fantastic space. And how great to see all those supplies, ready to be turned into art!
Hi,
What a fantastic space. And how great to see all those supplies, ready to be turned into art!