Remember that saying about a meal being only as good as the kitchen it's cooked in? The same can be said of virtually any creation-shouldn't the space you work in be just as inspiring as what you make? We definitely think so, and to that end we've put the spotlight on this craft room filled with a mix of vintage finds and modern fundamentals. Whether your projects involve putting paint on canvas, sewing covers for cushions or filling shadow boxes with mementoes, there are enough innovative ideas here to set the imaginative wheels in motion and to galvanize the inner Martha in all of us.
1. First things first: A craft room is not an office, nor a storage room, so find a space that's solely reserved for letting your creative juices flow. Make a list of all the things you'll need to accomplish your tasks, whether it's an easel, a drafting table or a flower press.
2. Decide on a palette that you feel comfortable with, and that isn't overpowering. This room is done in soothing blues and creams, but some bolder and stirring shades, say pinks and reds to keep you moving, might be more your style.
3. Measure carefully, and add some painted shelves and all the hard elements you need-table, lighting, sewing machine, etc. Here, the open shelves are filled with tidy arrangements so that all the essential basics are in full view and readily at hand.
4. Devise a way of hiding any unsightly items. In this room, for example, a charming fabric skirt was hung along the bottom shelves to cover large boxes and awkward shapes. Don't completely disregard the practicality of your space in favour of prettiness, though. Ensure, for instance, that your table is big enough for your purposes (and movable if possible! The table here folds up for easy storage), that you have task lighting as well as overhead lighting, and that your floor is easy to clean and care for.
5. Next, fill the space with favourite things in your chosen palette. Don't underestimate the power of well-worn instruction books to motivate, stacks and rolls of fabrics to inspire, the tactile shapeliness of ceramic bowls to jump-start the imagination, the texture of wicker for a natural touch, and a time-worn radio to play old standards. It's all about setting the mood, and bringing on the memories. The things you love best will soothe and stimulate the mind.
6. Then, go one step further and use those favourite things to organize. From antique ironstone to vintage McCoy, pots can hold pins, buttons, seashells and more. Wicker baskets and fabric-covered boxes hide textile remnants, coloured pencils, and assorted feathers and stones, while tins and terrines make a home for old photographs, paint pots and brushes, spools of thread and lengths of ribbon.
7. Put up a pinboard or visual inspiration area for bits and pieces of ongoing projects. This pinboard is covered with a scrap of treasured velvet fabric in a colourway that complements the room's palette. Other swatches of velvet fabrics and ribbons make their mark on the board beside beloved vintage black and white family photos. Putting these items on display keeps significant ideas top of mind and accomplishments just a thought away.
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1 Comment
Hello, This is great! ~ Gabriela ~