When I was in highschool, my English teacher was Sister Michelle. To discuss papers, one had to go to the convent. When she opened the door, she always said ”‘Will you step into my parlour?’ said the spider to the fly.” She was quoting this poem, but it was still a bit creepy. My basement craft space, which I refer to as “The Craft Dungeon” reminds me of Sister Michelle and her words.
It’s the most secluded space in my parent’s house and I don’t really enjoy being there. The truth is, I usually craft as fast as I can and then leave the place a mess, because staying down there the extra ten to fifteen minutes to clean it up, isn’t worth it. But then I never want to craft there because it’s so messy! It’s a Catch 22.
I’m not getting another crafting space anytime soon and I realize that I’m lucky to have a crafting space at all, especially one as big as what I’ve got. Since one of my resolutions for this year is to continue to strengthen my creative muscles, I need to embrace this space, and make it somewhere I want to be. So my goal is to reorganize, brighten, and personalize this space by the end of January.
This is going to be a big, big, task. I don’t think these photos do the space justice. It is a disgusting mess; I am a hoarder of craft supplies. I’ve been known to set out to clean the space and really end up crafting instead.
Some concrete things I want to do to improve the Craft Dungeon:1. Take down my highschool paintings. 2. Create a coffee can organizer shelf for my yarn. 3. Clean/ cover the nasty desk. 4. Move/ throw out the nasty white leather love seat no one ever sits on. 5. Create an Inspiration Board. 6.Make bundting to brighten the room, but change out as I please. 7. Throw away old stuff, so I can make more storage space. 8. Use containers to store things 9. Designate a place for my computer. 10. Create a space specifically for photographing things. 11. Make/buy a black board to list what I’m currently working on. 12. Designate a spot for the sewing machine to stay at all times. 13. Petition to remove the cat’s litter box from the basement.
I’m sure I’ll think of more things I want to do as I go. It’s really bad guys! It stifles my creativity instead of sparking it, and that’s got to change. I want everything to have a place and a purpose. I don’t want to have to dig out something (like the sewing machine) in order to use it. If it’s easily accessible, it’s more likely to be used. One of the other things that has to happen is I’ve got to stop buying craft supplies and use what I have because seriously, I have boxes and bags and drawers full of stuff.
I’m hoping to work on it A LOT this weekend, and over the next week so maybe I’ll have some “after” pictures by next Friday. I’m not making any promises though. It’s bad.
Anyone have any craft-space inspiration to send my way? Any advise on making a finished basement with absolutely NO natural light, feel light and airy? I can use all the help I can get.
Not to sound like a broken record about Pinterest, but there are SO many good ideas on the site. I just found a really cool way to store ribbon. Check it out!
Ooo maybe you could do something like this for your desk? http://www.abeachcottage.com/2011/02/good-life-wednesdays-a-desk-makeover-beach-cottage-before-after.html
I love that idea. I definitely need to cover the desk in something. Have you seen all my new pins on pinterest?
An organized crafting space/storage just makes creating easier. I so wish I could pop over and help, I love sorting and organizing! Can’t wait to see the progress!
I so wish you could help too Shellbs! That would be awesome. If you and I did it, it would be so amazing, I’d never want to leave.
haha i feel motivated just reading what you have to do! i cant say i like cleaning but you i like the feeling of accomplishment when its done. good luck. you can do it!
Since you have an “ugly” desk and have issues with cleaning up after a craft – here is my idea for you:
Get a large roll of butcher paper and afix it to the desk at one end so that it rolls across the desk. Imagine a set up similar to a physician’s office and the exam table.
Keep the desk free of all storage items and you’ll beable to craft away with just the items you need. Once the craft is done, you put away all supplies, tear off the “messy” paper and you’re ready to start with new, clean paper.
Keeps the space looking neat, hides the “ugly” desk, and encourages quick clean up – not to mention a clean, empty space just inviting you to create!!
This is definitely an awesome idea. I was thinking about how to cover up the ugly craft table. This could be the perfect solution. Thanks!
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Buy more lights, use the vacuum cleaner once in a while. Recycle all the recyclables, you have enough other projects to work on AND the cat box stays!!! Remember your dungeon is the kitty prison for Boop!
no natural light is rough. JUST yesterday i took pictures of my messy office/craftspace and today i started organizing the closet.
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Just found you on Freshly Pressed
Maybe try daylight bulbs to help with the natural light problem? I’d love a big space to craft, but I’d never want to go down there if the sun was shining 
Fairy lights could be fun, especially if you customised them. And having the sewing machine out on a table definitely makes me more likely to sew. Storage that’s easy to access and ideally somehow open or transparent so you can see your supplies helps you remember what you have and can be inspirational.
I did some work on it already, but I have a lot more fixes that are needed. Perhaps I’ll put up some tea lights.
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