6.23.2008

Our Work Spaces

As you know, I worked on organizing my craft area last week. And this weekend, my husband organized our office. So, I thought I would share our miniscule compact and efficient work spaces. 

 
I made this sewing machine cover last week, and I was feeling so good about myself as I clicked away on my camera, so that I could show you the step-by-step. Then I tried fitting (squeezing) it over the machine... I guess that teaches me to not think more highly of my sewing skills than I ought. After growling at the fabric (did you know that it helps, to growl?), I ripped it down the center, and added the ruffled strip of pink. Though it wasn't intentional, I think it actually looks cuter that way. Oh, and notice the blue colander? That is my catch-all bowl - I got the idea for this use from Christy at Bon Bon Boutique.


Glass jars make junk look cute, no?


I have highlighted a couple of other storage units that my husband has made us here and here. This unit was another custom design. We worked together to come up with the shelving layout, and then I watched him work in the garage as he built it (my job is to provide a steady supply of Gatorade). 

The large storage boxes on top are from Target (on clearance, of course), and I added the ribbon to tie it in with the rest of the space. They are currently storing fabric scraps. 
 

And finally, our "office." Formerly a coat closet...


My husband installed the shelving (the shelves actually go higher than the picture shows; at least we have a tall "office"), and wired it so it has lights, phone and electric outlets, and stores our wireless modem. Can you believe at one point we actually housed a desk-top computer in there as well? Luckily we now have laptops, so we don't have to cram our legs in there anymore! 


We all know that necessity breeds creativity. It forces you to rethink your resources, and utilize what you do have in the most effective way. How do you work with tight areas? Do you have a small space that you have been able to squeeze every inch out of? I would love to see your miniscule compact and efficient spaces! Email me (kristin@graceviolet.com) your pictures or links, and I will dedicate a post to showing just how creative you are with your space. 
  

25 comments:

Andrea said...

Kristin, I love how you make your storage items so pretty! Your space is very cute - even if it's not the size you wish. Having a cute space can make crafting so much more enjoyable! :)

Jenny said...

I love your craft area. You've made it so cute. We have two rooms in our very old house that I think originally were sleeping porches. They're both upstairs, very small, and have the narrowest doorways. I made one into my little sitting/reading room but the doorway was so narrow the only chair I could get threw it was one from Target that came in a box and I had to assemble it in the room :o)

Kristi~The Slipcover Girl said...

I LOVE your cute, organized space. Pink & Green are my fav's! I love how you used the coat closet for an office space...I've been thinking of doing something similar.

Alison Gibbs said...

Kirstin your work spaces look fabulous and so organised
Alison

Tiffany said...

I am working on just this sort of planning for my house. We have a pretty small place and we're trying to adopt so things will get a little tighter. I'll be looking for more creative ways to keep it all together. Your craft area looks great!

Threeundertwo said...

I'm completely jealous of your cute sewing space. I have a corner of the garage.

Sara said...

LOVE your sewing space! I love how you paid attention to how it looks and goes together, and not just to function. I have a small bedroom as my studio, and I've had to be very organized & creative in order to fit all my sewing & crafting supplies in there. But, I haven't as much paid attention to the character of the space ... I definitely need to work on that.

Krista said...

Hey girl! Okay, those storage containers are cute . . . esp., with your added touch of ribbon! Oh, and I LOVE your new sewing machine cover! Give those precious girls a big hug for me!!

Joy said...

Oh my gosh... I love your room.. and adore the shelf.. I was hoping you were going to tell me where you got it at so I could get one.... whaaaa... can your sweetie make me one too? *grin*

Nicole said...

I love the sewing machine cover, it's so cute. Wow, you did an awesome job. I love how colorful everything is. I can't believe your hubby did the organizing.

Tamara said...

Hi Kristin, I love your custom made shelving - what a great husband!

You have already seen my small work space. I also have a great cupboard which I have titled the charger cupboard. It has multiple power jacks and houses all of our chargers (posted on this one too)

Cheers
tamara

Aubrey said...

Love your desk and all of your cute/functional storage solutions! I love your use of pink, too!! You've done a great job!

Rosemary said...

Great job on your space!
I especially love the sewing machine cover!
Thanks for sharing all your wonderful ideas with us!

Cassie said...

Love your compact space! You've inspired me to finish putting all of my stuff away in my space! My husband too works well with wood, it's nice not to have to worry about paying someone to do it. I'll show you pics when it's all put together!

Cassie said...

Love your compact space! You have inspired me to finish organizing my own compact space. I am fortunate that my husband is good at building things as well. It makes it nice on the pocket book not to have to pay someone to do it. Your sewing machine cover looks great too. I enjoyed my visit thanks!

aimee said...

does your hubby take special orders?! that is awesome that he takes the time to do that for you. you lucky girl! mine rather buy it pay some to make it. since we are on a buget that will never happen! hee hee. love the colors. enjoy being crafty in your litte spot of heaven!

Unknown said...

I love your craft area! I might just have to get my hubby to make me some cubbies like you have, your craft room is so organized, gosh wanna come organize mine for me?

AND your closet at the office, what a neat idea!

Tiffany said...

If you accept blog awards, come on by my blog. I gave you one. :)

Tine said...

I love your sewing space, and the sewingmachine-cover is adorable. I should make one of those :-)
I found your blog at A Spoonful og Sugar!

Barb Smith said...

You make me so jealous! Not with the being sick...with your craft space. Awesome!!

Anonymous said...

I love the color and fabric you chose-so cheerful!

Anonymous said...

Kristin,
The Sewing Machine cover is the BEST!! I have been looking for one and even considered using a cute tote bag to cover mine. Will you post your instructions?? I would love to make one...Yours is adorable.
Carla

CG said...

Everything looks great!! Really like the look and color of the storage boxes on top.

Jenny said...

I just came across your site and love your craft organizer. Would your husband happen to still have the dimensions? Thanks

{amy k.} said...

I agree- glass jars make everything look cute! That blue colander is so adorable! I love your space- it's great. And your husband... wow, wish he could build me my magazine wish list! :) That's awesome! Your girls rooms are darling!