Wrapping Paper Station

You might remember these pieces from a previous post. I had just gotten a new nail gun and couldn't wait to use it. the piece on the right is the one I'll be highlighting today.

I search for just the right wrapping station on various blogs and found that I like this one the best from Design Gal & Her Handyman.

After caulking and painting the piece it was time to put on the hardware. I started by putting the picture hanging saw tooth hangers on the back first. I knew it would be difficult once I put the cup hooks on the front.

To make sure that the cup hooks lined up from one side to the next I used a jig that I created myself. To make it even easier make your jig the same size as your frame. Then you can mark your center dot directly on the jig. My scrap piece is 3" long but too skinny so I used a ruler.

I put the jig directly up against the cup hook and the ruler up against the jig. Then I would remove the jig and mark my dot at the 1 1/4" mark.

You might be able to see my tiny dot at the 1 1/4" mark on the ruler.

I would mark a dot and install a cup hook. When my fingers started hurting from turning the cup hooks I used a tool to help me turn them. A screw driver works really well.

All done!

The dowels are 5/8" x 36" and were found at JoAnn Fabrics. I used a 50% off coupon to purchase each one so it was like getting 4 of them for free. The cup hooks I purchased at Home Depot. They are 1 1/2". Take your dowel with you to make sure that it will slip into the cup hook. I had read on another blog that she only painted to the ends of her dowels because it would just be covered up by the paper roll. It made it really quick and easy to paint.

The blank space

Newly installed! I used a ruler and level to make sure that I hung it up nice and straight.

I purposely left room at the bottom without cup hooks because I planned to hang tissue paper. I'm not sure I like it. I better save my jig just in case I want to add a few more hooks for more wrapping paper. It feels so nice to have my paper up off the bottom of the closet floor where I can get to it much easier.

Craft Room Update

This is what the room looked like when we bought our house. This room was our first renovation project on this house. I was sooo excited to finally have a room! The room measures about 11 1/2 feet wide by 17 1/2 feet deep.

I changed the paint color and painted all the trim white. You'll see a door later that still needs painting. I'm not a fan of honey oak. I also removed the carpet and had a laminate floor installed. I didn't want to worry about losing pins in carpet or spilling paint. I removed the closet doors to make it easier to access the space inside. After painting, new floor, IKEA Expedit building, and without my stuff in place. Notice the sprinkler timer box in the closet. This room is right off the garage so I guess the builder thought this would be a good spot. It is huge! Someday we will move it to a better spot.

Fast forward to Today, March 24, 2011. The view as you walk in. I have tried to create zones in my craft room. I have also labeled lots of drawers and doors. This makes it easy for when friends are over. I have four rolling chairs in this room.

My "Office" space. I keep computer related stuff, cords, office supplies, and music stuff in this corner.
I found the black table at an estate sale. It fits my flutes and drumsticks/mallets perfectly. I was also able to put my printer on top and free up some space on the desk above.

I spy two empty bins!

I have a lot of drawers and doors for my Expedit bookcases. I love that I can just throw stuff inside of them and it looks neat and tidy from the outside.

Just a small note pad and post-it note collection. :)

The inside.....Normal binders fit nicely behind the closed door.

My computer area

What to put on this wall?? Originally I had a bulletin board but it was too hard for me to reach. Now I'm thinking pictures of my favorite people. Any suggestions?
My sewing area. The table top is a laminate countertop you can find at Home Depot. The shelves holding the top up are from IKEA. I had my husband drill holes in the top and I inserted those cord things you find in nice desks. I hate having cords hanging all over the place when I'm sewing.

One side of my large Expedit wall.

The other side of the large Expedit wall.

Julia's corner. See the door? Makes me twitch that it isn't painted. I'm in the process of painting all the doors in our house. This one is last on the list. This corner is set-up for my daughter. However, my son also enjoys coloring a bit here. He is 21 months old.
This is a new addition. I used to have a LACK bookcase in this corner. I was never really happy with it so I gave it to a friend and put in more Expedit shelving and a workspace. Love it now!
I would love to put a gift wrap holder above this desk. Know of any good tutorials?

A few close-ups of the cubbies and drawers.

I have even dedicated some space to Julia. She is able to use craft stuff that is age appropriate at her arms reach.

I saw this fabric organization idea on the blog The Little Green Bean. I'm in the process of converting all my fabric over to these foam core boards which will free up space in my closet.

Rick-Rack and Bias Tape

I used cardboard inserts to keep it neat.

I hope you have enjoyed the tour! Let me know if you have any questions. Almost every piece of furniture/chair in the room is from IKEA. I love the Expedit Bookcases because they have deep shelves that hold 12x12 albums nicely. To see more before pictures check out this post.

I'm linking up to:

tatertots and jello

and

Crafty Storage

My Craft Room

This is what the room looked like before we bought the house.

The first thing I did was remove the carpet and install laminate wood flooring. I didn't want to lose pins in the carpet or worry about my daughter getting paint on the floor. I also chose an inexpensive floor so I wouldn't also worry about constantly keeping it spotless.

Before

The walls are a bluish/purple depending on the lighting in the room.

After I crammed all my stuff in. It was hard to unload my stuff into such a clean room. But at least when it gets messy I know it is being used. This is probably the most clean it will be all year. I just finished going through all my stuff to declutter and reorganize. I wish I would have taken a pic of the after Christmas mess in this room.

After

Before

After

Most of the cubbies and drawers are labeled. Not really for me but for when friends come over. Then they don't have to ask me where anything is located.

I just put shelves in this closet! So excited! Who knew shelving could be so exciting. I had been storing my fabric in bins and it just wasn't working. I also moved some craft stuff that I don't use very often to the top of the closet.

Before

After

I'm short so the cork board above the desk had to be moved behind my chair so that I could reach it more easily. I love being able to have my machines out ALL THE TIME! Even if I scrapbook they can stay out because of the table in the center of the room. That table has folding legs and can easily be moved if needed.

Before

After

I needed to include a space for my daughter because I knew that she would not let me be in here by myself. My hubby also put in a TV for me so I can watch my most favorite channels....HGTV, FOOD Network, and Nick Jr.

Before

After

In my previous life I was a band director. This is my office area for not only printing pics but where I use Finale on occasion, keep my instruments that I currently use (under the desk), and store office supply type stuff that I love to buy.
All furniture items were purchased at IKEA with the exception of the 8 foot table top (Home Depot). I love IKEA and I'm very sad that the closest one to me is 3 hours away! Probably better for my pocket book that way.