Friday, April 13, 2012

Design A Small Craft Room

Good organization is important in a small craft room.


Many crafters work at their craft in a corner of a living room or at the kitchen table, especially if they are new to crafting. Those who are fortunate enough to have a room dedicated solely to crafting should plan it carefully, especially if the room is small. The room should be attractive and comfortable to work in, but it must also be functional. Crafters need room for supplies, space to create, and a place to store the finished product. Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


1. Measure the dimensions of the room before shopping for furniture. Many crafters require large tables to work on their craft. Bring a tape measure when shopping for craft room furniture to ensure that it can fit in the space with enough room for you to move around the room.


2. Decide which part of the room would be most comfortable for working on your craft. Good lighting is key. If the room has a window, consider whether it is preferable to sit by the window, facing the window, or with the window at your back. Furniture placement is important in a small room, since it may not be able to be rearranged later.


3. Look for ergonomic furniture that is adjustable according to the needs of the individual. Seating should be comfortable to use for long periods of time. Tables should be at a height that works best for you.


4. Position the desk or workspace so that electrical outlets are easily accessible. Install additional outlets if necessary to prevent tripping over long extension cords.


5. Adequate shelving is a crafter's best friend in a small space. A row of easily accessible open shelving or sets of drawers helps you organize supplies in a way that provides for efficient workflow. When floor space is limited, use every bit of wall space. Install over-the-door organizers and corner shelving. Install shelves in a closet for storage.


6. Place tools and supplies that will be used daily closest to the workspace. For example, fiber artists should be seated close to sewing machines, yarn or fabric. Beads and jewelry findings should be located within easy reach of the jewelry artisan. Painters require space to hang finished artwork. Items that are used less often can be stored further away from the worktable.


7. Label all storage containers. Use see-through glass or plastic containers to reduce time spent searching for supplies.


8. Install easy-care flooring and furniture. Hardwood or tile is preferable to carpet in rooms where paint or solvents may be spilled. Furniture should be easy to clean and able to stand up to occasional spills and any other crafting mishaps.







Tags: craft room, easily accessible, important small, Many crafters, small room