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A Little Space to Call My Own

About a month before I found out I was pregnant I decided to turn the nursery into my craft room. I mean no one was using it right? Adalaide had moved out a year earlier and Josh and I weren’t planning to expand our family for at least another 6 months to a year so I figured why let the space just sit there empty and unused. Thankfully I did have the foresight not to make any big permanent changes so when baby boy Kelley arrives I can pretty easily convert the space back into a nursery. All though I love it so much as my craft room I’m not sure I’ll be able to give it up! Our boy may have to share his room with my sewing machine!

When I first decided to use the empty room for my craft space I just piled everything in all willy nilly and tried to function and create in the chaos. Pretty soon I realized that in order for this neat freak to get anything truly productive done, I needed far more organization, order and beauty in my space. I turned to Pinterest for some ideas, enlisted Josh’s help, and pretty soon I had the craft room of my dreams. Well maybe not my dreams but I’m pretty damn happy with it!

My original lackluster desk and craft supply area.
I already had the perfect sewing table. I just needed to put it in the right spot.
I didn't have the table space for my thread holder but hated how messy it looked shoved under the sewing table.
No order to the chaos distracted me and made me feel creatively blocked.

While looking around the small room and taking an inventory of my supplies and needs I created a to do list. I was using a sad old folding table from the garage as my desk and it was not nearly stable enough for my heavy desk top computer. It also lacked drawers and shelves that I could use to store pens, papers and my printer. A large attractive desk with plenty of shelves and drawers went on the list. I knew I needed clever storage options for my sewing and crafting supplies since there was not a ton of available shelf or counter space in the small room. I had repurposed some simple wooden cubbies my mother no longer wanted and did my best to separate and organize things between them but they weren’t ideal. By stacking them on top of each other, I had made it close to impossible to access the things I needed when I needed them. Better, more accessible storage went on the list. I also desperately wanted to beautify the space. Since I had been spending so much time in the craft room and had embarked on this blog writing journey, I really felt I needed some visual inspiration and personal tokens to get my creative juices flowing and to bring some beauty, peace and positive energy into the room. Creating an inspiration board and gathering and purchasing some personal tokens was the last thing I put on the list. Once I felt like I had a plan I got to work.

The first thing I did was get Josh to build a couple of these fantastic Giant Peg Boards for me. We picked up the supplies we needed from Home Depot and Josh got right to work. We were able to buy the peg board and frames in white so there was no painting necessary. I also purchased peg board accessories while I was there so I could be sure I had everything I needed to create a perfectly organized space. Once the board was done I hit World Market and picked up a few of the bins and baskets from their Modular Kitchen Storage System. I absolutely love how they turned out and figure that if I can’t find another space for the baby and do have to convert the room back into a nursery I can use the peg boards to organize baby supplies instead of craft ones!

Perfectly organized and beautiful to boot!
Josh made me one for craft supplies and another for sewing supplies.

While I was at World Market picking up the bins and baskets I found this great desk  for a reasonable price. It had all the storage I would need and I loved the rustic look of it. Once I got it home and put together, I went on Etsy to find some fun personalized tokens I could purchase to not only brighten the work space up but bring a little style to it. I found this fun and colorful mouse pad, these personalized pencils that I had “Heavenly Days” monogramed on, pretty pushpins for my inspiration board and a cool vintage mail wall organizer for my peg board.

My inspiration board is a collection of photographs, notes, cards and art work that inspire and delight me. I have a tendency to save anything I deem meaningful, which is pretty much every note, card, drawing, or invitation ever given to me. My intention is to put  together scrapbooks for myself and my girls. Perhaps one day I’ll get around to making them, but for now I pulled my favorites from the stash and pinned them up on a giant fabric board I’ve had for awhile but never put to use.

I did the sketch/watercolor of the ladies legs years ago and decided it would look great on my board. My niece Maddison, did the super cool rainbow hand.
I kept this really special note from one of my all time favorite designers who's dress I wore to the Emmy's the night I won.
I love the photos of my sister and me. One at my wedding and the other on our first day of school 1983. They remind me that no ones got my back like my amazing sister.
I wanted to include some tranquil water images among the family photos to inspire inner peace and serenity.
My inspiration board has everything from inspiring art work to congratulation cards from friends when Naleigh and Adalaide arrived in our lives to Josh's and my wedding invitation. It's full of mementos and moments that inspire me to feel gratitude, love and peace.

One of the last things I felt the room needed to feel complete, was a cute dog bed for my constant companion Gracie Lou. She loves to chill with me while I work away so I wanted her to have a comfortable yet pretty spot to call her own. I decided I wanted to knit something and keep the crafty theme going. I did a little pattern hunting and found this great kit on Loopy Mango, but it was for crochet which is not my forte. It was too perfect however and I had been wanting to learn to crochet so I decided to go for it. I went into one of my favorite local yarn stores in LA, The Little Knittery, and had their wonderful owner Kat teach me the pattern. It was the perfect project to learn on because once I got the hang of it, it was a total breeze and I had it done in hour. It was so easy I may just crochet up seven more for the rest of my furry friends!

I really feel like Gracie was a 1930's model for Vogue in a past life.
I mean seriously? She's smiling for the camera!
Cozy, crafty, easy and beautiful. Does it get much better than that?

By doing a bit of rearranging, making some smart purchases and getting a little pinspiration I was able to transform the nursery into a beautiful, inspiring, well organized place to craft, write and think. One day I may be able to manifest the craft room of my dreams but for now, this little space to call my own, will more than do!

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33 Comments

  • caroline

    “No order to the chaos distracted me and made me feel creatively blocked.”
    Totally get where you are coming from! We are currently in this same predicament with our office/art room!
    Hope ours comes out as lovely as yours!!! islandgirlco.tumblr.com

    August 18, 2016 at 8:59 pm Reply
  • Elaine - Visualmeringe.blogspot.com

    It’s so cozy! What a wonderfully warm space. I can see how it would be very conducive to being creative. Great desk choice and I love how you’ve paired it with that translucent chair. It’s so great that you are blogging. I love reading your posts! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    August 18, 2016 at 9:18 pm Reply
  • Donna Craft

    This room is so amazing!!! I can so see myself doing this, but I can’t sit still long enough to put such a beautiful room to use. Please keep us posted on your crafting, it’s very inspiring .

    August 18, 2016 at 9:20 pm Reply
  • Jennifer

    Love! Getting ready to pull together a craft space in my basement and there’s some great ideas here. Thanks for sharing.

    August 18, 2016 at 9:32 pm Reply
  • Laurel

    I love your new room!!! The desk is exactly what I’ve been look for our spare room/office…hope you don’t mind me asking, where did you find the chair?

    August 18, 2016 at 10:39 pm Reply
  • Nan

    Very inspiring as I’m getting ready to create my own space. Thanks for the tips

    August 19, 2016 at 12:42 am Reply
  • Michele

    Very cool blog and inspiration. I’ve dreamed of someday having a craft room to quilt, do photo albums, and to sew, but have never had the space for it….someday. I will keep your ideas in mind as it looks similar to my dreams, minus the dog. 🙂

    August 19, 2016 at 2:07 am Reply
  • Karen Nolan

    Awesome craft room. Maybe the baby won’t mind sharing that room when he arrives. All he will need is a bassinet and you for a few months at least!

    August 19, 2016 at 6:18 am Reply
  • Veronica S

    Love it, I wish I had a craft room of my own, but living in an 4 room apartment with two others, that is not an easy task.
    missmusicalqueen.blogg.no

    August 19, 2016 at 10:04 am Reply
  • Anna

    Firstly, congratulations on your pregnancy! I hope your keeping well. What a beautiful craft room. I’d spend hours in this perfect space. You’ve even inspired me to start my own blog. I’m also keen to try your cheeseburger casserole. I had to order the liquid smoke in from the US and get it shipped to Dubai. They don’t sell it here. Have you got any ideas and tips for little girls rooms? I’ve got twin 2 year old girls and we’re about to move house soon so I was thinking of redecorating their room.

    August 19, 2016 at 10:40 am Reply
  • henriette

    so nice 🙂 have a blessed day

    August 19, 2016 at 10:45 am Reply
  • Gina Ortiz

    There is nothing like a great collection of pinsperation! I designed my own little corner and at the very top above an ornament of good luck maintain a dream box of all the symbols that represent a dream. Whenever I begin to doubt myself or need redirection, I go through my dream box to remind me of where I came from, where I am, and where Im going. Thank you for sharing your journey in creating your own space with us!

    August 19, 2016 at 12:24 pm Reply
  • Judy Kiesling

    I just love your craft room!!! Love what you made for Gracie!!!! Great idea!!!

    August 19, 2016 at 1:16 pm Reply
  • Barb

    Lol. I loved the article but when I got to the part about your shadow, it made my day! I have my own Gracie Lou that is my sweet shadow, a 6 month old doodle!

    August 19, 2016 at 6:03 pm Reply
  • Jillian

    1. Here I am, new to your site…I am touched by your open sharing of your life. This is a lovely blog. Thank you.
    2. Beautiful doggie and cute little pink bed. sweet.
    3. Smile at the pencils. I had some made on Etsy “Create Happiness” 🙂

    August 19, 2016 at 6:50 pm Reply
  • Jenna Queen

    Love it! You are such an inspiration to everyone. You have such a kind heart and beautiful smile. Thank you for sharing part of your life with us. Much love and respect to you.

    August 19, 2016 at 6:50 pm Reply
  • Vickie Pacheco

    I was admiring the space and the lilacs but was moved by your inspiration board. Your dog is adorable and a ham so sweet! Love your blog miss your movies!

    August 19, 2016 at 11:53 pm Reply
  • Paolla Victoria

    If I did not change anything the craft room is beautiful.
    looking craft sewing room is broadcasting me a sense of peace and harmony colors reflects a glow part of light.
    all so perfect I loved the flowers is a great combination. the baby will love it.

    many blessings for you and the whole family.

    August 20, 2016 at 12:01 am Reply
  • Alison Sin

    I am new here and I have to say this room is amazing! I love the aesthetic vibe going on here! It looks very peaceful, and calming. This really inspired me to put more effort into decorating my room 🙂 ps: u r really organized. Also, congratulation on ur pregnancy.
    Can’t wait for ur next post!:D

    August 20, 2016 at 5:47 pm Reply
  • Carla Rancano

    I just realized from you inspiration board you were married on my 23rd wedding anniversary. I’m sure a lot of couples are; it was just a sweet thought as I have been a fan of yours for a long time. Blessings!

    August 20, 2016 at 7:01 pm Reply
  • Julie Jordan

    I got my dream craf rom a few years ago, converting my son’s old bedroom to my creative haven was a dream come true. I can putz and putter, close the door when I’m done. I’m getting so much more created! I hope you have many creative days in your new room! Here’s mine:
    http://bit.ly/2dtaRlW

    August 20, 2016 at 10:01 pm Reply
  • Linda Guiffreda- Baker

    You did it again—the yellow frosting on the cake–you inspired me to get my own craft room in order–out go the boxes full of “this and that” and in must go better organized containers–off to Ikea for me!!!

    August 21, 2016 at 6:04 pm Reply
  • Stephanie

    Oh my goodness I just LOVE your little space! It looks so inviting and cozy, and just perfect for getting all kinds of creative! I can’t wait to put some of your ideas to use in my own little world.

    August 24, 2016 at 6:58 pm Reply
  • Mariacritina Zappa

    Hi Katherine,
    today I found myself reading this lovely blog post while relaxing by a pool. I, too, like crafting and I wish that our little bungalow (whose layout is really poor) allowed me to have the space to have my own craft room. Anyway, since my partner and I are planning to change house next year, I’ll surely re-read this post to find some inspiration. I like the idea of the peg board, and now that I think about it one of my clients designs them ☺ Thank you very much for sharing this, I find your blog really inspiring.

    August 27, 2016 at 5:44 am Reply
  • Sue Bleiweiss

    What a great space you have made for yourself and I love your inspiration board.

    September 3, 2016 at 1:16 pm Reply
  • Alyce

    What a beautiful space! I love what you did with the peg boards, and that computer desk is just gorgeous.

    September 3, 2016 at 7:40 pm Reply
  • Caroline

    You are such an inspirational actress, Katherine! I love how your little “space to call your own” turned out. It looks absolutely stunning.
    Now I feel the need to watch an old episode of Grey’s anatomy 😀 Greetings from Hanover, Germany!

    September 5, 2016 at 10:51 am Reply
  • Anna Kindberg

    Wow! I’m so glad that I’ve discovered your blog!! So incredible inspirational.
    I’m Going to follow you for sure.
    I live with severe pain from a back surgery and my crafting and jewelry making( dsignsbyak on Instagram) is my battery charger.
    Thank you Katherine for being you and for a lovely blog
    Take care//
    Anna from Sweden

    September 9, 2016 at 12:39 pm Reply
  • Gemma

    Ah beautiful Gracie. She looks just like my little Jasmine x

    September 19, 2016 at 5:51 am Reply
  • Mia Djojowasito

    Not sure if you’re familiar with the Dutch language, but if I were a Dutch person, I would’ve called this living space “gezellig” (it’s an untranslatable word, look it up).

    September 26, 2016 at 8:48 am Reply
  • natalja

    What a beautiful, inviting and organized space. I love everything about it. It’s so you. Which I realize is a silly thing to say since I don’t know you and only just discovered your blog, but I can see the love that went into creating it, the choices you made, all the little details. It’s a reflection of your personality (must be!). Thank you for sharing your thoughts and pictures (you take great pictures, by the way). The inspirational board is full of little treasures, and the lilacs (oh, how I adore lilacs!) make the room even more charming. Those peg boards are such a great way to keep everything accessible and organized. I don’t know why I never thought of this myself, I am totally going to copy you. Love the cheery mousepad (sadly no longer available in the shop) and the baskets in the last picture. I actually have one of those for my knitting/fibery WIPs. 🙂
    Thank you for sharing! I hope you’ve spent many creative hours in this cozy room since you wrote this post.
    Greetings from Germany

    November 27, 2016 at 11:18 pm Reply
  • Angela V

    Don’t know if you read the blog abeautifulmess.com but they do a lot of crafty things and maybe can give you some ideas for memory books? They even do a cool monthly subscription for scrapbooking called Messybox. Your blog kind of gives me the same crafty vibe, I’d think you would like it. ^__^

    January 17, 2017 at 5:53 pm Reply
  • Kimberly Swindle

    What a truly beautiful space!!

    January 18, 2017 at 5:31 pm Reply
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