Craft rooms that work

If you are thinking about crafting or DIY for profit you will need an organised space to work in and I have scoured the Internet looking for ways to design a craft or hobby room that not only looks good, but works good too!

 

Crafts and hobbies have always been big business, and the advent of Internet has made them even bigger business. Stay-at-home moms around the world are crafting for profit and looking at ways where small DIY projects can attract additional income for cash-strapped families.

1. Space to work

This is probably the hardest part of deciding where to fit in a craft, hobby or DIY work place. Not every home has a spare room waiting to be used, in fact, most work spaces are squeezed into whatever space is available. In my own personal situation, I started off in the garage, then moved into the lounge, and have now taken over the deck. As the amount of projects increases - so does the amount of space I need.

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ABOVE: Many older houses have an outdoor toilet, and in most cases this is piled high with junk. This is valuable floor space and could easily be transformed into a cosy work space for crafts and hobbies.

 

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To start off, look for any available space that is out of the way of everyday living, but still close enough to be convenient. If you have a maid's room and no maid - this is one of the best places to locate and may only need a small amount of improvement or decorating to set it up.

Another alternative is to look at a wendy or storage hut outside, close to the house. While this option requires an initial cash outlay, you should be able to recover the amount spent once your business gets going.

2. Fun environment

Although this is going to be a space where you want to work, you also want it to be a fun space that you enjoy working in. There's no point in setting up a business that you don't enjoy, and creating a work space that you love will definitely improve your mood! Design a work space that suits your personality by adding your own creative stamp to the space. Whether you prefer a monochromatic colour scheme, or something bright and bold, decorate a craft, hobby or DIY work space that you will enjoy.

3. Kitting out a work space

It isn't necessary to fork out a fortune to kit out your new work space. Shop around for options. You would be surprised at the bargains you can pick up at secondhand stores and on the Internet, or perhaps you have a friend or family member who has furniture they don't need that requires only some TLC to have it looking good.

ABOVE and BELOW: If you are already crafty with power tools, it's easy to knock up a couple of trestles and pop a hollow-core door on top for an instant work table.

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BELOW: Flat-pack cupboards are reasonable inexpensive and can be fitted to provide plenty of practical storage space for a craft or hobby room. If you have a spare room, or guest bedroom that only gets used now and again, fitting kitchen cabinets to one wall is an easy way to add a craft or hobby work space.

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BELOW: Melynda at French Press Kits transformed an empty space into a wonderful craft studio.

 

4. Storage and organisation

As you start to work in your new craft, hobby or DIY work space you will immediately see how important it is to be organised. You need plenty of storage space to be able to contain the clutter, yet still have everything within easy access.
Peg boards are great for hanging items used regularly, but don't hang up too many items or your space will start to look cluttered.

Small shelves and storage caddies are another way of having what you need in easy reach, but make an effort to keep these organised. If you store frequently used items on peg boards you can pack away smaller items in containers and boxes. [ via ]

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I love the idea of storage boxes and files, clearly labeled to show what's inside, placed in shelves or a bookcase. This type of storage looks good and keeps a craft room nicely organised, neat and tidy. Assign each craft supply to its own container and it will be easy to maintain order.

ABOVE: A storage ottoman can be used to provide seat and for storing files and supplies.

 

The storage you have in your craft, hobby or DIY work room will obviously be designed around a particular craft or hobby.

For sewing at Mada's Place you will find cottage style craft centres designed for ribbons and fabrics, with plenty of drawers and containers for buttons and sewing accessories.

Need a push to get you started? Martha Stewart transformed a home-based craft industry into a multi-million dollar business. Below is a craft studio in just one of the many homes that Martha Stewart now owns.