Behind the Scenes: A Freshly Cleaned Craft Room & How I Get Ready to Create ✂️💛Craft Room Organisation
There is a rare event happening at Smith’s Crafty Creations today…
My craft room is CLEAN! 😂🙌 and I’m talking some about Craft Room Organisation
And obviously, photographic evidence was required because we all know it isn’t going to stay like this forever!
I’ve been having a proper sort out, clearing surfaces, putting crafty supplies back where they actually belong and tackling those little areas where things seem to magically accumulate.
You know the ones.
That pile you’ve walked past seventeen times.
The box you keep moving from one surface to another.
Those random bits of cardstock that are apparently “too good to throw away” but have been sitting there for six months. 😂
Well, I’ve tackled them!
And now I have a lovely clean space ready for some proper crafty time. 💛
Welcome Behind the Scenes at Smith’s Crafty Creations
I thought I’d give you a little peek behind the scenes because this room is where SO much happens.
It’s not simply where I make cards.
This is where I plan projects, prepare classes, organise kits, film videos, go live, photograph my makes, write notes, store my Stampin’ Up! goodies and occasionally sit staring at my supplies wondering what on earth I came into the room for. 😂
There’s also my big table, which is brilliant when I’m crafting with other people or need plenty of space to spread everything out.
My desk is my main working area, while the shelves around the room hold cardstock, patterned papers, tools, dies, inks and all those other crafty bits and pieces that seem to multiply when nobody is looking. 👀
I love having everything fairly close to hand.
Of course, keeping it looking this tidy while I’m actually crafting is another matter entirely!
Does a Tidy Craft Room Make You More Creative?
For me, I definitely find it easier to get started when my main crafting area is clear.
That doesn’t mean I need the entire room to be immaculate before I can make something. If I waited for THAT every time, I’d probably never craft again! 😂
However, having a clear area in front of me makes a big difference.
When there are half-finished projects, scraps of paper, empty packets, random tools and goodness knows what else covering the desk, I can find myself looking at the mess rather than thinking about what I actually want to create.
Once the surface is cleared, suddenly it feels much easier.
And if you’re completely new to card making or papercrafting, please don’t look at craft-room photos online and think you need a dedicated room before you can start.
You absolutely don’t.
A kitchen table, dining table, small desk or even a little foldaway table can be your crafty space.
You just need somewhere comfortable to sit and enough room for the project you’re making.
My Tips for Getting Ready for Some Crafty Time ✂️
One thing I’ve learned is that sometimes the hardest part of crafting is simply getting started.
You might have an hour available, but by the time you’ve wandered around looking for cardstock, found your scissors, decided what to make and remembered where you put the glue… half your crafty time has disappeared!
So here are a few things that help me.
1. Clear Your Crafting Space
You don’t need to clean the whole house first.
In fact, step away from the hoover! 😂
Just clear enough space to work comfortably.
Move yesterday’s project to one side, put away anything you definitely won’t be using and give yourself a nice clear surface.
That alone can make you feel much more ready to create.
2. Decide What You’re Making
Try to have a rough idea before you start pulling everything out.
Perhaps you’re making a birthday card, following one of my tutorials, completing a kit or simply having a play with some new products.
You don’t need a complicated plan.
Knowing roughly what you’re going to make can stop that dreaded “Where do I even start?” feeling.
3. Lay Out Everything You Need
This is a big one for me.
Before I start, I like to get the main supplies together.
Cardstock, patterned paper, scissors, adhesive, stamps, ink, embellishments and whatever else the project needs can all go on the table.
It saves getting up every five minutes because you’ve forgotten something.
And somehow, the minute everything is sitting there waiting for me, it feels like crafty time has officially begun. 🥰
4. Pop Netflix, YouTube or Some Music On 📺🎶
This is one of my favourite parts.
Put something familiar on Netflix, find a YouTube video, listen to your favourite music or choose a podcast.
Personally, I like something I don’t have to concentrate on too much. There’s no point putting on an incredibly complicated thriller and then realising I’ve missed half the plot because I’ve spent twenty minutes deciding where to stick a sentiment. 😂
Having something playing in the background makes the whole experience feel even more relaxing.
5. Put Your Phone to One Side
Unless you’re using it for a tutorial, photograph or video, try putting your phone slightly out of reach.
It’s amazing how quickly a “two-minute scroll” can turn into half an hour.
Your crafty time is YOUR time.
The internet will still be there when you’ve finished your card. 😉
6. Don’t Get Everything Out
There is a difference between preparing your supplies and emptying the entire contents of your craft stash onto the table!
I’ve definitely been guilty of the second one. 😂
If you’re using pink cardstock, you probably don’t need every colour you own sitting beside you.
Keeping your choices smaller can actually make crafting easier, particularly when you’re a beginner.
7. Give Yourself Permission to Just Play
Your crafting session doesn’t have to produce six finished cards.
You might make one.
Perhaps you’ll experiment with colour combinations, cut some paper, try a new tool or start something you finish another day.
Your hobby doesn’t have to achieve anything.
Sometimes the whole point is simply enjoying yourself.
You Don’t Need the Perfect Craft Room
I love my craft room and I’m incredibly grateful to have a dedicated space for Smith’s Crafty Creations.
But please don’t think this is what you need before you can start papercrafting.
Crafting isn’t about having beautiful storage, matching furniture or shelves filled with every product imaginable.
Start with what you have.
Clear a little space.
Choose a simple project.
Get your basic supplies ready.
Make yourself a cuppa. ☕
Pop something good on the television.
Then sit down and have a go.
That’s it.
You might discover that those 30 minutes or couple of hours at your table become one of your favourite parts of the week.
And Now… How Long Will My Room Stay Like This? 😂
At the moment, everything is looking lovely.
The table is clear.
My supplies are organised.
My paper is looking rather satisfying all lined up on the shelves.
The desk is ready.
Naturally, I’m now itching to get everything back out and make something! 😂✂️
So I’m enjoying my beautifully clean Smith’s Crafty Creations room while it lasts.
Because a perfectly tidy craft room might look lovely…
…but a slightly messy one usually means someone has been having fun creating. 💛
Now tell me — are you a tidy-as-you-go crafter, or does your craft space look like a small explosion has taken place by the time you’ve finished? 😂👇
I’d love to know!
Got a question? Feel free to message or email me! 💕
There really is no such thing as a silly question, especially when you’re learning something completely new.
📩 Email me at Smithscraftycreations@gmail.com or send me a message through my social media pages.
I’m more than happy to help you get started, explain the basics or point you in the right direction.And your first handmade card could be the beginning of something rather lovely.
Happy crafting!
Tricia 💕
Smith’s Crafty Creations
Smith’s Crafty Creations
Creativity isn’t about perfection. It’s about relaxation, and making time for yourself.
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