How to Set Up a Crafting Corner in Your Home

Everybody has a hobby, or at least, everybody ought to. Some can be considered "passive engagement," like reading, crossword puzzles, movie watching, and knitting, and can take place almost anywhere. However, others are the "active engagement" types that require more participation on your part. We're talking arts and crafts. That could be quilting, decoupage, woodworking, or a variety of other tasks. For those kinds of hobbies, it helps to have a crafting corner set aside in your home to hold your supplies and to provide a guaranteed work space. How big and detailed that area will be depends on your chosen hobby. Here are some steps on how to set up that crafting corner without breaking the bank.

Step 1 - Establish Your Territory

You need to designate a spot where you want to conduct your work. This could be an entire room, a corner in the basement, or a workbench in the garage. Reality TV star Tori Spelling's mom was famous for having a single room in her mansion dedicated to gift-wrapping. Of course, she had about a hundred rooms, so putting one aside for her favorite pastime was no big deal. In your home, however, space might be at a premium, so before you choose, decide how much area you need to comfortably work and store your materials. Also consider a place where you are least likely to be disturbed while crafting; stopping mid-project so someone can walk around you is a huge hassle.

When you do choose to set up shop somewhere, discuss the boundaries regarding that space with your family. You might have an "open door" policy or prefer it to be hands off. Either way, make sure your family knows to respect the zone.

Step 2 - Clear the Clutter

Chances are if you're taking over a space, it won't be an empty space. Before you can start crafting, you'll need to clear away any clutter. Don't just shift junk from one room to the next! If you've got a pile of unwanted or broken items, take the opportunity to toss them out. Also, a general rule of thumb is, if you haven't used something in a year and don't plan on using it in the next year, then it can be thrown away.

Step 3 - Set Your Table

You'll need a work space to do the actual work as well. The great thing about a craft corner is that this space is all yours! You don't have to impress anyone. That's why you can head out to a flea market, yard sale, or Craigslist to pick up a cheap table to do your work on. If that table is scuffed up, all the better. The only thing you should be picky about is that it's sturdy and level so there's no chance of it falling apart or rocking while you're crafting.

Step 4 - Organize Your Pieces

The actual crafting process can be rewarding and soothing to the soul. This means you want to spend as much time as possible working on the piece itself, as opposed scouring a mess for things you need. Bring in shelving units, drawers, file cabinets, or any other type of organizer that you want to keep things sorted. Once again, Craigslist and flea markets will be your best shopping zones. You'll also want to fire up that label maker so you know exactly where everything is tucked away.

Step 5 - Light it Up

Not everyone has the advantage of a studio space flooded with natural sunlight. However, to do your craft justice, you'll need to shed a little light on the subject. A well-placed lamp will do the trick. You could also opt for a professional jeweler's lamp that lets you bring the light directly to where you want it; these lamps can be mounted on the side of a table for easy access. They are not very decorative, but who cares? Remember, this is your work space! It's not for looks.

After you've devoted the time to setting up your craft corner, make sure you devote time to your hobby! Yes, we all have busy days and hectic schedules. However, carving out even 30 minutes of "me time" for your hobby can power you up for an entire week of car-pooling, lunch making, and house managing. Also, don't hesitate to post images of your creations on social media like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, whatever they might be. Your hobby could inspire others!