The craft room is finally done! Here’s a quick reminder of what it looked like when we first bought the house:
Another angle:
We took down the wire shelving, pulled up the carpet, painted over the blue wall and finished off the wall under the cabinets.
Then I moved all of my junk in … (this is not the “after” shot)
Another angle. A mish-mash of all of my crap…
Ready?!
After:
The colors were inspired by this fabric. It all started with raising my workstation…
Then I made some mail holders out of some old vinyl records and made a paint chip calendar out of a framed pic I found in my neighbors trash (see below). The colors are Glidden’s Sunbaked Orange, Tropical Coral, True Peach, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Spicy Banana Pepper and Dove White. Note: Glidden’s Spicy Banana Pepper matches Rustoleum’s Lemongrass spray paint perfectly.
I also spruced up the ugly cabinets using electrical tape from Home Depot. You can check out that post here.
I even recovered my ironing board with the help of this tutorial. I also gave my barstools a little revamp of their own by recovering the seats and sewing some chair back covers. That doo-doo brown thing on the wall over there is a ceramic piece I made for my grandmother – it’s supposed to be green eggs and ham, but… kiln firing fail, whaddya gon’ do…
My tool chest and fabric cutting table. I need to use my Silhouette to cut some adhesive vinyl and add the words “of crafting” right under “US General”.
I kinda went crazy with the Silhouette labeling everything. I also used some leftover paint chips to add some color to my cubby. A pic of my mom, vintage bottles from my wedding, my great grandma’s brass ducks and my grandma Sally’s sewing machine oil and baby elephant… I like having these things within eyeshot, it’s crazy where inspiration can come from…
More Silhouette labeling attached with some old mustache clothespins I made for my wedding…
I even used the Silhouette to add some color to my magnetic office supply organizer from Ikea.
I painted my thread holder with Rustoleum’s Lemongrass. When I was doing my canvas art, I did one more that was just wrapped in fabric. I love that pattern.
I used an old gas can to hold some fake foilage. That box is a Tommy Hilfiger box that held some perfume I got in sixth grade, now it holds old tapes of my grandma Sally reading me Dr. Suess books. She would mail them to me and we could read along together. I covered it with stamps and Mod Podge. Yeah, I used to collect stamps. The lace vase is covered in lace from my wedding and the keys are just a few of the hundreds I inherited from my Grandpa, keeper of everything. I picked up the Ball Jar at a garage sale. Inside that jar is a little fabric coin purse that my grandma Darlee gave me. The little coin purse was full of pennies and almost disintegrated. Darlee explained to me that my great grandmother was saving pennies for me in the short time that we shared the earth together. A reminder to always save your pennies. One of the best gifts I have ever received.
I also picked up a bathroom towel bar from Wal-Mart for about 8 bucks to use as a place to hang some of my totes and baby dresses.
When I was doing the vinyl record projects , I came across The Andrews Sister’s album…
…the colors were perfect for the room and with songs like “Beer Barrel Polka”, “Rum and Coca Cola”, and “Beat Me Daddy”, these ladies needed to be on my wall. I painted the two smaller canvases and then glued a couple quote cards on them that I found at JoAnn’s on clearance.
And, let’s be clear, this is a WOMAN cave.
“This is a fully functional babe lair. Chicks are helpless against its powers.” Garth Algar
The rug was about 30 bucks at Wal-Mart and the chalkboard art back there was made using this technique.
Okay, one more look at the “before”…
…and the “after”…
I am so grateful to have this space to create and be inspired. This room is a super special place that would not exist without all of the wonderful women in my family – Both of my super seamstress grandmas, my penny pinching great grandmother, my other great grandmother who thought farting was funny, and her mother who hand painted china and floral scenes…. and my mom. God knows I miss her daily, but I know she would be so proud of all that I’m doing. Even though she ins’t here, she inspires me daily. I certainly can’t forget my grandfather, the tool collector, keeper of doo-dads, king of repurposing and, last but not least, Dad. The one who taught me to “do whatcha can with whatcha got”, the one I call when I can’t figure something out, the one I call for a laugh, the source of my funny and my love of pranking, the one shares my obsession with organizing and hanging on to things that you “might be able to use one day”. This room is an amalgam of all of the inspirational people in my life, here and gone.
Enough sap.
You know what time it is?! Time to make something!
dena@heartsandsharts.com
W says
September 7, 2018 at 9:57 pmOkay, I know I’m late to this party, but I stumbled upon this when I was looking specifically for ways to make my basement craft area a bit more inviting (you know, instead of a huge hole-in-the-ground, hardly any natural light, if a hoarder and a uni-bomber had a baby, space). And though your space ideas are great, what has inspired me is this:
Everywhere I look lately, everything I read points to a one-size-fits-all open concept, minimalistic, throw everything you didn’t use yesterday, lifestyle! And, I’ll be honest, I was starting to buy in and think, “Man! I’m going to [eventually, one day] get depressed if I hang onto these things!”
And then I read your thoughts about your grandpa and your dad and it reminded me of my own dad who has passed down the same “Make it work” mentality that has allowed me to stay at home with my kids and live on one income and still have nice things because I shined them up after I dug them out of the dumpster!
And you know what? That’s who I am! Those are the things that I want to be known for! I don’t think anyone will ever remember me for my sparkling clean house (Hello! I’m homeschooling 4 hands-on learners in this schoolhouse!), but in reality, it is FAR more interesting to be remembered as a border-line hoarder who could make a dress out of a teacher’s old ties; build a pirate ship playset out of the neighbor’s garbage wood; replace the sink and fix the car; and lead a team of kids to win a state Rube Goldberg Machine contest.
So, thanks for the pick-me-up! I’m not sure when I decided that I needed Pinterest’s approval, or the Fly Lady’s, but this post has reminded me of who I am and that it’s okay! Because let’s face it…if the apocalypse happens, I have all the supplies on hand to sew a full wardrobe for each of my family members and I can even make them shoes! Plus, if I have to bug-out quickly, there’s enough junk in my car to live on and (Bonus!) sell art! 🙂 All the minimalists will be flocking to the artists!
But yes, I should probably make it a priority to be able to GET INTO my craft area! 🙂
Hearts&Sharts says
September 8, 2018 at 1:00 pmSo glad you were inspired! And that Rube Goldberg thing sounds awesome!!
Tori says
November 5, 2017 at 6:57 pmOh my crap!! I’m dying right now! Seriously. I was taking a sip of my Dr.Pepper when I read…that doo doo brown thing over there…kiln firing fail…Bwahahahaha! I’m still giggling! By the end of your post I was in tears. Not from laughing but from my own snappiness. I come from a loooong line of crafty, thrifty (save those scrap pieces! Ya never know what they might come in handy for!), sarcastically funny, fiercely loving women! I came to your site tonight looking for craft room inspiration and got more than that! Thank you! BTW…❤️ Your blog name heehee! I have five boys and one girl. You can only imagine the shenanigans that have gone on in our home over the years! Four of the six are grown, and their dad and I just looooove to remind them of the “good times” we had while they were younger. Shart was a popular word when they were kids haha
Hearts&Sharts says
January 8, 2018 at 10:52 amThank you so much, Tori! Hope you’re enjoying your craft room!
darlee says
February 13, 2017 at 8:49 pmThat’s pretty sweet Dena. Thanks and I love you. darlee
Mary-In the boondocks says
June 29, 2015 at 9:51 amWow! What a great space. I am new to blogging and I only have a table with some paint on it. .. So your room is something I will aspire to. Thanks for the reveal, and all the great ideas! Truly, your relatives would be proud!
Hearts & Sharts says
June 30, 2015 at 10:44 amThank you, Mary! Happy crafting (and blogging)!! 🙂
Gisele Chastain says
March 26, 2015 at 11:43 amWell…I headed over here from a post from craftaholics anonymous. As soon as I saw your blog name I thought, “Pretty sure I’m gonna like this lady!” So I started with your post, “sharts”….hilarious! Then moved onto the “Jesus” post…thanks for making me laugh and cry and think…you’re pretty awesome!!
And great craft room…I’m currently dreaming of creating mine in the next few months!!
So, hi, nice to meet you!! 🙂 PS…I subscribed, so keep ’em coming! 🙂
Hearts & Sharts says
March 31, 2015 at 11:33 amThank you, Gisele! So nice to meet you!!!
Christine says
March 12, 2015 at 12:51 pmHello there , I just put together a collage with super awesome inspiration on how to decorate with old windows on my blog Little Brags . I used a picture of yours with the source link back to you. Please come visit and if you do not want me to use your picture for any reason , please let me know and I will remove it asap. Thanks a bunch. Christine http://littlebrags.blogspot.com/2015/03/decorating-with-old-windows.html
Hearts & Sharts says
March 12, 2015 at 2:56 pmIt’s totally cool, Christine. Thank you for sharing!
Anna-Mack Severn says
February 2, 2015 at 10:58 amLOVE the after! There’s inspiration flyin’ all over that room :)):)
Hearts & Sharts says
February 3, 2015 at 10:35 amThank you!! If only it were really that clean all the time!
StasaLynn says
January 27, 2015 at 1:41 pmLove the name of your blog! Totally won me over before I even looked around…. now I am here to stay. Keep up the crafting and I want to learn to lose the day job myself! Take care!
Hearts & Sharts says
January 27, 2015 at 3:32 pmYea! Thank you! Glad to have ya! Have a great week StasaLynn!
Colleen says
January 12, 2015 at 12:07 pmLove what you did – so much heart and soul in your happy place. I wish I had a space that big! But, I am inspired by yours to work on making what I have better, Excited to get started!! I see lots of great ideas in your photos. Thanks!
Hearts & Sharts says
January 12, 2015 at 12:34 pmThank you, Colleen! Happy crafting!
Cindy says
January 11, 2015 at 6:33 pmI just found your website from Hometalk. I love this craft room! You must have so much fun in there. I think my favorite thing is the little coin purse full of pennies.
I was looking at pictures of your last house in Texas. I could swear I used to drive by that house when we lived in Lewisville. Is that where you lived?
Hearts & Sharts says
January 11, 2015 at 6:36 pmNo, we were closer to the Dallas metro. A lot of those houses do look the same, though. 🙂
Shawn P. says
January 7, 2015 at 10:57 amI was surfing the net looking for ideas and inspiration for my craft/laundry room. This room is absolutely fabulous! I cried reading most of your comments below your pictures. It such a blessing to have all those precious momentos from your grandmother’s and mom. Nice Job! 🙂
Hearts & Sharts says
January 7, 2015 at 12:44 pmThank you, Shawn! There’s no crying in crafting!!! 🙂 Have fun creating in your new space!
Katie says
January 3, 2015 at 5:33 pmLove your space! Really brightened up a dark space. I am starting to put my craft room in the basement. Where did you purchase the white tables?
Hearts & Sharts says
January 6, 2015 at 12:55 pmHey! Thanks, Katie! I actually bought the tables from off of Craigslist but they are from Ikea. They are the Vika Amon tables, which I don’t think are listed on the website, I think they just changed the name to Linnmon, though. Those are the exact same thing with the same dimensions. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S09929641/
Tammy says
December 3, 2014 at 3:42 pmIn seeing your comment about the box covered with stamps… the “light bulb” went off in my head,,, in cleaning out my childhood home, my mother sent a HUGE box of stamps I had collected (WHT?? am I supposed to do with these?? why didn’t she TOSS them??) yeah, they got stuck under the guest bed… but NOW….
I can do what you did !!!!!!!!!
THANKS! for the inspiration!! 🙂
Hearts & Sharts says
December 19, 2014 at 10:34 amYea!! I’m dying to find some more!! I could cover everything in stamps! I’d love to see your project when you’re done!
Robin says
November 25, 2014 at 3:18 pmThere is hope for me now that I have seen you complete your transformation! Thanks for sharing!!
Hearts & Sharts says
November 26, 2014 at 2:22 pmThank you, Robin!
Rhonda says
October 22, 2014 at 9:41 pmLove this space this inspires me to get working on my basement craft area!!! Love all of your family heirlomes I also have some of those it adds so much to your space!! Thanks for sharing!
Hearts & Sharts says
October 26, 2014 at 4:09 pmThank you, Rhonda!
Terry says
October 5, 2014 at 4:14 pmWhile I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your craft room transformation, what inspired me most was your personal touches. The items from family members that continue to inspire you are obviously previous to you. Your story had inspired me to search for those items from my grandparents and parents have given me and use them as remembrances and inspiration for my own “woman cave!”
Hearts & Sharts says
October 10, 2014 at 8:24 amYESSSS! Awesome! Thank you, Terry!
Jodee Weiland says
September 13, 2014 at 9:39 pmIt looks like you’ve worked very hard to make this space your own and a very workable space for the crafting you enjoy. Congratulations…looks great…thanks for sharing!
Hearts & Sharts says
September 14, 2014 at 8:14 amThank you, Jodee!
Selene Galindo says
September 8, 2014 at 12:46 amYou have such a cool craft room!!! I love all the space and storage! Great organization too!
Hearts & Sharts says
September 14, 2014 at 8:13 amThank you, Selene!
Melinda @home.made.interest says
September 7, 2014 at 2:48 pmStopping by from Inspiration Monday link party. Love love the new craft room! Go Cowboys (noticed the sticker) 🙂
Hearts & Sharts says
September 14, 2014 at 8:13 amThanks, Melinda!!!
Sarah says
July 23, 2014 at 12:54 pmI just had to comment to let you know how much I LOVE your craft room! My craft room is a catch all room right now, goodness you made me realize how badly I need to get in there and figure it out!! AND you are hilarious, I am a scanner and you made me read through the whole post!!
Hearts & Sharts says
July 23, 2014 at 12:57 pmHhahah! Awesome! Thank you, Sarah! Be careful gettin’ it together, I never wanna leave this room!
Thistle says
April 16, 2014 at 10:19 pmDena,
Thank you so much for sharing this at the party! What an amazing project! I just pinned it to the BHG board!
Happy day friend!
karianne
Hearts & Sharts says
April 17, 2014 at 7:59 amThank YOU!!!
Shanice says
April 16, 2014 at 4:47 pmThis looks fantastic! I would love it if you joined and contribute your awesome posts at my link party at City of Creative Dreams on Fridays 😀 Hope to see you there at City of Creative Dreams Link Party
Hearts & Sharts says
April 16, 2014 at 6:19 pmAwesome, I will add it to my list. Thanks, Shanice!
RobinAllThingsHeartandHome says
April 16, 2014 at 11:47 amLove it! My goodness there are tons of ideas in this one post!!! Thanks for linking…I’m pinning 🙂
Hearts & Sharts says
April 16, 2014 at 1:11 pmAwesome! Thank you so much, Robin!
Tania says
March 18, 2014 at 7:56 pmI finally have my craft room reveal up on my blog: http://littlevintagecottage.blogspot.com/2014/03/basement-craft-studio-reveal.html
Tania
Hearts & Sharts says
March 19, 2014 at 8:18 amLove it!
Shirley says
March 15, 2014 at 8:03 pmI love your craft room. I am wondering why you took down all of he racks and shelving. I would give anything to have all of the shelving. How big is your room? I am trying to make a craftroom out of a little bedroom and I am not sure everything is going to fit. Thanks for sharing.
God Bless
Hearts & Sharts says
March 16, 2014 at 12:40 pmThanks Shirley. The room is about 17’x14′. That kind of shelving drives me crazy. Plus, I’d rather have some sort of storage where I can hide the mess and keep things looking cleaner.
Christine S. says
March 15, 2014 at 11:01 amI honestly can’t remember this morning where I came across the link that got me to this post of yours but I’m so glad that I clicked on it the other day and took a look at it this morning!! Thank you for all of the wonderful ideas and sharing the sentimentality of your room. I have definitely been inspired by many things in your room! Have a GREAT weekend!
Hearts & Sharts says
March 15, 2014 at 3:31 pmThank you Christine! Hope you have a great weekend, too!
Traci@BeneathMyHeart says
March 12, 2014 at 8:13 amOh my gosh! I love this space! 🙂 I would love to create something fabulous in it.
I would love to feature your craft room on my organizing blog, Organize and Inspire. Would that be okay with you? I would use no more than 1 or 2 of your photos, and include full credit to you with a link back to your site.
Just let me know!
Thanks!
Traci
Hearts & Sharts says
March 12, 2014 at 9:20 amThanks Traci! That would be awesome! Go for it! Let me know when it’s up!
Traci@BeneathMyHeart says
March 14, 2014 at 9:18 pmHi Dena!
I posted about your craft room tonight on O&I. I loved reading about all of the special meanings behind so many items in your craft room. That is so precious! I lost my mom four years ago, so I know how “things” can hold such much love when our loved ones are gone. Thank you for letting me share your craft room!
I usually pin images from O&I onto my Beneath My Heart pinterest pages to help draw traffic. Is that okay with you?
Your watermark will stay on the images and your blog url will be in the pin description.
Just let me know.
Thanks!
Hearts & Sharts says
March 15, 2014 at 3:31 pmThank you Traci! Pin away!
jeanette says
March 7, 2014 at 9:02 amSo “jealous” and totally inspired by your fabulous craft room makover! Love all the ideas and enjoyed reading about the family history of the special items you included that inspire you. Really great job! Bravo!
Hearts & Sharts says
March 7, 2014 at 9:09 amThank you Jeanette!
Marilyn says
March 5, 2014 at 9:55 pmI love your craft room and I am envious. You have given me some great ideas for my craft room. Thx & I signed up for newsletters and ideas.
Hearts & Sharts says
March 6, 2014 at 12:16 pmAwesome! Thanks Marilyn!
Trisha D. says
March 4, 2014 at 3:14 pmHoly cowabunga dude!! Come decorate my ‘office’ area!!
My favorite part is your amazing ability to mix old with new. Seriously I’m drooling more with every photo~~
Forgive me, but did you make that yellow geometric and feather print?! If so send me to THAT link :p
Also where did you get your white drawer storage (the one with all the pink labeling)? They look shallow and wide enough for virtually any crafting projects!!
You rock girl!
Trisha D.
Black and White Obsession
Hearts & Sharts says
March 4, 2014 at 3:27 pmThanks Trisha! I did make that feather print – here’s the link https://heartsandsharts.com/cheap-and-easy-wall-decor-canvas-art/ it’s close to the bottom. The drawers were my moms, they’re from Ikea – http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40196241/
Can’t wait to show you this ’70′s Salon Chair!!
Trisha D. says
March 5, 2014 at 3:11 pmThanks girl! Off to go check them out.
Oh and your Salon Chair– Seriously?! Phenomenal! I’ll be gushing about it till the end of time!!
Hearts & Sharts says
March 5, 2014 at 4:03 pmHug.
Darlee says
March 4, 2014 at 10:47 amIt is all wonderful Dena… All of your inspiration and the nice things you say about all of us that love you soooooooooooo much. So I guess when I leave this world you will have a lot of things to carry off…better get here before the rest throw them away. I love you so much and enjoy seeing what you have made.
Hearts & Sharts says
March 4, 2014 at 11:40 amI love you Darlee! Your love and support means the world to me. Hope to see you soon!
Britto says
March 3, 2014 at 5:55 pmwow!!!!! I love you!!! Everything looks amazing!!! You are kinda famous now huh?! YAY!!!
Hearts & Sharts says
March 3, 2014 at 7:04 pmYeah, not at all. I love you TOO Britto! Tell your lovely ladies I said “HI!”.
Tania says
March 2, 2014 at 7:58 pmWow, I love your craft room! I’ve been redoing mine as well so I’m hoping to be able to share on my blog soon. :o) I think my favorite parts of your room are the vinyl record holders, the calendar you made from your neighbor’s trash, and how you labeled everything. No more opening every single drawer and container saying “hmmm, what’s in here?” lol!
Tania
Hearts & Sharts says
March 2, 2014 at 8:38 pmThank you Tania! I’d love to see your craft room when you’re done!
Roberta Blevins says
March 2, 2014 at 5:56 pmFANTASTIC SIR! I am jealous.
This craft room? One day it will be me, oh yes, it will be mine.
😉
Hearts & Sharts says
March 2, 2014 at 6:04 pmThanks Roberta! Shaaaaaaa-wing.
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
February 28, 2014 at 10:07 pmIt looks awesome! Great job!
Hearts & Sharts says
March 1, 2014 at 8:02 amThanks Erin!
Vanessa says
February 28, 2014 at 2:47 amWHOA! So this is where the magic happens! Yep. I’m in love.
Hearts & Sharts says
February 28, 2014 at 7:34 amAwww, thanks Vanessa!
Katie @ Upcycled Treasures says
February 28, 2014 at 1:33 amI’m so jealous of your awesome {and HUGE!} craft room! There are so many unique and inspiring designs in there. It’s definitely come along way since you guys first moved in. Pinned 🙂
Thanks for linking up to The Makers!
Hearts & Sharts says
February 28, 2014 at 7:31 amThanks Katie!
Becca says
February 28, 2014 at 12:30 amOh man, this looks amazing! I wish I had a designated craft room! How dreamy!
XOXO
Becca | Ladyface Blog
Hearts & Sharts says
February 28, 2014 at 7:30 amThanks Becca!
Angela (Life in Velvet) says
February 27, 2014 at 8:43 pmAwesome job! I could just live in there! Gorgeous!
Hearts & Sharts says
February 28, 2014 at 7:23 amThanks Angela! I pretty much DO live in here. 🙂
colette says
February 27, 2014 at 7:10 pmIt looks amazing! I love how you have so many pieces of “yourself” throughout the room. My favorite is the “this is not a drill” print. lol. I’m still amazed by those vinyl mail holders too.
Hearts & Sharts says
February 27, 2014 at 8:31 pmThanks Colette!
renee stormer says
February 27, 2014 at 2:29 pmLooking at all the work you’ve done and all that you have accomplished. I cannot tell you how proud I am of you. The last part about your family and your traits and the inspiration of your mother made me have tears. I am so glad that you shared all of this with us! Love you, more than you know!
Renee
Hearts & Sharts says
February 27, 2014 at 8:28 pmLove you Renee!
Amy W says
February 27, 2014 at 12:03 amSo excellent! Actually brought a smile to my face when I saw the “after”. I love the color combinations you used. So many great DIYs and find in that space. Thanks for sharing with us!
Hearts & Sharts says
February 27, 2014 at 9:23 amThanks Amy!
Gretchen@BoxyColonial says
February 26, 2014 at 6:43 pmwow–what a great space! I don’t think I’d ever go upstairs :). Love the “ladies” sign!
Hearts & Sharts says
February 27, 2014 at 9:24 amThanks Gretchen. Hubs has to DRAG me upstairs!
Heather says
February 26, 2014 at 9:09 amWOW! What a transformation! I am madly in love with your labeling!
Hearts & Sharts says
February 26, 2014 at 2:56 pmThanks Heather! The raised garden looks great!