It's time for the Baker's Dozen Studio Challenge. This is a monthly opportunity for us to share what makes our stamping studios hum. Each month we will have a fun, crafty question so we can share our favorites, some tips and tricks, stamping advice and more!
The question for September is:
Within Arm's Reach - What do you keep within arm's reach at your stamp table? Show us what you have access to without leaving your seat. What organization methods do you use? Tell us which ones you love and which ones you'd like to change.
I have never, ever posted photos of my craft space before, mostly because I'm too embarrassed! It's a mess and the photo above is actually what my desk looks like "cleaned up!" I am a "whirlwind" paper-crafter and whenever I finish a project, the entire room looks like a disaster area. But, I had to meet the challenge (yikes!) and so here are a few of my favorite tools that I keep within arms' reach...
I have been through A LOT of paper trimmers. I actually think it's one of the most important tools I own because I use it for everything from scrapbooking to card-making to home decor. I HATE a crooked line, so I invested in a rather expensive one from RotaTrim and I have loved it ever since!
This is the area of my desk that I reach for most. Scissors (as you can see I own multiples), glue, adhesive tape, reposition-able tape, even super glue and hole punches dominate this area.
My "go-to" ink is
Memento by Tsukineko because I do a lot of coloring. These two are the ones I use most and I love the dew drops because I have more control. They are on a self-healing mat, by the way, which I use a lot for my hobby blade.
This is the other side of the "L" of my cobbled together desk. You can see I have an older paper trimmer (I save that for when I need to do a lot of large, multi-page cutting) and a scoring board. I obviously have more cards and projects than I know what to do with! My computer is peeking in -- MUST have that nearby so that I can watch videos while I craft!
My grossly large collection of Copic Sketch Markers! I am a marker hoarder, but I actually use these!
Oh, and here are my clear acrylic stamp blocks. A must-have for someone like me, who just doesn't have the space for wood-mounted stamps!
A close-up shot of my most-used items. This actually is quite tidy for me. I use mugs and cups and storage boxes that I find at the dollar store to throw all my supplies into!
This area above is not within arms' reach, but if I walk across the room this is where I spend an equal amount of time: my die-cutting area. I did succumb to the temptation of the Vagabond by Sizzix (I LOVE IT!) and I also have a lot of inkpads from Stampin' Up! You don't want to see the rest of the space...trust me, it's a horror!
I hope you enjoyed a little peek into my crafting world! Be sure to check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen to see where they create all their magic!
