Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Within Arms' Reach: TE Studio Challenge!


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!



12 comments:

Sankari W. said...

Love your sweet stamp space Regina! Your acrylic blocks are so clean - mine are covered in inks! I love that paper trimmer - so cool and your desk is so clean - love the organization!

Anonymous said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE your space Bean! I love all that light streaming in and I can just picture you there stamping away! Thanks for the sneak peek! :-)

Melody said...

Fun to see a peek into everyone's space. Looks like a happy space!

Shelly said...

What a great space, Regina! I had to ooh and aah over your paper trimmer...I've been wanting a new one for awhile now and yours looks so sleek! Looks like the perfect place to get creative!

Carolyn King said...

I want to see the rest :) heeee...this all looks so perfect and neat and you are making me want the Vagabond too!

wendy said...

love your space, I too create in a whirlwind ...I completely understand...I admire that paper cutter I really need to invest in a better one thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Love your stamping space, Regina! Everything looks like it is within reach which makes for an easier time crafting!

Pam~ said...

What a happy and fun space, Regina! I'm in awe of all your Copics! Thanks for sharing your space I enjoyed the pictures! It is always fun for me to see how other crafter's work and store their goodies.

Shannon White said...

Wowie Regina! What a Bright and Cheery space!! Love that you have areas for everything and can just have them out and ready to go! I hope to someday have that kind of space! 8-) Super organized space and I am with Shelly, I am ooohing and awwing over your Awesome Paper trimmer too! 8-)

Hugs
Shannon

Karen Giron said...

What an amazing space! I love the paper trimmer and the ink rack. So handy!!

Charmaine (CharmWarm) said...

LOVE your space, Regina!! I keep seeing all these Vagabonds and I'm going to have to hop on the bandwagon! LOL

FotoBella said...

Love your inspiring space - I just want to dive right into the goodies on your desk - looks like a lot of fun waiting there for you!