There are SOOOO many different ways to organize all of our crafty goodness. This has been an on-going process for basically forever (I’m sure you can relate) but I was inspired to write this blog post to not only share some hacks that I have figured out along the way, but I was also super inspired by Lilo’s Bowman’s new book – Love Your Creative Space. It is jam-packed with tons of great ways to organize your space for maximum comfort and productivity. I find that when I am organized, I am so much happier, more efficient, and less distracted. Hopefully you’ll see some of my ways of storing stuff and get inspired to update and organize your own workspace. Before I share some of the things I loved about her books, I wanted to show you the current organizing systems I use in my studio.
I run my business from home, and so my studio is a shared space with my husband who has also been working from home since about the middle of March. Together we share a space that is about 14×26 feet. It’s pretty nice and spacious and even leaves some room for our sweet little 3-year old boy to play. We spend about 80% of our time in this room, so it’s nice to have the space we need to flourish.
Fabric Storage – Lateral File Cabinets
Now, I know that this option can be somewhat expensive if you opt to purchase cabinets brand new. They can range anywhere from $300 – $1200 a piece. I’m not really about that lavish lifestyle, so this is an organization method that took some time to curate in order to save money. I actually found these cabinets at my local University. They have a surplus store where they sell furniture from around campus that is no longer needed. So, while none of these cabinets match, they are in GREAT condition and I only paid about $120 FOR ALL THREE! *I did end up spray painting them all silver, and the paint ended up costing more than the cabinets themselves! hahaha…
To store my fabric, I bought a bunch of green hanging file folders and I drape my fabric over the tops of them, and with the smaller pieces I stagger them. This way, I can see EVERY SINGLE piece of fabric that is in my stash. One drawer also contains all the quilt tops that are waiting to be quilted. And, if I have any tops that are still a work in progress, I can store the extra fabric WITHIN the hanging file so that it all stays together.
I also like using the top, pull out drawer of my tallest filing cabinet to store my thread.
These cabinets are also amazing because they protect all of my fabric and thread from any sun damage over time. But really, the goal is to USE UP all these supplies before they have a chance to be old and gross.
General Craft Supply Storage – Plastic storage bins
After I found my file cabinets I had a resolution to make pretty much all of my crafty supplies and tools fit within these cabinets. Since You can’t really just drape everything over green hanging folders, I still wanted to make the most use of the space.
I found plastic containers at my local Walmart that ended up working perfectly! Each bin is for a different type of craft. These bins actually sit right on top of the drawer, which gives me space underneath each bin for overflow to store things that I either don’t use as often or for things that are long and narrow and don’t fit within a bin.
Whenever I am working on a project, I can easily just take the entire bin out, do what I need to do, and then return the bin to its appropriate drawer.
All my favorite books – My Desk Hutch
It’s pretty safe to say that I USED TO BE a book hoarder. I recently re-homed so many books and made a resolution that I will only ever have as many books as can fit into the hutch of my desk. This forces me to be deliberate about the books I choose to keep on hand. The upside to getting rid of lots of books is that it gives me a chance to share them with others. So as I gave them away, I gifted them to people that I felt would love them as much as I did. I think that is how I will keep going in the future- collecting books, taking the time to READ THEM, and then thoughtfully pass them on to another and share that love in a meaningful way.
Quilts Storage – Under the frame totes
So, this one is actually kind of funny. When I set up my quilting machine, I was supposed to set the height to what works for my own body height. Well, I found these grey storage bins that fit SOOO perfectly under my quilting frame, IF I was willing to raise the height about 5 inches. So, my quilting frame is actually a little taller than it should be, but I just couldn’t pass up the chance to use this storage space so efficiently. These bins hold finished quilts, quilts that still need binding, smaller class samples, and then all my batting scraps that are too small for bed quilts but perfect size for wall-hangings and embroidery projects.
Entertaining People – The comfort couch
So, for a long time, my studio was so full of stuff that sometimes there wouldn’t be a comfortable place for hubby to chill with me while I did crafty stuff. I really wanted my studio to be a place where I could entertain, and invite others to come in and spend time with me while also being comfortable. So, by saving so much space from purging and utilizing the filing cabinets, we were able to fit a nice reclining couch into the studio as well as a flat screen TV on top of the cabinets. This has also become really helpful because it allows me to have floorspace for laying out projects and also gives my kiddo the space to play. Now, we can all hang out together in the studio, while watching a movie.
Now to Lilo’s Book…
The chapter that I really absolutely loved is called “Change Happens”. A little background about me, I am almost 30 years old. I have one child and hoping to have more. My husband is a computer programmer/my business partner/IT Savior. Since COVID-19 he has seamlessly been able to work his day job from home. And luckily for us, last September, for his birthday I bought him a stand-up desk that he had been fawning over for quite a long time. So when it came time to work completely remotely, we were grateful that we already had a nice set up for him here in the studio. (It also helps that he is a complete minimalist, so out of our 14×26 foot studio space, he takes up approximately 3×6 feet, leaving the rest for meeeeeee!) hahaha.
Also, with a toddler to entertain while we both work, we also found ourselves constantly needing to dedicate more and more space for him to play. Getting the TV (along with a Disney+ membership) has been an absolute blessing! This ultimately meant that over time I have become better and better at squashing my hoarder tendencies! Yes, I used to be a terrible hoarder but ONLY when it came to craft supplies, fabric, and art stuff. I’ve come a long way baby.
One of my favorite quotes from Lilo’s books says:
“Life is not a predictable constant, and whether we like it or not
change happens to us all. When that two by four hits you in the
side of the head with an unexpected job relocation, a relationship
shift, accident, downsizing, or a physical limitation, your creative
space should be included in any decision-making process.”
I really loved this because I think as creatives, there is such a level of self-care that comes along with being creative. Lilo’s book has reminded me how important it is to take the time and thought into how we set ourselves up specially so that our mind and heart and follow suite. I have always felt like when my space is cluttered or disorganized, my mind becomes cluttered and disorganized.
Well, there you have it, guys. I hope this was a fun look into my studio. Hopefully it gave you some ideas and solutions to how you can set up your own creative space. Be sure to grab a copy of Lilo’s book! You won’t regret it!
Be great to each other,
-Karlee
BTW, this was such a fun blog tour to be a part of for Lilo’s new book. If you’d like to check out the other posts in the blog hop, here is the info:
The Love Your Creative Space Blog Tour
Friday 26 June:
Christa Watson/Blog –christaquilts.com
C&T Publishing/Blog-https://www.ctpub.com/blog/
Saturday 27 June:
Bonnie K. Hunter/Blog-quiltville.blogspot.com
Teri Lucas-terificreations.com
Sunday 28 June:
Mel Beach/Blog-https://pieceloveandhappiness.blogspot.com/
Heidi Proffetty-https://www.heidiproffetty.com/blog/
Monday 29 June:
Deborah Boschert/Blog-http://deborahsjournal.blogspot.com
Karlee Porter/Blog-https://www.karleeporter.com/blog/
Tuesday 30 June:
Lilo Bowman/Blog-lilobowman.com/blog
99 thoughts on “Organizing My Art Studio.”
Love the file cabinet idea….never thought about it …but it looks like it works!! I too use the space under my long arm for storage….moved some of it because I purchased the drawers that fit directly under it…..can’t believe how much is stored there!!! But I continue to use the sapce underneath….just smaller containers!
Thank you for sharing you space. It has given me some ideas for my small space.
Great ideas for reusing the filing drawers for fabric and thread storage. Glad to see the Lindt Lindor chocolate truffles tucked in the corner of your book shelf. !
I am always looking for new ideas for organizing my tiny sewing room. My husband is a carpenter and willing to make whatever I may need. I need some new ideas! Lilo’s book would be helpful. I enjoyed your tour of your studio. Thank you for sharing your ideas for organization.
Love those file cabinets!
I had to laugh as I read your description of your file cabinets! We have an old, unused legal file cabinet that I just moved into my sewing space this morning, trying to figure out what I’ll do with it. Now I have an idea! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your space & ideas!
Thank you so much for sharing your organization methods. Love those lateral files!
Great use of a wonderfully large space!
I really liked your idea of keeping books under control by making sure they fit on one shelf. I am going to clean off my shelf and pass a few of my books along so I have room for the Love Your Creative Space book with no guilt!
Beautiful and practical studio-you made it work for you. I enjoyed reading your blog and the thoughts about making it work for our needs at a specific time in our lives. i need to keep working on that as physical limitations are changing how I sew. Now and for some years forward I hope, my grandchildren are interested in sewing so with 6, ages 4-12, i now enjoy sharing my skills helping them make the small and large items they envision. Now instead of keeping my own projects moving forward and organized, I have 6 wonderful little people that want my attention. Someday, they will talk about quilting with their cousins at Grandma’s house and recall the delight they felt with the end results and not the chaotic space we all work together in!
Some very in retesting storage ideas! Thanks!
Love your creative space. I need to rethink my organization system. It is not working for me!
Love this post. I have seen many sewing spaces online and in person. The filing cabinet is amazing. Your sewing area looks so organized and it is neat that it is also a social area. Great job!
Great ideas here. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing your space. I love to see how others organize.
You did a great job with this space. Where I am, I have redone mine 3 times due to acquiring a long arm (small one) and probably need one more refinement….still thinking about that and out to consult this book!
Those cabinets are a great idea!
I have a new to me she shed – studio. I may “borrow” some of your storage ideas for my quilty space!
Great ideas here for organized storage! I would love to win a copy of the new book!
Love the idea of the filing cabinets.
Thanks for the look at your organizing ideas.
What fun! Looking forward to the book!
Your “filing” system is quite unique. Love all the creative ideas I’m gathering.
Love the lateral file for thread!!! Easily looked at but away from light and dust… of course I would need the entire cabinet or at least 2 more drawers for my thread collection!!! Currently deciding for the longarm thread, where it will live in the new studio…
Since COVID-19 became a part of our daily lives, I have been so happy to have my studio space to spend hours in. We are a lucky bunch!
I love the idea of under the frame totes—-I had never thought of that. I had thought the space had to be left empty. DUH!!! What a wonderful idea.
Beautiful space! Thanks for sharing the inside of the cabinets as well
You have a great, functional set up! I love it!
Thank you for the invitation to come and visit and see some of your creative space. I love those file cabinets and wish I had room for that sort of thing in my tiny little space. Alas I must share my space with a pull out couch so we have a ‘guest room’ when we need it and with the computer as well. Every square inch is utilized somehow, but that’s not to say I don’t envy all the other great studios I’m seeing on the tour!
Thanks so much for taking the time to read! I should have mentioned in the post, the file cabinets don’t have to be lateral, you could also do the same technique with legal width file cabinets too 🙂
Love the totes under the longarm. A very good idea to use lateral cabinets. I would not have thought about the bins inside the drawers.
I love the way you store your fabric and threads. I use to cupboards for fabric and I have the craft rolling carts where I keep thread, rulers, and other stuff in. Thanks for a chance to win a copy of the book.
The size of your work space is amazing and it looks so neat and organized. Great ideas! Does Lilo’s book have ideas for a smaller space?
Yes, the book is seriously jam packed with so much organizational goodness!
I love your designs! I am so glad to have discovered you through this book tour & look forward to seeing more of your work & hopefully learning from it.
Thank you for showing your space and your storage ideas! I enjoyed reading your post and really liked how easy the lateral file cabinets work to store your fabric and thread – very creative! I had a similar cabinet and unfortunately got rid of it along with the wire file holders because I wasn’t sure how I could use it. LOL Now I know after seeing yours! – so useful! I will definitely be on the look out for these cabinets! I’m also looking forward to reading Lilo’s book – it may help me with solving my storage situation!
Love your space. I surely do need this book!!!
I am changing locations soon after 36 years in one spot. You want to talk about hoarding crafting supplies. I am a knitter/ spinner/crocheter/but mostly a quilter. Don’t know where to start.
You got this. Just take it one day at a time. One thing that I LOVE to do to feel good about getting rid of supplies is to invite someone over and teach them a fun craft technique and then send them home with a goodie bag full of supplies to do that craft more. It helps me stay organized and hopefully inspires another to be creative and crafty! Sharing is caring!
Hello, love your creative space. I like an eclectic space, so I have found second hand items to store my collection of items for sewing, quilting etc…. I have a wooden machinist cabinet my father in law made many years ago. An old library file cabinet that I use for my sewing patterns… I purchased a counter top (one that had never been used) and placed it onto the top of an older wide dresser to use for a cutting table…. 97 inches of space is not bad at all! and several other hand me down items that well….. just fit into my space to make it what I need. Thank for you sharing your space…. I’ve been married for 44 years and to be honest my space has grown from home to home… our children are all grown up and gone so I have a large enough room now not to have to house my stuff all over the house! 🙂
That’s so awesome! I love the idea of incorporating eclectic elements, to really make it your own happy place.
I love your space and ideas you have used. Thank you for sharing.
Love the way you use your silver file cabinets
Thanks, Karlee. You are an inspiration in all that you do ‘quilting’. Still find your YouTube videos on the Sweet Sixteen perfectly wonderful. Organization, I think, may be your middle name. 🙂
You have lots of great ideas here, especially regarding your fabric storage, thanks for that!
I’m sure I’m not the only one who envies you your studio space. You are also very resourceful what with all the organizational ideas you’ve implemented. Congratulations.
Such organization! Love your cabinets
I really like the lateral file cabinets–especially for my thread stash. It would solve a lot of open storage issues I have as well. Now, how to make room for one!
I love being organized. We have been married 48 years and have moved 24 times in our married life. I always save my crafting/sewing/quilting space to unpack last (motivates me to get the rest done quickly) and then I take the time to sort, organize, and arrange everything I too a functional space. I am always looking for more ideas to save space and organize…this book sounds very interesting! The quote you like speaks to me, also!
I absolutely love your file cabinet fabric organization. Going to rethink my situation. Thanks a bunch.
I like your storage choices because you chose from what was available at a lesser price & what was best for you. Everything is right at your fingertips in an order that is good for you. I can tell from checking out Lilo”s book you got some great ideas! Some of the spaces I see look like thousands of dollars were spent. I can’t afford that for organization. I am thankful my husband is handy & will help to build one major piece to do most work from. The rest is repurposed furniture I repainted to make a happy, organized space.
Hi Peggy! I love that! It’s awesome that your husband is involved in making your studio an enjoyable place! And thank you! I am glad it LOOKS like thousands of dollars! That is the goal, lol.
I am happy to tell you that you have been chosen to win a copy of Lilo’s new book! Shoot me an email (info@karleeporter.com) with your mailing address and I can have C&T send you a copy! I know you’ll love it!
This book looks like a treasure trove of information. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
Wow! You have really done a lovely job with finding great working and storage tools there in your studio! Thank you for sharing your ideas!
Wow! You are so very organized! I really think I need Lilo’s book to help me on a path to organization!
I have been following you on social media since you first started with your first book. I have all of your books and thoroughly enjoyed reading them. Now that I have retired, I really need to get rid of some fabric and books that I will never use.
Thank you for sharing the ways that you organize your space, I always learn from seeing how others do things. Having that peek is a way to ask myself if there are better ways to organize that I hadn’t considered. There is always room to “improve”!
Excellent taste in chocolate! You could get a long anti fatigue mat to put on top of a 4″ plywood platform in front of your quilting machine to raise you to the right height. You would still have access to your bins, you’d just have to take the top one out first then lift the bottom one up 5″ to slide it out onto your platform. To reduce it’s weight, make it in sections with 2 sheets of plywood with strips of wood between them both along the edges and spaced evenly to support you and prevent sagging.
Oooh that’s a good idea. I have toyed with the idea of getting some exercise steps because then I can hopefully also use them for exercise (atleast that’s what I’ll tell myself)
I love your creative fabric storage solution! I am always worried about light fading and also the dust accumulating when they are out in the open, you have solved my problems.
Thanks
I can’t wait to see Lilo’s book-sounds like great ideas, as were the ideas that you shared about your space.
I’m signed up for your class and am so excited about that.
Thank you! Oh yay! I’m so glad you’re doing the class! It’s gonna be fun.
Thanks. We are just moving into a new house to try to downsize, however I’m still having a quilt studio room all to my own. Loved your ideas and very timely for me.
I am rearranging my sewing space in August-this book would be very helpful!
There are some great ideas here. I have been chipping away at organizing my creative spaces for far longer than I care to admit. But I have learned to look at progress made not what is still to go!
That’s a good attitude! I always just try to count my finished projects to remind myself of how much of my materials actually got transformed into quilts! It’s the best feeling ever.
Karlee!! This is so awesome. The file cabinet idea is pure genius! Being able to see everything you have! You inspired me to de clutter as I also get stressed if the Dojo is not clean.
Great ideas! Thanks
Hi Karlee,
Thanks for the wonderful shout out! Your studio is also super. I love the DIY upcycled file cabinets that you spray painted. Such a great idea for keeping fabric and threads organized, away from light and dust. I’ll be sharing that one for sure!!! Lilo
Thanks Lilo! Your book is seriously amazing! Very well done!
Sounds like you have a great space for your family to work and son to play.
How fantastically set up! It looks nice yet easy to utilize esp your thread storage is great! So is the height of your long arm, etc….Thanks!
Very nice post with pictures and suggestions. I am trying to detach and am down about 25%. I do love quilting books as references. The file drawers were an awesome deal.
Sounds like you are very adaptable in your ever changing needs.
Thank you.
This book could help me finally get the motivation to totally reorganize my sewing space.
Do it!!!
That’s a great “filing” system you have! I am surprised, though, that your threads don’t fall out of that cabinet when you open it. Wow! At almost 30, you’ve a lot of craft/quilting years ahead of you. May they be blessed with health, happiness…and more!
The slide out shelf is pretty sturdy so it’s nice 🙂 thank you! Luckily I was able to turn my hobby into a job early on so that I could afford the addiction hahaha
LOVE your space, Karlee!! I would LOVE to win a copy of Lilo’s book to give me more insight on reorganizing my space. It has gotten TOTALLY out of control over the past couple of years. Mainly because I have way too much stuff.” Especially BOOKS! I LOVE my books, but think I need to purge a few so I can get the newest ones off the floor. Not doing me any good if I can’t find them.
Thanks for all the details on how you organize your studio space. As a 40+ year quilter I need all the help I can get in organizing! Love that your whole family congregates where you work so that all of you are together & happy, too! Deb E / CA
My hubby is working from home, also in a shared space with my sewing area. It’s been challenging as he is now an IT manager so at times there is constant meetings and calls. I didn’t realize how used to a quiet house I had become as we are almost empty nesters. Hope all continues to go well for y’all.
I run into that sometimes as well with a husband also in the tech field. I just try to quilt when he’s not on calls and then allow myself to take a break when he needs some quiet. It’s a good excuse to take the spawn out for a walk or bike ride to get some vitamin D.
The phrase “Circle of Reach” was enough for me to take a hard look at how cluttered my work space had become. Just 3 words made a big difference–I can’t imagine how much gold there is to be mined in this book!
Also, I too believe that no studio is complete without a bag of Lindt truffles.
For real! Lindt truffles are a must Must MUST!
I can use all the ideas I can get to clean up my happy space. Thanks
After 40 plus years of making quilts, I would need at least 10 grand to splurge on those lateral files for my fabric stash–LOL!! What you did to transform the file cabinets is just gorgeous!! Glad to see that you found what works for you!!
If you are giving away a copy of Lilo’s book, I’m interested. Also would like to read all your future blogs and can’t find a place to be added to your list. Wendy at mzdetail@gmail.com
You can join my email list if you go to my home page and scroll to the bottom 🙂
Thank you for giving us a look into your approach to your studio. That 2×4 in Lilo’s quote hit me recently and I am searching for ideas to help me downsize, organize and transform my space to be more effective and joyful.
I loved seeing your studio, especially your space saving file cabinets. What a great idea! I also liked your wall art. Thank you for sharing.
Love your fabric storage!
Thank you for showing us your storage solutions.
I love your use of filing cabinets!
Karlee-you have shared some great ideas that you find useful in your studio!! Thanks so much!
I love your studio. I hope to one day have something as nice.
Thank you for the opportunity to win! Great book! Great blog!
You are a very talented artist Karlee and I look forward to Lilo’s new book!
Love your studio. My greatroom serves as my livingroom and quilting studio. With new eyes and insight, I look forward to finding new ways to store works in progress and finished quilts.
Love the file cabinet idea!
Great storage ideas!