Baker's Dozen Studio Challenge - September

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.

My studio space is not as organized as I'd like it to be.  We moved this summer, so I'm still deciding on certain things and sorting through stuff that I didn't know I had ;) until I had to pack everything up!  First of all, I stand to craft.  I've trying sitting, but I just don't like it.  I prefer to stand and already be on my feet if I need to get something from another part of my room. . .and I'm already up when it's time to run after the kids to see what they're up to!  :) 

My table is counter height and it's an "island" in my studio.  I like to be able to walk around the table and work on the other side for diecutting.  I like to keep it as cleared off as possible, but the things I keep on it for easy access are my dies that I work with the most, my craft bag with various adhesives, scissors and other odds and ends, and my basket that has my acrylic blocks and sometimes embellishments that I just got and plan on using. 

Underneath my stamp table is a cart which contains my most used inks, embossing folders, ribbons and other embellishments.  I open these drawers each day that I craft, so I like to have it close.  Of course, next to that is the trash can.  You can't see it in photos, but "behind" where I stand to craft is my computer and desk. 

Here are a few views of my shelving in my studio space where I keep stamp sets, diecutting machines, papers, etc.  You can see my collection of TE stamps in the Mini & Petite Storage Boxes.  I've told you how much I LOVE my Key Ingredients Subscription, and you can see all of those in the last bookshelf pic. 

 

One thing I'm trying to change is my die storage.  The plastic box that I used was fine when I didn't have as many dies, but now it is overflowing and when I'm searching for a particular die, it's frustrating to look through this box.  I saw an idea for storing dies in CD sleeves, so I thought I'd try that.  I had the box on hand, so I bought CD sleeves.  I write on the top left corner, the names of the dies in the sleeve and on the right corner, the company whose dies they are.  It's going to take me a while to finish this changeover, but I LOVE how I can see in the window of the sleeves and how I'll just be able to look through them like files. Plus, I can keep any templates I've made for alignment WITH the die instead of having to create a new one.

I hope you've enjoyed the tour of my stamping space!  I can't wait to see what the rest of the Baker's Dozen is sharing!  You can visit each of the blogs below for a peek into their stamping space!!  Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Cammie King (Guest Designer)

Jen Shults

Jodi Collins

Karen Giron

Melody Rupple

Regina Mangum

Sankari Wegman

Shannon White

Shelly Mercado

Stephanie Kraft

Taylor VanBruggen

Wanda Guess