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We head to Tromsø in Norway to tour Helle's craft space which is packed full of supplies and inspiration.
My favorite thing about my craft space is the location of it. It's in the living room, and fortunately my husband to be thinks it`s ok to share the living space with my not always tidy office. We both appreciate the company. My second favorite thing about my space is that it faces the TV. Gotta love that!
Tell us about your space
My craft space is in Tromsø, a city with about 70 000 inhabitants way up in the far north of Norway. It has been my hometown for 16 years. Me, my man and our cat have lived in and owned our 67 square feet apartment for the last four years. My craft space, or nook as I like to call it, is in the one end of our living room. The nook is mine alone, though our cat likes to sleep on my desk (when it`s room). My soon to be husband (we`re getting married in June!!!) obviously shares the living room with my space, but I try to keep it small scale, my nook may be 6 square feet. You can say this is my work space, and I most do paper crafts like drawing and card making. I also make scrapbooks, things like door signs with Hama beads and recycle stuff like cans and boxes so they get new life. People can order drawings, cards for a special occasion, Christmas tags, door signs, place cards, invites, a handwritten recepie, a scrapbook or other handmade stuff. I also sell my cards in an awesome local shop called Blåst.
What have you done to make your space cosy, beautiful or inspiring?
My nook is a constant work In progress! I reorganize very (too) often. Because it`s in the living room I have tried to keep the basic pieces white, so it`ll tie in with the rest of the furniture in the space. But I have spiced it up with a lot of color and personal bits and pieces. For me, the space has to be both functional and inspiring. I keep some pictures in my shelves, cool and cute boxes, plus some artwork, both mine and others. I`m also addicted to good lighting; both for working and for lighting up special pieces and artwork for when I “leave the office”; It`s almost like the office isn`t there, just cute stuff.
How do you keep organized?
I'm on the constant lookout for the most perfect organized system. I try my best by tidying often, and not buying too much new stuff. I have mostly open shelving, so for me it`s important to place the things I use the most in handy. A swivel with my pink chair and I have what I need. I need easy access to my stuff, or I will make a mess looking for it, and not be bothered putting it back.
I tend to reorganize and tidy per season, so when for instance Christmas comes I have all my Christmas stash available without making too much of a mess.
I also like having my stash in boxes and containers labeled with dymo tape. Labeled, and sorted makes me happy The stuff I use the most, like markers, adhesive, papers and scissors, are always available in open containers.
Any tips & tricks for organising supplies?
I like to recycle little things that would normally go to the bin, for organizing my space. Napkin holders turning dividers for papers and alphas, cd covers turning clear stamp storage, empty cans for penholders and cardboard boxes for cute storage.
I also like to hide the not so often used/not so pretty supplies behind pictures. That way I get a personal touch without taking up any of the much needed space, as well as hiding the eyesores!
Which are your favourite possessions and are there any of your own creations on display?
I try not to get too sentimental about my possessions, but I have a few things in my office I am very attached to. My Lego storage head, a picture of my late cat as well as a painting of her (made by a friend and artist Susann Brox Nilsen). When I have a new drawing done I tend to have it on display for some time while I`m figuring out if I`m happy with the end result. Then it gets sold, given away or saved in a cute, nicely labeled box until needed. Illustrations made by others inspires me, so there`s very little of my own work in both my office and our home in general.
How do you organise your inspiration and ideas?
PINTEREST! I pin artworks and illustrations, DIY, packaging, interior inspiration, you name it. Pinterest is my go to place. When there are things I need available on paper, like drawing tutorials, I print it out and store it in a cute box (labeled of course) until needed.
When I have worked on different projects, like a baby`s first book, I have another box where all the project sketches are stored, so that I`ll easily can find my notes again when needed. I really do like boxes (cute and labeled)!!
Where do you look for inspiration?
When working on a project and in need for some instant inspiration I use Pinterest and Google. But I also get inspired by Street art, random art work, Drawing tutorials, TV, cartoons, by colorful things and cool design, both vintage and new stuff. I get inspired very much so by animals, both real ones and illustrated.
If you had three wishes, what would you do to make it the dream space?
• Shop at IKEA. The nearest IKEA store is an 8 hour drive (16 both ways) away, in another country. I have seen a lot of furniture there, especially drawers, that I would like to own. I love being organized, and IKEA have so many great and affordable solutions.
• I would love to have built in electrical sockets in my desk, for easy connecting my silhouette cameo, computer, mini iron etc.
• GO BIG. I would love a bigger space, specially a bigger desk or a second desk. Different areas for different crafts; drawing, sewing, card making etc. I could get a lot more work done and do it more tidy, if I had more room.
Whose craft room would you love to explore? Send us a message!
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