Features
Come behind the scenes at Tinkered Treasures for a #CraftRoomTour and see Elyse in The Girlie Office in Rhode Island.
(Thanks to Marisa Bettencourt for the photography)
My favorite thing about the Girlie Office is that it is unabashedly girlie. A first-floor bedroom earmarked to be my home office from the start, it's the first room where I experimented with all kinds of DIY decor ideas. Almost everything in the "G.O." has been altered by me in some way and so I feel a bit victorious and energized while I'm in there. It's also got a very comfy couch (our former living room couch) and so it's a wonderful place to read and nap.
Tell us about your space
Like the rest of our Cape Cod style house, the room is very small. The closet has a curtain instead of a door to save on space. There are two bookcases, one desk, one table, a little set of drawers, a couch, and that's not all ... it's packed, isn't it?! My husband outfitted the closet with shelves for additional storage but as any crafter knows, there's never enough space. If you visit my blog and search for Girlie Office, you'll see that the room has gone through a few slight variations through the years. I like that the main colors are pink and yellow with touches of aqua! Indulgent!
What have you done to make your space cosy, beautiful or inspiring?
The very first thing I did to the room was paint it yellow. I honestly couldn't decide which yellow on the chip to use so I worked with all three: the lightest shade for the trim, the middle for the walls, and the boldest for the closet. I added grosgrain ribbon tabs to an old set of white window panels and I love how they bring the room together. I just started a gallery wall and am on a slow-but-steady search for just-right pieces to add. The lighting is from the children's department of Target. The entire room is filled with items I really adore.
How do you keep organized?
I ATTEMPT organization by keeping similar items together. I also like to showcase supplies in clear vessels -- like my glass hobnail pot filled with tinkered glue sticks -- it's very pretty! I have tinkered cans aka desk tidies all over the room holding scissors and pens and pipe cleaners. I also try to keep frequently used items within reach.
Any tips & tricks for organising supplies?
Designating a "place for everything" really does help. I use cardboard photo boxes for small loose things like paper flowers, wood items, and sheets of stickers and gems. I also try to "de-stash" from time to time and assemble grab bags of tinkering supplies to give away.
Which are your favourite possessions and are there any of your own creations on display?
Some favorite supplies are vintage millinery forget-me-nots, vintage seam binding in pastel shades, paper flowers, gems, and any kind of glitter. Even though I fear sewing, I love fabric from sources like Lecien, Urban Gardens, Cath Kidston, Cabbages & Roses, and Peony & Sage. Some favorite possessions include drawings and projects from my boys, handmade gifts from blogging friends, framed photographs, small toys, pretty paper products, and snow globes from travels. I generally have a few tinkered treasures on display, a craft stick cottage, clothespin doll, or something seasonal. It's fun to switch things up!
How do you organise your inspiration and ideas?
No matter what I try (notebook, emailing myself, a spreadsheet) I always go back to using paper scraps: ideas scribbled, sometimes illustrated, on sticky notes or a "special" pad (I have a beautiful pad from Cartolina that is designated for ideas).
Where do you look for inspiration?
When looking for new ideas I honestly try to avoid Pinterest because I want to aim for something fresh. I like to use simple ideas as a springboard and often find inspiration in children's craft books. Sometimes just walking around a cool shop like Anthropologie will get the ideas flowing.
If you had three wishes, what would you do to make it the dream space?
Ooh, nice one!
1) I wish my space was larger
2) I think it's so cool when craft rooms have a sink! So, yes, a sink!
3) A large work table that I actually maintained and used as a work table.
Whose craft room would you love to explore? Send us a message!
Share
Follow
