Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Defending the Small House #1

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{Living Big in 1200 Square Feet.}


Week 1: Frugal Storage for Crafts

Brenda and I are starting our new series, Defending the Small House, today. We’re really excited to share our ideas with you and to hear your ideas. We are starting the series with craft storage. Brenda recently moved and has fixed up her office/craft space and I have found my own solutions to the problem of storage. Here goes!
As many of you know, there are two of us living here. My husband needs his studio space, which is in the guest room/studio/office. I need my space, as well. So I made the upstairs landing and hallway my creative space. Why not? The hallway was pretty boring as it was and now it is fun, filled with creative energy and both my husband and I love it.
This is the view at the top of the stairs (you can see the newel post in the lower left hand corner.) There is a little niche under the slanted ceiling and that is where I tucked my sewing machine table. It fit perfectly, which I took as a sign from the heavens to go ahead with my wacky idea. I made that skirt out of an old Shabby Chic shower curtain. I pulled it from my fabric stash so the cost was $0. Storage tip #1: Go under. That skirt looks sweet, but it also hides a lot of things that I need but don’t necessarily want out on display. If something is unsightly, mask it with a skirt and then use that area for storage.
The white shelf unit behind the sewing table was something I found in our shed and repainted. Now it functions as a handy place to store sewing notions.
I collect pottery, so I have a lot of it scattered around the house, which leads me to Storage Tip #2: Use what you have on hand. Shop your house. Pottery and china are not only attractive but can provide valuable storage space. You may not have lots of storage space, but some cheerful pieces of pottery that hold buttons or beads or paint brushes may just do the trick. This piece holds fabric for whatever project I’m working on at the moment.
This little creamer with my initials on it (that was a find!) holds fabric markers, paintbrushes, and seam rippers.

This mug holds my measuring tapes.

This piece of Roseville pottery holds vintage seam binding.

My craft and decorating books are in this bookcase that I bought for $30. Frugal. That vintage sewing basket also stores supplies.
Here’s the view as you turn the corner in the hallway. I bought this cabinet for $75 through an ad on Craig’s List. Storage Tip #3: Buy vintage, buy used. Not only will you get a great deal, you’ll often find something with much more personality than anything you would buy new. This cabinet, with its sort of deco-looking handles is wonderfully funky and I certainly wouldn’t have found anything like it in a furniture store.

Back to that bookshelf: I tried and tried to find a used bookshelf that would fit in my tiny space. It was a fruitless search. When I found this new one, I could justify it because it was so inexpensive.

The cabinet is not too deep, has shelves behind glass (for display,) shelves behind cupboard doors and a drawer.  I don’t know what I did without it. It provides valuable storage for this tiny space.

None of these jars cost more than a few dollars and they hold trims, thread, ribbons, buttons and embroidery floss. Storage Tip #4: Use Glass Jars for Storage. You can see what you have and they’re pretty to look at.

When it’s time to embroider, for example, I just pull out this jar and take it with me to my chair.

I already had the vintage glove boxes, which also provide storage.

Back to ‘Use what you have’ – this set of vintage Chinese nesting baskets is something I’ve had hanging around for years. I spray painted it white and now it’s in the studio holding fat quarters, trims and patterns. Because the baskets nest, I can get a lot into a tiny area.

Storage Tip #5 – Think Up. I use the top of the cabinet to display things. One of those things is a wire basket that holds trims. I also use the wall space next to the cabinet.

Hanging on the wall is this vintage feedsack shoe bag. Each pocket holds lots of supplies. It’s pretty and useful. Next to the feedsack is my mini design wall.

See? There it is, to the right. Before I got the cabinet, this whole wall was a design wall. When the cabinet came into the studio, I decided to get rid of most of it, but this one section has remained. It reaches the ceiling, so there’s a lot of design space available. Right now, since I’m not working on a quilt, it displays my embroidery projects and my mom’s baby dress. But the minute I need it, it will be available for design work.

Storage Tip #6: Have fun – add something whimsical (but useful) to your space. I treated myself to Letitia last year. She was found on eBay for $75. Since it was birthday money, the cost to me was $0. Her presence adds a lot to the studio and she also serves as a display for all sorts of things. Last year, she modeled some of my crocheted scarves for my readers. Beautifully, I might add.

Nothing in this space cost more than $75. (I’m not counting the sewing machine which I’ve had for years.) Most of it I already had on hand. By the way, my supplies are not all neatly contained in the studio. I have a closet in the guest room where I store fabric, yarn, and my ‘real job’ work supplies. I work on my dollhouse in a corner of the den. I sometimes need more space and spread things out on the kitchen table. But everything has a place and when I’m finished for the day, it all goes back.

Maybe these ideas will serve as a bit of inspiration. You can create a space for crafts and craft storage in a tiny space.

We’re hoping you’ll give us ideas for future posts. Share your thoughts and your solutions with us.

Stop by and visit Brenda, who lives with her 2 little dogs in 1010 square feet in Tulsa. She has some wonderful ideas to share with you.

Comments

  1. Your space at the top of the stairs is so charming Claudia! Everything is so neat and has it’s own place. Right now I am in the process of making my own spot in my basement. It will be my craft sewing area. I am in the process of going through “stuff” that has accumulated through the years to make the room more functional. I think as we get older it feels good to get rid of excess “anything”~Hugs, Patti

  2. I love how you turned a space that usually goes un used into a fullu functional crafting space , i live in a 5oo square foot apartment and would love to have this space,

  3. Your studio is completely charming. I just love it.

    I too live in a tiny house. It’s all by choice. . . . we deliberately downsized. Like you, I find myself “defending” our small home. I wish there wasn’t a need to do so. I wish people intuitively knew and understood that living small is in many ways, living large. But alas. . . defending our choices seems to be necessary most days.

    You and Brenda have most definitely defended the small home in the best of style and charm! I’ll be following your entries!

  4. I love the idea of using dishes and pottery for other purposes. I do that too but you have given me a few ideas. Thanks for this post. Lovely and cute as a button.

  5. I am here by way of Brenda, but I have been here before. I remember your craft space. It is just so cute and organized. I love what you have done. I told Brenda that I am loving this series. Signed up to folow you.

  6. I think the most important thing in decorating a small space is simply getting out in all the stores with older furniture pieces and finding those that are just the right size. Good, old, pieces and cabinets that were used back when the rooms of homes were much smaller. I think about the house I grew up in and how small some of the rooms were. We lived there nicely as a family of 6. Being able to move around a smaller home just means smaller pieces, or recycling pieces that originally had a different purpose. Love your little lofty hallway!

  7. Your craft spot is so cute and inspiring- love your ideas for using things you have on hand for storage like mugs, flower pots etc. And I think your advice about furniture and “buy vintage” is so true- vintage is almost always cheaper than new, has more character, and holds it value.

    Looking forward to more of your series.

  8. Claudia I adore your creative space. You have it decorated so beautifully and have put every inch to such good use and with tremendous charm. I especially love the natural light that comes through the window. Your space actually inspired me to put an old hutch in our families upstairs hallway when I moved here. It now holds my books, magazines, and even kitchen paraphernalia.

    You and Brenda are inspiring me to do blog posts about living in small spaces again. Perhaps you should have one of the linkie parties each week, so others can share their posts on the subjects you’ve chosen. I’m sure many will be inspired by your new blog series. ♥

  9. Over from Brenda’s….:)

    Your space at the top of the stairs is brilliant. It looks adorable, too.

    And I would love to take Letitia home with me.

    Great post…

  10. I love your craft area and I know it would make me smile as I climbed the stairs. I like how both you and Brenda have things visible. Not only can you see what you have but it provides pretty inspiration. Beautiful job. Patty

  11. I just came over from Brenda. So much fun that you two are doing this series. I love your craft space and I am amazed how much you have tucked away in that little corner of your house.
    Can’t wait for the next installment in the series.

  12. Hi Claudia- I found you through Brenda over at Cozy Home. We will be downsizing in the next year or so…so…I am looking for all the inspiration I can get. You have a wonderful space here to craft and “play” in. xo Diana

  13. I love what you and Brenda are doing with this series. I agree, that buying at garage sales and flea markets is cost effective and fun, for finding furniture. Your storage ideas make your already cozy area even more charming. I had fun peeking around!

  14. Cladia
    I have the very same amount of space in my little cabin. I so…
    appreciate your tips. As soon as my DH has a shed built I am will have part of our loft area for my creative space. I can’t wait to start incorporating some of these great ideas!

  15. You have done an amazing job of creating space, where there is very little. Everything does double duty.

    Love this series that you and Brenda are working on. Having lived in small places most of my life, I wouldn’t know what to do with more room….it’s easy to make a life in less.

    Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

  16. Love what you did, Claudia! Now I can truly see you rifling through things in your little studio. Storage and organization makes me happy somehow. So you’ve made my day! You go, Letitia!
    Brenda

  17. Lambchop! I’ve always admired your space Claudia and enjoyed the extended tour and great ideas – especially buying used and using things already on hand for pretty storage. Popping over to Brenda’s now… Ann

  18. Visiting from Brenda’s! I am loving this series you have started and your space at the top of your stairs is wonderful! So colorful and organized! I love your idea of storing beneath tables and shelves and skirting around them! Very chic!

    Looking forward to more in this series!

    XO,
    Jane

  19. Hi Claudia,
    You little studio looks great in the hall nook! I have a set of shelves in my hall too that holds many of my crafting supplies. It was just wasted space before. I haven’t seen a Lamb Chop doll in ages…so cute!
    GinaE in San Antonio

  21. I LOVE this series that you and Brenda are doing. So many fresh ideas. Now if I could ever get organized! :( I can’t wait to see what you and Brneda will bring us next time.

  22. Your little space is so wonderfully used, so there are not crowded in there, even you have so many beautiful things. You had just the right idea, and sence to transform the hallway,and make it look great, charming- and lovely, dear Claudia.
    Blessings,Dorthe

  24. I love this series! Thank you so much for sharing your craft space first, too — that’s the space I stress the most over trying to fit into a smaller space. We are hoping to downsize in a couple of years and that’s the one thing I wonder — how will I make it fit? I’ll put these tips to use!

    ~Angela~

  25. I just love your studio Claudia! I’m so impressed with how you have made so much of a small space, and made it such a beautiful space to create in.

    Love this fun new series. Can’t wait to read all of your creative ideas for living in our small homes.

  26. What a sweet studio you have. I think this is a great series you and Brenda have begun. Most of the world’s people live in small homes.

    Thanks, too, for the email about Reality Thursdays. You are being prudent, which is wise. But I’m glad you held it for awhile so that I could discover your blog – via Maggie in Normandy.

  28. You had a vision, Claudia, and you succeeded very well. Your little cottage is a real “home sweet home”. It’s also colourful and cheerful!

  29. I love seeing your sweet sewing corner…. everything is so pretty. I use a shoe holder-do-hickey for supplies too… Gotta make those small rooms work really hard, right?

    Huggies,

    Spencer

  31. It is always just PURE eye candy for me when I come visit you! And by the way it’s been a while…I’ve missed coming by. Glad to see all is well and beautiful still!!

  33. Hi Claudia! I love, love, love your creative work space. It’s so adorable, functional and charming I want to move right in!!

    Big Hugs and Lots of Love,
    Susan and Bentley

  34. I love this post! I am determined to get my studio under control this winter, and your post has really inspired me to get going on it soon. Right now it’s so crazy in there, I can’t even share a photo of it on “Reality Thursday”… that’s pretty bad isn’t it?!
    Hmmm… maybe I’ll post a “before and after” when it’s completed…I have yet to share my studio on my blog because it’s soooo crazy in there!
    Hugs,
    Jill

  35. Hey Claudia
    What a great idea. You know I live in a 950 square foot house too. I’m not that organized, but I do like my space. I remember seeing your “space” a while ago. LOVE it.
    You go girl.
    xoxoxo

  36. i am going to love this series…i got me a small house! i need help with kitchen storage ideas…
    i have few cabinets and counter space too, my kitchen is tiny!
    love your craft space…so charming!!

  37. I love your space and think it’s brilliant that you used that area. Our space at the top of the space is quite large too and I think we are going to turn it into a library eventually. Your storage solutions are brilliant and full of personality.
    Jen
    P.S. Today the hubby and I had a breakfast date at Cracker Barrel and he declared my (your) biscuits better. That is success my friend!

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