the studio - day 2...

thanks to those of you who have been sharing your ideas about organizing.  i want to answer a few questions i've read in your comments about my studio:

1.)lighting: the lighting in my studio is very bright, i have an 8ft. florescent fixture on the ceiling, lighting above each stamp rack, and 2 windows on opposite walls so there is plenty of lighting - i'm just not the best photographer, thanks for the explanation rach!

2.)table: yes, this is my main and only work space in my studio.  it's a 6ft. table and it works for me - less area to clutter up i think!

3.)wire: i store bigger things in the wire baskets and drawers so i don't need to put any lining in them.  if you're trying to store smaller items in the wire system they might fall out - beware of this!

okay, so let's go with day 2 - stamps & stuff!  i have to admit it - I LOVE STAMPS!  i am a wood mounted stamp guy, always have been, but i am starting to get hooked on ez-mount stamps now.  i think stamps are works of art in themselves so i always get inspired just looking at them.  now i'm aware that this is probably the most impractical thing to do having them all displayed, but it's what i like and it's important to stick with what YOU like.  can you tell i like stamps?

i bought these 6 bookcases from home depot.  the first section is 8ft. high and 6ft. across and made up of 4 cases stacked on top of each other.  the second section is 6ft. high and cornered with another bookcase.  because the shelves are 1ft. deep, i didn't want to waste the space so i bought some styrofoam from home depot (they use it for insulation) and cut it into 6" strips to work as a riser for the back of each shelf.  this way i can get 2 rows of stamps per shelf.

the stamps are displayed at a slight angle to fit more on the shelf as well.  i can just look through them, and choose what i want.  i have my stamps sorted by style and a shelf of binders that store my cling mounted stamps too!

next is my most favorite and useful thing in my studio.  i don't have a clue where you could find another one, but i'm sure they are out there.  it's this spinner rack.  i got it when i was working at ben franklin crafts and they were throwing it out!  it used to hold rubber stamps so it has tons of adjustable shelves.  this is where i store my ranger ink pads, alcohol inks, embossing powders, re-inkers, paints, and just about every other medium i own.  the entire rack spins so i have whatever i need at my fingertips. if you didn't have space for something like this, you could take advantage of my storage tins from Cropper Hopper.  i designed these to store inks, paints, embossing powders, etc. and they take up minimal space.  i'll be sharing some ways to customize these on a website demo next month!

         

i think it's important to be able to see the products you have.  one idea is to make yourself a color swatch of all the ink pads and other products you own.  just stamp them or paint them on tags or a piece of paper and keep them in a binder.  this way if you can't display them you know what colors of what products you have to use on your projects (it also makes a great shopping list too!).

i have lots of various things in small packages that don't really fit in my wire baskets.  usually they are embellishments, findings, and other bits and pieces of opened packages.  i use this shoe holder i bought at target.  it's clear, very durable, and can hang over a door so i'm not giving up any wall space - again i get to dig!  this is a great way to see everything you have at once.  you can also use this to store scissors, punches, and other tools you use the most.  this door leads to the closet which stores all of my teaching supplies - and i have LOTS of teaching supplies.  i'm on the road almost 20+ days a month, 10 months of the year teaching at trade shows, stores, and other educational events.  staying organized and stocked up is very important to make sure everything runs smooth.  i bought 4 more of the wire shelves from costco and lined them up on both sides of the closet.

i have many clear plastic storage bins that are labeled with various items i use in kits including game pieces, old keys, mica, misc. hardware, etc. i also have a paper rack against the back wall for all of my bazzill basics.

there you have it, day 2 of the "tour".  hopefully you've found some ideas for storing all your stuff.  tomorrow i'll finish up with pictures of all of the fun things i have in my studio that make me happy and inspire me.  keep sharing your ideas too...

-t!m   

Comments

[Kaz]

once again......WOW!!!!!

absolutely brilliant craft space, I'm so jealous. wonderful to see it all. x

[Andi Sexton (RrlScrapGal)]

drool!!! Love the stamp display, the inks, colors, etc... very very very lovely!!!

[sarah]

Wonderful to see your space.....look at all those stamps....my idea of heaven

[Kelly]

Wow....Now that is a Studio!!
Love that you have all your stamps displayed...I love to display mine as well!

[Kelly]

Wow....Now that is a Studio!!
Love that you have all your stamps displayed...I love to display mine as well!

[Liz Walters-Prescott, AZ]

WOW!! Hey Tim...
What an awesome, creative space. You have given me many ideas of how to better set up my studio. I remember looking into your studio last year but I was so awed with it all that I really didn't "see" it at all.
If you remember back to the Ben Franklin days I ended up with 2 of the stamp storage units as well. One is set up but not being used as intended. The second one is sitting by the front door, unassembled, waiting for me to do something with it. Seeing how you use yours as storage for your pads and paints etc, is brilliant. I would have never thought of that!! Thanks for showing us all the photos, please don't stop, because I'm a visual learner and seeing your space is inspiring to me. I too have the master bedroom set up as my studio. Along one wall is a long counter with a sink so I can wash my painted, inked mess without leaving the studio. I'll send you photos to your regular email soon. I will have to keep my clutter cleaned up because my work space has been shrinking from 6 feet down to 12 inches. It's not working for me. Thanks for setting up your blog. You're giving me daily motivation and inspiration.
I too am a wood mounted stamp person and some days I can just sit in my studio and look at the walls for inspiration. I have french doors on one wall that leads out onto a deck in case the days are nice and I want to let nature in. Granite Dells is so peaceful that I couldn't ask for more. Enough for now. Thanks again for sharing your passion. Better therapy then any doctor can give.
Love, Liz

[reflections:0)]

Very, very nice... I love the idea for setting the back row of stamps up and using all the shelf space... I love to look at my stamps too and see them as works of art as well... With U.M.'s I am loving them but, finding that I need to write down in my stamp book (3 ring binder I made with a sample stamping) whom made it....

I am with the others drooling... I have got to get more inks for sure now...hehehehe I have like ten ink pads and I have been stamping for 14+yrs. And I just bought two packages of you A.I.'s but, I have yet to use them...

I now know why you took over the master bed room... Being gone so much you do not need a room to sleep in just one to create in...:0)LOL

reflections:0)

[marie]

are you shore you are not a shop. I would shop there. LOL

[Rachel Greig]

Ohh Tim, that is one awesome space! The photos from yesterday were great, but todays ones are just SO inspiring. I love how you have your stamps - I have always wanted to display mine like that, but since I have a window on one side and a shelf on the other side of my space, it's currently not possible. But I love your visual feast!
And that closet!!! Man! You've told me about that before - but seeing it is magic. The shoe holder on the door is a great idea too, I could easily employ that idea to hold stuff on my darkroom door. Thanks for the tip.
But the best thing is the spinner unit with all your inks etc. That is just amazing. So easy to see what you need, and easy to tidy up when you're done.
Thanks so much for sharing all of this - it's really really inspiring. Makes me want to come over and play and get all inky and dirty with ya! Wink ;) HA! Happy creating!
rach x

[Alicia Sharp]

I am so jealous of your studio!!! I too love the spinning rack! I will definately be on the lookout for one of those. I use the shoe rack on the inside of the closet for storing punches! That was a great tip! Cannot wait to see more and again I want that dress form!!!! Love it!!

[Jen Crossley]

Your Killing me Tim!!!! Wow your studio is amazing to say the least,does it always stay this clean?? I love everything and the spinning unit is way cool.
Thanks for sharing some ideas If I ever get a studio
Jen

[Wendy Vecchi]

Thanks for sharing your stamp storage system and photos. BRILLIANT idea to have them on an angle to increase the storage space. I just scored 50...yes 50 Stampers Anonymous stamps today!! I'm in rubber heaven!! There's nothing like the smell of new rubber. I scored grungeboard too!!!!!!

My question...how do you store patterned papers??? I have custom hanging racks, but I find papers to be the hardest to put in categories. I keep thinking that there has to be a better system. Any ideas??
THANKS!
Wendy

[rachel carlson]

GULP! you have way more toys than i do - sigh. hugs, rachel

[Candi Tardio]

i wanna come over and play :) thanks for sharing your room and ideas of storing!!! LOVE IT ALL!!!! can't wait to see what else you have to share!!

[tammy b]

holy majoley....absolutely breathtaking. i love seeing all the colors lined up and orderly

[Nancy Wongsotaroeno]

Thanks for sharing! I'm currently thinking about rearranging my stuff...

Oh well... let's be honest: I'm ALWAYS thinking about rearranging my stuff :)

But this time it is serious. Bought Wendy Smedley's book and am taking the course, my goal for 2008 is to have a organized craft space, that fits how I create. Looking at other people's spaces really helps my process. So thank you for sharing!

I was just hoping that your pictures would get bigger when 'clicked', so I could study them even better :) I'd love a closer look at what is hanging above your paper racks? It looks intrigueing (sp?)! Something you made? Please show uw! :)

Thanks, Nancy
The Netherlands

[SANDIE]

total awe is what im feeling right now...
sandie

[Angie]

So glad you've got a blog, Tim! Also, just love looking at your studio space.

[Lisa Jamerson]

WOW Tim I think you do like stamps a little bit. LOL

[Denise Morris]

Oh me -- oh my -- I would just love to spend one day in your studio. To have a space like that to create in would be balm for the soul every time you walked through the door. I also know what it took to get it looking like that and keeping it like that takes a very organized and disciplined person as well. Phenominal job Tim!!

Denise (Beer?)

[Monica Magness]

Welcome to blogging Tim, I knew ur studio would be FAB but to be this organized popped my eyes out of my head! I'm stoked you started a blog, I'm eager to read about what motivates you but seriously try and throw in a pic of Prescott too here & there...I miss it sew! xo, Monica

p.s. ketch'nup on ur posts here- Hobby Lobby is my absolut fave store! I just need an Ikea here & I'd be one jumpin' noodle!

[Diana]

I love how your space is organized - I also see your stamps are much loved - not I do not feel guilty for not keeping my stamps crispy clean.

[Connie...Altered Route]

I just love to visit this blog...thanks for being a blogger when you have time! And by the way...you have more inventory than the best stores around here, I would love to come snoop!
Connie

[Nancy Wongsotaroeno]

MESSAGE FOR LIZ WALTERS:

You did not leave your email, so hopefully you'll see this...

Check out http://www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com/gobi.php for the course. There you'll also find a link to the book!

Hope this helps!

Nancy
The Netherlands

[Dolly]

Wow Tim, I am amazed...well no, not really. Your space is a reflection of your unique personality. I had to LOL reading about others turning their master bedroom into their art studio. Nice to know that I am not alone in thinking that my studio is an ever growing, ever changing space...but heck, a bed is a bed and as long as I can get horizontal 6-7hrs a night it could be in a closet!

I agree with you about the inspiration your stamp collection gives. I remember you telling me about your bookcases and your tiered system for showing them. I found that with limited wall space that having wooden chair railing from a local Home Depot, Lowes, etc. cut into 18" lengths, painted (can you see your new crackle paint as a finish for these? Hmmm, I do have a 4 day weekend coming up LOL) and I stagger them along these little ledges. With the 18" length I can have these go from floor to ceiling and it looks like one beautiful work of art. I just couldn't put my stamps in a container...they are just too beautiful to hide.

Thanks for starting this blog and sharing a piece of yourself. It's one of the qualities I appreciate about you is your willingness to share, to teach, to inspire.

[Maureen]

Wow Tim, I love your studio!!!!

[Janna]

Man, you are WAY too organized. Quite amazing!!! Love your share...jw

[Beatrice from France]

Me again ! I think about your studio all the day and I take my decision ! I found some metallic shelves at IKEA (BRODER system) and I'm going to buy this next week and reorganize all my studio ! Thanks to give me the "push"

[Holly Costello]

That is one rockin' spot you got there. I too ADORE stamps.

Where do most of yours come from?

They are just BEEE-utiful!!

HOLLY

[Gina Smith]

Found your blog from Michelle Ward's...cannot believe your rubber stamp collection...may have to start stalking you!!

[Niki]

I just want to know why your inks arent all dirty like mine? LOL I cannot keep them clean.

[Brigitte]

oh myyyy !! my jaws are dropping down the floor !!! that is an aweesome view. it's so neat and organized, it looks like a shop !! Do you still find time to play with all these ?? if you don't...i can come over ?? hehehe ....
thanks for sharing these !! loooove it !!

[Donna Salazar]

I LOVE your space! I need to re-design mine and I'm liking the way that you have some of your stuff organized. I have inspiration all around me too... I have stuffage all over my walls. I even hang my favorite layouts on the wall before they make it into a book. I'll have to update the pictures on my blog soon but here is how it looked a couple months ago: www.donnasalazar.typepad.com

AND... my 13 year old daughter is getting more and more stuff and I need to incorporate a space for her too. It's a good problem to have... I love that she is really getting into this with me.

[Michelle]

impressive

I've seen those class bins up close and they work quite well

[Andrea]

Love, love, love your space. You gave me the clear shoe rack idea for storing asst. embellishments and I embraced it immediately.

[Helle Greer]

WOW, I think I have died and gone to heaven!!! You studio is unbelievable and so organized.
I'm in LOVE with the ??????? stamp that is in the close up picture, would you be so kind and tell me the name so I can order it , I must own it.
Thank you Tim, you so RoCk.
Smiles,
helle

[Carol]

***sigh*** what a wonderful sight - no wonder it inspires you................ I think I'd never leave that studio! lolx

[Helena from Spain]

Hello Tim
Just a question ...
In France, people like IsaUK for exemple, says us that it's better to keep ink pad looking to the floor (I mean the top of the box) and I see that you keep your ink pad normally, the top of the box is looking the sky (I hope you understand me because I'm french, I speak spanish but my level of english is 0 near 00). Scrap girls (those who know how scrap better) advice us that the box in the wrong side is better because ink is in the felt, all around in the felt ...
Thank you for your help if you can answer me
Marie-Hélène

[Traci C]

OMG!!! Partly Speechless (VERY rare)

But surely you cannot use them all - donations gratefully received (hee hee)

Traci x

[Alli Miles]

WOW!!!! (echoed by the others!) What can I saw. I am in awe.

[Alli Miles]

that was supposed to read say (not saw)....sorry about that! *lol*

[Kim]

I know what I want now LOL what abeautifully organised space

[Estelle]

Hello Tim
I am under the charm of your studio! These magnificent arrangements, all these plugs, and so perfectly stored(perfectly tidied up)!! great! As my friend Manuèla I hope one day to meet you! Estelle from France

[Nicky aka Slinkyminx]

HOLY COW... only just ssen these pics, thought the other pics were amazing but i am just blown away, i think i would die and go to heaven having this space to work in, you lucky lucky man. And the ink spinner is too die for definatly.
Hugz Nicky (uk)

[Nicky aka Slinkyminx]

HOLY COW... only just seen these pics, thought the other pics were amazing but i am just blown away, i think i would die and go to heaven having this space to work in, you lucky lucky man. And the ink spinner is too die for definatly.
Hugz Nicky (uk)

[Nicky aka Slinkyminx]

sorry, dont know why it came up twice lol, guess it was a double shock at how fab your space is. he he he !!

[Debby]

I could get lost in there for days... I bow down to the rubber stamping God! LOL

[Monika/buzsy]

Love your studio... that spinning rack is super... one question... do you have a 'maid' to clean all those shelves?
I can picture the dust on those if I had one in my house. :o) LOL
Happy stmaping!

[hafida]

Hello Tim,

Super, super, super !!!!!!!
Je suis jalouse.Merci pour ces images. On peut toujours réver.

Hafida.

[Virginia A]

What a sharing, teaching person you are, Tim! Not only is your work inspiring, your write-up of how to organize a studio is also inspiring.

Your quote: "share some of your ideas and post them on the blog. the more you share the more i will share - fair enough? we must never lose sight of the fact that we are in an industry of sharing ideas, being creative, and enjoying the moments - that's what it's all about...” – Tim Holtz

is a real clue to what makes you a great teacher!
THANKS.
va