Did you ever think you would have accumulated so many scrapbooking supplies when you got into this hobby? You may still be moving your supply stash from room to room looking for a workspace to design your page layouts. For many, having a scrapbooking craft room is a dream. Yet, if you look closely, you may just find a way to create a scrapbooking space that is all your own. You may not have a whole room to devote to your hobby, but a closet could be the answer to your craft room dream.



A unused closet can be an ideal place for your scrapbooking supplies, and with some organization it can be designed to include a workspace as well. Closets are perfect for storage because you can simply close the doors and hide away any mess or unfinished projects. However, to keep your scrap space ready for your next project, taking time to organize it is essential.

It doesn't really matter whether the closet is in a bedroom or not. Preferably it shouldn't be a hall closet, because it may make it difficult to sit a chair up to the workspace without blocking the hallway. A closet in a room that wouldn't interfere with the rest of the family is the best choice.

Decide whether the closet will be a permanent solution to your scrapbooking space or just a temporary one. If it will be permanent, you can invest in designing shelves and storage containers that suit the closet space. If you plan to eventually move your supplies to another space or moving is in your future, stack portable containers and bins with wheels. Modular shelves may be a better option if you plan to reuse the closet for another purpose later.

Depending on the size of the closet and the type of doors on it, you may be able to put a small desk directly into the it. A low dresser could be used for drawers as well, or perhaps an old filing cabinet. If that isn't an option, you could custom design a desk system that would include a shallow counter as a workspace.

Don't limit yourself to the lower half of the closet. The upper space can hold shelves full of supplies and paper. When storing paper, you have two options, vertical or horizontal storage. Vertical often makes it easier to see exactly what paper you have available at a glance, and tends to be easier to add and remove sheets. Sorting paper by color and patterned versus solid can save time when you are ready to start scrapbooking.

Embellishments come in all shapes and size, but most often they are quite small. Use small containers or a few large containers with compartments to store items like brads, eyelets, and paper clips. Ribbon rolls can hang on a small dowel or rod, and stickers usually do well sorted by theme in a plastic ziploc bags.

Tools should be stored at arm's length as much as possible. Keep your adhesive and cutting tools within reach. You don't want to be hunting for them once you are in the middle of a page layout. Other supplies like chalk, rubber stamps, ink, paint and embossing tools should be stored according to how often you use them. The more you use an item, the more accessible it should be.

Your closet can be organized into an efficient craft space. Use what you have or invest in a custom-designed organization system. Think about how you will use the space before you buy any special storage units. You may even want to paint the inside of the closet one of your favorite colors before you start putting in shelving and storage. A closet could be the answer to your dream of having a place to scrapbook that is all your own.