Unpacking and My Workspace Reveal


HI! I'm still here!  Just hidden behind these boxes! I decided to move in September and had to put everything on hold.  I'm so very sorry for the sudden departure.  It was an unexpected opportunity and I could not be happier!  

My last workspace looked like a giant heap of rubble with a tiny 2' patch of carpet to sit on and create.  It was an overwhelming mess. I knew it was going to be a big investment but if I didn't do something I'd have to pack up everything and put it all in storage. So my challenge was to design a workspace without losing a bedroom in the process.


I couldn't find very many guest-room/craft spaces online so I thought I'd share a bit of what I've done to give some inspiration to those who might be interested, or stuck, or buried.  For me, half the battle of making miniatures is figuring out where to keep everything!  The work space is essentially an "L" shape around the perimeter of the room.

Unlike my last space where I could barely see the floor, things are stored neatly with two tables, one desk with scrapbooking paper storage cubes, two "garage style" wire shelving units, and a lot of storage boxes and drawer units. My polymer clay, tools, tech, paints and fabric are stored in large plastic bins on the lower shelves and my furniture, food, Re-ment pieces are stored in the coloured cardboard boxes along with paper, plexi sheets and photo accessories.  The Alex unit under the dollhouse stores large photo backdrops, flooring, foam board and extra large paper.  I might also have gotten two cans of gold spray paint and glitz'd some of the pieces up...  


Ikea had these great boxes as part their TJENA line. Perfect for storing chairs, sofas, tables and other pieces that could easily roll around.   I prefer having my minis on display but it often leads to falls and breakage so putting them in boxes is a much safer bet.  (I've got some nice labels to replace the stickies eventually).


The boxes come in a variety of colours and the smallest size includes dividers.  I was able to spilt each box up to best fit the furniture.



As for my 1:12 space - the kitchen is officially painted!  I picked out a dark grey (Behr: Intellectual) for the walls, and settled on a cabinet colour (Martha Stewart: Cobblestone).  Things had veered too far into looking like a traditional farmhouse and I needed to bring it back into the modern style. What's that?  I've painted the cabinets 3 times now?? HIDE THE PAINT BRUSHES!
Now that the boxes are being put away I'm starting up again. It's definitely much more motivating to work when you have a proper space! 

24 comments

  1. Looks amazing! I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that likes organizing their minis and mini making supplies in nice boxes ;) I have a label maker which has led to organization at a whole new level of insanity.

    I love MS cobblestone! I have a few mini items in that colour. Amongst other things in my house.

    The colour choices look amazing and definitely modern.

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    1. Thanks! I hadn't really given Martha Stewart's paint line a try until now. IT IS AMAZING. Everything just matches perfectly together. Easy-peasy. I could see myself using it in my real life spaces too!
      The best part is so far things have stayed organized and tidy - and isn't that the real test? It's only been a couple weeks but I'm hoping it stays that way :)

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  2. The room looks great! And, yes, Tjena - they are my favourite miniature storage solution! :)

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    1. Thanks Jessica, I didn't even know they had dividers until I brought them home - super nice surprise!

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  3. I love seeing people's workspaces and also how they organize miniatures - as I need all the help I can get in that area! Yours looks great! And I LOVE the kitchen.

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    1. I so glad you liked it! I wasn't sure whether to post how I organized everything. I always like seeing how people set up their spaces but at the same time it's not exactly a 1:12 scene. Thank you for the compliments! :D

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  4. Okay - I officially want all of your stuff. Not just the incredible miniature scenes, but the real life sized stuff, too! Pink, white and grey! LOVE it all, and I covet your organization!!! So glad you are back and posting! :0)

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    1. It's so nice to be able to post again! I'm planning on getting back to you about laser options and tips next! Thanks Jodi! :D

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  5. Se ve perfecto,todo organizado y me encantan esas cajas de separadores,me darƩ una vuelta por Ikea!!!
    Has creado un ambiente de trabajo genial!!!!
    Besos.

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    1. Gracias! Estoy muy contento con cĆ³mo resultĆ³ , me alegro que te haya gustado tambiĆ©n!

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  6. Ha, how long will it be before you're up to your eyeballs in wood shavings and you're finding mini components in your slippers? =0P Fantastic room and a great way to organise a work space. I'm jealous =0)X

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    1. Yes that is what happened the last time...it overtakes the room! I'm really really hoping this will work and keep the floor mostly clear. That is the main goal; to be able to see the majority of the carpet! Your right about the wood shavings, been here a couple weeks and they are already finding their way into my clothes and slippers ;)

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  7. I like your organization. The kitchen looks beautiful.

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  8. Glad to see you're back, I've kissed you in blog land. Enjoy your new space, hopefully it's very productive.

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  9. Nothing like having a bit of a system and order... ;-)

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  10. Hope your new workshop brings you new creations. Best of luck!

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  11. That looks wonderful Kristine! I'm so happy for you you now have this great space to work in! And being able to put stuff somewhere logical makes it easier to keep it neat. And the new colours do indeed look very modern and nice, looking forward to more!

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  12. What a fabulous space and great sorting bins. Oh my old book shelves and piles of scrap are looking pretty shabby ;)

    I hope you new area inspires great things to come!

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  13. Looking good, if only my work space could be so neat. Happy creating in your new space!

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  14. Great work space!! I love your idea for keeping your chairs organized!! Fantastic!!
    Have a wonderful and Merry New Year, Merry Christmas, Jenn.

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  15. Hi, do you still update your blog? You are amazing!! Hope you have more updates soon.

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  16. Thank you for the amazing work! I may have the courage now... IT looks so great!

    Thanks!
    Lisa

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  17. Goodness what a great compromise. One of the reasons I rent this house is the large workroom and if I move it will be the first thing I check out as it's where I spend most time ! This must be so exciting for you to move forward with minis !!! love the storage boxes ! I have to search for everything despite having space ! huggs Mrs M

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