I turned my forgotten craft room into a
Creativity Room for 3 very happy ladies.
Homeschooling Research – Check
Homeschooling Supplies – Check
Classroom….ummm.
I still dream of a Waldorf inspired room with lovely nature hues, wood toys and wool dolls on freshly hewn shelves, alas I do not know how to hew shelves.
So plan B. It’s time to face, dun, dun, dunnn, the room. At one point in time I had a makeshift craft room in the one not entirely finished room downstairs. It later turned into the catch all room. A room where things piled up, toppled over and then got ignored.
Here is the horror of it….
After going through all the bins and everything stored away I set up the furniture to accommodate a learning space and thought I would stop there.
Then I started day dreaming.
Ah, the lovely mornings the girls and I could spend listening to music, me sewing sweet little things for the girls while they color, read, sing, dance, create and “play Math”. It became a vision, so I decided to really turn this room into a place of creativity. Just because it wasn’t entirely perfect doesn’t mean it couldn’t be pretty. Which means a lot of organization and a trip to the dollar store. My kids are always too glad to accompany me on this errand.
Here is the girls area all neatly organized, for now.
I’m not a fan of the plastic easel below, I would have much rather had wood, but Toys R US sent it instead of the baby gate I ordered and I made the mistake of bringing it in the house within the eye line of 2 little ones. The girls love it and painting seems to always be the first order of the day.
I found this child’s art holder on clearance at Target for $7 and it is adorable. But I think some twine and clothes pins would be just as cute and even a little rustic.
Bought me a new office chair. Not the prettiest at the thrift store, but oh so comfortable. I like things pretty, but I like comfy better. I also like spending $8 on an office chair. Gave it a good vibrant color spray paint and a throw pillow and I’m smiling.
Once upon a time I had a children’s bow business. It was wonderful for about a year and then I got a debilitating case of the flu that lasted for 9 months. Afterwards I just made bows for my new little flu bug and her big sister. So, I have ribbon enough to adorn the heads of a small country. But I had been keeping it in bins, I wanted it out, in all it’s colorful glory. I found this DVD rack listed on the local classifieds for $10 and painted it a vibrant green.
This room is full of color and truly a place for us 3 girls to daydream. That first day was a doozy, but I can say once the new wore off we girls have had many a pleasant morning letting our minds be free to create and learn.
I’m even thinking of opening my Etsy store again. Right after I get this homemaker thing functioning properly, write my book, raise my children to be good citizens and fully educate them. Ya know, in my spare time. 
Looks absolutely fantastic to me! Good job!
Thank you! I have to admit, I love the room as a whole, but my little 8×5 area that is all things feminine, inspiring and mine makes me a little giddy every time I sit down.
I bet! And I forgot to say that I love what you did by spray painting your chair pink.
Oh, I love it, I love it, I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! It does look great and what creative ways to do things for cheap. I just got some inspiration. Thank you soooo much. I have been doing a bit of the same myself…just starting..and was needing some inexpensive ideas. Hooray!
You are so sweet! I do have to give myself a pat on the back for the DVD rack. I wanted something to hold all my ribbon, but I also like to pull out the whole spool when I craft. Anything I could find that met both those needs was outrageous in price. When I came across the rack on a local classifieds, I ran and measured a DVD and then my ribbon spools and did a little jump turn. We girls really do love this room and that makes me proudest of all, to see my girls so excited everyday to learn and create something.
It is nice when things work out like that. xo
I love it also….so sweet and organized…wish I had done something like this when my children were small…they would have loved it…hope you all enjoy it.
Thank you, the girls are always so excited to come in this room. They are right now “decorating for Easter”. I’m not sure what that is going to look like, but it involves pink construction paper, purple crayons, glue sticks and safety scissors. Always a little frightening and exciting when they take it upon themselves to craft sans Mommy.
Just lovely! Very inspiring!
Thank you, it is inspiring for all of us. I’m making the girls summer clothes and the girls have gotten even more imaginative in their crafting. I don’t think I knew just how much they needed this creative outlet until they had it. Don’t get me wrong they always had crayons and playdough, but there is something about it being all out for them to see and pick from. I guess the same reason I like all my crafty things out to see. Thank you for the kind comments!
Doesn’t it feel good to have this done and looking so pretty? And, you are teaching your children how to organize…priceless. I remember my mother spring cleaning when we were at school. We would come home and our bedrooms would be all fresh and clean and organized. We weren’t home to see it, but we still learned how to organize by seeing what she did.
You are so right! I never imagined that my children would enjoy putting things away in their proper place. They have never done it in any other part of the house, yet even today, “Mommy where do the pipe cleaners go” came out of my oldest’s mouth. They are memorizing where everything is placed. I’m beginning to think the big toy box where everything is supposed to go and never seems to, might benefit from being replaced with shelves and bins.
And yes, pretty is a good thing. It may seem superficial, but it really does make one feel better.
I am completely inspired! We have a large room that has a bunch of someone else’s personal things stored in it, as well as their cat (which my son adores and is allergic to…). As soon as we can get that cat sent to her rightful owner, I would love to do something similar to that room! Thank you for the inspiration and ideas!
You have cat storage? I have 5, could I rent some space?
All joking aside, it is so nice to have a place that’s dedicated to creativity and learning. Thank you for the kind words and please do a post on your new room when it happens. I would love to see it.
I love your room makeover! Well done. It’s nice to have a cozy spot for homeschooling. 🙂
It is indeed cozy. Thanks for the “well done”. Always nice to read encouraging words.
Wonderful. =) I relate, though I wish I had your magic eye and hands! I agree the $8 and comfort go down well, on that chair. Have been organizing. It’s endless………………………….ugh. Keep it going. We strive for beauty and truth, yes? =)