Crafty Companion by Jen Of Eve Designs

I have wanted to make a crafty workstation for a long time, but I didn't know where to start.  Last week this pop-up on my YouTube Channel and I had to make one.
We were up at our cabin when I first saw it.  I went right away and ordered her template and workbook (what a clever idea).  I ordered the Collage 2 from Jenofevedesigns
The videos are long but she does a great job of explaining things.
I printed everything up that I needed and started by making the garbage bowl and Stamping station.  When I got home I created the Workbook.  That was a job but I really like how easy it is to use once you get it made.  Lots of laminating and cutting things out.  Totally worth it in the end.

Here are the Garbage Bowl and Stamping Station that I made to keep up at our Cabin.  I didn't have any pattern paper with me but I did have an old Atlas that I got from a friend at their garage sale.  Sometimes you just have to use what you have!  So I did.  I love how they turned out. You can see the workbook too before I made the binding.

Here is the Workbook after I used my Bind-it-all.  It was my first time using it.  Not a great job but it is done.

So here is my completed (well almost completed) Crafty Companion.  I love it.  I decided to use more maps from the Atlas because they were 17" x 14" and I would be able to cover the sides and the back with one sheet.  Here it is holding all the leftover bits and pieces.  Love it!
I used maps that have places that I have traveled too.  It really makes me smile when I look at the different parts.

I wanted something to hold all my project parts and pieces and this fills the bill!  I can see using it all the time.

I don't have the drawer pulls yet.  They will be here on Monday.  Ugh!!!  Oops I just noticed in this picture that I didn't paint the inside of the garbage bowl so it is very white and bright.  I will have to take care of that ASAP!  It sure makes a big difference doesn't it?  I will add another photo of it after I get it painted.

I am by no means done with this project.  I will continually add things as I find them and that go with my theme.  I have lots of Tickets and such that I can use to decorate with.

I really was planning on make lots of Lg, Med, Small, and Filler drawers but when I was finished I had 4 Full trays.  Not quite sure how that happen but it is what it is.  I can also make the other drawers and switch them out as needed.  Yes, I will go with that!  LOL!  That is what I meant to do.
I will post a picture when I get my drawer pulls.

Thanks for stopping by and if you make one let me know and post a picture of it for all of us to see.

Stamp Set Organizing and Storage

One of the things I love the most about Close To My Heart is the My Acrylic Stamp Sets.  They are clear, pliable, and not hard.  They come in a slim plastic carrier that is easy to store and does not take up much room.  We also carry this My Acrylix Organizer for $12.95 #Z1038 that holds 15 stamp sets.

  I use this when I travel too.  I can put all the stamps I need for a class that I am teaching or when I travel.
Since I have so many now here is the way I store mine.  I found these baskets at IKEA for $6.00 each.  They fit the stamps sets perfectly.  Each basket holds a different color.  I arrange them by Color first then by Letter and then by number.  This makes it very easy to find the one I need.  More to come on my Stamp Binder!!!
So here is one of the baskets with the stamp sets in it and did I mention that I can get at least 50 stamp sets in each basket.  Oh yes I can!

As you can see below I offset every other one.  This makes it easy to go through the sets when I am looking for a specific one.  It also makes it easy to see where they go when you put them back. Having all the like colors together is handy too.

Below is how I have them all arranged in my scrap room on the shelves.  Each basket has a color square on the front to let you find that color set, fast.  Well! I guess you already noticed that some have two baskets for a color.  I know! I know!  really do you need that many.  Just remember that I have been using CMTH products for a long time.  Since 1995 and I love them just as much today as I did when I started.  If only I had signed up to be an Independent Consultant then........ If you would like to know more about becoming a consultant too and join my team just let me know.  I will be happy to help you.

I hope this helps with an idea about storing CMTH stamp set.  I don't think you can do this with any other stamp sets, from any other company out there. All my Customers have a great time looking through my binder for just the right stamp they want to use.  I photo copy each set, label it with the name on the stamp set, the number, and the color then place it in my binder.  Check back often to find out more about my binder.  You will love that one too.  Better yet become a follower so you don't miss out.                  How do you store your CMTH stamp sets?  Let me know.