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    Home Office Storage and Organization

    January 3, 2016 |

    This month, Michaels asked me and the other Michaels Makers to organize an area in our homes. Our office/craft area has long been a neglected work in progress, so first I decluttered the room, then added finishing touches that solved problems in the space.

    bright, colorful office makeover

    I have been needing a dedicated office space. Not a bedroom floor, not a kitchen table, not a couch where I can get sucked into Netflix. An office where I can shut the door and have stuff not get moved around.

    Here's the room when we first moved in. It's a small, narrow room only the width of a crib. But there are two gorgeous windows which let lots of light in, as well as a french door so I can see the kids make sure no one is killing each other.

    Since it is a smaller room, I had to make the most of the space. I decluttered unused supplies and things that didn't need to be in here; I got 2 bags out!

    click for the after! before picture of office, large floor to ceiling windows

    While I had a few options for the space, I wanted a desk smack dab between those windows to take advantage of all that glorious sunlight.

    I found the desk and chair second hand at two separate garage sales, hung a pegboard from Home Depot, but could not find the right piece of thrifted furniture for our printer and my Cricut! My husband works part time as a realtor and between the two of us moving the printer around the house, we had papers and machines on the floor.

    Here's what it looks like now, looking from the opposite side:

    office and craft room storage

    I found this beautiful turquoise cart at Michaels.

    Note: this cart is no longer available, but I found a similar one, if not the same, here (affiliate link): http://amzn.to/2jRLJEh 

    office and craft room storage, printer cart

    The printer goes on the top, my Cricut is on the next shelf, and paint is on the bottom. I'm probably going to have to move that paint because I'm pretty sure with 5 kids, it is a "creative" mess waiting to happen. The cart rolls so we can move it from room to room. And it's sturdy!

    cricut and paint storage, turquoise cart

    I found the tissue paper flower kits at Michaels, they add a much needed PUNCH of color to the room. I have a few more packs to add in around the rest of the room.

    Many of this I had on hand. The vintage clipboards feature prints from one of my favorite artists. The mounting hardware, hooks, and baskets (spray painted with chrome paint) were from Home Depot. The white, metal hanging file folder is from IKEA. The washi tape holder is two pegboard hooks holding up a rod.

    Most of our art supplies are in the dining room and for kid use, but these are my fancy grownup things. 🙂 I grabbed extra mason jars and filled them with paint brushes, Prismacolor colored pencils, tubes of watercolor paint, markers, camera lenses, and an Instax instant mini printer + film.

    office and craft room storage

    Another previous issue with my storage: I could not find a spot for all the teeny tiny things! Tacks, nails, jumpdrives, 3M strips, stamps... now they all have their own little drawer. Like the matching cart, this organizer is also from Michaels.

    Instead of using the mounting holes on the back with a screw or nail in the wall, I used pegboard hooks to hang this and the white file organizer.

    small item storage, drawers, organizing

    I'm really happy with how the space turned out and am excited to show you the rest of the room. That is, once I finish the nursery. It's hard to finish things in here because usually when I get time away to work on it, the baby is sleeping! In here, haha!

    office and craft room storage

    Edit: A few readers have asked how it is working in here when she's sleeping. When she was younger, it was great. But now she hears my voice or the slightest bit of key tapping and is ready for party time. She's such a happy, alert, sweet baby! These days I'll either squeeze in work while she's playing on the floor or when she is nearby in our bedroom. Or I'll hand her off to Doug. 🙂 

    office and craft room storage, white with bright colors, pegboard

    Inspired to organize your own space? Michaels has tons of products and storage supplies that can be used to decorate and inspire creativity in any room of your house or office.

    IMG_5825long

    If you don’t know where to begin, you can always take a look at some of the fun storage projects on Michaels.com. Or visit the other 49 makers’ ideas on The Glue String for tips on designing, organizing and decorating their favorite places.

    What area of your home could use some organizing?

    Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Michaels Stores. I am one of their "Michaels Makers" project creators and was provided with store credit to purchase products to craft this post. All ideas and opinions are my own, and I only recommend products I use or would purchase. 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cyndy

      September 21, 2018 at 6:10 am

      Where did u get container for small paint bottles?

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        September 25, 2018 at 1:23 pm

        Walmart or Amazon has them, it is Sterlite brand and they have handles that flip up to close the container

    2. Marisa

      July 09, 2018 at 5:19 pm

      I was wondering if the cart you use is sturdy encough for the cricut when it is in use. Do you have to transfer it to another table to use it or do just move the cart around? I'm find something small enough to keep my cricut on that would fit in my small space.

    3. Brooke

      February 27, 2018 at 11:17 am

      I really really wish Michael would bring back this cart!

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        February 27, 2018 at 11:18 am

        I AGREE!! 🙁

    4. Sara

      January 30, 2018 at 6:22 am

      HI, love this space!
      How was wondering, How do you use your cricut machine normally? do you take it out on your desk when needed?

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 30, 2018 at 11:36 am

        Thank you! If I’m doing a big project I’ll use it on my desk. If I am using it for something small (usually the case), I pull it to the front of my shelf.

        Hope that helps! I am not a hardcore crafter, haha, and usually use my cricut for small things.

    5. Mary

      March 02, 2017 at 1:35 pm

      Where did your beautiful chair come from? I'd like one just like it for my office!

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        March 02, 2017 at 2:18 pm

        I bought it second hand! 🙁 If you're in the Chicago area, I have seen a similar chair at a thrift store in Aurora, IL and at other nearby thrift stores. I guess it was a part of a dining room set, if that helps!

    6. Zari

      February 16, 2017 at 3:47 pm

      Hello! I am sooo happy I came across your wonderful page!
      Random question but what kind of HP printer do you have shown in the pics? Also, is it inkjet or laser?

      Thank you so much!

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        February 16, 2017 at 4:11 pm

        It is an inkjet printer. I don't have it anymore and couldn't find it anywhere online, we bought it a while back. It didn't work the best, I've since replaced it with this printer (affiliate link): http://amzn.to/2loSn8C. It is wireless and easy to print from our phones and computers! We've had it just over a year and have been happy with it. Sorry, wish I could help with the old printer!

    7. Gabby

      February 07, 2017 at 2:31 am

      What are the dimensions for the cart. I love that it's a perfect size for the cricut!!

    8. Steve

      January 16, 2017 at 1:01 am

      It looks like Jessica is correct. I did the same and ended up returning it. I found that Bed Bath makes a similar model the one mentioned here, but in a different color:

      https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/loft-living-wood-and-metal-3-tier-rolling-cart/1042109662

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 23, 2017 at 11:00 am

        I'm bummed about the size change. Thanks for the tip!

    9. Jessica

      January 14, 2017 at 3:22 pm

      I just went to Michaels and bought the cart, however I'm wondering if there are different sizes of this same cart. Mine is 17.91 inches wide, and it was $89.99 the 60% off. The issue is, the Cricut is 23" wide, so it doesn't fit. Can you please tell me how wide your cart is?

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 14, 2017 at 3:44 pm

        I'm not home right now and can't measure, but the carts this year are smaller than last year. 🙁 I bought one hoping to switch this one out and was surprised to see how much smaller it was. If your cricut is 23", my guess would be that the cart pictured here is 24".

    10. Pamela

      October 17, 2016 at 6:34 pm

      I love this cart!!! Can you please tell me the measurements for it? The stores around me are out so I'm going to try to build one!

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        October 18, 2016 at 10:36 am

        I will measure and get back to you!

    11. [email protected]

      April 19, 2016 at 8:34 am

      You have done a fantastic job! I adore the paper flowers on the wall, I'd like to dos something like this on my little girls bedroom wall - pinned for later 🙂

    12. Nolan

      February 16, 2016 at 7:45 am

      Where did you find that gorgeous desk chair? Is it vintage? Love the whole room. Great job!

    13. Amy CW

      January 24, 2016 at 1:10 am

      I am so disappointed I missed the majority of the cre8ted space items. (Under normal circumstances I visit Michaels multiple times a week during the holidays.) I really want at least one of the rolling carts. Will more cre8ted space items be coming soon? Is the organizer with the little drawers in stores yet?
      I love the bright cheery space you created! Thank you for your time and for sharing your creativity.

    14. Eileen

      January 20, 2016 at 10:43 am

      Thanks so much! I went to three Michaels and finally found the cart! Love it. Will send pictures later!

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 20, 2016 at 10:45 am

        Wonderful, I would love to see pictures! Glad you are enjoying it.

        You can email me: [email protected] or message me through the Facebook page. 🙂

    15. Jessica Watton

      January 12, 2016 at 8:56 pm

      This is great inspiration for the office I'm designing to have in place in my home by the end of March! It's also a tiny space and seeing how you optimized your space with the peg board and a side cart is helpful. Pinning for later use...thanks!

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 20, 2016 at 10:20 am

        Thank you, Jessica! Glad you enjoyed the space. 🙂

    16. Eileen

      January 12, 2016 at 9:16 am

      I love the cart! Where did you get the White printer? What is the model number?

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 12, 2016 at 2:57 pm

        Thank you! I am unsure of the printer model number but can check later. It is an HP wireless printer, we've had it for at least 4 years.

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 20, 2016 at 10:21 am

        I checked for you, the printer is an HP Photosmart C4385 printer. Hope this helps!

    17. Ebony P

      January 12, 2016 at 2:39 am

      Did you add middles to the flowers?

    18. Fola

      January 11, 2016 at 1:44 pm

      Beautiful post! Btw where did you get your printer from and what model is it?

    19. Regina

      January 09, 2016 at 1:43 pm

      Your room looks beautiful, and I've been on the look out for a storage solution for my Cricut. That cart is perfect. Do you mind if I ask how much it cost before I trek to Michaels?

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 09, 2016 at 1:49 pm

        No problem! It was 79.99, on sale for $40.

    20. Joanne

      January 07, 2016 at 4:13 am

      Do you mind sharing the dimension of the peg board? I have the same desk and would love to re create something similar. Also where did you get those hanging containers from Michaels as well?

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 09, 2016 at 7:38 am

        Just measured it, mine is 42" wide by 48" tall. I had my local Home Depot cut it to size when I bought it! You can find the mounting screws in a pack of accessories also sold there.

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 09, 2016 at 7:41 am

        Oops, hit enter too soon! The hanging baskets are from Home Depot as well. They were black and I sprayed them with chrome spray paint. The little drawers are from Michaels, the hanging file basket is IKEA, both are hung using pegboard hooks. Hope this helps, tag me on social media or email me when you finish, I'd love to see your space! 🙂

      • Joanne

        January 09, 2016 at 1:34 pm

        Thanks so much for replying. I hope to get this project started soon. Will definitely tag you once I get to finish it.

    21. Jess G

      January 06, 2016 at 6:08 am

      Where in the Michael's store did you find the tissue paper flower kits, I looked and wasn't able to find them? Thanks!

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 06, 2016 at 1:36 pm

        In my store, they were in the front near the Martha Stewart crafts line! It is near her paper crafting line, with glitter, glues, punches, etc. They offered a kit with pink and yellow, and one with white. I hope this helps!

      • Jess G

        January 09, 2016 at 12:30 pm

        Thank you, one more question...the carts that I saw at our Michael's didn't seems to have the faux wood...DId you add this or did it come that way?
        Jess

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 09, 2016 at 12:58 pm

        Mine came that way! There were other carts sold there too, but this one came with the faux wood.

    22. Janis

      January 04, 2016 at 1:14 pm

      Beautiful space! And I especially love that white desk. Can I ask where you got it?

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 04, 2016 at 1:48 pm

        I found it at a garage sale, but saw the same one recently at Target!

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 04, 2016 at 1:48 pm

        And thank you, Janis! 🙂

      • Janis

        January 04, 2016 at 2:08 pm

        Thanks and Happy New Year!

    23. Marilou Purpura

      January 03, 2016 at 8:03 pm

      It is just beautiful, great job, I love the cart and flowers too, were they premade or did you make them, are they hard to make?

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 04, 2016 at 11:12 am

        Thank you!! 🙂 the flowers came in a pre made kit, but I made the turquoise ones with some tissue paper I had. Not very difficult at all! Maria and you would have fun making them.

      • Shannon A.

        January 09, 2016 at 1:48 pm

        I love the flowers and I'm doing a project right now that they would be perfect in!! Can you tell me where you got them, the pre made kit? Also, how did you make them? Are you able to show me the different steps involved? I'd sure appreciate it.
        Thank you!!

      • Ebony P

        January 12, 2016 at 2:37 am

        Did you make the middle of the flowers with another flower?

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    Hi, I'm Ann Marie. I want to help you find peace in your home through simplifying your life, taking on small projects, and learning to find your style. Learn more about this site and why I started it...

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