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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

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Studio Update: Cabinet Craft Storage

First, I have to take a moment and thank you all for the sweet comments, words of encouragement, stories and fantastic solutions for our home office/studio space.  The response to the "re-set" post was positively overwhelming; it is always so wonderful when you can connect with others in similar situations.  You definitely had some amazing ideas for the space, and quite a few I hadn't thought of or yet considered.  It is so fun to get different perspectives, so really, thank you again!

We made bits of progress this past weekend!  Sorry for the exclamation points beyond the normal obnoxious amount, but this is really exciting for me!


The first thing we did was sit down and take in your comments and evaluate the space from all perspectives.  We looked at it in person, and picked it apart in photos on the blog.  We made a list of what we loved and what was working.  We concluded that the built-in storage was working really well, while some of the smaller crafty items just needed to be purged and labeled.  We also decided that although part of the problem in the room may be that we have three walls with three workstations, we use each one of them so frequently that we just can't see ourselves without them.  We have the space to use as a family for work and play, why not take advantage of that?

That said, it doesn't mean that we are ultimately keeping the desks we do currently have.  I was basically given a budget for updating the lighting, adding a new rug and adding a few smaller touches, so for now any new workspace will come in the form of a build vs. a buy {which is totally cool with us}.

The walls in our lower level all connect and flow together.  The studio walls flow into our family room which flows into the playroom.  So something else we decided to keep for now, is the wall color.

Otherwise, the blank slate was just the perspective I needed.  After I posted Friday evening, I even removed the memo board and baskets on the wall.  Again, the photos really made me aware that they were also adding to the visual clutter of the space.  To start from scratch really meant starting with a 100% blank slate.

So, I focused on what I could this weekend, which meant organizing the items that I already had and wanted to keep in the empty cabinets.  Bryan added in some moulding to bridge the gap between the walls and the cabinets {because our walls are not square}, along with some shoe moulding around the base of the cabinets.  Once that was painted to match, I got to work filling up the shelves with items I needed first, and a few decorative objects second.

I am going to warn you, this is not a dramatic transformation or a completed and "styled" space yet.  It is essentially a functional nook at this point.  Oh!  And the Silhouette cart is coming back after the drawer fronts get a little update as well, so the empty space between the cabinets will be filled back up later on.


Now that all my crafts have a home, I thought I would give you a quick tour behind those doors and share how I use and organized the area.   Did I tell you I was excited about this project?  My boxes finally have labels people!  Oh, and for those new around here, I also store home decor, larger crafting supplies, frames and "in-process projects", under the stairs.

Let's start with the counter.  I wanted to keep this as open as possible to allow for ample work space.  If I want to sit down, I can bring in the stool from the counter in the laundry room {which is right off the studio}.  The counter didn't receive much of an update because it was already working so well for us previously, however, it was simplified a bit more.


I really love having my craft paints visible and simple to access since we do a lot of small painting projects around here.   The towel bar paired with S-hooks has been so wonderful in keeping daily tools right within reach.





The upper cabinets hold a few different functions.  The cabinet to the left contains the smaller supplies and tools all corralled within storage boxes I already had {a few are my favorite cheapy Kassett boxes from IKEA, the green drawers were from Container Store and the blue dot box is Paper Source}.


Most of the boxes came with label holders, but if they didn't, I slapped one on {you can read more about my love affair with label holders here}.  We all know I have basically considered labeling anything and everything, including the dogs and children, but here is really makes sense.  I can't see the contents inside of the boxes; so having each one labeled takes out any guess work.


Yes, I have a box filled with labeling tools.  Has anyone established a self-help group?

I tried to limit any stacking of the boxes to keep them simple to get at.  And because I know that you like to see what is inside, it really was just a matter of tossing "like" items into specific boxes.


Above you can see a box of punches, a box of glitters and special paints and a box for embossing items.  Below, is a box of adhesives.


The open area next to this cabinet was the perfect spot to mix in a few working accessories.


The jar originally had a less attractive red lid {similar jar found at Target here}, which I spray painted gold.  It now holds tubes of acrylic paints.  And the shoebox I recovered is still working out nicely for holding some smaller miscellaneous craft supplies.


Without judging me and my "issues" with collecting issues {couldn't resist}, the final cabinet is currently holding most of my magazine stash.  These are favorites from about the past 12 years of living in our home and the collection is getting a little out of control.  I would love to pair them down into inspiration binders someday soon.


The lower cabinets each have a drawer.  The drawer to the left has a few dividers and holds extra notebooks/notepads {because I am a note taker/list maker} along with miscellaneous office electronics and my laminator.


In the cabinet below the drawer, I have wall-to-wall scrapbook paper organizers {I found these years ago and can't recall where}.


Much of the paper is from my scrap-booking days, however, I still pick up a paper pack or a few single sheets for many of the smaller organizing projects I tackle.  The paper is simply organized by type {not down to color or pattern} and I also use one of the organizers to hold my paper cutting tools.

The opposite drawer holds legal sized printing paper above...


And our wireless printer is stored in the cabinet right below.


Bryan also installed a small shelf in this cabinet to hold our photo printer and a few paper trays to separate out cardstock paper from printing paper.  The magazine file is the perfect size for holding paper to be recycled or reused right next to the printer.

And that completes the cabinet tour!


I am sure as we continue to tackle the rest of the space {a few extra purging sessions for the work areas and some aesthetic changes}, this area may be tweaked a little more as well.  However, the functionality is fantastic and I love how simple everything is.  And I still have my pops of color, but without the deep grey wall, artwork and wall baskets, it just isn't as "in-yo-face" as before.

I have gone ahead and ordered some curtain fabric {so excited to see how it looks in the space} along with a rug {which is always terrifying}.  Now to just bat my eyes at the hubby to gain his interest in building a new desk.  

What organizing project did you tackle this past weekend?


82 comments:

  1. It looks so good! I love how inspirational your blog is! Its really helped me get things organized in my house which is a HUGE thing since we are a family of 7!

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  2. Looks great! And I had to comment as I LOVE your mug slogan. So cute :)

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  3. Hi- I have been scouring your blog, and the interwebs looking for the round containers holding pens, colored pencils, etc hanging from the rail on the left there. Can you tell me where I might find them, please?

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    1. Hello!

      They are the IKEA Asker cups and I heard they were discontinued awhile back {sad face} but it looks like they still may have them: http://www.ikea.com/au/en/search/?query=asker {although they were not that expensive when I purchased mine, so they may not be the same}.

      xo!

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  4. It looks so clean and fresh, and I know you're feeling worlds better!!! Great job! I can't wait to tackle the rest of my craft closet now!

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  5. I wish I could do this with my room... but it's a mission impossible. :(

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  6. Love it,
    Where did you get the white containers that your pens are in ?

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    1. They are the IKEA Asker cups and I heard they were discontinued awhile back {sad face} but it looks like they still may have them: http://www.ikea.com/au/en/search/?query=asker {although they were not that expensive when I purchased mine, so they may not be the same}.

      xo!

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    2. I love this! I was looking through the comments specifically to find out about the cups as well. I think though your link is to the Ikea in Australia. :( I can't find them in the US anymore. I did find these though which are similar: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10271091/

      Thank you for sharing your space!

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  7. This. Is. AWESOME!!! Thanks for sharing such a great insipriation.
    Rebecca @ Sweet & Simple Life Blog

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  8. Have you thought about bringing all of the desks to the middle and having an open workspace? You can still have the organization on the walls, but have some "jointness" in the middle. http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/1943z24i0o7dfjpg/ku-xlarge.jpg

    Or you can do everything on one wall? http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/190k6b7eu7to6jpg/ku-xlarge.jpg

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    1. Yes, we are playing with layout ideas for sure! The room is really narrow, but we are keeping all options open at this point. xoxo!

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    2. Good suggestions! Jen, I think what you may be struggling with is the 3 different workspaces. I think if you unified all your storage together into one wall & had a unified desk area, it may reduce the visual clutter. Also, the long counter she has suggested (second pic) may be more practical than your current setup, as it allows you to stand over the desk (no overhead cabinets to get in the way), & to spread out on more area, which is ideal for projects that may bulky or have long pieces.

      Since you're in the midst of the overhaul, it may be worthwhile to rethink the entire space - even if you can only do it a bit at a time.

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    3. We are really considering layout options, however, for now we are going to try and work with the built ins because we really do appreciate and love the storage they provide {and use it all}. Unfortunately, the room is broken up by three doors, which doesn't allow us to wrap any of the cabinets/workspaces within the corners or to create one and remove all the rest. xoxo!

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  9. I love this reset idea, especially because when things chug along at an "okay" pace, we're usually too scared or lazy to change things around. I love that you're a constant tweaker like me! And if you need to start a self-help group, believe me... I'm in!

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  10. Love it, Jen! It looks so great. Sidenote: I would love to see some more YouTube videos if yours! I think that they would add an extra dose of personalization to your blog :)

    Sarah

    www.sarahsdaybook.wordpress.com

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  11. I love your blog! Could you give me a link to the keyboard shown in the drawer? Thanks! :)

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    1. Hi Laurel! It is a bluetooth keyboard for my iPad, I purchased it here: http://amzn.to/1efWr0S.

      xo!

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  12. Great space! Love how you always come-up with new ways and ideas to organize all small spaces. Although I liked the space before it looks very refreshing this way as well.

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  13. Jen, it looks amazing and I love the new clean look!

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  14. I absolutely love what you did with the space! The clean, white, look is adorable, and you had some great ideas. So, so, so, great!

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  15. Much calmer, although the blue boxes on the top shelf might make you happier in aqua.

    I removed some things from my desk this morning and already it looks better. I need to take some pictures to get a more objective view. Thank you for getting me off my 'duff' and finally realizing what the problem was.

    Barbara in CT

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  16. I'm so jealous of your space!!! I absolutely love it!!

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  17. Talk about needing a support group: I have storage for my empty organizing containers and the like. Storage for storage. That's pretty bad!

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    1. Bahaha! I have a few bins holding bins as well! So hard to get rid of them knowing that they could have a purpose again someday! I am usually OK letting go of clutter, but bins and baskets... I shake! xoxo!

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  18. We didn't tackle anything. We are getting over the flu. But I have had the urge to purge all the clutter as soon as we get better, hopefully I can start on that this weekend. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  19. Please tell me where you got the cute little clock? I need one for my office and that is the perfect size.

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    1. Hi Kerry! I found it at a little store called TYPO at the Mall of America. You can find it online here: http://shop.cottonon.com/shop/product/flip-clock-blue/

      xo!

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  20. The chalk on the jar, is it regular chalk or chalk pen? It turned out great, and I'm curious how you did that.

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    1. Hi Melissa! It is a fine point chalk pen: http://amzn.to/1mHgpqN

      xoxo!

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  21. As cute as that clock is...Please do not tell me it says 2:55am. Get some sleep lady! The only good reason to be up that late is with a crying baby.

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    1. So funny! It was actually 2:55 p.m. during the photos {from a distance I never noticed the am/pm on the clock and haven't bothered to fix it}. However, I am baby watching all this week so I have also been seeing 2:55 a.m. as well. :)

      xoxo!

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  22. I love your blog and your skills! Seriously .. can you come over ;) Here is what we just finished ... http://www.allthingsinspired.com/february-2014/studio-gold/

    It needs a little bit more color, but otherwise we are done for now :)
    ~Rachel

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  23. It is looking just lovely. Where did you get that "hello my name is awesome" mug?

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    1. Hi Lori!

      Here is the link to the shop where I purchased the mug: http://www.aedrieloriginals.com/products

      xo!

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  24. What material are the counter tops made of?

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    1. Hi Sandee! They are just regular formica counters from IKEA. xo!

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  25. First let me start out by saying that I adore your blog. I've read your posts for quite a while now and your ideas are all amazing. I'm a school librarian and I've implemented several of your organizing tricks to keep our library tidy--how I wish I had the time and resources to overhaul the whole thing and use all of your ideas!

    I'm in the middle of converting an armoire into a craft station (we don't have a space to fully dedicate to crafting). I look forward to using some of your tricks when I get that set up as well. I'll be posting about the progress of that on www.teachlovecraft.com Please check us out some time!!

    ~Lisa

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  26. Love the new pale gray wall paint-- can you tell me the brand/shade? Thanks

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  27. Very nice! Though I would maybe suggest removing some of the stuff from the open cabinet in the center. With every inch of the open space filled in it is going to end up looking very cluttered again. Perhaps moving the books inside the cabinet with the magazines and than moving the jar with acrylics up one shelf?

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    1. Thanks for the suggestion Jayme! I am definitely not done with the styling aspect of any part of the room yet. Still waiting on a few more elements to finish up and them I am sure everything will get wiggled around a few more times to get to that happy place. :)

      xoxo!

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  28. ah-ha...great move..great outcome...simple and nice as always....they all has their own room now, and organized so beautifully...so, next chapter please...? ;)

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  29. can I just say I am jealous of your pen sets? I love colored pens. you have so many!!

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    1. I was just telling my hubby that I need a colored pen intervention. They just make planning and list making so much more enjoyable! :) xoxo!

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  30. Your "re-set" post gave me the encouragement to tackle my craft/guest/storage room this weekend/week. :) Thanks for the inspiration! Now, if I can just figure out how to pair down things so we have room to breathe in this apartment. Thanks again for sharing your creativity with us. :D

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    1. That is so fantastic to hear! Best of luck with the pairing down process! It will feel amazing when it is all done. xoxo!

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  31. That looks a lot more styled than my work space! Love starting with a mostly blank slate! And I definitely screen-shot the close-up of your books and added waaay too many to my (already long) to read list.

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  32. Looks amazing! I had to blow up the shot with the books in it so I could put some on hold at the library, ;)

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  33. I read the previous post and could completely relate. I have also found myself thinking that my office/craft space looked too "teenager" with all my fun colored things everywhere. While I love them, having everything out makes me a little bit crazy and I needed a calmer overall vibe. I love what you've got going on so far in here. :)

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  34. Lovely and calm, but still fun. Much better! Glad you are so happy with how it's going. I'm trying to declutter my craft room now...

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  35. I have only just found your site and have found it inspirational. We have just had a very functional built in home office done but the cupboards are jam packed with all my crafting stuff. You have given me some really good ideas on how to organise it all. Good luck with the completion of your project.

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  36. This is so cool. I have been trying to successfully incorporate boxes into my organization. TFS

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  37. This looks so great! I have a the potential for a super cool craft/office/kid study space in my home but it's currently drowning and buried in things that need sorting and purging. So my question: when you purge craft supplies, where do you donate them? Or sell them? The stuff I'm thinking of will be in very good condition, it's just that sometimes my style moves on before I ever get to finish the project for which I bought supplies. Ugh. Seems a shame to just goodwill it.

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    1. I think it depends on the craft item. I purged a few of my things and actually put them in our storage ottoman full of kid's craft supplies, because although I may not use them, my boys are not craft picky yet. :) Other options may be to look into donating things to schools or children's hospitals? I do believe Goodwill may take some items as well. If you are looking to sell some items, maybe bundle smaller items to sell on eBay? Larger items most likely could be sold individually on eBay or Craigslist as well. xoxo!

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    2. I think it does depend on your items and the ages of your items but I just wanted to chime in that in January I sold many of my scrapbooking papers on eBay because I no longer had a need for all of them, collecting too fast and style changes - and I think I made more money than I bought them for! I was pleasantly surprised. If eBay is intimidating for you, I think local elementary schools or preschools are happy to have colorful craft supplies.

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  38. The space looks awesome Jen. Although I have to admit, I shed like 5 tears over the dark wall going away...I really loved it. BUT I completely understand your perspective. Happy Organizing my friend:)

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  39. Looks great and I am so envious of your space. Your post has reminded me to do an update blog post about my own space though so might clean it up and do that this week.

    I have a question for you about your amazing labelling genius :)

    I have black "drona" boxes from IKEA which are fabric. I need to label them but not sure how... I did just put adhesive labels on them once but they left them looking tacky and gross when I removed them. I was thinking maybe just a basic label and attach it to the handle with an upside down bulldog clip (sorry - I think you call them something else?). But would like something a bit more "pretty".

    Thanks for your advice! :)

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    1. Hi Alanna!

      Could you use a name badge holder? They are laminated pouches that clip on to shirts in different ways {safety pin, spring clip, etc...}. Maybe those could work?

      Best of luck! xoxo!

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    2. Oooh maybe! That's a good idea. Now... where does one find them? :/

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    3. Have made them already - friends who work in school offices come in handy! Have shared it on your facebook page :) Thanks Jen!

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  40. Just a little idea that flashed trough my mind when i saw the photo's of the room was that you should still use that fabulous reupholstered chair, but redo the blue fabric in a basic white fabric. That way the front of the chair is all white and it brings peace to the room, and the beautiful forms of the frame are the focal point, but you still have the cute little flower detail in the back. just a little idea you could maybe use if it goes with the rest of the room. anyway; good luck with redoing this room.

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  41. Hi Jen, this is super cute!!!! I always love your ideas and you have inspired a lot of the projects my husband and I are tackling in our home. I read when you said you would love to pair your magazines down into inspiration binders someday soon and it made me think of this awesome idea I came upon on Pinterest on "Centsational Girl" Blog and how she condensed her magazine craze LOL. I think you should take a look, you may really love it. Here is the link to the project http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2012/06/the-dog-eared-pages/

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  42. where is that lovely wood daily calendar from? love the simplicity of it!
    Pretty space!

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  43. First of all, I have been a huge fan for three years now and I must say, you are still my organizing guru!! You manage to keep everything fresh and simple - and pretty.
    Secondly, I am wondering where you got your white hanging containers that are housing your pencil crayons? I have seen them here and there online, but have never located their purchase place.

    From one exclamation lover to another!

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  44. How does the complete room look now? I'm very curious! ;-)

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    1. Hi Nicole!

      It is still evolving and far from complete. I will be sure to continuously share updates right here on the blog. :)

      xo!

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  45. Hi Jen,

    Where did you get your towel holder/ S hooks and the awesome holders for your pens above the desk?

    Debbie :)

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    1. Hi Debbie! The towel bars are from Ace Hardware, the hooks are Bygel hooks from IKEA, but many home improvement stores sell S hooks, and the cups are Ikea but sadly have been discontinued.

      xoxo!

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  46. Hi Jen,
    I was wondering where you purchased the unicorn on the bookshelf. It looks like you are using it as a book end holder. So cute!

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    1. Hello!

      I found it on Joss & Main, it is a simple horse head statue {although I can totally see how it looks like a unicorn from the side}. :)

      xo!

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  47. This is one of my favorite things in the world! So much pretty organization and happy crafting supplies. I'm planning on tackling my crafting storage which is currently housed under my bed. This post was so inspirational-thanks for sharing, Jen!
    -Lacey
    littlebitsoflacey.blogspot.com

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  48. I am a quilter and use pegboard and have been looking for another way to hang my rulers and things other than the normal pegboard you get at the hardware store. I love your room and know you will get many hours of enjoyment from it.

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  49. Where are your magazines from? I'm looking for inspiration... :)

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