How to Stock Your Project Room

If you're like me, sometimes you get this "urge" to make something. Whether it's knitting a scarf, making a hand-made birthday card, or creating a tile mosaic, the best part is making the mess! I am not one to plan in advance exactly what I'll make--I just like to stock my Project Room with all kinds of materials, tools and supplies. Here's how to stock a working craft room.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Closet space
• Hardware store shopping list
• Craft store shopping list
• Grocery store shopping list
• A budget of at least $100
• A basic idea of the types of projects you like to do

1. Closet space: There are tons of solutions to organizing your closet. The important thing is to do it in a way that makes sense for you. I like a combination of bins and drawers with clearly-marked labels.
   
   For instance "Glue" instead of say "Sewing Stuff." Don't label by project type, label by the type of material, as some materials cross over project types.
   
   I also have one entire closet for yarn and yarn-related items that don't belong anywhere else. If you have materials that work that way, go ahead and work by project type.
   
   Again, it's what works best for you. The main point is to simplify the path from "Hey, I have an idea!" to sitting down with all your supplies at the ready.
2. The grocery store list: There are lots of things you can get for cheap at the grocery store! Believe me, you'll use it all eventually!
   
   Kids glue
   Glitter
   Hole punch
   Cheap scissors
   Sketch book
   Construction Paper
   Sharpies
   Super glue
   Canning wax
   Kids paint brushes (great for glue projects too)
   Plastic cups
   Paper plates
   Paper towels
   Clean-up supplies
   Pipe cleaners
   Sponges
   Popsicle sticks
   Crayons
3. The hardware store list: Whether it's the mom-and-pop corner hardware store or Home Depot, there are endless items to find here.
   
   Glue
   Spray paint
   Polyurethane
   Nails/Washers/Screws
   Tarps/Drop cloths
   Shop paper towels (more heavy duty)
   Soaps/Clean-up supplies
   Paint thinner
   Large paint brushes
   Paint-stir sticks (not just for paint!)
   Paint color swatches (again...not just for paint!)
   Sandpaper
   Small multi-toolkit
   Hand-drill
   Buckets
   Trowel
   Large sponge
   Grout
   Exacto blades/knife
   Project lighting
   Rope
   
   Again, give yourself plenty of time to wander around looking at all the little things you never look at.
4. The craft store: The craft store is an idea-inspiring wonderland. I like to give myself a couple of hours to wander around looking at all the crazy things they have to offer. Of course, if you sew or knit, make sure to focus on getting the basics for your projects. A few of the things you should consider stocking up on are:
   
   Fabric glue
   Wood glue
   Soldering iron
   Paintbrushes
   Acrylic paints
   Upholstery tacks
   Glitter
   Ribbon
   Glass Beads (like for a fish tank)
   String
   Needle-nose plyers
   Wire
   Wire cutters
   Foam (Styrofoam, floral foam, foam padding)
   Thread
   Measuring tape
   Small hammer
   Felt
   Tape/Doublestick tape
   Self-Healing mat
   Raffia
   Plain greeting cards
   Markers
   Containers for small tools/materials
   Project Bags/Boxes
   
   The craft store is the ultimate place to look for odds and ends. Just because something is in a particular section of the store, it doesn't have to stay in that realm of ideas. Scrapbooking stuff is great for collage--just think of how many different things glue can be used for--it's a perfect example of something that can be used in hundreds of ways.

Tips & Warnings

• Another idea to help filter the craft store: Work on a "per item" budget the first time. For instance, don't buy anything that costs more than $3 per item. If you want something more expensive, write it down and consider it when you're not dizzy from all the bells and whistles going off at the craft store!