Loading...

You Will Need

Clock
So-so

Advertise Here

Mac Daddy Sewing & Crafts Center

  • Completed Project:Mac Daddy Sewing & Crafts Center Picture #1

How to make a Mac-Daddy Sewing & Crafts Center

A few months back, I impulsively bought a This End Up computer hutch for $50 from someone on Craig's List. I had a vision that it would eventually be a sewing and crafts center-a place to house my sewing machine, ironing board, craft supplies etc.

When I answered the ad, I had no idea how cool this thing would be. There's a built-in power strip, a drawer, several shelves and a drop down desk with a built-in bulletin board.

Based on an original project available here

Add to Favorites Add Your Version


  1. Step 1

    Step 1

    ooooh...

  2. Step 2

    Step 2

    Now briefly, I have to pat myself on the back and share my bargain hunting prowess with you. Remember, I paid $50 for this hutch. One day I happened to be browsing online and came across This End Up's website and found the same hutch (minus a couple of cool features) for $900!!! I'd say I got a deal, huh?

    However, I digress. And I sincerely apologize for the self-congratulation.

    Anyway, my friend Lisa and I shopped for some textured wallpaper and applied it to the paneled areas of the hutch, then painted the entire exterior green. Voila!

  3. Step 3

    Step 3

    Isn't she pretty??

  4. Step 4

    Step 4

    The wallpaper gives the exterior some texture.

    Feeling lazy, I considered leaving the interior brown. But Lisa wisely pointed out that it would be very dark (and she's right-that wouldn't have been conducive to a creative environment and good visibility), so I painted it white.

  5. Step 5

    Step 5

    Alright...drum roll please...here's the big reveal (and I'll explain some details after):

    Woo hoo! A creative mecca. Tip: I left a few shelves brown to give some
    visual interest and tie in with the cork board and brown wrapping paper.

  6. Step 6

    How-to instructions:

    1. Remove all hardware (hinges, shelf brackets etc.) with a cordless drill/screwdriver before painting. I like to store those little pieces sorted in zip lock bags, labeled, so there's no confusion later as to what goes where.

  7. Step 7

    2. For the wall paper: This particular paper was off-the-shelf paper from Lowe's. Measure and cut to size, then apply according to directions. In our case, that meant giving each sheet a bath in the sink, then hauling butt to the sewing center and applying it before making a goopy mess. (I'm sure there are more efficient ways, but with a friend, it was entertaining). We then smoothed it out with a small paint roller.

  8. Step 8

    3. For the paint: I confess, I didn't prime. (I've since become a proponent of priming-you'll see this is later posts). I just slapped that paint right on there using a small roller and a brush to cut in. I believe it was about three coats, inside and out.

  9. Step 9

    4. After the paint dries, reassemble everything using the hardware you so carefully saved.

  10. Step 10

    Step 10

    OK, now more details:

    Top shelf holds inspiring books and more with room to grow.
    Installed light ($8 Lowe's) gives great visibility (simple screw installation).
    Curtain rods hold wrapping paper for gifts. (Other wrapping supplies kept on lower shelf)
    *Note, I only use white and brown wrapping paper.

  11. Step 11

    Step 11

    Bin organizers from Marshalls ($9 ea.) and round repurposed cans keep things tidy; drawer hides mess.
    Slide out shelf, originally for computer keyboard, provides extra space for tasks like gift wrapping.

  12. Step 12

    Step 12

    Pretty folders from Target (about $4.99 for all) keep papers in order.
    I also bought some matching notebooks (about $6) to write down inspirations as they strike.
    Clear holder from Office Depot (about $6) lets the stationary shine through.
    Pink decorative geode gift from friend. Thought it looked cool there.

  13. Step 13

    Step 13

    Power strip makes using sewing machine, light, iron, etc. very convenient.
    (Nobody sees that dust underneath, right?)

  14. Step 14

    Step 14

    Hanging hooks ($6-Target) keep often-used tools handy.
    (simple screw installation)

  15. Step 15

    Step 15

    This "pencil holder" is actually a tissue box.
    The silver box was my Grannie's and holds straight pins. She was crafty, too

  16. Step 16

    Step 16

    Pictures of the center in action:

    Fabulous pink chair $19.99 from Ikea.

  17. Step 17

    Step 17

    Another view

  18. Step 18

    Step 18

    The ironing board in use*

    *Here's the funny thing about the ironing board. It was designed to fit on the back of a regular door and this door is much shorter-so imagine my disappointment when I folded the board down and it lowered to my KNEES! However, I then realized, that if I was sewing, and needed to flip and press a hem quickly, all I had to do was spin around in my pretty pink chair and Voila! The ironing board was at the perfect height. I'll tell ya, the Universe knows what it's doing, ha!

    Had I tried to, this project could've been completed in one weekend. It wasn't difficult at all. Total cost:

    $50 hutch
    $20 chair
    $18 ironing board
    $40 paint (with much left over)
    $10 wall paper
    $60 (approx) other supplies/parts

    = ~$200 (not including sewing machine)

    Tools used: Cordless drill/screwdriver, paintbrushes. Too easy!

    Even if you don't find the exact same hutch (I concede...that was a great find!) you can use the same principles in another piece...or even better...your closet (it's free!). You can add a small, inexpensive prefabricated desk in your closet and get the same effect. Now...go, get creative, and share your results with other readers in the comments section below. Happy crafting!


Leave a Comment

Sorry...

You need to log in to leave comments


Cat Morley

Cat Morley

Mar 11, 2008 1:04pm

I am incredibly jealous, I love compact little craft workspaces. You must be very very organized. I absolutely love the way you have your wrapping paper on rolls -- I'm going to aspire to be as organized as you.. one day!

Tigerbaby1981

Tigerbaby1981

Mar 11, 2008 1:08pm

wow I love this!! Now Im on a look out for a cheap hutch at an auction this summer :) Great idea!!! Thanks for sharing

kermit

kermit

Mar 11, 2008 2:48pm

this is a really great idea! I love to be organised, and this is just the way to do it. Shame my room has the size of a bathroom :(

Magical Pony Farm

Magical Pony Farm

Mar 11, 2008 4:04pm

that is soooo amazing, and i can't believe how much better you made it look with the wallpaper and paint! Great job! I want one now!

Candace H.

Candace H.

Mar 11, 2008 4:08pm

This is so nice! Thanks for sharing! Love your blog!

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Mar 11, 2008 6:14pm

Wow...This is the shiz! Amazing compact use of space. I love it!

opposites-girl

opposites-girl

Mar 11, 2008 8:40pm

That is just perfect!

MaNaturelle

MaNaturelle

Mar 11, 2008 9:11pm

wow. that is cool.

Alessandra S.

Alessandra S.

Mar 11, 2008 9:29pm

AWESOMEE.

Tanya

Tanya

Mar 11, 2008 10:57pm

Oh my i am incredible jealous. that is brilliant! i honestly never even thought of that D;

iWunder01

iWunder01

Mar 11, 2008 11:21pm

That is a great Craft hutch.

Caty M.

Caty M.

Mar 12, 2008 1:09am

I need that, sent it now. Thanks ^^

JewelFaerie

JewelFaerie

Mar 12, 2008 8:49pm

I just wanted to say thank you so much to everyone who has been favoriting and commenting on my projects! Love this community!

JuliaFuentes

JuliaFuentes

Mar 13, 2008 4:54am

i love itt

Holly B.

Holly B.

Mar 13, 2008 9:36am

As someone who is insanely organised, this appeals to every alphabetising, list-making, pigeon-holing part of me! Very jealous!

Kaiizer

Kaiizer

Mar 14, 2008 7:35pm

OMG

i want it so bad

dressedbydanni

dressedbydanni

Mar 14, 2008 11:17pm

I'm incredibly jealous...I'd love my work space to be so compact and neat...although if that was mine i'd never get any work done, I'd probably just sit and look at it!

Kameeri

Kameeri

Mar 15, 2008 11:38am

This is so amazingly great!
Love the green color! And the wallpaper idea to make some texture! I agree with dressedbydanni... probably would only sit and look at it!

Betty K.

Betty K.

Mar 16, 2008 5:00am

wow this is definetly an inspiration... i'm now determined to finally organize my room to give me a nice workspace... my roomie will appreicate it too b/c then she'd have use of the kitchen again! hehe... thanks for the ideas!!!!!

cam

cam

Apr 15, 2008 7:04am

this is awesome , though i dont have the patience of taking it all apart and painting it ! ( maybe one rainy day!)
P.S i have your sewing machine! (no i didnt steal it, i have the same)