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.
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ooooh...
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!
Isn't she pretty??
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
4. After the paint dries, reassemble everything using the hardware you so carefully saved.
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.
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.
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.
Power strip makes using sewing machine, light, iron, etc. very convenient.
(Nobody sees that dust underneath, right?)
Hanging hooks ($6-Target) keep often-used tools handy.
(simple screw installation)
This "pencil holder" is actually a tissue box.
The silver box was my Grannie's and holds straight pins. She was crafty, too
Pictures of the center in action:
Fabulous pink chair $19.99 from Ikea.
Another view
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!
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Popular tags: Painting & Decorating, Dressmaking / Tailoring, Revamping, Christmas, Clothing & Fabric, Decorating, Gothic, and Halloween
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Cat Morley
11 Mar 13:04
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
11 Mar 13:08
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
11 Mar 14:48
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
11 Mar 16:04
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.
11 Mar 16:08
This is so nice! Thanks for sharing! Love your blog!
Blue Jay
11 Mar 18:14
Wow...This is the shiz! Amazing compact use of space. I love it!
northernstar
11 Mar 20:40
That is just perfect!
MaNaturelle
11 Mar 21:11
wow. that is cool.
Alessandra S.
11 Mar 21:29
AWESOMEE.
Tanya
11 Mar 22:57
Oh my i am incredible jealous. that is brilliant! i honestly never even thought of that D;
iWunder01
11 Mar 23:21
That is a great Craft hutch.
Caty C.
12 Mar 01:09
I need that, sent it now. Thanks ^^
JewelFaerie
12 Mar 20:49
I just wanted to say thank you so much to everyone who has been favoriting and commenting on my projects! Love this community!
JuliaFuentes
13 Mar 04:54
i love itt
Holly B.
13 Mar 09:36
As someone who is insanely organised, this appeals to every alphabetising, list-making, pigeon-holing part of me! Very jealous!
kaiizer
14 Mar 19:35
OMG
i want it so bad
dressedbydanni
14 Mar 23:17
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
15 Mar 11:38
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.
16 Mar 05:00
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!!!!!
Ginger Ginger.
15 Apr 07:04
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)
Nightingale
15 Dec 16:01
Ooo I love it!
kiddo
30 Dec 03:12
Now I must have one! Wonderful job!
jessica;;
16 May 18:10
omggg
this is exactly what i need in my room !
thank you soo much ! (^.^) x
Tinker-Tinka
31 May 13:14
I love you for sharing this!! <3
KonKord Chimpanzy
17 Aug 17:49
I want to go to there.
Costuming Crusader
08 Sep 08:09
Love it
Dayi
30 Oct 20:41
ooo I need one,I have no place to work and put My stuff I'm using the dinner table T_T not good not pretty :)love it,I will make My husband do one from scratch muhahaha....
CharlieCabana
16 Nov 02:36
Wow!So impressive!