5 Reasons We Need a Space to Create In

With more people crafting and creating, the problem of where to do it is a real challenge. For those of us who create at home, we usually make do with whatever surface is available and the most accessible. Often that means carting our supplies from a closet downstairs up to the kitchen table every single time we wan to make something. Having a place to create in, organize your supplies in, and to be inspired in takes a little doing but can be done wherever you decide to work. But you have to want it. My hope with this post is to make you want it. With that in mind, I have 5 reasons why we (creatives) need to have a space to create in.

A Place Apart to Create in that is Practical and Inspiring.

Organization might as well be a four-letter word for me. That, and time management. Which I know is another form of organizing, but it deserves its own four-letter word. These two things are the absolute banes of my existence.

Creative minds often seem to struggle with assigning spots to things. However, some creatives absolutely thrive on the creative challenge of organizing. Me- not so much. But because I struggle so much with it, I think I truly get what a hurdle it can be.

However, I genuinely believe that finding a space to work in that will help and inspire you in your creativity is absolutely necessary to your growth as a creative person.

5 Reasons Why You Need a Space to Create In.

1. Creating Balances Adulting.

In a life of “have to’s” and “should’s” creating gives us something we want to do that renews and replenishes us. Energy management suggests that it’s more important to balance those things that drain our energy with things that create it than it is to find that elusive “work/life balance.” As I’ve never achieved that I like this new theory better.

2. It’s Cheaper Than Therapy.

Creating helps us to know ourselves better. It also makes us more confident in who we are. When we create, we make a hundred small decisions along the way- color, style, form, etc. When we end up with something unique and one of a kind, it gives us pleasure, but also confidence. It’s proof that we have more in us than we know. And it gives us both a sense of accomplishment and wonder.

3. We Can’t Just Start and Stop.

When you have limited time to spend creating, the time it takes to get out the supplies, find a place to work, and then set up often means that we don’t have time to really make anything. When you craft on the kitchen table, that has to get cleaned up before you can eat at it. A dedicated space means you can leave your work in progress as is. Which then makes it much easier to pick up again when you have a few moments. Having an organized place for your supplies means it’s a cinch to find what you need and to put them back.

4. You Have to Buy Before You Try.

I’ve tried to work around this one. But just like you can’t try a recipe until you’ve bought the ingredients, you can’t try a craft or art form without first having the supplies. If we try something new and don’t love it, however, we should be totally okay with handing off the supplies for it to someone who might love it. Likewise, if we’ve changed our focus we don’t need to keep all the supplies or tools for that either. I don’t sew much anymore, so a disproportionate amount of space in my craft room is taken up by sewing supplies. I think sometimes we pass on trying something new just because we don’t know where we’d put the supplies.

5. Bet You Can’t Buy Just One.

When we purchase something, it often comes in a pack. Rather than getting the one piece we need, we end up with a bunch of surplus supplies we don’t. The struggle is real. We don’t really want to get rid of the extras because we paid for them. So we store them. I’m trying to embrace the “place it or trash it” method. Having a valid reason to keep something, and knowing it has a legitimate spot in my art room means I keep it. Otherwise, it’s donated. Or would be if I took the time to drop off the boxes…

If You Want to Make Creativity Part of Your Life…

All this means that we should value our time creating much more than we do. When we appreciate things in our life, we’re willing to invest in them. We figure out what we need to make them happen, and we do it. Want a better body? We go to nutritionists and get a gym membership. Want to spend more time being creative? Make a space to create in that you can keep and organize your supplies in and that inspires you.

It also makes me more productive in the time that I have. Finding what I need in my room keeps me from running to Michael’s for it. This saves me time so that I create more. Because I can leave my work out, I can go do stuff I need to do knowing I can just come back to it as I’m able.

Being willing to find a creative space also gives weight to your decision to make this a regular part of your life. Walking into my art room, seeing the years of work and inspiration on the walls fills me with the belief that I am creative. This is who I am, not just what I do.

Life Changes And So Do Our Needs.

Not everyone has room for an art studio or craft room. Rather than waiting for that “someday” you can carve a space out of your world today. I have a friend that creates at a card table in her pantry. Hardly ideal, but it’s close to the main areas in the house, and it’s still a set apart space. Which makes it ideal for her.

Another friend has a workbench in her laundry room. Her kids called it the “bead dungeon” back when she used to make jewelry. These days she makes ceramics so she sculpts clay with a pile of laundry on the floor. It totally works for her. (Thanks for the photo Jen!)

Another mom friend still has her little’s running around her home. So for her, a craft closet off the main area with a work table she can set up as needed is far more practical than a separate room just for crafting. She can keep an eye on the kids but still work.

I did this for years when my son was young. Working on our dining room table as he played nearby worked best at the time. And to this day I do most of my crafting at that table. I like the big open expanse to spread my work out.

But I also have an art room that inspires me and that I can set up an easel in as well as use my sewing machine. I’ve got it set up with IKEA shelving so that I can max out my storage space. But even then I need to go back in and reevaluate what really needs to be there. We change. We grow. As creatives, we need to be able to look at what works best for our now.

What Works For You?

So I really want you to consider your needs and wants. Think about your home and where you could carve out a space that inspires you and makes creating easier. A space that you can say, “this is my art room.” Or craft room. Or writing room. A space that fits your needs.

Keeping in mind however that needs change and it won’t always be the best option. My mom has a crafting space downstairs, but the light isn’t ideal, and she’s in a stage in life where she needs the light to see. Turning the four-season porch off the dining room into an art room might be a great solution. We have to let our space change when our lives do.

In the Midst of the Chaos lies Creativity.

Because I love freebies I spent some time this morning creating a PDF that I hope will inspire you. It has a house with a room set a part. A room of your own. I love the quote. The chaos swirling around you may be kids or schedules or it may be health concerns or work problems. My brain is pretty chaotic just by itself. I like to think that in the midst of it is creativity. So if this resonates with you, I’d love to have you stop by the Creative Resource Library and download your own copy to print.

So what do you think? Is it time to give your crafty self a space to create in?

If you do, I guarantee you’ll be more productive, you’ll feel more self-confident, and you’ll be owning it. You are Creative. It’s who you are and what you do. Make it a part of your life. I gave you 5 reasons why you need a space to create in, but really you just need this one. You.

For More Inspiration…

If you are looking for ideas on Craft Rooms and Craft Room Organization I have a board on Pinterest, you might want to check out. I also like Jennifer Maker’s Craft Room Organization Posts. She even has a free challenge and workbook you can purchase that will walk you through ways to organize your space. I’m also going to write another post showing you what I’ve done in my room to organize my space with all the tips and links to get you started!

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