Art Studio Tour & Organization Ideas

Welcome to the latest version of my art studio. This studio is 25+ years in the making and I’ve found there are 2 things that are critical for me when putting together a creative space. You'll see how those guided my decisions when it came to organizing the art studio and I hope it will give you ideas for what you can do in your space.
Previous studio tours: 2019 acolorfuljourn...
2015 acolorfuljourn...
I’ve linked up as many things as I could find that I talked about in the video. Some of these links are affiliate links which means I get a small percentage. It doesn’t cost you anything extra and you get a really good feeling knowing that you are helping keep the free tutorials coming!
Command Adhesive hooks amzn.to/3pKDagx
Brick adhesive wall protector amzn.to/3jlJU20
J Hooks for hanging stencils amzn.to/2YYMSjP
Industrial Pipe Shelf amzn.to/3aAw3Rp
From Ikea:
Tables- available in all sorts of sizes www.ikea.com/u...
Drawers on wheel www.ikea.com/u...
For a baker’s rack, check for restaurant supply places in your area that sell used equipment.
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I’m Carolyn Dube - a mixed media art adventurer who takes the intimidation out of supplies so that you can find freedom through creativity. Play with every color of the rainbow, avoid rules whenever possible, and let the little kid inside of you free through art.
Want to play? Want to know specific ways to let go and have fun? Join the fun in my free mixed media workshop Permission to Play bit.ly/2sdGx2j
You can find me designing stencils for StencilGirl Products, teaching in person and online workshops and sharing the message of O.O.P.S. here on KZbin and on the blog, aColorfulJourney.com
What does O.O.P.S. stand for? It stands for Outstanding Opportunities Presenting Suddenly.
Those “failures” and “mistakes” that we so harshly criticized ourselves about actually became true gifts as soon as you start saying O.O.P.S. Try saying Oops in an angry tone. It makes it even more silly!
I just can’t take myself seriously when I say Oops which is just what I needed to play. I began to play, to have fun, and to embrace all of my “mistakes”.
Want to play? Want to know specific ways to let go and have fun? Join the fun in my free mixed media workshop Permission to Play bit.ly/2sdGx2j
Blog: acolorfuljourne...
Free Workshop acolorfuljourn...
Newsletter bit.ly/1bVsMYI
KZbin / @carolyndube
Instagram / carolyn_dube
Facebook at / acolorfuljourney
Pinterest / cdube

[@michellec9368]

OMG! Just OMG! What a great studio. I myself am a self admitted procrastinating hoarder who is now so overwhelmed and anxiety ridden by the mountains of stuff now strewn about my entire house it’s been over a year since I’ve created a thing. I want to thank you for sharing your tips & more importantly the reasoning behind it. We’ve all watched the videos tour and drooled at those magazine ready covered craft rooms, very crafter dream. The entire space and everything in it is color coordinated, perfectly spaced, the storage bins and containers are all the same brand, no mixing and matching going on in there. I might be afraid to actual use and create in the space for fear of messing everything up. That’s another thing about your space, it’s a real working craft space where you can create without fear. Since it took you over 25 years to fill it up it was impossible for you to make sure you only got things that coordinated well together instead you used what you have and what works for you. Using your tips I hope to actually dent my mess before simply sobbing & throwing up my hands in utter hopelessness and despair. Congratulations on your beautiful space, that sink is to die for, if anyone deserves it especially after 25 years it is you.

[@prameytatum1]

ditto!

[@sewcrazy423]

Lightbulb moment. I have an immaculate art room. Everything is in its place behind white doors and drawers. I thought it would be good to have no distractions with all of the ephemera in my face. AND my family would stop complaining about the "mess." Yeah, talk about artists' block. At the beginning of the video, I just cringed at the sheer "clutter" and "mess", then as I watched you happily explain your method of process, I got so inspired with ideas. FIRST, I need to remove some doors and open some drawers and reacquaint myself with my own precious messy self that I stored away and start to have some fun again! Thank you so much!!! You have no idea how much I needed your help.

[@stephaniebreslin3466]

This is realistic, practical and so many original ideas! Thank you so much for sharing!!! ❤

[@gabriellsbaby]

I am a professional artist, I would love to have an art studio with that much light and space and storage, I don't think I ever have. When you are a working artist there just isn't budget for such luxury especially if you live in city where the arts and artists live. We tend to carve out space in our small houses or share rented space with a lot of other artists. It is less about art supplies collected and more about things you hoard that are left over from other projects so you can not only save a little money but you can offer up supplies to other artists around you who may need them, most artists don't take trips to the craft store on the daily, it isn't convenient and it can be expensive. I love this studio but I just want to shout out to other artists not to feel bad, most of us have a kitchen table, the corner of a garage, a shared studio with ten other artists where we have to time and space share. Here in the Bay Area a very small shared studio can cost about 1300 dollars a month (just your share). Curious what kind of art you make in this space, you look very busy, is there a place I can see it?

[@LibbyRal]

OMG - the bakers racks, perfect storage to replace obscenely expensive flat files. I'm a fine artist - watercolors - i did find an 18in deep 6 ft tall, 4 ft wide shelf that stored some large watercolor sheets, along with being great for many other supplies, but it wouldn't accommodate larger sheets. Those would make affordable storage for watercolor sheets. Thank you thank you thank you. Also thank you for defining the hunter/gatherer ethos. i'm the same as you when I do mixed media. So thanks for all the other great storage ideas and arrangements

[@dees3179]

Bakers rack is excellent. What a great idea.

[@sherrydee]

This was the best and most useful studio tour I’ve ever watched. I got so many ideas and inspiration from you. Thank you so much!!

[@lindseylovesart]

What an extremely helpful video! And very practical ideas! I have that problem where i store things away and if I don’t see it I forget I have it. I don’t want that! Thank you for sharing your space. I especially appreciated the ideas for stencil organization..... And those stairs! 💜

[@js3184]

Your personality is infectious

[@AlteredSchoolmarm]

Great tour. I found myself nodding in agreement with almost everything you said. :)

[@sandyhoward1661]

I’m absolutely an out of sight out of mind person. Love your studio.

[@barbistraut5635]

Carolyn...you had me at that rainbow staircase. Yes, please!!! Loved everything about this video!!! Thanks!

[@michellespeight5972]

Those bakers racks are a brilliant idea! Also i love your whole studio set up.

[@TheOkayKo]

Thank you for sharing! This video was really helpful. I’m currently doing a studio clean out and organize for the new year and needed the reminder to organize based on how I instinctively want to create and not necessarily what is “Pinterest Pretty”

[@thebuehlerinstitute6166]

This is fantastic because I can have my husband watch it and understand better WHY I want my studio to look a certain way. I’m about to do a studio update and appreciate the ideas and your thinking behind them.

[@glendabrown9305]

You are an awesome speaker! Love your ideas and studio!

[@velvetspicer1962]

Gatherer here! I love your space!

[@amberjade8528]

I love your art room. One day I hope to set one up for myself a little like this. I really appreciate how you’ve put this video together to. Thank you, awesome work 💖

[@patwehmeier702]

Thanks Carolyn! Lots of great ideas and it's really fun to be able to see where you work! Your studio is amazing!

[@LilianGuerrero]

Great studio tour. The bakers rack is genius! I keep all my bits and pieces in sturdy cardboard box lids from shoe or gift boxes (which are shallow like the bakers trays) and stack them on top of each other. Love everything about this studio tour. Thank you for all of your awesome tips and organization ideas. :)

[@carolstern3647]

New subbie..found you while searching on Pinterest for craft storage...and Im so glad I did xx😀💞 what a colorful and well thought out craft room to create in. Loved it!! Well done, and thank you so much for not only the tour, but also the great tips in placement of supplies. Hugs xx💞🤗💞

[@linet_val]

Omg the stairs 😭😭😭💕

[@stephaniesteele8958]

Wow!!! Rainbow stairs!!!

[@pagewhite61]

Your studio is filled with genius ideas, thank you so much for the tour!

[@CarolynDube]

So glad it was helpful Page!

[@cassfonnesbeck8057]

My gosh, you have alot of space! And your stairway is awesome! I appreciate your ideas and suggestions. I have to see everything too!! Dog grooming sink, unique and oh so useful! Oh my! Thanks for sharing your studio!

[@CarolynDube]

So glad it was fun and helpful Cass!

[@kyleoliver9538]

What a great studio, I can't believe I haven't seen this video before. I loved your old yellow studio too. I love the bakers rack, I've been imagining something like that to manage projects and paper collections. I'd love to have space for those movable tables in the center. I agree, out of sight, out of mind. I like to be able to see as much of my supplies as possible. In our last house I had little wall space, so I got a portable magnetic whiteboard 2' x 3' that I could move around and attach things to both sides. Now I still use it out in my garage studio, it's great for sticking up gel prints to dry. Thanks for explaining all your decisions, I organize in a similar way, hunter & gatherer. I'm very happy for your success, you've earned it! Hi to Dave, your adorable husband 🙂

[@_girafff_6612]

Thank you for that great tour ! I loved that you explained your choices instead of just showing each drawer. I got a lot of inspiration !!

[@evetei]

Love your studio and love your personality! Thank you for the tour 👍😊

[@laurastaley7627]

I’m in the process of organizing my craft room and this video is full of ideas I can use! It was great to find an organizing video by someone who is visual like me! Thanks!

[@adrianag.2591]

Thank you for letting us into your studio. Those colored steps are super cool. I learned I am a hunter. Still need to buy another IKEA cube shelf for my studio but not rushing it. Also for my Wanderlust 2022 materials, I repurposed a rectangular basket 🧺 and 2 clear cubes to keep my most use supplies on it. Then if I want to work on a different craft I have all that clear out of table.

[@winenot1]

love the sheet pan cart!

[@janiecox8766]

I finally got to watch this. Our studios are very similar. I enjoyed your class in Paducah SO MUCH!

[@TrueLoveX1027]

I’m currently in the process of making a designated mm studio. So many truly FAB ideas!!! I appreciated seeing how our brains had some of the same inconsistencies in organization, which also answered some of my queries on how to handle storage/display! Thanks ever so much for taking the time to put your “imperfectly perfect” things all in place so we could really see the nuts and bolts of how the studio all came together and the enormous list of product links are incredible!! Considering how long you’ve been collecting some of these items, that had to be a chore. Please know how grateful I am for ALL of your efforts!!! ❤

[@rochellevanderwall7381]

Awesome studio you have. You are very inspiring. Tfs. I used some of your ideas. You have saved me from frustration overload with stencils that get too cosy with each other. Plastic sheets between them, genius. I hung mine from cheap metal towel bars from Menards with hooks from the clip it up unit, outgrew that too fast. Also use a lampshade frame hung from ceiling for large stencils. Thanks for sharing your creativity. Love your art and videos.

[@Brainwave_bops]

Nice studio but was I loved the most was your energy. 🥰

[@phyllissmith8109]

You have me at rainbow stairs! Subscribed

[@LizzieStuff]

I absolutely LOVE this video. Thank you.

[@betsybrady8520]

Thank you everything you do with your organizing makes so much sense to me! 😊

[@paulorta8621]

Artists are eccentric

[@karenatkinson4053]

I really like all your ideas and reasons for the way you have arranged your art supplies. Your studio looks like a great place to get creative. Thank you for sharing. I have been subscribed to your channel for a while now, however several months ago You Tube decided to stop sending most of the channels I am still subscribed to. I have tried unsubscribing and then subscribing again as suggested by a few people, but it hasn't worked. I will try to remember to go directly to you channel. I found this video on the sidebar.

[@christinebarone2151]

Very informative. Thank you for taking the time to share.

[@nancyring8104]

Wow! A *lot* of great organizing ideas! I am going to have to come back to this video as I start sorting out my multitude of art supplies!!🌈❤️

[@CarolynDube]

Excited for all you'll find when you're sorting your stuff- I always come across something I forgot about or see in a new way. Glad the video was helpful Nancy!

[@introvert22]

The quality of your videos is fantastic. Your space is wonderful.

[@karenferguson7662]

thank you for the great tips...I have watched a few of these types of videos and yours has given me some useful tips and ideas that the others didn't...I know that I'm a gatherer now, so I can set things up in my new craft space with that in mind...I look forward to watching some more of your ideas...

[@rnee1000]

Great video and lots of good suggestions!!!

[@sandman6426]

This is a great video ma'am I love your style of organizing

[@carolnelson7107]

Thanks so much for sharing your craft room... I got lots of ideas for mine...

[@georgemarklow4683]

Those stairs ❤️

[@maggiefletcherscuriouscelt4199]

I have craft room envy!!!

[@AntyPam4250]

So many good ideas, starting with using transparency sheets between stencil masks (genius!) to having multiple boxes and changing them out to keep ephemera fresh (just like we used to do with kids’ toys!) Thanks so much for taking the time to do this for us, especially when we all know: you’d rather be creating! 👏🏻❤️🤗

[@debbiederosa7250]

Great tour & ideas ! Thank's for sharing :)

[@gailbolton4891]

OMG! I think the bankers racks may be the est solution in the world for me and I NEVER would have thought of it myself. Thank you!

[@bernadetteboettcher695]

This is my 1st time ever posting a comment. I have been searching for Years for someone like you and your studio organizing tips. I always knew what didn't work for me but, Never could figure out what would Work for me. Now I know!!! Thank you for sharing the "Why's " to your organizing process. This video is a Game Changer for me. Thank you again!!!!

[@anne7441]

Great tour - congrats on your lovely space. Thanks for the tips about organizing. Love your enthusiasm!

[@annsimaginationstation8590]

Very helpful…thanks for the tour 💕

[@kellyparkerdesigns]

Lots of great advice! Would love to know about camera set up too!

[@trinitychiplove]

I love this way of organising ! other videos have everything in closed boxes and tubs and that is just not how I operate in my creative space

[@libertygrovepaperarts-aker3482]

I would love to see your camera set up! great tour, so interesting!

[@terryhall2299]

You gave me quite a few ideas on how to better organize my craft supplies so I don’t have to go across the room to get them. Thank you that! I am interested in your camera set up and would love to see a video on how you do that.

[@carmencitahill4707]

Carolyn, that lamp stencil storage idea was genius! I am so in love with that and i must do one. Thanks you are so much fun.🥰

[@cindycoleman5196]

Great practical video. Thanks for sharing.

[@akumar7366]

This is a treasure trove magical.

[@captaindingbat]

Just found you, I have a spare room we are just about to start turning into a studio in the next few weeks, including a sink, how lucky am I! Anyway, I’ve picked up some great ideas, thank you!

[@townsendstephen]

What an exciting space! Thanks great ideas and totally agree that out of sight never gets used . So I liked the idea of moving boxes around.

[@TheTeritunes1]

Fantastic suggestions! Thanks for inviting us into your studio.

[@hovawart16]

This is so, so helpful.

[@cathrynesten4364]

Your top is gorgeous you look beautiful.

[@dianapease7243]

Thanks for sharing your dream studio. We all "make do with what we have" but we all still dream !

[@normajeanbray5960]

Great tips,really like this video.

[@Squabetty]

Brilliant!! I started using J hooks on my stencils about five or six years ago and they have been absolutely amazing everyone who sees them just thinks they are the most brilliant thing in the world so kudos to you I had not seen the circular hangup options which intrigue me! My other favorite storage is necktie holders for all of my ribbon I hang my ribbon on the back of my studio door massive storage minimal space all in view and yes I do have it organized by color! I currently have a utility sink that I use but I can tell you that dog grooming sink is looking mighty fine........! 😉

[@bySusuko]

A dream studio!

[@HollyOshesky]

Thanks for an inspirational studio tour! I love how you didn’t just show us how you organize but also why you made the decisions you did. I would love to see a video about your camera set up.

[@maryseyferth3652]

Thanks for all the great tips! Very helpful and not the run of the mill studio tour! Great ideas!

[@natalynnbeard5060]

Thank you so much !🙂 I've been so overwhelmed on how to setup my multimedia art studio. Appreciate your cheerful helpful tips! 👍👍

[@kathylaub941]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@suefalls1600]

Love all of your ideas! What a nice workable space💖💖💖💖💖

[@susanthomas7722]

What a dream studio! You have a lot of wisdom! Thanks!

[@CarolynDube]

Thanks! It's a taken a long time to get to this and learned a lot along the way Susan.

[@Jo_WillowingSpirit]

Amazing room!

[@LisaV751]

This is exactly what I needed. Not only do you sound like me in every way, but I just moved from a 550 square foot studio to a 150 square foot studio. I’m hoping to stay organized, or at least have a home for every item in my studio, whether I put stuff away or not! Thank you. It’s is perfect!

[@CarolynDube]

Glad it was helpful for your reorganizing you studio Lisa!

[@rmorleyanderson]

Great ideas and video was well done-informative,entertaining and not too long

[@otter-pro]

The studio is very nice... both practical/functional and esthetic. Please show us your camera setup, too.

[@amandalynnart]

Oh, I’m super jealous! I want to move in with you! I love your studio! I want a studio so bad, but I live in a tiny one bedroom apartment.

[@michaelpeters8615]

Great video of ideas, thank you so much for sharing.😅

[@mishti06]

Ohh what a fantastic tour video. Totally made me want to clean up my mess. And thank you for being brave enough to show us the messy version too..we need to see that. I need to cull my stuff but don't know how to start. Everytime I do I just can't part with it. Maybe one day you could do a video on "art supplies separation anxiety"?? Lol. Thank you for sharing Carolyn.🥰

[@cathywhitney8194]

Love the idea of having adjustable shelf height. We went down the same stencil storage path. Been using the j hooks for about a year now and I agree with you. Works amazingly well! So many great ideas packed in this wonderful video. Thanks Carolyn!

[@abstractlybeautifulfluidar1273]

I love your studio and all your ideas. I would ❤♥️❤ to have a studio like this. Thank you for sharing

[@mdaschel]

Carolyn, I love your new studio! I kept thinking how similar our organizational choices are. I like having the shelves by the work space. It gave me an idea to move my space around! And I love the turquoise carts I saw. I have one just like it and so does my best art buddie. Thank you for sharing.

[@shmuelhirsh]

AMAZING! ~

[@SGrahamStudioCrafts]

This was a great video. I am designing a new studio and I like to see what I have. So many studio tours focus on hiding your stash and so much money spent on labeling. I love the clear containers that you use to see where your paint and the colors you have. Really cool! Thanks!

[@JeansMc100]

LOVE a big ephemera Salad!! :) Thank you so much for all of the genius ideas as always! Enjoy your fabulous space!!

[@sprawkaart6443]

wow, thanks for sharing this, love your studio and love your personality!

[@Taitcreates639]

Fantastic ideas for a craft room. I live alone and it’s not always physically possible to put things up on the wall for storage. Congrats on the move. Your space is amazing and so functionable. Enjoy. Tfs

[@christineconley105]

So many great ideas here! I can't wait to buy a baker's cart and jhooks especially...just what I have been missing! Thanks so much, Carolyn!

[@kthrower467]

I have the same system for my stencils!! I was cleaning out my craft room and was going to give it away b/c I didn't like it for my stickers, then it turned into stencil storage and I'm so happy. Love the idea of putting the transparency sheet in between the ones that catch .... brilliant! You're studio is so amazing and those tables ... what a fabulous system! Thanks for sharing, loved the tour!

[@annedalton4136]

This is perfect! I'm about to move to a slightly bigger studio and each of these tips re fantastic! Thank you so much.

[@juliekeimig7220]

Thank you so much for sharing your space and storage ideas with us. I will eventually have a dedicated art space and am gathering ideas and inspiration everywhere. Thank you for your ideas. I will be interested in seeing your camera setup video when it's available.

[@anndreastembridge367]

Enjoyed it.

[@MichelleColeCreates]

Love your space, love the sweet pups, and love that sink! I have a water hook up in my craft room and plan to put a sink it eventually!

[@doloresh.4515]

Finally someone whose brain works like mine! This my dream studio. My studio now is also my sleeping area (long story) so I have half the space I had before but I make it work; however, I will visualize this for the future. Thanks for the great tips especially about storing stencils.

[@dorothykovak4900]

Great studio! And great ideas. Thanks for sharing.