Tour Of All My Art & Craft Materials! (My Version Of An Art Studio / Craft Room!)

Over the last year, I've been asked a fair few times to show my art space, so I've finally got brave enough to make a video of it!
One day I may have my own whole room for art stuff, but for the foreseeable future, I'm more than happy with my side of the dining room!
For my whole life I've had one craft hobby after another, often rotating them, so I'm always trying to find the balance between giving away and selling things I no longer use, and hoarding all of my dear old materials! I like being organised, and so I like to know exactly what I have and where it is, and that I still have a use for it.
Here are links to some of my past videos, which expand on some areas of my arts and crafts.
Alcohol Ink Process:
• Real Time Alcohol Ink ...
Travel Watercolour Palettes:
• Unboxing, Review & Fil...
All My Coloured Pencils:
• Looking Through ALL My...
Watercolour Swatch Folder:
• My New Professional Wa...
Organising Watercolours into old pencils tins:
• My New Roman Szmal Wat...
Die Cutting:
• How I Use Die Cutting ...
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LINKS
INSTAGRAM: helen_cryer_art
/ helen_cryer_art
(As an Amazon & Jackson's Art Associate, I earn a small amount from your purchases when you use my links - regardless of what you purchase - which doesn't affect the price for you. I'm very grateful when you do!)

[@carriemuir]

Wow, Helen! You said your art space “wasn’t very exciting.” Well, I can tell you it’s absolutely charming! Light, airy, pretty, and organized. Well done. It’s so nice to be right around your dining room table…a gathering place for family and friends. Thanks for sharing! I’m sure the rest of your home is just as cozy and inviting. 😊 Have a great weekend!

[@helencryer]

Aww, that's so nice - thank you!! Hope you have a lovely weekend too!

[@FaithAnnNB]

Beautiful space!! I absolutely love seeing how other people store their supplies and where they work. I think you are fortunate to have everything in a section of your house where you’re not isolated from everyone. I have a small craft room but it’s downstairs, not on the main floor and I end up using it as a place to store things, but when I want to work on something, I bring what I need upstairs so I’m not ignoring everyone 😅. My craft room overfloweth with countless hobbies I’ve had through the years as well, but, I often return to older “loves” and use the supplies again, even if they’re not my main focus. I figure I’m ready for when I retire and have a reduced income, all of my supplies are just waiting for me.

[@helencryer]

That's really interesting! I'll appreciate more being in the same space as everyone more now, thanks! I definitely have supplies for my retirement too! (Though actually I'm kind of in my retirement now!)

[@FaithAnnNB]

@@helencryer also… forgot to mention, your flooring is GORGEOUS! I’m so impressed you tackled that project!!

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much! I needed something basically bomb proof, with muddy dog, sandy wetsuits, soaking boots etc!

[@Janartable]

And you’re right. You’ll have it all ready to go. Just don’t hoard stuff that will dry out, or that you’ll outgrow in terms of what crafts are ‘in’. For that kind of stuff, use it up!

[@nancywillette8762]

Thank you for inviting us in! You have a lovely space to create! You’re so well organized! ❤

[@helencryer]

You are very welcome - thank you!!

[@Samantha_tookey197]

Love your space! My daughter has decided I don’t have much art and craft supplies now 😂 x

[@helencryer]

😂 It's all comparative! I used to look at some of my American friends' craft rooms, and they had literally every craft product known to man, in a room the size of my ground floor!!

[@tinakoyama8258]

It's always fun to peek into other artists' studios! Thanks! And I didn't realize how many other crafts/media you are into!

[@helencryer]

Haha, yes - quite a few, and that didn't include all the cake decorating stuff!

[@silkspinner7010]

I love how well organised everything is. I’m going to have to work on my storage. The little ironing board is definitely for sleeves and small things. They are very useful.

[@helencryer]

Thanks! I just like knowing exactly what I've got and where it is, and as easily accessible and easy to tidy away as possible!

[@jude6752]

WOW! I downsized 18 months ago, and so much craft stuff, and my Mum's sewing stuff went. I am loving the lipstick holders for the paint tubes. Thank you for sharing your space with us. What I don't understand here Helen, is the tidyness of the room!!! That is the most phenomenal aspect for me, and somethng to strive for 😃

[@helencryer]

Thanks! The desk and table look totally devastated when I've been working on something, but I like the insides of cupboards to be organised because I love to be able to get to what I want as fast as possible! I have to clear up the table regularly though, or we wouldn't be able to eat dinner!

[@tonimcdowall2427]

Oh a feast for the eyes!!!!

[@katsspace4688]

Beautiful space❤ it’s still large enough to hold lots but not to be excessive or overwhelming. Just beautiful.❤️ I recently overhauled my craft room and literally donated everything that I no longer was using or wanted. My room feels so good now and I love it.

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much! I've had quite a good clearout since this video too - there's a wonderful feeling when you have just the things you most love around you (admittedly it's still quite a lot in my case!), but it makes me want to choose my future purchases even more carefully.

[@user-no3uu6nr7n]

I enjoyed this, you have so much stuff and you do a really good job of keeping it not looking like you have a ton of stuff. 😂 You are blessed with amount of sunlight you get on your beautiful workspace. I'm looking forward to getting mine organised next week. Thank you for my up to date tour. xx

[@helencryer]

Haha! Yours will be beautiful too!

[@Paintspotsandpaper]

What a beautiful space to work and I love the floor! I’m glad I’m not the only one who has tried loads of crafts. I used to do card making and I got rid of lots of paper etc, but kept all my tools and mediums and I also kept some large and small paper pads that I couldn’t part with. I now use them in the journals that I make. Thankyou for sharing, take care xx

[@helencryer]

You can definitely accumulate a lot of stuff! I've passed on or sold loads of things over the years (especially with getting lots of free craft products when I was on design teams), but some things you just fall in love with!

[@SN-sz7kw]

Well this was pure joy. Thank you. Love seeing all your “phases.” At 60, moving house & downsizing, I’m unearthing creative phases I’d completely forgotten. 😂

[@helencryer]

Thank you!! Well I hope you get to re-enter some of your past phases!

[@SewArtyAnna]

All the things I love! Stationary, art and sewing supplies combined with fab storage! Thanks for sharing

[@helencryer]

❤️ Thanks!

[@saraashley833]

Oh Helen! Thank you for inviting us in. 🫖 (that’s a red tea kettle… I hope) It’s such a joy to see your beautiful home and studio. Thank you. Xx

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much! It's my little red watering can! 💦🪴

[@jacquelynlecuyer210]

So impressive! I especially liked seeing all your tools, some were new to me. You have such diverse abilities and interests. I found your tour and meticulous organization of all supplies, in an adorable and functional space, very soothing.

[@helencryer]

Thank you - that's lovely!

[@melissamartinart]

Yes! I’ve been waiting for this video! You are so organized 🤗💖✨

[@floralheart]

It's amazing how you can organize all the art supplies you have. I think the furniture is beautiful and perfect for that purpose. Thank you for sharing your art space and your pretty floor, I'm proud of you. 💞

[@helencryer]

Aww, thanks ever so much!!

[@andreabrown8551]

Thank you for sharing your creative space with us Helen 🙏🏻. It’s so light, clear and organised. You have managed to store your many different hobbies in a clever way. Do love seeing different artist spaces, there is something artistic in how we set up the space and then work within it. Wonderful and look forward to seeing your next beautiful art unfold there. 🙏🏻🤗🙏🏻

[@helencryer]

Thank you so much! It's not exactly as I'd like it, but I'm still very grateful for it.

[@zenab71]

Wow you are organized!!! It is so clean and not clutter. Beautiful !!

[@helencryer]

Thank you!! I can cope with clutter on surfaces for a bit, but I like the cupboards to stay organised!

[@NeptunesHorses5909]

Thanks for the tour; my spaces will be multi-purpose as well when completed; painting stations in the same room as the computer station, storage cabinets and bookshelves for supplies and part of my library, plus some collection display and themed art. I have room for some full height cabinets in the galley kitchen, some of which can be dedicated to the sanding and prepping I do there.

[@helencryer]

That sounds so interesting! It's so good to figure out what functions well, as much as looks nice.

[@bmac5242]

Only an artist can truly appreciate this tour❤ You gave me several good ideas like the makeup acrylic organizers for my tubes! Thank you for sharing:)

[@helencryer]

Ahh, thanks! I'm glad!

[@watercolorswatcher]

Thanks for the tour, Helen. It looks fabulous, and so organized! Loved looking at all your supplies! 🥰

[@helencryer]

Thank you!!

[@teekierudite5108]

What a nice video, love seeing where you create your art. Keep up the great work!

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@kyliescolouringindownunder3098]

I love your craft space it’s beautiful thank you for sharing ❤❤❤😊😊😊xxxx

[@helencryer]

Thank you!!

[@ChantelleArts]

wonderful video, your space looks so cosy ☺☺

[@katyvashkevich2719]

Omg I also have a separate box for visiting kids 😂

[@beedee4427]

That was the most fun I've had in quite a while. Thank you for sharing. I cannot quite believe what similar creatures we are! My studio is almost exactly the same as yours as far as the range and amount of "stuff" and the organisation that goes with it 😄 My drawers and drawers of fabrics (same designers), my sewing machine next to my desk (which is pretty much exactly the same as your dining table - our very first serious investment as a couple, back in 1990!). I have sold most of my card making stuff but I have huge amounts of jewellery making stuff as I had an Etsy store (before Etsy got tooooo hard). The perfect tin/container/box/folder for everything. I LOVE IT! We are still living in our big house by the sea but we're discussing downsizing to an apartment by the sea, and I'm petrified of losing my special special place. You have convinced me that it will be possible with a bit more "culling". I'm 53 and I've got over 35 years of art/craft/jewellery "stuff". Unfortunately 😆 (not really), I only had boys, grown up now, so nobody to pass on my "stuff" or knowledge to. Waiting for grandchildren I guess 🤭. Again Helen, thank you for sharing so much of yourself on here for us all to appreciate. With thanks from Merewether, NSW x

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much!!! It's so nice to hear from a fellow 'takes delight in craft storage' person! Actually, since this video, I've had a big cull, and sold lots of things on eBay, especially card making stuff, and my lesser enjoyed art stuff. It's definitely possible to downsize and enjoy just the things you most love, even more. My daughter isn't particularly interested in my art things either! One of my sons shows slightly more interest!

[@jlhyndman]

I loved seeing your art space Helen! We share a lot of the same hobbies. My craft room includes supplies for watercolor, acrylic, art journaling, junk journaling, scrapbooking, stamping and gel printing. Phew. It’s hard to pick a favorite. I would love to see some gel printing videos from you!

[@helencryer]

They all have such delicious supplies!! I will definitely be doing some gel printing soon!

[@nanamiss1793]

I lived your all staff and tools, it's so organized and so calm and wooden colors place 🍁💺📋

[@helencryer]

Thank you!!

[@katebagley8234]

Lovely light space to work in x

[@akschauer]

Beautiful flooring! You did a great job! And beautiful space! My office is set for a massive redo this Summer and I'm going to keep some of these organization ideas in mind. 😊

[@helencryer]

Thank you! That sounds very exciting!!

[@janemcgrath9615]

Wow,amazing job on the flooring! Not an easy job I know! Beautiful bright space for your crafting,and so organised,I love an organised space,I find it so very satisfying.

[@helencryer]

Thank you! It was a mammoth job - all the living room and hallway too - I hated doing it!

[@janazavitz212]

What a beautiful space! I love all the wood elements.

[@helencryer]

Thanks!!

[@sueallen1945]

It’s such a lovely space! And I am so jealous of your organization skills!

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@artmix700]

Your space is fabulous, amazing storage, great light and a beautiful floor, thank you so much for sharing it with us🙏🏼 Also, it makes me feel better about having a lot of stuff🙈 I'm currently having a major rearrange of my space after moving everything around, just trying to get some order back after a difficult few months. I particularly love your 'visiting kids' drawer, I have a similar drawer for my 2 grand children☺️ It's filled with all the things I no longer use like student paints, duplicates, crafty stuff and just anything I think they'll find interesting as they both enjoy painting and being creative which I love🥰

[@helencryer]

Thank you! I hope you end up with a space of your own that you feel really happy with!

[@PaulaScardamalia]

It's a great disappointment. ;) It's so organized! How long does it stay that way? I clean up and that lasts about a day or two...then all the supplies and stuff rebel, escape, and party.

[@helencryer]

My table and desk end up looking atrocious, but the cupboards stay tidy. I have to clear up pretty frequently in order to use the dining table though!

[@jeanettegillings7202]

Same here!!!

[@zenlife1200]

Snap! My daughter and I have taken over the dining room too, with our art and her sewing supplies. We haven't managed to sort out the storage side of things properly yet though, so our space is a bit cluttered and muddled. I really like your storage units but I don't have the wall space for something that size. The room is on the corner of the house so we have big windows on two walls and the space is open plan with the kitchen and lounge so that reduces the internal wall space too. I'm trying to find a unit to fit between the dining window and a power point on the lounge wall and I have my eye on a nice glass doored, wooden cabinet my son has some of his collections stored in downstairs. He isn't too keen to part with it though lol.

[@helencryer]

Hope you can work it out! Keep looking online for out-of-the-box ideas!

[@Janartable]

Although my own craft space is a sort of American bonus room upstairs, like the size of three bedrooms….it’s inspiring to see a video like your’s. It tells me if I ever have to downsize I can still have a variety of art making products/mediums. It helps to have such beautiful furniture. Maybe i need to stop buying art materials and start investing in beautiful storage!

[@helencryer]

Your craft space sounds amazing!!

[@reedebrown6006]

What a lovely work space and boy have you packed a lot of materials in there? I can currently fit all my art materials on my desk, but at the rate I’m adding to them, a cabinet or storage boxes will soon be needed. Thanks for sharing this personal space with us.

[@helencryer]

I have actually managed to trim down my supplies since this video a bit! Good luck!

[@eileenboffo6300]

Great space & organisation! Well done on the beautiful floor too👏🏼

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@nellgilmour5388]

Thank you for sharing your happy place. It's lovely! Btw your tile floor is brilliant. Enjoy your space.

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@deeanncross7674]

Beautiful space. Love your flooring and the tall cabinets. Thanks for the tour.

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@amandasparkles1980]

I really enjoyed this video Helen. I've been having a clear out of old hobby things that I no longer use to make space for things that I enjoy doing now and want to pursue more. Glad I am not the only one to have done that lol. You have such a lovely space to work in too.

[@helencryer]

Thank you! Hope you're having fun with your creative outlets!

[@impish22]

how fun, thanks for sharing Helen

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@MMSacca]

Awesome space.. thank you for sharing your happy place. And your floor is gorgeous 🤗

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much!

[@user-xp3xu1mh4w]

Love re purposed furniture x

[@alison64able]

Love the lipstick containers for tubes

[@helencryer]

Thanks! I spent ages trying to find something that would work for me!

[@thuntz29]

Very jealous of your light 😊 beautiful desk ❤

[@hollynoscar3534]

omg i love that pink and brown watercolour print.... and those little square ones as welll. girl, you need to sell these, i know i'd love one! great space btw...!!!! and did i hear you say you put down the tiles yourself, whatttttt ???? 😁

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much! One day I'll get organised in that respect too!

[@lyndamorrill5687]

Great organization.

[@ladyamalthea85]

This is so nice! We bought a house last year and my craft room is still a work in progress, at least it's all unpacked now, just need to finish organising it.

[@helencryer]

Oooo - nice!!! My favourite bit!

[@sharonsunshine2532]

It's so neat and tidy.

[@helencoy9215]

Loved this so much! Thank you!

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@alisonlyons4691]

That was fun Helen, thank you for letting us into a very personal space. Some nice storage ideas too. I have a renewed interest in inks, but ive not heard of Ecoline watercolour ink, or Tim Holt distress, distress oxide ink. I wondered if you might do a wee demo on inks, that is if you haven't done one already, and l missed it. Thank you again.....Alioban ❤

[@helencryer]

Thanks! No, I haven't done one on inks - I don't feel like I have a big range for comparison sake, but I'll consider doing one on what I've got. There are LOTS of videos on Tim Holtz's inks though, on KZbin, if you're interested.

[@awatercolourist]

Very good job with the tiling!

[@helencryer]

Thank you! There are very few things I'm genuinely proud of in life, but that's one of them! It was an ordeal!!

[@nottaholiday]

This was wonderful. Your organisation of your materials is incredible. I loved also that you shared your creative journey as I think as a creative we're often drawn to other areas as well. I came from textile art and have journeyed through many "incarnations", quilting and embroidery, bears, cloth dolls etc. I still enjoy the quilting (recognize and probably own some of the fabrics) and embroidery but its been pushed out of the way by art at the moment. question: when you are sitting down to commence a piece, do you have an idea of the materials you will use and get them out in advance, or do you let the work tell you what you need and source it then? Thank you for sharing!!

[@helencryer]

I think it's nice to have lots of variety and options around, so that it never gets boring - I occasionally go back to fabric for a bit (I made a load of fabric stuffed sardines and mushrooms for my craft market, for example!) I do have less art and craft stuff now than in this video, because of my recent big clearout (sold lots of my inks and stamps, and oil pastels etc) Sometimes I know I just want to primarily play with a certain medium, but it usually evolve a bit, so I never have everything I need out in advance. I probably wouldn't have room for it all either. I usually work at the dining table, then shove materials I've finished with onto my desk to clear away later.

[@nottaholiday]

@@helencryer would you consider showing us your market stall? It would be interesting to see how you package and display your items... enjoy your break

[@denisesoles7180]

Do you have videos showing how to use the water soluble crayons and other items in that one drawer?

[@helencryer]

Here are a few links to videos I've done on them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnKzk2Rqo7GMldE kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXu5nKCfbNSCnrc kzbin.info/www/bejne/hquYcqafaquao6s kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGashoybZbd0mJI kzbin.info/www/bejne/j53dg4uGl5WNmqs

[@TheRedundantArtist]

Which stamp set was that that you use for watercolour swatching? I’ve been looking for a stamp set for that purpose so I don’t have to keep drawing the boxes out. Lindsay the frugal crafter uses one but I don’t think it’s available in the uk

[@helencryer]

I got it from Temu, but I don't have the app any more, so can't link to it, sorry. It's not got a name on it.

[@CHCHNZ461]

Your art studio contents are almost identical to mine. Also, last year, I started with watercolour and collecting professional watercolour paint; I firmly believe in buying once well. Just a question: how often do you jump from one medium to another? Or is it random?

[@helencryer]

Nice!! I agree - I'd rather have 3 Daniel Smith's than all the student paint in the world (not that that's easy to tell that from all the paint I own!) I don't have a plan at all - sometimes I'll spend a week or two interested in a particular medium, then something else catches my eye/takes my fancy.

[@denisesoles7180]

Can you please send a link for the swatch folders?

[@helencryer]

There's a link in the description box for my watercolour folder, and I don't have an up to date video of my other folder.

[@denisesoles7180]

What did you say you were going to do with the small cardboard children’s book? Gel plate paintings? What is that?

[@helencryer]

Yes - a gelli plate is like a rubbery clear mat that you put paint on, and use stamps, masks etc, then take a print from into paper I'll definitely be making a video on it soon!.

[@awatercolourist]

First!

[@helencryer]

On a roll!

[@awatercolourist]

@@helencryerI am!

[@KerryAA7130]

Koolkookycreatures and Annie claxtons , Artyfartyannies , you would fit in so well , come and join us Helen xx

[@helencryer]

Thank you ever so much - I will go and look!

[@sharonwinfield7591]

Helen are your "card making days" over? Perhaps you can clear out those supplies some way.

[@helencryer]

The days of me making cards on Design Teams for companies are over, but I still make lots of cards for my craft markets, and for family and friends.