WWYD? Setting up Scrap Area--UPDATE Post 10 Paint color HELP?

[lovetoscrap]

Since I have been lurking around here the last few weeks I really want to get my scrapbook stuff out and try to get it all set up so I can use it. It really never got set up in a usuable way when we moved 2 years ago and is mostly stuffed in a closet and on some shelves.

So I have 2 choices of where I can set my things up and both have advantages and disadvantages. Bear with me as this will probably be long-- I love to talk!

BONUS ROOM

The original idea was that it would all be in our "bonus room" which is an upstairs room where DH spends most of his time. Usually we both go up there after the kids go to bed and veg and watch TV. That has changed a bit in the last few months because I have terrible foot problems and getting up stairs is painful so I generally prefer to stay downstairs. Otherwise I have to keep going up and down to go to the bathroom and for anything else.

The Pros of having my area up there are:

• I can spend time with DH in the evening while I work and there is a TV right there.
  
• The room is off limits to my kids. My things would be safe at all times from them and I could leave ongoing projects out to work on.

Cons:

• It is very small and cramped, I would have to share shelves with DH to keep my things on, but he shares well. I would have to keep a majority of my things in a closet that is not very convenient.
  
• Not a lot of electrical outlets and very bad lighting.
  
• It is upstairs and it can be difficult/uncomfortable for me to get upstairs at times.
  
• I don't really like being upstairs during the day when I am home by myself. Don't know why, I just like to be on the main floor of the house.

DINING ROOM

My other choice is to set up my Formal Dining room as a craft room. It was our homeschooling room when we moved in, but my kids are back in school now. They do have a computer and their craft and homework items in there so I would have to share.

Pros:

• It is on the main floor of my house and easy access. I may have to have surgery and could be in a wheelchair for awhile and I would still have access to it.
  
• LOTS of space. I would have most of the room and several tables that I can use. Lots of bookshelf space for storage and Dh says I could buy other items if I need them. Tons of wall space and some bulletin boards I could use also.
  
• My girls love to scrapbook also and we enjoy scrapbooking together. There would be plenty of space for us all to scrapbook together.
  
• There would be enough space for me to invite friends over to scrapbook with me.
  
• It is right off the kitchen so very easy access to drinks and snacks!

Cons:

• It is right off the kitchen so very easy access to drinks and snacks!
  
• No TV in there so I can't watch TV while I work, which I do like to do.
  
• I have to share the space with my kids. They will be in the room daily and often unsupervised. They are 7 and 11 yr old girls, and generally pretty good, but do have a huge problem with boundaries where my stuff is concerned and think the world revolves around them. They also think that they should have access to all my craft supplies despite all the discipline in the world. They would get into it. I would not feel that I could leave things out. There would be battles, and I am sure that some things of mine will get abused and destroyed.
  
• If I want to work in there in the evening then I would be away from DH. We do enjoy spending time together in the evenings.

So what do you all think? Which would you choose for your scrapbook/craft area? DH says he will help me anyway he can as soon as I decide.

 

[marlynnp]

This may not be a popular reply but I'm going to say it anyway.
No matter what you decide, this

They are 7 and 11 yr old girls, and generally pretty good, but do have a huge problem with boundaries where my stuff is concerned and think the world revolves around them. They also think that they should have access to all my craft supplies despite all the discipline in the world. They would get into it. I would not feel that I could leave things out. There would be battles, and I am sure that some things of mine will get abused and destroyed.

behavior should be unacceptable. At 7 and 11 they should have learned that long ago and I wonder what your definition of "all the discipline in the world" is? Make clear rules with some serious consequences (hit 'em where it hurts [and I don't mean physically]) and follow through when they disobey. Heck, I put things in my daughter's scrap drawer and she checks to make sure I really meant to give it to her before she uses it.

lecture over

Now, putting that 'con' aside, if I were in your situation I would make my main scrapping area on the first floor.
Do you have a TV elsewhere on the first floor? Is there enough space for you to work if you had a small wheeled table/cart you could roll in with your current projects and supplies needed for those? Would you physically be able to push a small cart like that? Otherwise, if the TV is important can you get another small one that could be put on the shelves in the dining room?

Could you afford to get a second set of basic supplies ~ paper trimmer, adhesive, cutting mat, etc. for the second floor? And set up a small work area. Then if you are feeling up to doing the stairs your DH could carry up your current project and you could spend time together.

 

[lovetoscrap]

This may not be a popular reply but I'm going to say it anyway.
No matter what you decide, this

behavior should be unacceptable. At 7 and 11 they should have learned that long ago and I wonder what your definition of "all the discipline in the world" is? Make clear rules with some serious consequences (hit 'em where it hurts [and I don't mean physically]) and follow through when they disobey. Heck, I put things in my daughter's scrap drawer and she checks to make sure I really meant to give it to her before she uses it.

.

Popular or not I agree with you 100% on this ! I would love to hear any suggestions that you have on dealing with this. I know that I am doing something wrong. We have dealt with problems like this with massive time outs/grounding, complete removal of ALL their things that they had to earn back--they have gone months with empty rooms, monetary compensation for the items destroyed out of their money, extra chores--not fun ones, complete removal of all privledges for stretches of time (sometimes a month or more), and in some cases even a physical punishment. Sometimes it was a combination.

This is a huge issue with my daughters in my house so I have done something wrong in getting the message across to them. I grew up in a house where you just didn't touch other people's things, but somehow they just don't get that message. They see "ooooh, pretty" and act before they think. Or "well I was just borrowing it". This is one reason that we bought this house with the Bonus Room and declared it 100% off limits to them. They are better about the idea that they are not allowed to go in that room at all, then about "these things belong to me- do not touch them". Especially with some of the the things that I do allow them to use if they ask permission first or if I am there to supervise. Once they get to use them once, they "forget" to ask permission again.

They really are good kids overall, I am just very protective of my stuff--I DO NOT share well and don't like others in my space. Which is why I really don't get how they are 7 and 11 and still doing this. I have been this way since before they were born, as has my DH. It isn't like "Don't touch other people's things" followed by a punishment, is a NEW thing!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I would vote for the dining room.
Can designate a space for your DD's supplies? Or a cabinet that locks for your stuff when you are not using it?

How about switching spaces, can the Dining Room be off limits and the bonus room be an area for the kids and move DH and his TV down stairs with you? Is there enough room for a nice chair for him, maybe a flat screen TV on a shelf or on the wall, and still have room for a desk for you?

I feel your pain too, my kids are very hands on, hands on everything!
Would a more subtle approach work, say when they are in school move or take something of value from their rooms. Something they would notice. It might hit them where it hurts.

 

[KerTggr]

How about switching spaces, can the Dining Room be off limits and the bonus room be an area for the kids and move DH and his TV down stairs with you? Is there enough room for a nice chair for him, maybe a flat screen TV on a shelf or on the wall, and still have room for a desk for you?

I agree with switching the spaces if possible (though if you like to monitor your children on the computer or doing homework this might make it hard). I don't have any children at this point - but do like to be around my husband when scrapping at night. This used to be the case in our old apartment - barely room to do anything, but we made it work. In our current house, I took over the 3rd bedroom and scrap there, but it's totally separate from where our TV and his computer is. So more often then not, I end up lugging things out onto the dining room table anyway.

 

[PrincessNancy96]

I had extra space in the room I spend the most time in..the room.. yep,I have all my supplies in my room.. My boys will come down and talk and help work on things...but they don't bother my supplies. As for DD she loves to create and my stuff is used.. WE finally told her she has to ask..and if it is broke she has to ride w/ Dad to go buy a new one..and than has to reimburse or pay for it out of her own pocket.. That only took one car ride to use her own money....

 

[lovetoscrap]

Sounds like the Dining room it is. I may look into some sort of locking cabinet to go in there. I just won't be able to leave out what I am working on.

I do have a Crop Tote that I keep stocked that I could get DH to carry upstairs if I want to go up there and work. He is more than happy to carry things for me.

But there is NO WAY we are are giving up his room! It has custom built cabinetry and his flat screen TV with precisely placed surround sound, and a huge walk in closet for all his toys and hobby items, and a door that can be closed and locked to keep out the kids when you just can't take it anymore! If fact if it had a bathroom up there, there are some days I would probably lock myself up there and never leave!

And I do need them to keep their computer and homework area right off the kitchen where they can be closely supervised.

Thanks all. Now I have some major work to do to get it all cleaned out and maybe pick some paint for the walls.

 

[marlynnp]

Getting your own space ready is exciting!

But those girls I don't know what else to tell you to do ~ sounds like you've tried nearly everything and thanks for being so forth coming and nice about explaining what you've done.

I have one more really evil, really painful thing and it may well ruin x-mas.

You explain very calmly exactly what space is off-limits, that your things are not to be touched under any circumstances and if they do not RESPECT your property, each item they use or destroy will be replacing a xmas gift this year (feel free to substitue another gifting holiday but x-mas, if you celebrate it, will have the greatest impact). I would have them repeat back what space is off limits, etc. to make sure they understand.

When the infractions occur and I'm afraid they still will, do not do more than say, "uh oh, you know that was mine." Take the item and put it in a box that will later be wrapped and put under the tree. Said item shall be substituted for what would have been a present of equal or great value.

I know it's really drastic and of course make sure DH is onboard if you decide to do this. We had a similar situation with DD on a smaller scale and she was younger but when we gave her back the things she broke when she was expecting something else it definitely made an impression, lol.

 

[KerTggr]

I may look into some sort of locking cabinet to go in there. I just won't be able to leave out what I am working on.

You should look at Ikea & Target & Wal-Mart for something now that it is still back-to-school time esp. for college students. I have a friend who is into beading, has a baby and lives in a pretty small apt for all their stuff. She bought a computer cabinet that had a pull out desk from Ikea. She can be working on something and just push it all back into the cabinet. I know there are some that are made specifically for scrapbookers, but they just seem so expensive to me!

 

[lovetoscrap]

Okay, the Dining room it is and I have been busy in here cleaning this weekend. I want to repaint the walls, they are really in need of it. Right now they are an off white and I am realizing that it is kind of "dingy" in here. I think I will need a bright paint job that will help to reflect light. I like yellow but, because of that I am planning to paint my kitchen a golden yellow so I am not sure I want yellow in here also, but I love color. This room will also eventually be our formal dinning room, or if we move it will need to show as our dining room.

Should I just go with a bright and basic white or should I figure out a cheery color? Any suggestions on a nice color?

 

[marlynnp]

I'd go with the yellow, it doesn't matter if it's the same as the kitchen. You could use a different color for the trim to change it up a little.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Forgot to mention that the trim is all a medium wood and won't be painted. And there is a chair rail all the way around so I could do a top/bottom thing, but I think I will have so many tables and shelves that no much of that would show.

 

[patchchild]

Another idea for the daughters into the stuff issue. Can there be scrapping supplies available for them to use? A small paper cutter, scissors, and some paper? Knowing what they can use might help reduce the desire for what they can't use. That said, a locking cabinet is a great idea as well.

 

[KerTggr]

I'd go with a true white as much as possible, but also Flat (even though I know that it is generally not popular). Here are the reasons:

• If it is dark out and you are having to scrap indoors, any color on your wall will have an adverse effect on the colors you are looking at (my room is pink and it picks up on certian colors differently)
• It is really easy to paint over when you do decide to go to a formal dining room area
• Flat vs Glossy is also easier to paint over and the light isn't as harsh when you are using natural light.
• Yellow, while beautiful in a house, can be overwhelming when used in too many conjoining rooms. I'd paint your kitchen first, then decide if you want the same, brighter, or maybe deeper yellow in the dining area.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I vote for cheery!! Do you have a Lowes near you?? I painted my living room a color from the Earth Elements collection called Bee Pollen. It's yellow with a touch of brown in int. The next shade up is sunwashed which will be my kitchen color. They look great in any light.

here's a pic. It looks a little more yellow here than in real life but it's close.

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

While I personnally would rather look at yellow or green walls, I think KerTggr makes some mighty fine points on why a TRUE WHITE would be best. The true white won't look dingy like the current off white will. And chances are you will repaint when turning it back into the dining room. By then your kitchen should already be yellow & you'll know what shade to pick for the dining room.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Another idea for the daughters into the stuff issue. Can there be scrapping supplies available for them to use? A small paper cutter, scissors, and some paper? Knowing what they can use might help reduce the desire for what they can't use. That said, a locking cabinet is a great idea as well.

They DO have their own supplies--that is what makes it so frustrating! I think I am going to Velcro some fabric/curtains across the bookshelves to help keep it more "out of sight, out of mind" and may also look into a locking cabinet if it is problem.

The girls are already really excited about the plans for the room and all that THEY want to do in there, and for having space to craft and scrapbook together and with me. BUT-- DH and I also decided that we are going to make the girls give me a "Security Deposit" of like $10 each that they will have to pay to me in order to be able to use the room. Any damages or unauthorized borrowing will be taken out of the Security Deposit and will also result in additional chores so that I have more time to scrapbook!

I vote for cheery!! Do you have a Lowes near you?? I painted my living room a color from the Earth Elements collection called Bee Pollen. It's yellow with a touch of brown in int. The next shade up is sunwashed which will be my kitchen color. They look great in any light.

here's a pic. It looks a little more yellow here than in real life but it's close.

I love color and my walls will all be beautiful colors when I get done decorating eventually! I was actually looking at that Bee Pollen color in my paint chips last night--I love that color and it is very possible what I will do in my kitchen, or the slightly darker Saffron next to it on the swatch. I don't think I have the Sunwashed swatch, but I will look for it.

ETA: OOOPS, my Bee Pollen color is from True Value, not Lowes.

But I am worried about the colors affecting the actual scrapbooking. I will need to get some new freestanding lights because the only thing in there right now is the chandelier. DH doesn't want actual white--he wants something with a bit of color, even just a little bit.

Decisions, Decisions Decisions.. .