Love scrapbooking? Do it in your garage!

Usually, when we think of our garage, we think of it as a place where we park our car – even if we actually leave our car in the driveway! Today, the garage is more likely to be used as a workshop of a man cave. So, why not move your scrapbooking into the garage? There’s no reason why the guys should have all the fun!

So, what do you need to do to make your garage into a scrapbooking haven? You’ll need to get yourself set up, and we’ll help you do it.

Before you get going

Before you get started scrapbooking in your garage, you’re going to have to do a bit of work to get the space the way you want it. Here’s what you need to consider.

• Lighting

  You need to think about lighting first, because if you can’t see what you’re doing, you’re not going to be able to see what you’re doing – you’ll probably make bad color choices, and you might even end up with a headache from working under substandard lighting. So, first think about the lighting in the garage, and then consider supplemental lighting over your work area. If you’re working in the daytime, you might also want to consider putting up some curtains that you can draw just in case the lighting becomes too intense.

• Electricity

  If scrapbooking is your only craft, you might not have to worry too much about electrical outlets so long as you have enough to give you the light you need. If you do other crafts, though, you might be using various tools that depend on electricity, and you might need to use several tools at once. So, if you’re going to be using multiple tools, make sure you have multiple outlets. You don’t want to rely on extension cords, which can break and be tripped over.

• Work Table

  You’ll want to devote a lot of space to a good work table. Pick the biggest one your garage can accommodate. Nobody ever says “Wow, I wish I had less work space!” Also, make sure that your work table is easy to clean. A varnished wood or vinyl top is usually best, because you can just wipe up using a damp cloth.

• Shelves and storage space

  Your work table should only hold what you’re using for the project you have on the go. Everything else should be stored, so you’ll need to make sure you have lots of shelf space and cupboards. You can use open or closed shelving (although if you go with open, you’ll have to accept that you’ll be dealing with dust). You can also use jars, baskets and boxes to store your supplies. Pegboard is also useful for storing your supplies and tools.

  

  Be sure, though, when you’re developing your storage layout, to go by this maxim – measure twice, buy once.

• Your chair

  Nobody wants to work standing up all the time, so you’ll need a good chair or stool. Make sure that you choose one that is adjustable to fit your body type, otherwise you’re going to be very uncomfortable at the end of the day. It’s also good to choose a chair or stool that has wheels so you can move and swivel as needed.

• Flooring

  You’ll also want to think about flooring. Choose a material that will allow you to move your chair around. For times when you’re standing, a piece of carpet or a rubber mat will ease the strain on your feet and legs.

• Ventilation and Heating

  A heated, well-insulated garage can keep you comfortable even on the coldest winter days. Ventilation is also important, though, if you’re crafting inside the garage. Compounds like glues, paints and fixatives can be harmful, so if you don’t have a ventilation system, at least open a window when you’re using toxic substances.

Of course, you’ll probably have personal preferences when it comes to setting up your scrapbooking emporium or other craft center in your garage. Consider the things we’ve just talked about, and then make your garage the workplace you’ve been dreaming of.

Remember the garage door!

You’re not going to be comfortable working in your garage if the door isn’t good and tight, or if it doesn’t work properly. If you think that your garage door might be due for a good tune-up, or even if it needs to be replaced, contact us at 705-721-7909.

If you like, we can do up a customized quotation and email it to you. We’d also be happy to visit your home and talk with you about the garage door options that are available to you. In the meantime, go online and view design center to experiment with various looks, or check out our image gallery to see what other people have done to customize the look of their garage.