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As we helped our client organize her family’s craft supplies, we were met with a challenge (and we LOVE a challenge)!  She needed an inconspicuous place to keep her craft supplies in the formal dining room, because for the time being it holds the biggest table in the house for working on projects.  She needed the supplies close at hand, yet easily hidden during the holidays and when family or guests come over for dinner.  Several storage options were discussed, but as soon as Leticia walked by the heirloom Military Campaign Chest (probably dating back to the 19th century) she had that lightbulb moment.  It was already in the dining room (bonus!), and it had lots of drawers and cubbies that could potentially stash lots of craft supplies within arms reach of the table – a perfect solution!  She explained her idea to the client, and we were given the green light to give it a try for storing all of her paper crafting goodies.

I was assisting Leticia during this particular organizing appointment, and since she knows that I’m a crafter myself…she let me run with gathering all of the paper crafting related items, sorting them and finding the best way to organize them into the heirloom chest.  Six of the cubbies in the secretary compartment of the chest easily held all of the rolls of vinyl for use with the client’s electronic die cutting machine.  Containers of scissors, pens, pencils and art brushes were placed on the center shelf for easy access since these things are some of the most important tools when crafting.  Paper punches were placed into each of the other six cubbies, and extra rolls of transfer paper (again, to use with die cut machine) were stored in the space underneath the cubbies.  There were also three large drawers below the secretary compartment that were a great way to keep our client’s 8 1/2” x 11” and 12” x 12” papers sorted and organized, along with the remaining supplies.

By the time I was finished putting everything away, I was suffering from serious envy.  Now I want something just like this amazing antique.  It was almost magical how it became the perfect place to stow all of client’s favorite supplies out of sight.  Whenever the mood strikes, she can simply pull down the cabinet door or open a drawer and let her creative juices flow.  What a wonderful way to incorporate a special family heirloom into your everyday life!