Craft room......nearly finished......3-29-11
My fabulous craft room is almost done. I can see the light, but I have some busy work ahead of me. The closet shelving is installed and primed. The crown moldings are up. The old desk has a coat of paint (but needs another). The hardware is installed. The glass has been ordered for the glass door cabinets. More sorting was done (buttons, ribbons elastic, lace, notions, beads and jewelry findings). I still have the rubber stamps to round up, and more storage bins to find and purchase, but the new countertop is installed and painted a color which looks amazingly like the brushed nickel hardware. (!) It still needs another coat, and 2 days to dry fully.
Throughout this whole process, I have been frustrated to no end while waiting for volunteer help from my family members. I always thought of myself as a patient person, but I have felt so sorry for myself while facing tasks I could not perform myself. I am a total do-it-yourselfer, at least, housewife style, but when it comes to dangerous power tools, I have to draw the line. Expert talent and super strength have been required for cutting of plywood sheets, and installation of heavy cabinetry. Experience was needed for compressor driven pin nailers which were necessary for installation of moldings and such.
When I work with folks in the showroom to help them with the design and selections for their new kitchen, I try to prepare them for the length of time it will take to get their project completely finished. I mention that it is a great idea to make a space for “camping out” in their house. A place for a refrigerator, microwave, table and chairs, and a shelf of some sort for boxed cereals, etc. Some pre-made casseroles in the freezer are a great idea if one has the time and discipline. Sometimes a sympathetic neighbor or relative can open their kitchen up for some meal prep. Paper cups, plates and plastic flatware sure make clean up easier. I tell these families not to try to be too green for the 6 weeks or so as they will have no way to wash up.
You would think I would be relaxed about a mere craft room taking 3-4 months to re-model, but after designing it and preparing for it, it was extremely difficult to wait to fully enjoy it. I can see now that all my fun hobbies will be more accessible, and the layout will permit up to 3 people to work together in there, which will make it less isolating. The new lighting will enable me to see from every spot. The new storage will make digging and hunting for materials a thing of the past. There is a place for every single thing I have and need, and even some extra for more crafty fun.
These are all goals for a well thought out kitchen. The planning, the shopping, and the executing are all critical for the end result to be amazing. Each step of the process is exciting as you see the pieces and parts coming together. The waiting is very difficult, but is so worth it.
