African American Fabrics: Art Studio Make-Over for less than $50

Whew!! I did it!! Finally got all my stuff in one 10' x 14' room. An trust me, I got some stuff!! If you work in many art mediums you can certainly relate to my dilemma.  However, storage for a thrifty artist can be very costly!! It can run in the thousands of dollars. So, how did I do this for less than $50? Patience, a good eye and lots of beggin'!!

I got the 4 Ikea EFFEKTIV systems from my job, during a office makeover. It helps to have a transportation ready to go on the spot when people want to get rid of things. Cost: FREE!!!



one of the cabinets w/ organized fabric

The Elfa/Ikea basket systems were all collected from thrift store

s, freebie craiglist and freecycle.org. I waited for 50% day at the thriftstores to grab the baskets (usually priced at about $2-4). Had to post on craigslist and freecycle that I need wire basket systems (in any condition). You'd be surprised what I was able to get. Sometimes people get rid of these cause that just don't like them, or feel like the don't "look" good over time...so, I just wiz over and take them off their hands. Cost: $15 in all over time

The drafting tabletop I got free, because I volunteered at a nonprofit thrift store. Hint: it pays to volunteer :).

The Ikea NORDEN gateleg table at $179, was a Mothers Day gift. Cost: Free

A complete closet system with two pantry wired systems (for cans)--which I am using for paints and mediums; storing more fabric and large canvases. I got the storage system from freecycle.org from someone upgrading their closets. Cost: about $20 at hardware store for adapting for my purpose and lots of sweat!!

CLICK on the photo to see better image.
In this room for storage, I required:

• 4 double stacked wire basket runners--housing a total of 26 baskets in various depths. photos shows two.
• 4 storage units for files, fabric and all those art equipment gadgets (paper cutter, xyron, iron, and other embellishment thingies).
• 1 drop gate-leg table withsix drawers.
• 1 closet system for paints and mediums, plus shelving for oversized fabrics



My swatch testing area.
Note paper swatch of soon to be fabric

What I have learned from this process...If you anit too proud to beg  and can haul... you will be greatly rewarded.