1. Assess your space and crafting passion (honestly!)

As you consider creating dedicated space for your crafting, take the time to go over every project for which you have accumulated supplies, and determine if it's something you want to continue. You may WANT to knit, make jewelry, paint watercolors, cross stitch, and create custom greeting cards…or you may find that a few of those activities no longer interest you. Choose the ones that mean the most to you, and let the others go. (This means donating all those supplies the first chance you get, too!)

You also may find that honestly assessing the available space you want your crafts to occupy in your apartment helps you make this decision. If you have just one small corner for all of your crafting supplies and your workspace, then assembling model cars or quilting may not be an ideal choice for you. The best combination is a craft that makes you happy, and one that also doesn't take over every square inch of available space in your apartment.

2. Assemble your supplies

Once you have identified the craft you want to make room for, assemble all your supplies in one space. Will you want to keep all these materials within arm’s reach, or can some be tucked away most of the time? Only you know what works best for your particular needs. Once you have identified all the craft tools and supplies you will need to keep within easy reach, it's time to select your ideal crafting location.

3. Choose your studio space

Many of us began our crafting adventure in a common area, like the kitchen table or living room couch. But is this the best choice for you long term? In assessing your ideal craft location, choose a space that is near natural light, has comfortable seating, and offers plenty of wall space as well as room for a table, depending on what your specific craft requires. You could find that your ideal location remains at the kitchen table, possibly with a rolling cart that you can pull into place when you are ready to craft. Or you may find that your projects are better suited to a room with a door on it, say a spare bedroom that also doubles as your home office, so you can get as messy as you need to without having the clutter spill into your main living area.

4. Set up dedicated work and storage space

No matter how much space you have to work with, setting up dedicated space that is only for your crafting can be a really good idea. You will want enough table space for your specific craft that always stays clear, as well as neat, easy-to-see and reach bins, cubbies or shelves for your craft materials. Map out the floorspace and wall space you can dedicate to your craft—and remember to leave yourself some elbow room! Feeling crowded by your supplies does not make for happy crafting.

5. Get creative!

With a quick search on Google or Pinterest, you will find more storage options then you know what to do with, including DIY pegboard cubby systems, cute rolling shelves or drawers, and basket or bin combinations that you can mix and match to your heart's desire. Just remember to leave plenty of open space! And no matter what you choose, be proud that you’re continuing to make time to create. Happy crafting!

The post How to create the perfect craft space for you appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.

1. Plan an at-home spa day

While spending the day at a spa could set you back several hundred dollars, an at-home spa retreat can bring you nearly all the benefits at a fraction of the cost. Create fun baskets for you and your friends filled with whatever theme you choose for your spa day. For a traditional self care day, your baskets could include terry-cloth slippers, skin-soothing masks, hydrating hand creams and bright nail polish. Looking for more of a hands-on experience? Stock your baskets with art supplies, crafting materials, or bright and colorful yarns with knitting needles. Have a squad of foodie friends? Load up baskets with gourmet goodies and stage a celebrity-style cook-off or bake-off—best of all, you can eat the results!

2. Play tourist in your own town

Chances are, between work and life and keeping up with your friends and responsibilities, you haven’t taken the time to enjoy the museums and cultural attractions in your own home town. Now’s the time to fix that! Search online for “things to do” in your city or neighborhood—you may be surprised at the local events and attractions that you never realized were right around the corner. Looking to avoid the crowds? Search for hiking trails in your area and hit them with friends during off hours—a great time to enjoy nature while getting fresh air.

3. Take a class, any class

We all have those thoughts of “one day, I’ll take that yoga class”—or painting class, or exercise boot camp. A staycation is a great opportunity to explore an interest that you may not have ever had time to pursue. Not sure what’s available for an in-person experience? Go online! There are more possibilities than ever for online learning, and you never know what might ignite a new passion.

4. Donate your time

If you’re looking to give back as well as refill your well, donating your time to a charity that speaks to you could be just the ticket. Especially during these chaotic times, charitable organizations need more help than ever. Whether it’s volunteering at a soup kitchen or delivering meals, helping to build homes, cleaning up the neighborhoods or simply checking in on people in the community, the gift you give of your time will be repaid ten-fold to you in the grace you’ll receive.

5. Enjoy nature

One of the best ways you can spend any vacation is to get back in touch with nature, either at a downtown metro park, at a nearby lake or river, or simply getting out into the fresh air. Lace up your walking shoes and explore the great outdoors!

Whether you’re looking for ideas to enjoy your staycation with friends or are going it solo, the lack of crazy logistics and hectic travel of this type of retreat can help you truly unwind and reconnect with yourself. So start dreaming up the perfect summer experience, and here’s wishing you a staycation for the ages!

The post Planning the perfect staycation appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.