Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Mmmmm.... Bookshelves

Technically, it's a big magazine rack. I've been in the process (a long one) of cleaning out, reorganizing and decorating my home office/studio for the last few weeks. I got the room cleaned out, but had stacks and stacks of beautiful craft books that wouldn't fit in the skinny hand-me-down bookshelves I already had. I ran to my favorite thrift store and found the perfect solution in this ginormous magazine rack/bookshelf.

See, I'm a hugely visual person. I like having things out where I can see them - especially my books. Craft books are typically beautifully designed, and having them shoved - spines out - into a cramped bookshelf just doesn't do them justice. I also have a lot of random vintage books that I love (I'm a sucker for old science and text books, especially ones about the space program) and I just like to be able to actually look at them, ya know?

The magazine rack was $16, and after finding a friend's truck (and a friend who could drive a stick - thanks, Jamie!) I got it home and found that it fit perfectly on the wall directly across from my desk. I have loved having it there where I can look up at any moment and see my favorite craft and vintage books. It's crazy kinds of inspirational. I've also started hanging some of my other favorite inspirational items on the wall above the shelves.

I've still got a lot of work to do on the office, and I'll be documenting it here from time to time, but just this first big purchase makes me so giddy I can't stand it. And I haven't even repainted it yet!

You can see close-up pictures of each of the shelves over on my Flickr stream. I've labeled all the books and included links where I can, too. Enjoy!

15 comments :

  1. That is completely awesome. I love that. There should be an official, "Organize your studio" month. You've inspired me.

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  2. This is a perfect companion to your book reviews, seeing this perspective of a big chunk of your collection. I adore seeing which craft books people have so this is a real treat!

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  3. Dude. That is insanely cool, and I want one!

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  4. I LOVE how you can really see the books & how it feels like you're in your own private bookstore!

    awesome thrift find...color me jealous :)

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  5. wait! what thrift store is this? can you give up the secret location?

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  6. Oh! This rack is fantastic! Color me jealous -- thanks for sharing these photos!

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  7. Oh yes... NOW I totally understand why you were frantically hunting for a truck. That is AAAAmazing. Nice find!!!

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  8. It must be in the air. I've begun the tedious task of re-organizing my sewing/knitting/crafting area and stuffs. (Pics soon on my blog.)

    Your magazine rack find - for $16!! - is amazing! Gotta keep my eyes open for one for me!

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  9. what a cool way to display your books. It must be way easier to find what you are looking for.

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  10. Brilliant! Wish I had room to display my magazines like this! How satisfying to have all your magazines out where you can actually see them!!!!

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  11. Rachel that has got to be the BEST craft room accessory I have ever seen - only $16, amazing! What a great addition, glad you found it.

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  12. Swoon...that is a wall of pure beauty!! What a great collection you have!

    Sheree

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  13. that is wonderful looking! I agree with having your books face out so you can admire them. I'm so happy our library has display shelves where we can do the same thing - I love fixing the crafts & entertaining displays!

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  14. I completely agree with about craft books having beautiful covers! I love color and they are very colorful. I love vintage sewing books and vintage knitting mags. Love that bookshelf!!

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  15. fun post! thanks for sharing : ) I'm looking for creative shelving ideas all over blog land

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XOX
Rach