Handy Storage Solution with the Curvy Drawer Organizer from Simply Crafty SVGs

Hello.  Janet here with a project to help with organising your craft desk or computer area. I've used the SVG file for the Curvy 3-Drawer Organizer to make a practical computer tidy.  It is one of a range of practical curvy organisation cutting files from Simply Crafty SVGs.

Now, I should explain that initially I hadn't intended to stop at just one set of drawers. The curvy range would look great stacked up using the different drawer configurations, and I'd planned an organisation stack to sit beside my computer too (this one fits neatly under the screen - great for storing all my USB memory sticks. However, mid-way in I discovered that I only had a couple of sheets of my favourite heavy weight grey cardstock! I will have to order some more and build the stack later in the year.

This file is a delight to make. The construction is really strong, and cleverly designed to cover up all the tabs and glued parts, for a truly neat finish. It warranted a neat and precise decoration, and I'll show you how I finagled this with 6x6 patterned paper.

This was made using the Silhouette Studio Designer Edition software, but can be replicated in other cutting software.


Materials Used:
Grey heavyweight Cardstock
(I used Slate Grey Smooth Card 240gsm from UK supplier, Papermill Direct)
6x6 Patterned Paper (MME A Happy Heart, discontinued)
Beads (for feet)
Beacon 3 in 1 Adhesive
Silhouette Cameo


Files Used:
Simply Crafty SVGs Curvy 3-Drawer Organizer

Other Digital Files: 
Leaf and Flower Border Set by Nic Squirrell (Studio or SVG)
Garden flower by Technique Tuesday (Studio or SVG)



DRAWER ASSEMBLY

The SVG file for the Drawer set includes clear step-by-step instructions in PDF format, so I won't cover that here. I made the whole design slightly bigger so that my rings of USBs would fit easily. My only other deviation was to adhere the decorative panels after I'd assembled the drawers, as I wasn't certain if my initial choice of paper would work (it didn't, as the pattern scale was too big, so I ended up using paper from a 6x6 pad on a project that was slightly too big for it).


DECORATIVE PANELS

The scale of my original pattern was too big, so chose I to use some 6x6 paper, but I only had a sheet and a half. I had to use some careful planning and precise alignment of the paper on the cutting mat (the I only just managed to fit the pieces on) to make the patterns match.

The large piece had to be rotated by 45º to fit on to the paper.

For the smaller pieces I drew a square to represent the 6x6 paper then used the Align tools from the Transform to panel to ensure that they were centred, level and evenly spaced horizontally.  The spaces between the shapes were closer than I'd normally like, but by reducing the cutting force the pieces cut without mishap. NOTE: One of the drawer panels is smaller than the others. I rearranged their order so that the small one sat in the middle, as it would on the finished item, so the pattern would align correctly.

DECORATIVE ELEMENTS

I made an offset of the leaf border and flower together and had to cut the border in two pieces because I had so little of the paper left (the grey stripe was on the reverse of the plaid pattern used for the panels). By releasing the compound path on the flower I was able to select and cut the flower centre from the cream stripe too.

Once the elements were assembled, I adhered the whole piece to the top of the drawers.

DRAWER FEET

I thought the set would look more finished with a set of feet. I used the beads from some broken necklaces and had the choice of two types: disk-shaped, or spherical ones.

It looked nice with the spherical ones, but I realised that the foot of my monitor stand was sloped, so I opted for one pair of the disc-shaped ones at the front, so that the drawers would sit flat when they were positioned on the foot.

Here is the completed project in position. Love it!

I can't wait for my cardstock delivery so that I can make a matching storage stack.

All the files are here. Oh, and there is also a Magazine Style box; a row of these would be great for all my USB cables (why does every camera seem to need a different style of USB)?

I hope you find these files and tips useful in organising your desk or craft room. I love starting the New Year with a tidy desk!


Bye for now,
Janet, DT Member Simply Crafty SVGs


Blog: Crafting Quine 
Instagram: @CraftingQuine



Simply Crafty SVG Files:
Curvy 3-Drawer Organizer

Using Real Designer Paper

This weekend I had the chance to play with some REAL designer paper and an ace cutting file. 

The stress at work has finally lifted and I rewarded myself with some really nice designer paper from Graphic 45 called Bohemian Bazaar. The colours are wonderfully bright and well complemented by my favourite teal cardstock from Paper Mill Direct. 

I purchased the cutting file from SVG Cuts, and selected to make the eye-catching 3d telephone from the Call Me Later set.

I made some additional elements using the Silhouette Studio Designer Edition.

Firstly, a dial, partly for nostalgia's sake, and partly to try out my new EC shape tool (14mm rounds). The dial was scaled to fit around them. Purists may notice that there is one number/button missing. That's down to lack of space ... and artistic licence!

Secondly, I made perforated shapes to go over the ear and mouth pieces. It just seemed to need that finishing touch.

I'm happy to share files containing these shapes (they'll be in the proprietary .studio format). Just leave a comment, follow this blog, then email me at libraryquine AT gmail DOT come, and I'll send them to you.

I'm so impressed with design and quality of this paper. It is very much thicker than the other brands of designer paper I've used so far. I've applied to join their NING to get more ideas on using this product.

Now - what to make next?