Space question...as in space where you scrapbook

It’s highly personal, but I’d prefer separate space. When my daughter started scrapbooking it drove me nuts just to be in the same room together. 😅 I was so relieved when she started taking her stuff to her bedroom.

I’d be thinking about things like - do other people’s messes bug you? I’m someone who has to scoop every teensy scrap into the bin as I go and keep things fairly tidy as I work. I can’t even watch scrapbooking videos if the person is accumulating a mess in sight as they go (remember Tazhi? OMG, so messy! Drove me BoNkErSzzz! 🫣).

I am bad at sharing. 🙂😁

I moved into a larger room last year. There was enough space for a table in the middle of the room, but the room is long and not too wide. I ended up getting four Alex drawers and two IKEA tops for them. When I use the room by myself (almost always), I have the one table top on top of two of the drawers. I actually store the second table top on top f the other one. When a friend comes to scrap, I move one drawer and put the extra table top on it.
Alex Desk by Nancy Tim, on Flickr

Does your wife know, Don?

Beautiful room 950nancy!
When my SIL or DD needs craft space with me, I move 2-3 kallax "cubes" of seldom used supplies into a box and store it somewhere, then move the stuff from my desk onto those newly empty shelves, and then there is space. We sit across from each other - I scrap on an old kitchen table so there is enough room that we're not fighting too much. I enjoy having the company! The stuff that is put into "storage" temporarily does get moved back out when they leave.

I would vote for shared table space, because then items like trimmer, glue and pens can be shared. If you have separate spaces, that's harder. I would put YOUR back to all your stash so you can turn and reach everything without walking around the table. Your mom can sit on the other side and either get up to get items, or ask you to pass them to her. That's how I organize my area - I never want to be out of reach of my important things!

I scrap with my dd, and she has now pretty much taken over the room that I took over from dh (he still gets to use it on rare occasions as a study!) As such, what I would most recommend is that having two tape runners/rolls of tape/bottles of adhesive glue and two sets of scissors as a minimum is essential. All other items we can usually share pretty well, but if she takes my tape roll one more time 😡🤯

IF you have to share, this lazy Susan is a good option when you sit beside or across from your mom.  I was lucky to find this large one for 75% off at a Hobby Lobby last winter.  I also love the tape gun and glue holders from Etsy (to keep everything in its place). 

IMG_5740 by Nancy Tim, on Flickr

My desk is a large U shape. I can have two friends over to scrap at once and we each get a portion of the U. Normally I just have one friend over at a time. We prefer to sit next to each other and I’ll pull out a folding table and work side by side.

When you have scrapped together with your mom in the past, kmage, did you each kind of keep to your own space, or did you share supplies and ideas and use the time to chat? If you can set up the room that will accommodate whichever of those scenarios most likely, then it should work.

Is there space in your room for a table that one can sit on one side at one end and the other can sit on the other side at the other end? That way you could have your own space, but still be able to see each other to chat. If you had a row of commonly used tools/supplies in the middle, you could each grab what you needed as you scrapped.

Do you--or she--move around alot when you are scrapping? I scrap standing up and am always stepping away to reach something. Will you have space that allows for both of you to independently get up and leave, even to go to the washroom?

If there is limited space, do you have a sticker stadium or some such tray for each of you so that will hold supplies you might be using for a session or a project so you don't have to get up to get things?

I hope your time with your mom goes really well and you can share your memories--and make more--while you scrap together.

I have a table cluster in the middle of my craft room. It has worked well when I had a friend over to scrap. I’m sure your mom appreciates being able to stay with you awhile and scrapbook with you.

kmage , I don't share a space but maybe the idea of each of you having a rolling cart of their own supplies would work for you. It can be frustrating if you're having to share your basic supplies. Hope you all enjoy your time together - I'm sure she appreciates being able to stay with you.

I love having a scrappy buddy when I'm crafting.  I have a big table (it's actually a re-purposed dining table) that I have set up for both of us to use.  We have our own side, and our own supplies that sit on our side of the table.  My Cricut, printer, etc are in another part of the room for both of us to use if/when needed.