The Hard Truth About Crafting in an RV (But Why I Still Love It)

Hey crafty friends,

Amanda here — your Craftin’ Wife — and today I want to talk about something a little more real: the hardships of crafting in an RV. I know I usually share the fun, glittery, joy-filled parts of creating on the road (and there are so many), but let’s be honest — it’s not always sunshine and hot glue.

Living in a tiny space full-time means there are definitely some struggles when it comes to keeping creativity alive. So, in the spirit of transparency (and maybe a little therapy), here are a few of the challenges I run into all the time — and why I keep crafting anyway.

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🎯 1. Space is never on your side

Crafting takes space. Even the smallest project needs room to spread out materials, cut, glue, or just not knock everything off the table with your elbow. In the RV, every inch has a job — so crafting means sacrificing dinner table space, the bed, or even the front passenger seat. Sometimes I get halfway through a project and realize I literally have nowhere to put it down.

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📦 2. Storage is a game of Tetris

Keeping supplies organized is a full-time puzzle. Bins are stacked on bins, things are stored inside of things, and I have to remember where everything is all the time. Want the purple glitter pen? It’s probably in the pouch inside the box under the sewing kit behind the first aid box. Fun.

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💨 3. Clean-up is no joke

There’s no "craft room door" to close. If I leave out a mess, it’s not just a mess — it’s in our living room, kitchen, and bedroom all at once. Cleaning up mid-project just to eat dinner is a daily battle. And don’t get me started on stray beads, scraps of vinyl, or the occasional speck of glitter that haunts me.

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🌧️ 4. Weather can ruin the vibe

When it’s rainy, windy, or just too hot, outdoor crafting (my saving grace) becomes impossible. And if we’re boondocking and conserving power? Forget about the Cricut or glue gun. Some days, I have to admit defeat and save the creativity for later.

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🧠 5. Creative burnout is real

When space is tight, organization is tough, and there’s always something else to do (laundry, dishes, editing, driving...), it’s easy to lose motivation. Inspiration doesn’t always hit when I finally have the time. And that’s okay — but it is hard.

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💖 Why I Still Do It Anyway

Because I love it. Creating something with my hands, adding beauty to the everyday, and sharing it with all of you makes the hassle worth it. Crafting is my joy, my escape, my way of holding onto “me” even when life is chaotic or space is cramped.

Some days I get frustrated. Some days I just need a break. But even when it’s hard, I keep creating — because this life on the road and the art I make in it? It’s mine. And that’s something worth making room for.

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What’s the biggest creative challenge you’ve faced in a small space? Let’s vent, share tips, and support each other — we’re all just doing our best in this glitter-covered life.

Stay crafty (even when it’s hard),
Amanda, The Craftin’ Wife 💖