Small-Space Crafting: How I Set Up and Pack Away Projects in the Bus

Hey friends! Welcome back to Wildebeest and another cozy corner of Craftin’ Wife’s Creations. Living (and crafting) in a bus means getting creative with small spaces, and today I’m sharing how I turn a tiny table into a workable craft area—without taking over the whole bus!

Crafting in a small space like our Wildebeest RV can feel like a challenge at first, but over time, I’ve discovered a rhythm that lets me enjoy all my favorite projects without turning the bus into a permanent craft explosion. Here’s how I do it!

1. Designate a Craft Zone

Even though our bus isn’t huge, having a consistent spot for crafting makes a world of difference. For me, it’s our fold-out table by the window. It’s just the right size for cutting, gluing, and painting, and the natural light is perfect for details.

I keep a rolling craft cart nearby stocked with all the essentials—scissors, adhesives, brushes, markers, and my favorite papers. Everything has a home, so setting up is quick.

2. Organize Supplies in Bins and Pouches

Small-space living teaches you the value of vertical and contained storage. I use clear plastic bins for paints, beads, and embellishments, and labeled pouches for smaller items. This makes it easy to grab what I need and just as easy to pack it all away when we need space for other activities.

Tip: Use stackable containers or baskets that can double as décor. Functional and pretty!

3. Portable Tools Are a Must

In a small space, multipurpose tools are lifesavers. My favorite items are:

• Collapsible cutting mats – easy to fold and stash under the seat.

• Clip-on magnifying light – attaches to any table edge, giving extra illumination.

• Magnetic pin holders – keep pins, needles, and small metal embellishments in one spot.

These tools make crafting in tight quarters feel effortless.

4. Setup in Stages

I rarely pull out every project at once. Instead, I set up in stages. For example:

1. Lay out the project and tools.

2. Prepare materials (cut fabrics, papers, etc.).

3. Complete the assembly or decoration.

Breaking it down like this keeps the bus from becoming a permanent craft mess and makes cleanup much simpler.

5. Pack Away Efficiently

Cleanup is the key to happy small-space crafting. I always:

• Sort scraps into a bin for recycling or future use.

• Wipe down the workspace immediately.

• Return tools and supplies to their labeled bins or pouches.

Having a “home” for everything keeps the bus functional and keeps crafting stress-free.

6. Embrace Flexible Projects

Some of my favorite crafts are those that don’t require a huge footprint—journals, small décor items, and paper crafts. These are easy to start, stop, and store, which is perfect for life on the road.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope this gave you some inspiration for crafting in a small space. I’d love to hear how you make your creative nook work for you—drop a comment or tag me online! Until next time, keep crafting, keep exploring, and enjoy those little moments