I completed my Map Drawers by installing drawer fronts, knobs and label holders. I love how the room is starting to take shape!
Map Drawers – Craft Room Storage
I built shallow drawers with locking rabbet joints and installed them on wood drawer runners. I want the craft room to be a plain, simple, neutral backdrop for the crafts being created IN the room. So even though the honey wood tones mixed with white is a cool look, covering the wood on these map drawers was always the plan.
The drawer fronts couldn’t have been easier to “make”. I used primed 1×3 pine from the big box store. All I had to do was cut them to length, paint them and drill holes for the knobs.
I could have picked 100 different options and been happy. I decided on these very simple (and inexpensive) ceramic knobs.
I like the chrome base on the ceramic knob because it ties into the label holders I mounted in the center of the map drawers. These are functional but I mainly used them because I wanted to fill the space in the center of these very wide drawers.
Speaking of label holders, I kept forgetting to install them before I installed the drawer fronts. It wasn’t too big a deal but I would recommend installing the label holders while the front is sitting flat on a work surface and before the knobs are in the way. It’s just a little more difficult to install the label holder as the last step.
While I was installing the knobs and label holders I finished waxing my wood runners with Johnson Paste Wax. With the wax, these drawers glide easily in and out of the cabinet. 
Mobile Storage
Making sure these drawers glide easily in and out of the cabinet is important because my intention is to bring the drawers to the island. People keep asking what I intend on storing in these shallow drawers. The answer is embellishments like buttons, brads, eyelets and such. I have lots and lots of embellishments of all sizes, shapes and colors. It’s easier to find exactly what you want if they are sorted. So when I want a certain type of embellishment, I’ll bring the drawer to the island so I can use items stored inside. That is also why it doesn’t matter that the top 3 drawers are too high to see inside without a ladder.
After I finish crafting with the drawer contents, the drawer goes back into place in the cabinet. Tidy and organized — just like I like it!
Next time I’ll show you a super easy way to attach and adjust drawer fronts. Today I just wanted to celebrate the completion of a very big job. These map drawers have been so much work. Totally worth it — but a lot of work. FYI: I ordered both my knobs and label holders from D Lawless Hardware.
Jen says
Your craftsmanship is impeccable. I have been following you for a couple years now and I drop my jaw after every project you complete with amazement and awe. Just recently, I acquired some wood working tools from my dad (table saw, joiner, plainer, compound miter saw, and a couple other items). I took a wood working class and I am excited to get into projects. My ultimate goal is to redo our closets with built-ins. Thank you for putting out your work for the world to see. You are a wonderful role model for women!
Ange says
Jen, I agree with you 100%!!! I am in awe every time I read the blog.
Sandra says
Thank you Jen! Exciting to get your own power tools and have them available whenever you want them. Hope you enjoy building and creating beautiful function in your home!
Derrick Lawless says
Thanks for mentioning us and linking to us! That is a very impressive project, it looks awesome!
Gemma says
I LOVE that there is an itty bitty drawer right at the very top! Until now I had assumed that they would be false fronts just for aesthetics – but you really are milking every inch of available storage! Looks amazing!!
Sandra says
That was the purpose of doing a bunch of drawers instead of shelves behind doors. I want functional, easy to use, beautiful storage! 🙂 Thanks!
Randi says
Oh my goodness! This room looks amazing so far. What a beautiful and fresh space you are creating!
Rebecca says
Sandra, amazing seems to be the word that best describes you and the work you do! My sister and I follow your blog and are both in awe of your carpentry skills, your creativity and crafts(wo)manship. I dream of a sewing/quilting studio that looks even halfway like your craft room. Someday!! (I would love to see you teach a class on Craftsy.com. I’d be the first to sign up!)
Sandra says
LOL Wonder what crafting class I would teach… I probably won’t do a class for another website but may do a live, interactive kind of thing on my own platform! We’ll see.
Jennifer Garner says
I love your drawers–I have been dreaming of having lots of shallow drawers for tons of craft supplies. I’ve about decided I’ll just have to make them myself and here you’ve done it! I’m sure I still have a few years before I have such a room, but I hope mine turn out as great as yours. Awesome job.
Sandra says
Thanks so much!
Cathy says
I agree with everyone else – you are amazing and inspiring!! Love all of your projects and your sharing. Your craft room is turning out awesome!
Sandra says
Thank you so much!
Marlee says
So streamline, functional and beautiful! Perfect for bits and baubles. I WILL build my own cabinets and drawers when I retire…you’ve done a wonderful job showing us all how to do it. Love this blog!
Sandra says
Thanks Marlee. I’m happy to hear you are excited to build!
DIY Home Sweet Home says
How is this post over a year old and I have never seen it before!?!! This is my dream craft room and now you have me rethinking my entire up stairs area.
Linda says
Yes I agree. I have wanted drawers like that forever. But they’re so expensive to purchase had had no idea how to make them.