An Artist Studio in the Making

Well, it's been a long process.... when I first started making jewelry, I carved out a little niche for myself in a corner of our mud room. It wasn't your typical mud room- there was a desktop in place and storage cabinets. And when I needed to do a mailing or some production work....well that's when I took over the kitchen table, dining room and occasionally the den. With not a lot of other options, I made do with what I had. In fact, during this time, HGTV's "That's Clever" show came calling. I was featured on an episode where I demonstrated how to make a Vintage Tin Charm Bracelet using old tobacco tins as the charms. My studio space was so cramped that only myself and the camera man could fit. The producer and lighting guy stood patiently in the hallway (take after take) geez! TV work is exhausting. So the episode eventually aired and everyone got a good laugh. "That's Clever" is by no means a serious educational show, but fun none the less. Though I will be happy when I'm no longer asked to say, "It's Hammer Time!". The producer had asked me to say this and ham it up to the camera. I obliged. Enough said.

Here's a link to the show's pictures (thank god there is no video): http://www.hgtv.com/crafting/vintage-tin-charm-bracelet/index.html.

The good news is.... last year my studio space expanded! Or at least it was consolidated. I moved into the large space over the garage. (My parents fondly reminisce of the times when it was their guest room) But the value of real estate being what it is.... I had to take it over and send them to a hotel during their yearly visit. Well it was either that or put a mattress in the mud room.

Well the space is fantastic.

It's bright.

It's pretty.

It has a door!

I painted the walls parrot green and hired a local handyman (got to love that Craig's List!) to design and build a 5' x 5' worktable for me. It's perfect with all it's drawers, shelves, cabinets and electrical outlets.

I also found a new home for all the antique drawers, boxes and do-dads that I'd been collecting over the years. They now earn their keep by helping me organize all my tools, beads, papers and finished jewelry designs. Here are some pictures of my desk area, photography set-up, bead organization and wall storage.

If you have any photos or tips about your "creative space", I would love to hear from you! Please post your comments below.