Studio Design

If you have a room of your own, or a corner or a space, you probably know what you want in it.  Do you have an idea of the size of the space.  This space, width, height and length is a container to hold your soul.  I don't believe I am being dramatic.  An area that is your own, that you can have as cluttered or as minimal as you want is, is something each of us needs.  I can remember as a kid, my sisters and I would pick little spaces outdoors and claim them as our own.  Our furnishings were branches and stones.  Our imaginations filled the spaces with what we wanted.  Since then, it has often been something I denied myself.  Or I overindulged, taking over every space but none of it being useful.

This is my year of weaving.  I have a small heddle loom, weaving cards and a few weaving books.  I also have lots of fiber (yarn).  I have woven a couple of straps with cards before, one which I used for a belt, another I displayed.  I have done dozens of potholders as an adult since I find them relaxing and a fun way to play with color. I wove a small very soft basket of leather strips.  I have a few tiny buckles to make woven straps for bracelets, and bigger buckles for belts. I have also made cords using

The yarns are stored in stacked leather luggage by a chair for a table.  The looms live on a shelf in the laundry area.  Books are on shelves throughout the house, but they need to be pulled out into my studio (the dining room area)  My vintage modern table is beautiful and sturdy enough to do most of my projects at.  I have carts that hold specific projects.  One holds threads, sewing machine gadgets and notions, patterns and ideas.  Another holds my wax, candlemaking supplies, and supplies used for lotions, creams and cosmetics.  I will probably need a third for various weaving supplies, depending on what I find and what I make.  I have gotten my first month of weaving magazines.  I like the small loom projects.

I plan to hang my small frame looms on the wall, possibly from largest to smallest, like pictures inside of pictures.  Most of the fibers will first come from the ones I already have.  I have sources and resources for more once I get my first projects done.  I use tackle boxes to hold smaller items.  The boxes are by categories also.  I have one for repairs, containing mostly glues, adhesives and tapes, along with wood putty.  Another has my shoe care kit. Kitchen gadgets that are used less often are in a third.  My belt buckles would overflow one and are in a hanging jewelry holder with pockets that are bigger.

My hobbies include but aren't limited to: sewing, gardening, knitting, crocheting, weaving, reading, writing, leather work, 'making', metalwork, beading, quilting, and redesigning.  I take things apart and use the materials for other items.  Belts often become two belts.  I had a purse wear out and cut all the buckles out for more projects.  I have cut found buttons and replaced odd buttons with perfect ones from my collection.  My bedside table was found while throwing out boxes.  It needed cleaning and new (used) knobs.  

My true studio is too messy as of yet, it is a work in progress to get it to be more productive for me.  My writing travels with me, taking only as much space as my laptop usually!

Think of your space.  Where is your room?