New Work Space

I'm finally getting my new work space set up. I have a large L-shaped desk from Ikea that I set up in the family room. The smaller part of the L hold the storage drawers. I think most jewelry artists have a tendency to collect many beads and finding, and I'm no exception. I'm still moving things around and trying to fit everything in, so I'll post more on that later, when I get it all figured out!

Storage Area

The middle section of the desk is where I do most of my work. My beads, findings and tools are within reach, and I have lots of light.

Middle Work Area

The larger L-section is my secondary work area. It contain most of my tools, some magazines and a computer. I'm hoping that there will be room to set up my light cube here, although I haven't tried that yet.

Secondary Work Area

Now that my life has calmed down a bit and I'm on summer vacation, I'm hoping that I can use my new space to create lots of pretties. I'm also planning on trying some new techniques, including wire weaving and wire crochet. Have I mentioned that I love working with wire? LOL


Here is my first attempt at a crocheted bracelet. I used 28 gauge black wire and glass rondelles.

Wire Crochet Bracelet

I think this looks almost like polka dots. Polka dots can be a lot of fun, but they can also be quite sophisticated. To see examples of polka dots used in a sophisticated way check out my fellow Skiggaziner Stacy's blog. Stacy is planning her wedding and the theme is polka dots! How cool is that?

Old Work Space

Here is a picture of my old work table. It's former life was as a kitchen table.

My main problem with this space was that when I pulled out materials to work with, there was no place left to work. I usually work on several different pieces at once. Some might be in the design phase where I like to pull different beads together and just let them sit for a bit while I think about it. Then I might have one or two pieces that I'm trying out a new idea or technique on, and I often like to let those sit for a bit too. Then of course, when I finish a new piece I like to leave it in view for a time so I can critique and/or admire it. So you can see how having a few creative days can result in a work table that becomes completely unworkable!

But don't worry, relief is on the horizon. I am in the process of setting up a new work space. I've moved a large L-shaped desk from the office to the family room. This will allow me to store all my supplies on one end of the L where I can also 'audition' stones and materials. This will give me the other end of the desk, about 80" to actually work on my pieces. There will also be room to set up my light box, so I won't have to turn the dining room table into an electrical octopus with tentacles of power cords radiating in every direction.

I'm hoping to have things set up within the week to get back to work. And hopefully I'll have some nice pictures of my new space to share.

Creative Growing Pains

Today I turned my house upside down moving things around. I had been doing all my creating at a small table in my family room. Everytime I took supplies out to work on a project, there was no space left to work. So today I moved an L-shaped desk from the office to the family room. I'm hoping that I'll have room to spread out supplies and still have room to work. I'm still trying to work out the best way to store everything. I'll try to post some pictures later when I get it all set up.